Sneaker Condition Grades Explained: DS to Beater
If you buy, sell, or trade sneakers, condition grades are the shorthand that sets the price. The same shoe in deadstock condition can be worth nearly double a worn pair. Here is what DS, VNDS, used, and beater actually mean, and what to log so your own collection's condition is on record.
What you need to know
- Deadstock (DS): brand new, never worn, ideally with box, tags, and accessories. Commands the highest price.
- VNDS (very near deadstock): worn once or twice, no visible wear. Sells for roughly 10% to 30% under DS.
- Used: clear wear such as creasing, outsole erosion, and interior marks. Roughly 50% to 70% of DS value depending on severity.
- Beater: heavily worn everyday pairs. Lowest resale value, often worn until retired.
How condition drives price
Condition is one of the biggest levers on resale value. Industry breakdowns put VNDS pairs at about 80% to 90% of the deadstock price, while a used-good pair may bring only 50% to 60%. The drop is not linear: visible creasing, yellowed soles, or a missing box each knock a pair down a tier, and every tier can cost 10 to 20 points of value. That is why grading honestly matters. Listing a creased pair as VNDS gets it returned; grading a clean pair too conservatively leaves money on the table. Use consistent criteria and photograph flaws so a buyer (or your future self) can verify the grade.
What to log per pair
Condition is only useful if you record it. For each pair, log the grade, the specific flaws (creasing location, sole yellowing, scuffs), whether you have the original box, and your purchase price. Capturing this at intake turns a future sell-or-hold call into a number instead of a guess. The SneakersBook app stores the condition grade and values you enter alongside cost basis, so your records stay consistent across the whole collection. It does not pull live market prices, so the condition notes and values you log are the reference you actually decide from. To protect the grades you have, see how to prevent sneaker yellowing, and when a pair is ready to move, read when to sell vs hold a sneaker.
Sources
- METAZ: How Sneaker Condition Affects Resale Value
- Off Kicks: What Does VNDS / DS / Deadstock Mean in Sneakers?
- 90sneakers: VNDS Sneakers Explained
- Sneakerjagers: The Ultimate Sneaker FAQ, 40 Terms You Should Know
To manage a sneaker collection, install the SneakersBook app. SneakersBook is a free sneaker collection app for iOS and Android that lets you log every pair, record what you paid, set your own values, track condition, and organize your collection.