I Bought Running Shoes on eBay - Does Authentication Matter?

[@endurancematt]

It’s common for Nike shoes sold at Nike outlet stores to be sold without a lid to the box. I actually scored a pair of Alphafly 1’s for $75 after a birthday discount at an outlet store once. They were in perfect condition, probably a return from an online customer.

[@martinbergmann7478]

Just wanted to write that ;)

[@cdougs12]

Thinking this too; likely like "B grade" product because of the quality control issues mentioned in the vid

[@chesstables]

Yes! No lid so shoes can be inspected on racks without opening a box

[@martinbergmann7478]

@@cdougs12 lol did u regularly buy nike shoes? ... nike is the only shoe brand that sells 300 euro shoes with glue marks, bad prints and more.... on all their even top race shoes I find every time quality flaws..... so im nor surprised .

[@uscfroadie]

The lid missing on Nike shoes signifies B-stock or customer returns. I’ve scored some killer deals on eBay, all authentic and perfectly match my others that were purchased directly from Nike.

[@SUPERIMIAINI]

As someone who lives very close to a Nike outlet store. Every shoe in their store is missing a lid for you to be able to see which shoe it is. It would appear the seller bought them at a discount from an Nike outlet store and re-sold them on Ebay. It would also explain the stitching as maybe this shoe didn't pass whatever inspection and was sent off to Nike outlet store.

[@kofuzi]

that's really weird that Nike does that

[@TheWrathclaw]

@@kofuzi my pair of those alphafly 1 ekiden were sold the same way without a lid. The seller left the price tag they paid at the outlet ($94) on the box too

[@felitolco]

sorry, but what is lid?

[@tsubakichan]

@@felitolco The shoebox top.

[@felitolco]

@@tsubakichan thankyou

[@Stevenc1984]

The no lid thing is sometimes because they came from an outlet store. So it could be an unused return etc.

[@tenshihayashi1966]

This.

[@sousa9991]

I am glad about this video you had put out, I am a crazy 69 old runner and it had save me some money that I was going to buy from EBay the Vaporfly 2 thank you Kofuzi. I really enjoy your videos.

[@PostCallwithPaul]

LMAO I love the shoe sniff at the end of the video 😂 always loving your videos the most out of all the running KZbinrs!

[@kofuzi]

actually, I had forgotten to cut off the eBay Authenticated tag so I tried to bite it off.

[@runfrankfurt]

With carbon plated super shoes you can easily do a first test to get a hint whether they might be fake or not: just try to bend them and see how stiff the plate is. A real carbon plate as we all know is really stiff and you won‘t really be able to bend the shoe much. With fake shoes, it is not a carbon plate but rather a thick plastic. Therefore the shoe can be bent a lot further compared to the real model.

[@dallan7740]

I came on here to say that. I would have just bent the shoe. The carbon plate feels completely different from normal shoes and I'd be surprised if the fake shoes had carbon plates. Would have loved to have seen what happened when he bent the fake shoe.

[@Klian159]

OOMMMGGGG YESSSSSSIIIRRRR!!!! I got SOOO EXITED when i saw this video, Kofuzi, dude it's like you know me or something, I was JUST thinking about buying these alphas and vapors on Ebay, This is my absolutely fav video, with all of the kings from nike! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@kofuzi]

hope this video was helpful!

[@scriptosaurusrex]

Maybe it's different in the USA, but generally I have found ebay very good with dealing with sketch purchases. They go by date received. So I appreciate that, for this video, you probably chose to not open a case and keep the shoes - although it may not be too late - opening a case is usually straightforward and, provided you give the same quality evidence as in the video (I mean, super heavy compared to spec weight should be enough, even before accounting for noticeable different weights either side), you could likely still get money back. Probably worth a try tbh. Hit the fake sellers where it hurts, by taking back the cash.

[@ianlowe4126]

Thank you for making this video Mike. I really believe EBay plays an important roll in the running shoe market but you do need to be cautious especially with the high end shoes. I’ve sold many shoes on eBay over the years ( not high end ) sometimes with hardly any wear I’ve just decided they are not right for me and I like the idea that another runner who maybe can’t afford to buy the shoe brand new is using them and has a bargain. Perhaps you could make a video about the non super shoe market on eBay ? Thank you. Ian 🇬🇧

[@kofuzi]

I think that would be a useful video, but probably boring. I would anticipate that for most daily trainers, the risk of someone making a fake would be rather low.

[@christiandm1041]

This video really got my attention! I was doing other stuff and was just listening to the various videos that came up and I heard this. I stopped what I was doing and watched. I actually thought it might be an older video or something...nope. I buy and sell running shoes and cycling stuff on ebay. I usually don't buy new but buy like-new and save. Great way to try high-end products at great prices. Oh yes, I've been scammed, but rarely. I don't use the authentication process usually but have 100% positive feedback for 13 years plus so I obviously sell legit stuff. I put my faith in people that they will do the same. Once again, really cool video! Enjoyed it! Happy running 🏃‍♂️ 😊

[@kofuzi]

We need more good sellers out there

[@christiandm1041]

​@@kofuzi I have always said I'm a runner or endurance athlete that truly enjoys giving great deals to people like me. Heck, I love great deals myself. It's a fun hobby but a lifestyle as well really just like running. Appreciate your response sir!

[@alexgray8091]

I found a pair of vaporfly next%2’s at a secondhand clothing store for $25. They were brand new with tags, probably one of my biggest life achievements tbh

[@Marktrax17]

Nike outlets do sell shoes without the box tops. It’s also possible that they sold a B grade shoe with cosmetic manufacturing defects.

[@AndrewCho730]

Wow you’ve read my mind. I was just thinking about getting nike alphafly 1 from ebay.. but wasn’t sure. Thanks!

[@Dias4815162342]

The lid off is from a factory stores, they do or used to do this in order to put directly the box on the shelves. So it might be a bargain from a factory store and flip for a gain.

[@gabem.2249]

Awesome video again @kofuzi as you were running with the AF2s I could tell that mid sole was not giving anything back and looked hard as heck😂 nice review!

[@kofuzi]

it felt a bit firm

[@WePiphany]

JUST got Vaporfly Next % 2 from eBay after watching this. $159, brand new in my size, authenticated, and a nice color way. Can’t wait, first pair for me and first carbon plate shoe. Arrives in first week of April.

[@kofuzi]

hope you enjoy!

[@wilfredo-teyrosalesfotos]

With my wife being a sneaker head and has a lot of experience with secondary market . We have found out that GOAT, Stock X, and eBay is the order she looks for Dunks and Jordan 1s. We have an understanding that either you’ll get the shoe at retail or 20% above will be your best bet to not get burn. Great video the educate runners about the good and bad of secondary market 🤜🏾🤛🏻

[@kofuzi]

good general rule

[@kevintalaueCR]

The no lid on the box is common when buying from the Nike Factory Outlet stores here in Canada.

[@felitolco]

sorry, but what is lid?

[@ColeRunning]

Great idea, looking forward to this

[@Mr-Si-Real-Case]

Ditchit has been everything I was looking for-honest sellers and easy shopping! 👌

[@marylandflyer5670]

Last month I bought a new pair of Alpha V1 and it was rejected by the authentication process. eBay refunded my payment in one day. So the process worked for me.

[@kofuzi]

ah, nice

[@jt.8144]

Ebay does a great job with their shoe Authentication System . I've bought and stocked up on the 3 pairs of Pegasus 1 Trails . the Volt Green ones. Simply Flawless. As long as it comes with the Plastic Ebay steel cable Tag. Proof of Authentication.

[@aapopimia7311]

I just wanna say your videos have helped me so much as a racewalker

[@davidgross7972]

Thanks for this video Michael! I recently sold a pair of barely used Speedgoat 4's that didn't fit me well on ebay. It was a good experience, though it did take some time and I accepted a lower offer. I had never heard of ebay authentication before so now I am better informed.

[@kofuzi]

I'm not sure it's available on most running shoes

[@pinkelephant5829]

Hey kofuzi you dont quite sound like yourself in this video have you got a cold or something?

[@kofuzi]

I'm typically a bit congested whenever I wake up and do voiceovers at 5am. but I think it also has a lot to do with seating posture

[@TolunayOrkun]

Atomknit in AF1 is uneven as they are done by a stretching process under steam. I had two AF1's directly from Nike and they showed the same imperfections as your pair.

[@delfino19777]

I love the turbo 2, i feel like the hyper speed by Asics first version have been a good replacement. I brought a second pair since i don't know if the second version I'll love as much

[@RikhoOrariri]

This is out of topic, but do you change your mic? Because your voice in this video sounds different than in the others.

[@kofuzi]

I have a lot of mics, but I don't think that's the only thing

[@Letsgofinance]

The fact that I just opened this video blindly based on the thumbnail and caption but was able to tell it’s you based on your foot strike is nuts 😂

[@Letsgofinance]

Opened without checking creator

[@kofuzi]

incredible!

[@kerry_runs]

That gyakuso? Colorway of the alpha fly v1 is so good!

[@macau.friend]

Every Nike Shoe Everywhere All At Once 😍

[@robertarmero6320]

I’ve sold shoes I’ve bought from outlets before that I wasn’t too happy with. Outlet shoes always have the box tops removed

[@cheekster777]

Useful video, thanks Mike. 🙏🏻

[@joejohnson55]

I have a pair of turbo 2s with only like 5 miles in them if that's something you're interested in.

[@kofuzi]

I've managed to collect a couple pairs now

[@matthiassventoest6800]

great stuff.., I used to sell a ton of shoes on eBay, after I outgrew my shoe obsession.., helped me put a lot of loot away, for a rainy day

[@henryw9258]

Not a big deal, but I didn't know that the Alpha Fly 2's came with a bag. I ordered mine last summer (2022) directly from Nike and there was no bag 🤷‍♂

[@steevie76]

“Legit” drinking game 🥃

[@kofuzi]

I've never said the word so many times

[@Prinniev]

Hi! Great experiment kofuzi! About the lid-less box. I saw someone doing live selling inside a retail outlet, and those usually are shoes that are on bargain.

[@HjAsriAnuar]

Well done on the video!

[@MatthewMoscotto]

That vaporfly 2 color way is hard to find. Not surprised you paid $180 for it.

[@Feanaro5503]

I bought the Saucony Endorphin Speed from Dicks Sports online in 2021, and the box was lidless.

[@kofuzi]

ooh. that's a new twist I haven't heard yet in the comments

[@ESSENCE000]

yeah I bought 2 asics from Dick's few months ago, and they all had lid cut off, but shipped with their lids lol

[@jeffzie151]

Did you get a new microphone? Your voice sounds different to me for some reason.

[@lolykebrtwv]

Reason for the v1 alphaflys not having a lid, is because it came from a clearance nike outlet store. I saw these everywhere in the clearance store. None in my size so I didn't get em. But right before the v2s came out, yeah these were everywhere

[@kofuzi]

interesting

[@gdski]

That’s how the upper is on my Ekiden Alphafly 1’s (sadly I popped an air zoom pod on a gravel half).

[@jacksisk7026]

I actually have bought many of my running shoes from eBay! All great experiences and amazing prices - highly recommend!

[@kofuzi]

I think it certainly can be a good place to get shoes. but like the video I made about buying shoes on Amazon, it kind of requires you to know what you are looking for.

[@Letsgofinance]

Can confirm I’ve had flyaways on zoom air pockets straight from Nike as well

[@kofuzi]

thanks for the feedback

[@ruffeyx]

about the Alphafly 2, how was the plates? a friend bought alphafly 1 reps, n the plates were plastic that extent just until the mid of the shoes n not until the rear end.

[@kofuzi]

the alphafly 2 was the fake. it is not worth discussing further

[@patitoduck123]

Man, as an avid ebay-er it hurt me to see some of the prices you paid here haha. We gotta teach you how to snag better deals on ebay! I got an authentic AF for $115 shipped, a pair of VF2 for $105, and a pair of the invincible 2 for $65 shipped. All new and authenticated. There’s a few tricks to get these for even cheaper. Most of them centered around that best offer option and the waiting game. Seller usually will send you an offer and then you go from there negotiating better prices. Also others have already said it, the missing lids are outlet pickups. Usually they’re returns or old stock from Nike haha.

[@ESSENCE000]

invincible 2 for $65 shipped? but how can you sure they are authentic? eBay authentication only works for shoes above $100.

[@patitoduck123]

@@ESSENCE000 I worked at DSG + a soccer retail store a few years so I had a lot of experience working with warranty claims which needed to be authentic to file a claim. I usually ask for a pic of the tags/UPC but it’s kinda easy to tell authentic pairs from fakes haha

[@ESSENCE000]

@@patitoduck123 So you tell NIKE UPC#s to find they are authentic?

[@patitoduck123]

@@ESSENCE000 yep, with the UPC or with the #s on the sizing tag you can see if the shoe is authentic. A fake pair will populate a random Nike product lol

[@ESSENCE000]

@@patitoduck123 but the fake pairs can copy the authentic #s?

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Man I can't get over how different your voice sounds in the voiceover! HA

[@kofuzi]

so many people have mentioned that today. I was slouching/half lying down on the couch while doing this. I sat at the kitchen counter or at my desk in the basement for the voiceover for the Tokyo Runners Weekend video.

[@marylandflyer5670]

Alphafly V1 is my all time favorite shoe. Wish Nike would bring them back, but there’s zero chance of that. V2 was a step backwards.

[@kofuzi]

that's what I hear

[@michaeltanel3815]

Step backwards is a heavily subjective thing. The V1 was NOT a good match for me (foot shape) and the reports about the V2 gives me hope that I'll enjoy the AF2.

[@drfunk1216]

I saw a pair of next % 2s going for 150 yesterday on the Nike website. Unfortunately I’m not in the market for one

[@Gokish]

Damn looking video and still don't know why Nike WHY You don't do proper Turbo 3. Search for 3 months for another pair found one used but only few times and its ok paid 40$. But new on ebay i love that shoes but not for this price :D

[@amyx231]

Weight matters a lot. I’ve run in UltraBoosts since my first 5k. Literally, I have Boost shoes for every type of running or walking. Even work. Well, today I wore a cheap pair of no-names to go to the park for some b-ball and… I shaved 2 minutes off my mile. Without even trying. Wth?! The cheap shoes are light as air, with a very snug fit. Too bad the foam doesn’t look like it’ll last long, and traction isn’t ideal (no rubber sole). Still…mind blown. I’ve always known UBs are heavy, but 2 minutes…dang. I was only 3 minutes over my all-time mile PB from high school! 😮. Without even trying, on the sidewalk and road where sidewalks end, and dodging a couple cars. Wth. My mind is still reeling over this development.

[@frre9302]

For some time Nike had boxes without lids, but in bags. So an open box in a bag.

[@pr1dee]

you said you did a review on the streakfly but I don’t know where to find it

[@kofuzi]

Hmmm. I know I’ve tested it on a few runs. I don’t think I ever got to making a video review though

[@hkim9151]

Still, you should ask to return that Alphafly 2, even after your run. The weight is not to specific… it is like 4 oz too heavy… ask for a return and get that $275 back and report that seller for selling fake stuffs . Only this way they will not hurt other buyers …..remember to write a negative feedbacks too.

[@chrisrose3967]

Half of my shoe collection-currently I own 38 pairs- are bought from outlets and in the most cases the lid is missing. This is totally normal for outlet stores

[@kofuzi]

makes sense

[@sebastianloh5704]

Love from Singapore!

[@klaykuban]

As other's have said, the one's with no lid are from outlets. Especially the back walls or from a clearance store.

[@kofuzi]

aha

[@FilipLatochaRunning]

9:47 buy & review. 🤣

[@markchangcoco5427]

Cool video!

[@kofuzi]

thanks Mark!

[@harvard004]

As others have mentioned, Nike Factory store cuts off the lid when they put the shoe on their hash wall (back wall) so that it can't be returned to another nike store.

[@kofuzi]

it's interesting to compare the various reasons people state for the box tops being cut off

[@shortie84]

Why do you sound diff @kofuzi?

[@kofuzi]

I was slouching

[@shortie84]

@@kofuzi I was so confused. Talks like him bout sounds diff...Impostor? Cold? Stunt double?!

[@QuasiAmerican]

The shoes probably were bought from the Nike outlet if they have no lid as this is how a lot of the shoes are sold in the outlet stores. They probably buy them from the outlet for cheap then sell them on eBay for more than they paid.

[@joyaclub]

This is just me, but I can't fathom ever buying and running in a used pair of shoes. It's gotta be new for me. :)

[@kofuzi]

I don't do it often, but if it's a lightly used pair that just didn't work for someone else, it could be a great way to save a couple of bucks

[@thenewsomefam]

More Nike reviews 🙏

[@Scotty.Lincoln]

No lid is from Nike outlets! They are on the back sale wall and it’s to easily see the shoe. Fakes will have a box most of the time but the box is usually off and the label as well. They are getting very good though

[@kofuzi]

I'm wondering if there isn't a market somewhere that people can buy real boxes

[@Scotty.Lincoln]

​@@kofuzi There is probably message boards where people would sell boxes or sell them. Or what they will do is post pictures of the real shoe or/and box then send you a fake that looks very real and you might not question it when you receive it.

[@PoetWithPace]

eBay is a complete minefield and authentications don't guarantee anything. FYI, i very really find any "deals" on eBay and stick with reputable retailers i know.

[@Ks-fp8dv]

Is this cyborg Ko? U obviously sound different today!!!!

[@kofuzi]

posture while talking makes a difference

[@Jambr380]

I buy lightly/hardly used shoes on eBay all the time. Nike Epic/Infinity React, Adidas Solar Boost/Glide all for like $30. I think if you are buying slightly used and the shoe isn’t a new model, there is a lot less of a chance of the shoe not being authentic.

[@kofuzi]

I would definitely agree with that

[@Jambr380]

@@kofuzi great idea for a video btw. I’m sure it would be a pain to expand on it in the future (with other brands, cheaper shoes and such), but I love the fresh content!

[@kevjh.45]

no lid boxes is probably from store display/demo stock.

[@felitolco]

serious question, what is lid in this scenario?

[@kofuzi]

top of the shoe box

[@felitolco]

@@kofuzi thankyou

[@jjeniece]

Haven’t bought from eBay yet, but I’ve bought running shoes from flight club. Out of the box, the vaporfly next %2 felt a little too hard, but loosened up over time. But I’d rather buy from the Nike outlet going forward. Had good luck with invincibles and alphaflys

[@kofuzi]

I'm not sure I've ever been to a Nike outlet. Maybe once up in the Wisconsin Dells a few years back

[@usure2408]

cool video

[@fayliyur3899]

Buying any preloved Nike shoes in any online store is always a huge risk of getting replicas. Cause some replicas, 1:1 replicas are legitimately indistinguishable from the original. Which is why I always go for sellers that still include the original box. That being said, I just copped an absolute mint Pegasus 37 at 53$ (after confirming with the seller that the pair he's selling is an authentic pair).

[@bond00000071]

Buying during sales is much better than buying in ebay 😂😂😂😂

[@therangersinger]

Those Af2 are some damn good looking fakes.

[@palillo2006]

You could have returned them. The 30 day return window starts the day they are received, not the day they were bought. Also, you can force a return by selecting "item not as described". That is if they claim the shoes were authentic in the description. Finally, ya that listing was scretchy and would have not bought them.

[@kofuzi]

I got what I needed out of them

[@Martha-fluterunner]

That’s still unnecessary ro spend that money to educate us (though appreciated). I say return them with a warning to report to seller. That should allow you to do it. And then still report the seller, bc this sort of fraud is terrible.

[@bane8540]

No Lid = Outlet Mall or Discounted Retailer’s like Marshal’s 💯

[@kofuzi]

ah

[@centipede9292]

Sometimes,no lid cannot proof that it’s from Real Nike outlet,I’m looking for midsole first,sharp shrinkage can tell about 65-80%🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@bildotunechi]

One super easy way to tell if ZoomX is legit is whether it looks creased or too smooth. Creased = legit, perfectly smooth = fake

[@kofuzi]

good tip

[@gleeclub_99]

just picked up the green vaporflys for $150-$160 with an additional 20% off of the $175 yesterday.

[@kofuzi]

nice

[@garyricketts700]

Can anyone tell me why the EBAY Vaporfly 2s are an atypical color pattern? The authenticated ones I purchased are red and green with insoles that read V/F instead of Zoom. I will say they feel authentic but I can’t help to speculate…

[@tgarcia615]

Why your voice is different?

[@kofuzi]

posture and time of day

[@Lunitiq_YG]

No lid typically means it came from an outlet.

[@Randmness]

I miss the Pegasus Turbo 2's so much. Why did Nike take this shoe from us?!

[@Eirikkinserdal]

It was too good, people used it for racing and Nike didn't like it 🤣

[@mannyg4523]

There's been a bunch of new shoe releases and you haven't covered them. I just like your reviews and these new releases have been absent so I'm worried you are not going to review them. Hopefully you are still testing then before you post.

[@kofuzi]

I do not plan on reviewing the VF3, if that's what you're talking about. I'll likely test it at some point, but not a review

[@christianschobinger1131]

Great idea Mike, I never thought about to buy a Nike running shoe from eBay 😊

[@joelmead]

I bought a pegasus 37 from ebay and it was so bad that I was convinced it was fake. Turns out it was real, but just didn't compare to my previous model, the Hoka Mach 4. Fair to say I'm not a pegasus fan.

[@kofuzi]

that's funny

[@jimoconnor8597]

I have a brand new pair of Turbo 2's (blue and white colorway) in the box. Men's 8.5. I might sell them now on eBay. LOL

[@kofuzi]

you might fetch a pretty penny for that

[@joseandreferreira4729]

What happens with your voice 🤔

[@kofuzi]

I’m sitting slouched on the couch at around 5am when I do these voiceovers. Posture matters. As does time of day

[@belugaking304]

eBay authentication gives you a free dust bag on all their shoes

[@kofuzi]

That was not my experience

[@belugaking304]

@@kofuzi I have 20+ eBay authentication orders and only one didn’t come with a dust bag. It was probably a fluke. If you want them I have a ton and I have no purpose for them lmao.

[@gianlucatalia9499]

Voice sounds different 🤔

[@kofuzi]

I used AI to write the script and also narrate

[@ariesrimorin3348]

Hi can you give me 1 of your shoes?I need it for training for 3.2 km run. 😅

[@fiatlux8828]

You sound kinda sick in this. Like a cold.

[@kofuzi]

perhaps

[@Drew.Whitcomb]

This was fun

[@kofuzi]

it was fun until the last lap, let me tell you.

[@Nehalruns]

Move out of the way Detective Conan hello Detective Kofuzi..

[@Acontinouslean]

I can provide links to fake alphafly and vaporflys being sold . eBay wouldn’t assume they’re fake

[@vincents.6639]

You are very brave to try running on a fake running shoes. It may hurt your feet.

[@travischung4756]

can u review actual fake runners please

[@kofuzi]

I'd rather not bring them attention