Where to Buy Second Hand Shoes in Lagos

Introduction:  

Lagos is not just Nigeria’s commercial capital. It is one of the largest resale ecosystems in Africa. Every day, thousands of traders, wholesalers, and market retailers search for quality second hand shoes to meet massive consumer demand.

But here’s the challenge.

Not all sources offer consistent grading. Not all second hand shoes suppliers provide stable volume. And not every bale delivers the profit margins you expect.

So if you’re asking “Where to buy second hand shoes in Lagos?”, this guide breaks down every major sourcing channel — from local markets to direct bulk import options — so you can make smarter purchasing decisions.

Whether you are:

• A market trader in Balogun
  
• A wholesaler supplying open markets
  
• A boutique owner selling branded sneakers
  
• Or an importer considering container-level purchases
  

This article will help you understand your options — and your profit potential.

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1. Balogun Market: Lagos’ Largest Trading Hub

Balogun Market, located on Lagos Island, is the beating heart of second-hand commerce in the city. If you walk through its narrow lanes, you will find entire sections dedicated to used shoes — from casual sandals to branded sneakers.

Most sellers here operate at wholesale and semi-wholesale levels. They buy imported bales and resell them in smaller quantities to retailers across Lagos and neighboring states. For new traders, Balogun is often the starting point because it offers:

• Immediate stock availability
  
• Physical inspection before purchase
  
• Flexible bale or per-pair buying
  

However, quality consistency can vary significantly. Since many traders source from different importers, grading standards are not uniform. One Grade A bale from one supplier may not match another’s standard.

Pros of Buying in Balogun Market:

• No shipping wait time
  
• Face-to-face negotiation
  
• Smaller MOQ (minimum order quantity)
  

Cons:

• Inconsistent grading
  
• Higher markups compared to direct import
  
• Limited customization of brand ratios
  

For small-scale traders, Balogun is convenient. For large buyers, margins can be tighter.

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2. Katangua Market (Abule Egba): The Bale Specialist Zone

Katangua Market in Abule Egba is known as the bale distribution hub of Lagos. This is where many importers offload full containers and distribute them in bulk.

If you’re serious about scaling your shoe resale business, Katangua is where bulk happens.

Here, you can find:

• Mixed used shoes
  
• Branded sports shoes
  
• Slippers and sandals
  
• Children’s shoes
  

Many traders purchase 5–50 bales at once. Prices are generally lower than Balogun because you’re closer to container-level suppliers.

But here’s the key difference:

You still depend on the importer’s grading system.

And that’s where many buyers struggle.

What Buyers Should Watch For

• Check sole separation
  
• Inspect stitching quality
  
• Confirm brand authenticity (for branded shoes)
  
• Verify if shoes are cleaned or unwashed
  

Why Katangua Is Popular:

• Better bulk pricing
  
• Higher stock turnover
  
• Strong network of resellers
  

However, you still have limited control over:

• Brand ratio
  
• Exact category mix
  
• Quality grading transparency
  

For traders who want more predictability, direct import may offer better stability.

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3. Direct Import from International Bulk Suppliers

Now we’re getting to the strategic level.

Many Lagos-based importers source second hand shoes directly from large-scale exporters abroad. Instead of buying from middlemen in Lagos markets, they import full containers.

Why?

Because cutting out local intermediaries significantly increases profit margins.

One example of such large-scale second hand shoes exporters is Indetexx — a global used clothing and used shoes exporter operating a 20,000㎡ factory with a 6,000-ton monthly sorting capacity and 3,000 tons of raw material inventory. Exporting to 110+ countries, Indetexx is known for:

• Stable supply chain
  
• Fine sorting (multiple detailed categories)
  
• High container loading rate
  
• Customizable brand ratios
  
• Professional quality control
  

Why Direct Import Makes Financial Sense

When you import directly:

• You define the grade (Cream / A / Brand / B)
  
• You control brand ratio (Nike, Adidas, etc.)
  
• You customize container mix (e.g., 30% brand + 70% mixed)
  
• You reduce per-pair landed cost
  

For large importers in Africa — one of the world’s largest second-hand markets — consistency is critical.

Direct Import Advantages:

• Higher profit margins
  
• Predictable grading
  
• Container-level price efficiency
  
• Long-term supply stability
  

Of course, this model suits buyers purchasing 1–10 containers monthly.

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4. Buying Branded Second Hand Shoes in Lagos

Branded second hand shoes are the real profit drivers.

In Lagos markets, Nike, Adidas, Puma, and other sports brands sell extremely fast. Consumers actively look for recognizable brands — especially younger buyers.

There are typically three sourcing options:

1. Buy branded bales in Katangua
   
2. Purchase selected pairs in Balogun
   
3. Import washed/cleaned branded shoes directly
   

Cleaned branded shoes are particularly attractive because:

• They are disinfected
  
• Ready for display
  
• Reduce preparation time
  

Bulk exporters like Indetexx specialize in branded used shoes suitable for Africa and other high-demand regions .

Why Branded Shoes Sell Faster

• Strong brand recognition
  
• Higher resale ticket price
  
• Social media demand
  
• Youth-driven fashion trends
  

Profit Comparison Example:

Type	Cost Level	Resale Price	Margin Potential
Mixed Shoes	Low	Moderate	Stable volume
Branded Shoes	Medium	High	Higher margin
Cleaned Brand	Medium-High	Premium	Fast turnover

For Lagos retailers aiming to upgrade positioning, branded stock is essential.

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5. Online & Social Media Shoe Suppliers in Lagos

Another growing channel is Instagram and WhatsApp-based suppliers.

Many Lagos traders now advertise second hand shoes via:

• Instagram pages
  
• Facebook Marketplace
  
• WhatsApp catalogs
  

This method offers convenience and sometimes delivery options. However:

• You cannot inspect bales physically
  
• Photo representation may vary
  
• Grading transparency is limited
  

Best For:

• Small retailers
  
• New entrepreneurs
  
• Trial purchases
  

But for serious wholesalers, physical inspection or direct import remains more secure.

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6. How to Choose the Right Supplier in Lagos

No matter where you buy, supplier evaluation is critical.

Here’s what professional buyers prioritize :

• Consistent grading standards
  
• Stable supply availability
  
• Clear brand/category ratio
  
• Transparent pricing
  
• Reliable delivery timeline
  

5 Key Questions to Ask Suppliers

1. What grade is this bale?
   
2. Are shoes washed or unwashed?
   
3. What percentage are branded?
   
4. What is the average pair count per bale?
   
5. Can I inspect before payment?
   

Choosing wisely protects your capital and reputation.

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7. Should You Buy Locally or Import Directly?

Let’s compare both models clearly.

Factor	Local Market Purchase	Direct Import
MOQ	Low	High
Profit Margin	Medium	Higher
Customization	Limited	High
Quality Control	Variable	Standardized
Supply Stability	Depends on importer	Stable long-term

If you sell 10–50 bales monthly → Local markets may suffice.

If you sell container-level volume → Direct import significantly increases profitability.

And that’s why many serious Lagos distributors eventually shift toward building relationships with international exporters operating large-scale facilities like Indetexx.

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FAQ: Buying Second Hand Shoes in Lagos

1. Where is the cheapest place to buy second hand shoes in Lagos?

Katangua Market generally offers lower bale pricing compared to Balogun due to bulk distribution.

2. Are branded second hand shoes profitable in Lagos?

Yes. Branded sneakers sell faster and offer higher margins, especially among younger consumers.

3. How many pairs are in a bale?

It varies by category, but typically ranges from 80–150 pairs depending on shoe type and weight.

4. Is it better to import directly?

For high-volume wholesalers, direct import offers better pricing control, customization, and consistent grading.

5. What grade should beginners start with?

Grade A mixed shoes are usually safe for new traders — good balance between price and resale quality.

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Conclusion: The Smartest Way to Buy Second Hand Shoes in Lagos

Lagos offers multiple sourcing options:

• Balogun Market for flexible retail buying
  
• Katangua Market for bale-level wholesale
  
• Online suppliers for small purchases
  
• Direct import for maximum profit and stability
  

The real difference comes down to scale.

If you aim for small daily sales, local markets work.

If you aim to build a serious distribution business, establishing direct relationships with large-scale exporters ensures:

• Stable supply
  
• Custom grading
  
• Better margins
  
• Long-term growth
  

And in a fast-moving market like Lagos, stability is everything.

Looking to upgrade from market buying to direct container sourcing? Now may be the right time to explore global supply partnerships and maximize your shoe resale potential.