What should I look for on the product page when buying sneakers online?

Look for multiple, clear photos from different angles, including the outsole and inside of the tongue, a detailed materials list, and a full size chart. Reliable sellers also display expected delivery times and any fit notes like 'runs small' or 'limited edition'.

How can I ensure the right fit when ordering sneakers online?

Measure both feet at home in the evening, standing, by tracing heel-to-toe on paper and use the longer measurement. Compare this against the brand's size chart in centimetres rather than relying on numeric size alone. Add 0.5 to 0.8 cm for sneakers and look for brand-specific fit notes if available.

What are typical price ranges for sneakers in South Africa?

Everyday casual sneakers generally cost between R800 and R2,500, while performance or limited-edition models are often higher. These are approximate ranges to help set expectations; specific models and imports vary by brand and retailer.

How can I spot counterfeit sneakers when shopping online?

Check for consistent branding in photos, correct box labels, and seller history including review patterns. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Buying from authorised retailers or well-reviewed sellers reduces counterfeit risk.

What should I do when my sneakers arrive to ensure a smooth return process if needed?

Open the outer packaging in good light and confirm box condition, label correctness, and presence of brand tags. Try the sneakers on carpet with the socks you plan to wear and check for heel slip or snugness. Keep the original packaging until you're certain you'll keep them, as returns are easier with everything intact.

Sneaker Factory online shopping experience: what to expect and how we shop smarter

Practical South African guide to buying sneakers online - fit checks, spotting fakes, returns rights and delivery checks to make online sneaker shopping easier.

Published:June 23, 2026

Updated:August 27, 2026

5 min read

Photo by Iván Hernández-Cuevas on Pexels

Measure before you buy

Measure both feet and use centimetres on the brand chart, not size numbers alone.

Sources

Nike - How to measure your foot size. Practical step-by-step measuring guidance.
Ten Feet - Size guide. Local retailer guidance on measuring and fit.
Rateweb - How to spot fake sneakers in South Africa. Practical counterfeit-spotting tips.
Truehost - How to return products sold online in South Africa. Overview of returns and the cooling-off concept.
Consumer Protection Act - summary booklet (Western Cape). Statutory context for online purchases in South Africa.

Why we write this guide

Buying sneakers online can save time and open access to limited styles - but it also brings questions: will the fit be right, is the seller trustworthy, and how easy is returning a pair if it doesn’t work out? We’ve pulled together hands-on advice rooted in real shopping habits in South Africa so you can buy with more confidence and less fuss.

Start with the product page - what to check

A product page is your primary inspection. We look for clear, multiple-angle photos (including outsole and inside of the tongue), detailed materials and a full size chart. If the page lists only a generic description and one low-resolution image, that’s a red flag. Reliable sellers also display expected delivery times, stock level or variant notes (for example, “runs small” or “limited edition”).

Practical checklist

Multiple, zoomable photos and a seller stamp or verified badge.
Complete size chart with centimetres or brand-specific guidance.
Clear information on returns, delivery carrier, and estimated days to delivery.
Customer reviews that include photos and mention fit or comfort.

Sizing and getting the fit right

We measure at home before ordering. Measure both feet standing, mark heel-to-toe on paper, and use the longer measurement against the brand’s centimetre chart. Brands vary - what’s true for one maker may not be for another - so trust the provided length in centimetres over a numeric size alone. Most shoe guides recommend measuring in the evening when feet are naturally a little larger to avoid ordering too tight.

Local South African shoe retailers and specialist stores often publish brand-specific fit notes (narrow, medium, wide) and how much extra allowance to add (typically 0.5-0.8 cm for sneakers). When in doubt, check the retailer’s size page or reach for the same model in a physical store before ordering online.

Price bands and what to expect

Sneakers in South Africa can span broad price ranges. As an estimate: everyday casual sneakers commonly fall in the R800-R2 500 band, while performance or limited-edition models often sit higher. These are approximate ranges to help you set expectations; specific models and imports will vary by brand and retailer.

Safety: spotting counterfeits and unreliable sellers

Counterfeit sneakers are a real concern. We check for consistent branding in photos, correct box labels, and seller history (how long they’ve sold on the platform, review patterns, and reply behaviour). If a deal seems too good to be true, that’s often the best warning. Guides targeted at South African shoppers list common markers of fake sneakers and recommend buying from authorised retailers or well-reviewed sellers.

Quick seller audit

Check seller rating and recent reviews (look for photos and time stamps).
Search the platform for other listings from the same seller - repeated new listings can indicate resale traders, which is OK if reviews are good.
Confirm whether the seller is an authorised brand partner (this reduces counterfeit risk).

If you want to explore styles while keeping options open, start from our Sneakers collection pages for quicker comparison: Sneakers (men) or Sneakers (women). These pages link to verified sellers and brand stock where available.

Add as a preferred source on Google

Delivery, unboxing and first checks

When your sneakers arrive, open the outer packaging in good light and confirm the box condition, label correctness and presence of any brand tags or extras. Try the shoes on carpet or soft flooring with the socks you plan to wear most. Walk a short distance to check heel slip, forefoot snugness, and arch support. Keep the original packaging until you’re certain you’ll keep the pair - returns are far easier when everything is intact.

Returns, cooling-off and your rights

South African online shoppers have statutory protections for certain online purchases. Depending on the transaction and how it was initiated, there is commonly a short cooling-off or cancellation window for online purchases; retailers also publish their own return windows and conditions. Read the retailer’s returns page before you order so you understand whether you’re entitled to a refund, exchange, or only store credit, and what condition the shoes must be in for return. For broad guidance on returns and the cooling-off concept in local practice, see consumer resources that explain how these rules apply to online sales.

How we prepare for an easy return

Photograph the new shoes and box on delivery to document condition.
Keep order emails, tracking numbers and any chat transcripts with the seller.
Follow the seller’s stated return steps exactly (forms, courier labels, time windows).

Aftercare and reselling options

If you change your mind, lightly worn sneakers in original condition retain resale value. Clean soles and keep tags. For long-term care, follow the brand’s cleaning notes: breathable textiles need gentle washes, leathers need light conditioning. If you’re considering reselling later, keep the box and any extra laces - they matter to buyers.

How we decide where to buy

For everyday models we prioritise verified brand stores and well-rated retailers with a straightforward returns policy. For rare drops, we research marketplace sellers carefully, favouring those with long histories and photographic reviews. If speed matters, check whether same-day or next-day delivery is available locally. You can also filter curated brand selections on our site’s Brands page to see authorised stock quickly.

In short: measure carefully, vet sellers, photograph on delivery, and keep the box. Those steps reduce hassle and protect your purchase - and they’re the small habits that make online sneaker shopping feel more like the in-store experience.

If you’d like, we can walk through a specific pair you’re looking at - measure guidance, seller checks and a quick risk note - and point you to similar, trusted options on Bash.

Last updated: August 27, 2026

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Sneaker Factory online shopping experience: what to expect and how we shop smarter

Measure before you buy

Sources

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Vet the seller

Document delivery

Why we write this guide

Start with the product page - what to check

Practical checklist

Sizing and getting the fit right

Price bands and what to expect

Safety: spotting counterfeits and unreliable sellers

Quick seller audit

Delivery, unboxing and first checks

Returns, cooling-off and your rights

How we prepare for an easy return

Aftercare and reselling options

How we decide where to buy

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