Introduction:
South Africa has one of the most structured resale ecosystems on the African continent. From Johannesburg’s inner-city wholesale districts to township markets in Soweto and Cape Town, second hand shoes remain a high-demand product category.
Why?
Because consumers want affordability. Youth buyers want branded sneakers. Township markets need durable casual shoes. Online resellers look for clean, premium pairs.
But here’s the challenge.
Not every used shoes supplier offers consistent grading. Not every shoes bale delivers strong brand ratios. And not every source provides stable, long-term supply.
If you’re asking “Where to buy second hand shoes in South Africa?”, this expanded guide covers every serious sourcing channel:
- Johannesburg wholesale markets
- Durban port import warehouses
- Township distribution networks
- Online & social media suppliers
- Direct container import from global exporters
Whether you are buying 10 bales or 10 containers, this guide will help you build a profitable sourcing strategy.
1. Johannesburg CBD & Jeppe Street Wholesale Markets
Johannesburg is the commercial heartbeat of South Africa’s second hand industry. The CBD and Jeppe Street areas host some of the busiest wholesale markets in the country.
Most traders here operate as secondary distributors. They purchase containers through port importers (mainly Durban) and resell by bale or per pair.
What You’ll Find in Johannesburg Markets
- Mixed used shoes (men/women/kids)
- Branded sports sneakers
- Casual shoes and loafers
- Sandals and slippers
- Seasonal boots
The main advantage? Immediate access.
You can inspect the bale before buying. You can negotiate pricing. You can start with smaller quantities.
However, grading consistency varies because stock comes from multiple import sources.
Advantages
- Low minimum purchase quantities
- Immediate pickup
- Physical inspection
- Flexible negotiations
Limitations
- Middleman markups
- Limited customization
- Variable grading standards
- Supply instability during peak seasons
For small retailers or township sellers, Johannesburg markets are often the starting point. But scaling beyond 50+ bales monthly requires deeper supply strategies.
2. Durban Port-Based Importers & Warehouse Suppliers
Durban is South Africa’s largest and busiest port. A significant portion of imported second hand shoes enters through Durban before distribution across provinces.
Many serious wholesalers purchase directly from warehouse second hand shoes importers located near the port.
Why Durban Is Strategic for Buyers
Buying closer to the container source often means:
- Lower bale prices
- Access to fresh stock
- Larger volume availability
- Reduced middleman costs
However, buyers still depend on the importer’s grading system.
You typically cannot request:
- Specific brand percentages
- Detailed category sorting
- Custom mix ratios
Common Bale Types in Durban
| Category | Description | Target Market |
| Mixed Shoes | Fully mixed men/women/kids | Township & open markets |
| Branded Sneakers | Nike, Adidas, Puma | Youth & online sellers |
| Winter Boots | Seasonal demand | Highveld regions |
| Sandals/Slippers | Lightweight casual wear | Coastal & township |
Durban works well for mid-sized wholesalers buying 1–3 containers monthly through importers. But serious distributors eventually look for factory-level partnerships to improve margins and control.
3. Direct Import from Large-Scale International Exporters
Now we move to the strategic level.
Many established South African distributors bypass local intermediaries and import directly from global used shoe exporters.
Why?
Because profit margins increase dramatically when you remove multiple middle layers.
One example is Indetexx — a large-scale exporter operating:
- 20,000㎡ factory
- 6,000 tons monthly sorting capacity
- 3,000 tons raw material inventory
- Exports to 110+ countries
Indetexx specializes in:
- Mixed used shoes
- Branded sports shoes
- Washed/cleaned brand shoes
- Customizable container ratios
Why Direct Import Is More Profitable
When importing directly, you gain:
- Control over grading (Cream / A / Brand / B)
- Defined brand percentage
- Customizable container composition
- Lower landed cost per pair
- Stable, continuous supply
According to global bulk buyer profiles , African importers prioritize:
- Consistent grading
- Stable availability
- Competitive pricing
- Transparent brand ratios
Direct factory partnerships solve these challenges.
Example Container Strategy
| Mix Ratio | Purpose |
| 70% Mixed Shoes | High-volume turnover |
| 30% Branded Sneakers | Margin driver |
Or:
| Mix Ratio | Purpose |
| 50% Branded | Youth & urban markets |
| 50% Mixed | Township distribution |
With large-scale exporters, customization becomes a business advantage — not a gamble.
4. Branded Second Hand Shoes: The Profit Engine
Branded sneakers are among the most profitable categories in South Africa.
Youth consumers, especially in urban and township areas, prioritize brand visibility. Nike and Adidas dominate resale demand.
There are three sourcing routes:
- Buy branded bales in Johannesburg
- Purchase from Durban warehouse importers
- Import washed branded shoes directly
Why Cleaned Brand Shoes Perform Well
- Ready for resale
- Better hygiene appeal
- Easier to photograph for online listings
- Reduced preparation labor
Branded shoes generally offer higher margins than mixed categories.
| Shoe Type | Average Cost Level | Resale Potential | Margin Level |
| Mixed Shoes | Low | Moderate | Stable |
| Branded Shoes | Medium | High | Strong |
| Cleaned Brand | Medium-High | Premium | Highest |
For sellers operating on Facebook Marketplace or Instagram, branded sneakers are critical for fast turnover.
5. Township Distribution & Informal Market Networks
Township markets play a major role in South Africa’s resale economy.
Areas such as:
- Soweto (Johannesburg)
- Khayelitsha (Cape Town)
- Umlazi (Durban)
Have strong demand for affordable mixed shoes.
Most township traders buy from Johannesburg wholesalers or Durban importers.
Key Characteristics of Township Shoe Buyers
- Price-sensitive
- High turnover focus
- Demand durable footwear
- Lower emphasis on luxury branding
For township markets, mixed Grade A shoes are often the safest investment.
Branded shoes still sell — but only at the right price point.
6. Online & Social Media Shoe Suppliers
Digital sourcing is growing in South Africa.
Suppliers advertise via:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Instagram business accounts
- WhatsApp wholesale groups
This model offers convenience but requires caution.
Risks of Online-Only Sourcing
- No physical inspection
- Grading inconsistency
- Payment security concerns
- Misrepresented brand ratios
Best suited for:
- Small resellers
- Test orders
- Short-term inventory gaps
For serious distributors, in-person inspection or direct import is more reliable.
7. How to Evaluate a Second Hand Shoe Supplier
Based on global buyer expectations , here are the top evaluation factors:
1. Grading Transparency
Ask for clear definitions of Grade A, Brand, or Cream.
2. Brand Ratio Disclosure
Know the exact percentage of branded pairs.
3. Supply Stability
Can the supplier deliver consistently every month?
4. Quality Control Process
Are shoes checked for sole separation and damage?
5. Packaging & Logistics
Are bales properly compressed for container efficiency?
Professional suppliers typically follow standardized sorting and quality control processes — especially factory-level exporters.
8. Local Buying vs Direct Import: Strategic Comparison
| Factor | Local Market | Direct Import |
| MOQ | Low | High |
| Margin | Moderate | Higher |
| Customization | Limited | Full control |
| Stability | Variable | Strong |
| Long-Term Growth | Limited | Scalable |
If you are selling:
- 10–30 bales monthly → Local markets are fine.
- 100+ bales monthly → Direct import dramatically improves profitability.
The most successful distributors in South Africa eventually move toward container-level sourcing partnerships.
FAQ: Buying Second Hand Shoes in South Africa
1. Where is the cheapest place to buy second hand shoes?
Durban warehouse importers often offer lower prices than inner-city Johannesburg markets.
2. Are branded sneakers profitable in South Africa?
Yes. Youth-driven demand makes branded sneakers one of the fastest-moving categories.
3. How many pairs are in a bale?
Typically between 80–150 pairs depending on weight and category.
4. Is direct import better than buying locally?
For large-scale distributors, yes. It offers higher margins and supply stability.
5. What grade is safest for beginners?
Grade A mixed shoes offer the best balance between price and resale quality.
Conclusion: Build Stability, Not Just Stock
South Africa’s second hand shoe market offers enormous opportunity — but long-term success depends on more than just finding cheap stock.
You can source from Johannesburg wholesalers.
You can buy from Durban port warehouses.
You can test online suppliers.
But as your business grows, consistency, grading control, and supply stability become the real profit drivers.
That’s where working directly with a large-scale exporter can make a measurable difference.
Indetexx operates a 20,000㎡ factory, processes 6,000 tons monthly, maintains 3,000 tons of raw material inventory, and exports to 110+ countries worldwide. This scale ensures:
- Stable monthly supply without sudden shortages
- Clear grading standards (Cream / A / Brand / B)
- Customizable brand ratios for South African demand
- High container loading efficiency to reduce shipping costs
- Professional sorting and quality control systems
For South African importers handling container-level volumes, partnering with a factory-level supplier like Indetexx helps reduce unpredictability and improve long-term margin stability.
Because in today’s competitive resale environment, success isn’t just about buying cheaper.
It’s about buying smarter.
It’s about building reliable supply chains.
And it’s about positioning your business for sustainable growth.
If you’re ready to move beyond middlemen and explore factory-direct sourcing, Indetexx can support customized container plans designed specifically for your South African market needs.
