Is GOAT Legit and Safe to Buy From? The Ultimate Guide

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Tips for buying and selling sneakers on GOAT

Co-authored by Chance Dubinick and Devin McSween

Last Updated: August 16, 2025 Fact Checked

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Is GOAT legit?

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Buying

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Selling

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Authentication

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Return Policy

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What is GOAT?

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Tips

GOAT is an online sneaker marketplace that sells new and used shoes. Every pair of shoes that GOAT receives is expertly authenticated to ensure they’re the real deal. Keep reading if you’re curious about using GOAT to build your sneaker collection. We’ll tell you why GOAT is safe to buy from, how to buy and sell sneakers, and what their authentication and return policies are like!

Things You Should Know

GOAT is a legitimate business that sells real new and used sneakers and apparel online. Every single shoe is authenticated by experts and AI before being sold.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Chance Dubinick
Sneaker Authentication Expert & Digital Creator

Expert Interview}
Each employee at GOAT is trained to inspect every detail of the shoe to determine if it’s real or fake.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Chance Dubinick
Sneaker Authentication Expert & Digital Creator

Expert Interview}
GOAT has a large database of photos of authentic and fake sneakers. Their computers are trained to compare pictures of a seller’s shoes with the database images to detect fakes.

Section 1 of 6:

Is GOAT legit?

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GOAT is a trusted and established business that sells new and used sneakers, so it is safe to buy from. Each pair of shoes is carefully inspected and only added to the website if authentic.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Chance Dubinick
Sneaker Authentication Expert & Digital Creator

Expert Interview} While some customers have complained that they've gotten fake shoes from GOAT, it's very rare and the company will refund your money if you receive a dupe. GOAT was founded in 2015 after one of the founders, Daishin Sugano, was sold a fake pair of sneakers on eBay. GOAT also sells clothes and accessories.

Section 2 of 6:

How to Buy on GOAT

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New shoes are either pre-verified, meaning that GOAT certified them as authentic and they’re ready to ship, or they still need to be verified, so they’ll take longer to ship. Some new shoes are labeled as defective and have pictures of the flaws.

Used sneakers come with pictures. They also include the quality of the shoes (good, badly damaged, etc.) and any notes, like if they’re lacking a box.

Add the shoes you want to your cart and check out. GOAT accepts most major payment options. You typically get your order in 7 to 10 days.^{[4]
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If you aren’t happy with the cost of the shoes, click “Offer” to set your desired price and contact the seller. You have to make an account to do this.

Either buy shoes on GOAT’s website or download the GOAT app.

Section 3 of 6:

How to Sell on GOAT

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Download the GOAT app, fill out a request to sell, and add your shoes. GOAT is strict about who can sell shoes to help ensure their sneakers are authentic. Just create an account on the app and click the “Sell” tab to complete the seller application.

To list your shoes, go to the “Sell” tab and search for your sneakers. Then, follow the prompts to list your shoes as new or used, describe their condition, and add pictures.^{[5]
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Research source}

When your sneakers sell, you have 24 hours to confirm the purchase. Print out the label GOAT sends you, package your shoes, and send them to GOAT for authentication.^{[6]
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Research source} When your shoes are authenticated, GOAT adds your payment to the app and sends your shoes to the customer. GOAT takes a 9.5% commission fee and a base seller fee based on your location. There is also a 2.9% cash-out fee when you transfer your payment to your bank account.

Section 4 of 6:

GOAT Authentication Process

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Each employee at GOAT is trained to inspect every detail of the shoe to determine if it’s real or fake.^{[7]
X
Expert Source

Chance Dubinick
Sneaker Authentication Expert & Digital Creator

Expert Interview}

GOAT also has a large database of photos of authentic and fake sneakers. Their computers are trained to compare pictures of a seller’s shoes with the database images to detect fakes.^{[8]
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Research source}

While it’s rare, fake shoes can make their way past GOAT’s authentication process, as some customers complain about receiving dupes. If your shoes are fake, GOAT offers refunds back to your original payment form or as a store credit.^{[9]
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Research source}

Section 5 of 6:

GOAT Return Policy

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The new shoes have to be in the same condition and include the tags, return label, and packing slip to get a refund. Refunds are given as store credit and don’t include the shipping cost.

Items that are listed as “Final Sale” are not eligible for returns. Always check the return policy for your item before checking out.^{[10]
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If your shoes are inauthentic, missing parts, or don’t match the pictures, submit a claim on GOAT’s website within 3 days of getting your order.^{[11]
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Section 6 of 6:

What is GOAT?

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GOAT is a legit online sneaker and apparel store that sells new and used shoes. Every pair of shoes that GOAT receives and then resells is authenticated by an expert. GOAT also offers clothing, including jackets, hoodies, and sweatpants, as well as jewelry and bags.
- Items marked "GOAT Clean" have been professionally cleaned, graded, and photographed before being listed for sale.

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Tips

Buy from sellers with lots of good reviews to ensure your shoes are authentic and of good quality.

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Always research your pair of shoes before you buy them so you know what an authentic pair looks like.

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Stay away from sneakers that have too good-to-be-true prices, as they might be fake.

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