Are Nike Refurbished Shoes Worth It? Conditions, Prices and the Catch

Nike Refurbished is Nike's own program for reselling returned shoes. Pairs that come back within Nike's return window are inspected, cleaned, graded and sold again at a discount.

How Nike Refurbished works

Nike checks each returned pair, cleans it and sanitizes it, then gives it a condition grade. Pairs that pass are sold through Nike Refurbished, online and at select Nike stores. Discounts depend on the model and the condition, and some popular styles have been offered at up to about half the original price.

The condition grades

• Like New: worn very briefly or not at all, with no visible signs of wear.
• Gently Worn: light, visible wear but in good overall condition.
• Slightly Imperfect: small cosmetic flaws, such as minor marks, stains or fading.

The grade affects only looks. Pairs that fail on comfort or structure are not resold.

The catch: refurbished is usually final sale

The biggest difference from a normal Nike order is returns. Refurbished purchases have been final sale, with returns accepted only if the item is damaged, defective or not as described. Online refurbished purchases also cannot be returned to a Nike store.

That means you should only buy a size and model you already know fits.

Warranty

Refurbished pairs have been covered by Nike's standard two-year warranty from the date of manufacture, for material and workmanship flaws. Remember that the clock started when the shoe was made, not when you bought it.

Which shoes are worth buying refurbished?

Good buys

• Lifestyle sneakers such as Dunks, Air Force 1s and retro Jordans. Light wear barely shows once you wear them yourself.
• Like New pairs of expensive models, where the dollar savings are biggest.
• Shoes for kids, who outgrow them fast.

Think twice

• Running shoes in Gently Worn condition. Midsole cushioning wears down with mileage, and it is hard to see how much is left.
• Any pair in a size you have never tried. With no returns, a bad fit costs the full price.

Compare before you buy

A refurbished pair is only a deal if it beats the alternatives:

1. Nike's sale section often has new pairs at 25% to 40% off, with normal returns.
2. Member offers and promo codes can take more off new shoes. Check our Nike coupons and deals.
3. Other retailers may discount the same model. Our Nike vs. Adidas sneaker deals guide shows where to look.

Nike Refurbished FAQ

Are Nike Refurbished shoes used?

Some are. Like New pairs may have been worn very briefly or not at all, while Gently Worn and Slightly Imperfect pairs show some wear. Every pair is cleaned and sanitized.

Can you return Nike Refurbished shoes?

Generally no. They are final sale unless the pair is damaged, defective or not as described.

Are Nike Refurbished shoes real?

Yes. They are authentic Nike products sold by Nike, which is a key advantage over buying used from a reseller.