The holidays are already upon us, and everyone is starting to round up their holiday gifts for loved ones. And one of the best ideas for a sneakerhead is… a pair of sneakers! Now, as you head to sneaker marketplaces, you might stumble across KicksCrew. KicksCrew has become one of the biggest names in online sneaker shopping, especially for pairs that are sold out everywhere else. But with so many resale platforms popping up, and plenty of sketchy ones mixed in, it’s normal to wonder: Is KicksCrew legit? Well, we’re gonna answer this question right now to put your mind at ease!
What Is KicksCrew?
KicksCrew is a Hong Kong–based online retailer founded in 2008 by Johnny Mak and Ross Adrian Yip. Unlike your average resale platforms, KicksCrew partners directly with verified retailers worldwide to source inventory. In other words, it’s like a high-level sneaker plug! Basically, when you order a pair from KicksCrew, the marketplace brings kicks from stores that still have them in stock.
So if you’re looking for a pair that doesn’t exist in places like Nike SNKRS, KicksCrew can find a brand-new pair that still exists at a sneaker store somewhere! In fact, this is an important selling point for the marketplace. You see, they are not resellers. They’re a retail network distributor, which eliminates a lot of the fakes you might see on peer-to-peer marketplaces.
Now, let’s talk about an interesting, fun fact. In December 2023, Kyrie Irving actually invested in KicksCrew! He became an equity shareholder, as well as Chief Community Officer of the marketplace. This move was due to both parties wanting to “democratize” the sneaker market. Irving’s approach to everything in his life is community-centered, and this move just makes sense for him.
Is KicksCrew Legit? The Two Opinions of the Industry
The YES
Yes, KicksCrew is legit and trusted by millions of buyers worldwide. And this honestly seems to be the opinion of the majority of the industry. There are many reasons to trust the marketplace, like:
- Authentic Products: Since the inventory is sourced from actual retailers, you don’t have to worry about receiving fake sneakers. Moreover, the kicks go through an additional authentication process before they ship them to you!
- Secure Payments: The marketplace accepts several types of payments, like PayPal, CCs, Apple Pay, Google Play, and other regional options.
- Online Presence: KicksCrew has a solid online following from around the world. In addition to that, the marketplace constantly collaborates with athletes and more. And of course, Trustpilot reviews are in the thousands, so that has its own weight too!
The NO
Of course, whenever you operate an online business, there will always be mistakes. Even big platforms like StockX have their controversies. But you know, we’re always curious and always checking sneaker Reddit to see what the masses have to say. And boy are those opinions split! Some have nothing but good experiences with the marketplace. But others struggled with receiving what they ordered and all agree that the customer service should be better. So, keep that in mind before you decide to make a purchase!
How Long Does KicksCrew Shipping Take?
Shipping times vary because inventory comes from different retailers, not one central warehouse.
Standard timeline:
- Processing: 3–5 business days
- International Shipping: 5–12 business days (DHL/FedEx/Aramex)
- Total: Usually 8–16 days
You can check out the exact shipping details on the KicksCrew website right here!
Does KicksCrew Accept Returns?
Yes, but there are some pretty hard rules that they go through in the terms & conditions. Because of the strict criteria, many customers choose to resell instead of return.
KicksCrew return policy:
- Must be brand-new, unworn, with tags & KicksCrew tags
- Return window: 7 days from delivery
- Buyer pays return shipping
- Restocking fees may apply
KicksCrew vs. StockX vs. GOAT
Here’s how KicksCrew compares to other platforms:
KicksCrew
- Retail-partner model
- Ships new pairs directly from boutiques
- Best for older, rare, or regional stock
StockX
- Peer-to-peer resale
- Longer shipping because of the authentication middle step
- Prices fluctuate constantly
GOAT
- Mix of retail and resale
- Great protection and faster U.S. shipping
- Higher fees
Tips to Buy Safely From KicksCrew
Here’s how to avoid issues:
- Screenshot your order confirmation
- Double-check the sizing chart
- Check taxes and shipping fees before placing your order
- Track your shipment daily
- Use PayPal or a credit card with dispute options
So, Is KicksCrew Legit for Real?
If you collect or resell sneakers, the answer is yes.
KicksCrew is especially useful for:
- Older Nike and Jordan models
- Colorways that released only in Asia
- Stock that vanished from U.S. shelves
- GR pairs that are overpriced on StockX
Of course, if you’re looking for upcoming drops, you don’t need to go through any of this. All you gotta do is learn how to score kicks for retail, and you’re good. Don’t forget to check our blog for info about the hottest kicks coming your way. Godspeed!
