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SNKRDUNK Sneaker Quality Guide: New & Pre-owned Authentication Standards | FROM JAPAN

SNKRDUNK × FROM JAPAN official partnership: authenticated popular Japanese sneakers and trading cards shipped overseas (via FROM JAPAN proxy buying)

SNKRDUNK × FROM JAPAN Sneaker Quality Guide

FROM JAPAN and SNKRDUNK have officially partnered up! Want to buy popular sneakers from Japan but worried about “How good is the condition of a pre-owned pair?” or “Will I get burned buying from overseas?” Using SNKRDUNK’s official quality standards, this article walks you through where the line falls between “acceptable” and “unacceptable” for new, pre-owned and boxed items, and how authentication protects you, so you can bring home the pair you love with confidence.

01

What is SNKRDUNK, and why can you buy with confidence?

Operated by SODA Inc., it is one of Japan’s largest C2C marketplaces for sneakers, trading cards and luxury goods, where every item is professionally authenticated.

Its biggest feature is that every item goes through authentication by a specialist team: using equipment found nowhere else in Japan, it achieves 99.9993% high-precision authentication, and only genuine items are shipped out by FROM JAPAN, so you can buy with confidence even from overseas. On top of only stocking “confirmed genuine” items, SNKRDUNK also sets out clearly written quality standards for each item’s condition — and that is exactly what this article will help you understand.

The authentication accuracy above is calculated from transaction data between December 2024 and November 2025.

Preview of the SNKRDUNK × FROM JAPAN guide: Buy Authentic Sneakers & Cards Overseas Further reading SNKRDUNK × FROM JAPAN: Buy Authentic Sneakers & Cards Overseas Read more

02

Quality standards for new sneakers

Even brand-new items can show minor flaws due to material characteristics, manufacturing or distribution; all of the following are common cases that fall within the genuine-item range (within standard). Get a quick overview from the at-a-glance list first, then compare each item against the OK/NG example photos and notes below.

Within standard (OK): quick listFor reference · see at a glance
Common conditions acceptable within the genuine-item range (within standard)
Light scratches / scuffs Wipeable dirt Light color transfer A little excess glue Wrinkles from try-ons Slight tilt when laid flat Natural light yellowing Light creasing on the size tag

Detailed standards per item (OK/NG)Tap to expand · compare example photos
Scratches / ScuffsScratch / Scuff OKNG
Within standardScratches / scuffs within-standard (OK) example
Light scratches, dents and scuffs

Common during manufacturing and shipping; even items bought at official stores often have them.

Outside standardScratches / scuffs outside-standard (NG) example
Large scratches, deep cracks or big dents that would be graded as B.

Beyond the acceptable range and treated as outside standard.

Dirt / StainsDirt / Stain OKNG
Within standardDirt / stains within-standard (OK) example
Light, wipeable dirt

Picked up during manufacturing, in-store display or handling.

Outside standardDirt / stains outside-standard (NG) example
Large, non-removable dirt or signs of wear.

Beyond the acceptable range and treated as outside standard.

Color TransferColor Transfer OKNG
Within standardColor transfer within-standard (OK) example
Light color transfer over a small area

Transferred from component materials or shoebox ink.

Outside standardColor transfer outside-standard (NG) example
Excessive color transfer over a large area.

Beyond the acceptable range and treated as outside standard.

Excess GlueExcess Glue OKNG
Within standardExcess glue within-standard (OK) example
A small amount of residual glue

Squeezed out during manufacturing; usually wipes off with a damp cloth after warming.

Outside standardExcess glue outside-standard (NG) example
Large-area glue residue exceeding normal unit-to-unit variation.

Beyond the acceptable range and treated as outside standard.

Upper WrinklesUpper Wrinkle OKNG
Within standardUpper wrinkles within-standard (OK) example
Light wrinkles from try-ons or material characteristics

Naturally produced by in-store try-ons or the nature of the leather.

Outside standardUpper wrinkles outside-standard (NG) example
Deep wrinkles caused by repeated try-ons.

Beyond the acceptable range and treated as outside standard.

Sole WarpSole Warp OKNG
Within standardSole warp within-standard (OK) example
Slight tilt when laid flat

Minor warping from manufacturing, also common at official stores.

Outside standardSole warp outside-standard (NG) example
One side warps up sharply, making the shoe hard to wear.

Beyond the acceptable range and treated as outside standard.

YellowingYellowing OKNG
Within standardYellowing within-standard (OK) example
Light yellowing from first-run distribution or consistent with the item’s age

Caused by long-term storage or material characteristics.

Outside standardYellowing outside-standard (NG) example
Strong yellowing or a clear difference between left and right.

Beyond the acceptable range and treated as outside standard.

Size TagSize Tag OKNG
Within standardSize tag within-standard (OK) example
Light dirt or creasing on the size tag

Creases or transfer produced when the tag is folded and fixed in place.

Outside standardSize tag outside-standard (NG) example
Heavy soiling, tearing or major heat damage.

Beyond the acceptable range and treated as outside standard.

Full standardsFor more condition items and the complete set of criteria, see the official quality guide as well. View the official quality guide

The official SNKRDUNK quality guide is currently available in Japanese only.

When an item meets several standards at once, it is listed under the “lowest” of them. The condition table is one example, and actual standards may vary by item. Items released roughly five or more years ago are not covered by full compensation for wear-related damage. Standards may differ for collaboration and luxury-brand items.

03

Condition grades for pre-owned sneakers

For any item other than brand-new/unused, the seller must choose a condition grade and upload photos of the actual item. Get the full picture of the six grades from the quick list first, then compare against the “approx. times worn” and official example photos below.

Condition grades: quick listFor reference · arranged by “approx. times worn”
GradeConditionApprox. times worn
A+

Brand new, unusedNot worn

A

Like newBrief outdoor use

B

No obvious damageApprox. 2–9 times

C

Slight damageApprox. 10–19 times

D

Scuffs and stainsApprox. 20+ times

E

Poor conditionPoor condition

More signs of use · more times worn
Grade details (with approx. times worn and example photos)Official example photos
A+ Brand New / Unused (defective) example
A+
Brand New / Unused (defective)Not worn

Unworn only (in-store try-ons count as unworn). Only the degree of unit-to-unit variation from the production process.

A Like New example
A
Like NewBrief outdoor use

Almost no scuffs or stains. Only minor localized marks, wrinkles or extremely light abrasions.

B No noticeable scuffs or stains example
B
No noticeable scuffs or stainsApprox. 2–9 times

Light abrasions, wrinkles and small marks, with no obvious damage.

C Slight scuffs or stains example
C
Slight scuffs or stainsApprox. 10–19 times

Signs of use are visible at a glance, with overall wrinkles, scuffs, stains and scuffing.

D Visible scuffs or stains example
D
Visible scuffs or stainsApprox. 20+ times

Widespread wrinkles, scuffs, stains, yellowing and deformation; strong signs of use.

E Poor overall condition example
E
Poor overall conditionPoor condition

Very strong scuffs, stains and yellowing, possibly including damage (must be supplemented with photos and a description).

Peace of mindDuring inspection, the official quality standards take precedence, over the seller’s descriptions and comments; if the actual condition differs significantly from what was stated, the buyer is contacted during authentication, and the order can be canceled or returned. The criteria for each grade can be checked in the official quality guide for pre-owned sneakers.

The official SNKRDUNK quality guide is currently available in Japanese only.

04

Quality standards for shoeboxes

A first-run (original) shoebox matching the model and size is also part of the item. Minor damage that can occur during domestic shipping and storage is within the acceptable range (within standard); obvious damage does not meet the standard (NG). Get a quick overview of within-standard box conditions from the list first, then compare against the official OK/NG examples below.

Within standard (OK): quick listFor reference · common box conditions
Box conditions common in domestic shipping and storage that are still within standard
Small splits / dents at the corners Light surface dents / creases Small surface holes / shallow scuffs Light stains Yellowed label Light dents on a clear box

OK/NG example comparisonOfficial example photos
OKAcceptable (within standard) — the conditions below can still be listed as “new/unused” or “with box”
Small split at a corner
Small split at a corner
Light dent at a corner
Light dent at a corner
Light surface dent / crease
Light surface dent / crease
Small surface hole / cut
Small surface hole / cut
Shallow surface scuff
Shallow surface scuff
Yellowed label
Yellowed label
Light stain
Light stain
Small split at one lid corner
Small split at one lid corner
Light dent on a clear box
Light dent on a clear box
NGDoes not meet the standard (outside standard) — must be listed as pre-owned “with box (damaged)” or “without box”
Large splits at 2+ lid corners
Large splits at 2+ lid corners
Large dents at 2+ corners
Large dents at 2+ corners
One corner fully split open
One corner fully split open
Large surface tear
Large surface tear
Reinforced with tape / adhesive
Reinforced with tape / adhesive
Prominent surface stains
Prominent surface stains
Water stains
Water stains
Graffiti / writing marks
Graffiti / writing marks
Label largely peeled off
Label largely peeled off

The above are example standards for shoeboxes (standard boxes and clear boxes); actual standards may be adjusted by item. Some items (such as the NIKE Space Hippie) have the shipping label affixed directly at dispatch, which is within standard.

05

Editor’s picks

A selection of the most talked-about items right now. Prices change, so please check the item page for the latest price.

06

Browse by popular brand

Tap a brand you’re interested in to see that brand’s current No.1 most popular sneaker.

07

FAQ

We’ve compiled the questions most often asked by first-time users overseas.

Can I buy from overseas?

Yes. FROM JAPAN buys, inspects and handles international shipping on your behalf. Anywhere FROM JAPAN supports international shipping, you can easily place an order from overseas, even if you don’t read Japanese.

Roughly how much is shipping?

International shipping fees vary by shipping method, weight and fragility. You can choose from several shipping options and confirm the fee at checkout. Combining shipments can sometimes be cheaper.

Is there authentication (an authenticity guarantee)?

Every item has its authenticity checked by SNKRDUNK’s authentication team, and only items that pass the standard are shipped out by FROM JAPAN, so you can rest assured. In addition, your payment is held by the platform until SNKRDUNK confirms the item is genuine, protecting buyers.

Can I trust the stated condition of pre-owned sneakers?

Sellers of pre-owned items must choose a condition grade (A+ to E, with an objective “approx. times worn” reference) and upload photos of the actual item. During inspection, the official quality standards take precedence over the seller’s descriptions and comments; if the actual condition differs significantly from what was stated, the buyer is contacted during authentication, and the order can be canceled or returned. For details on each grade, see “Condition grades for pre-owned sneakers” above.

Is the condition of the shoebox covered too?

Yes. A first-run (original) shoebox matching the model and size is also considered part of the item. Minor damage that can occur during domestic shipping and storage (such as small corner splits or light dents) is within the acceptable range; obvious damage (such as large corner splits, water stains or reinforcement with tape) does not meet the standard. See “Quality standards for shoeboxes” above for details.

Find your authentic pair now

Sign up free with FROM JAPAN and check out the most talked-about sneakers and trading cards right now. You can also claim a members-only 5–10% OFF coupon.

This article introduces the partnership between FROM JAPAN and SNKRDUNK. Prices, stock and coupon conditions are subject to change. SNKRDUNK is a service operated by SODA Inc.

The coupon details, eligibility conditions and validity period mentioned in this article may change or end at any time without notice. Please refer to the latest announcement on the campaign page for the actual terms.

FROM JAPAN Editorial Team

This blog is the official media provided by FROM JAPAN Co., Ltd. (which operates the cross-border e-commerce service "One Map"). Since our founding in 2004, we have drawn on our hands-on experience in cross-border e-commerce to help overseas customers receive Japanese products. Our articles are written and supervised by the FROM JAPAN editorial team, and we organize key points—such as the purchasing process, shipping, customs duties / consumption tax, and important considerations—in a clear and easy-to-understand way. Before writing, we verify our information against primary, first-hand sources, including the official information of government agencies, shipping companies, and individual sellers, and we update our content as needed.