What Does DS Mean in Shoes

“DS” stands for “Deadstock.” The term describes shoes that are brand new and have never been on someone’s feet. They’re basically new shoes sitting in storage, waiting to be bought and worn by someone.

But wait, there’s more to Deadstock shoes. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive explanation of what DS means. We’ll also look at acronyms like NDS, BNDS, and VNDS, which are all closely related.

By the end, you’ll have a much better understanding of these terms and what they mean in relation to shoes. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Detailed Explanation of What is DS in Shoes

Deadstock Nike shoes.
Brand-New Nike Shoes

As mentioned above, “DS” is an acronym for “Deadstock.” It represents that a specific pair of shoes is brand new and has never been worn by anyone.

Most people split the term “Deadstock” into “Dead” and “Stock.” They then treat it as if it were two different words. In this sense, “Dead” denotes that the company no longer manufactures the shoes. The term “stock” refers to a product’s leftover inventory. However, this is not the case.

It is worth noting that DS shoes may or may not come with their original packaging. Sometimes, the shoes are taken out of their box and displayed in a store. However, this doesn’t mean that they’re not considered deadstock.

As long as the shoes have never been on somebody’s feet before, they can still be classified as deadstock.

The term “DS” becomes more important when a shoe is no longer in production.

Sneakerheads and collectors often search for these shoes because they’re hard to find. This often drives up the price of the shoes because there’s high demand and low supply. So, if you’re looking for a pair of DS shoes, be prepared to pay a premium price.

What Does DS Mean on StockX?

On StockX, the acronym “DS” holds the same meaning. It stands for “Deadstock.” The term is used to tell buyers that the shoes they’re interested in are brand new and have never been worn.

According to StockX, Deadstock means that the shoes are authentic, new, and unworn at the time of sale. Deadstock sneakers are also sold with the original box, including the box lid and the box label indicating the shoe size. Deadstock sneakers may or may not come with extra accessories (such as laces) that were included in the original box at the time of purchase.

How to Verify if a Deadstock Sneaker is Real?

There are a lot of fake sneakers out there. So, how can you be sure that the DS shoes you’re interested in are the real deal?

Unfortunately, there’s no surefire way to tell if a DS sneaker is real or fake. However, some attributes can help you identify whether or not the GS shoe is authentic. Here are some hints and indicators to identify a DS sneaker:

  • Check the overall condition of the shoe. If it shows any wear and tear, it’s most likely not DS.
  • Look for any scuffs, dirt, or stains on the shoe. Again, if you see any of these things, they are not DS.
  • Inspect the materials used. Make sure they look and feel authentic.
  • Check for any flaws in the stitching. If the shoes are poorly made, they’re probably not DS.
  • Take a close look at the outsoles of the shoes. If they’re dirty or worn down, they’re not DS.
  • Inspect the insole of the shoe. If it’s clean and free of dirt, debris, or foot marks, there’s a good chance it’s DS.
  • Check the shoelaces. Brand new shoes mostly have them tied.
  • Compare prices. DS shoes are often sold at a premium price.
  • Make sure the seller is reputable and has a good track record.

As you can see, there’s no foolproof way to tell if a DS sneaker is real or fake. However, if you keep an eye out for these things, you can avoid getting scammed.

Read our article on reps to help you identify fake or replica shoes.

What Does VNDS Mean in Shoes?

Branded Shoes Placed on a Shelf
VNDS Shoes

The acronym “VNDS” stands for “Very Near Deadstock.” This term describes shoes that are almost new but have been tried on or worn a few times.

VNDS shoes are basically those that are kept in store for customers to try on. However, these shoes are never actually worn outside the store.

VNDS shoes generally show signs of wear and tear, but they’re still in good condition. For example, the soles might be a little dirty, or there may be scuffs, creases, or dirt on the shoes.

However, these types of shoes are still considered to be in good condition. They’re often sold at a lower price than DS shoes.

What Does PADS Mean in Shoes?

“PADS” stands for “Pass As Deadstock.” This term is used to describe shoes that have been purchased by the customers and worn for a short period. They are, however, returned to the store within a few days or weeks of purchase. 

These shoes then undergo a quality control process to check for defects. Once they pass this inspection, they are put back on the shelves and sold as new. 

PADS shoes are in good condition, but they’re not brand new. These shoes are often sold at a lower price than VNDS or DS shoes.

What Does BNIB Mean in Shoes? 

Brand New Vans sold with original tags.
Vans Sold With Original Tags

The acronym “BNIB” stands for “Brand New in Box.” This acronym is used to identify shoes that are brand new and are still in their original box.

BNIB shoes are sold in their original box. However, they may or may not come with original tags or labels.

What Does BNWT Mean in Shoes? 

“BNWT” stands for “Brand New with Tags.” This acronym indicates that the shoes are brand new and come with all the original tags and labels.

What Does BNWOT Mean in Shoes?

“BNWOT” stands for “Brand New Without Tags.” This acronym refers to shoes that are brand new but don’t have the original tags or labels. However, these shoes will still come in their original box.

What is DS Size in Shoes? 

DS or Deadstock Size in shoes refers to those shoe sizes that are not commonly demanded or found in the market. DS sizes are usually extremely small or extremely large shoe sizes. These shoe sizes do not fall under the average foot size range and are, therefore, less in demand.

As these shoe sizes are demanded less, they result in “dead stock” or unsold inventory for the store. Due to this reason, shoe stores avoid stocking these sizes and making them difficult to find.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Deadstock Shoes Authentic? 

Yes, Deadstock shoes are authentic. In fact, they are brand new and have never been worn before.

What Does BNDS Mean in Shoes?

“BNDS” stands for “Brand New Deadstock.” This acronym has the same meaning as Deadstock (DS).

What Does NDS Mean in Shoes?

“NDS” stands for “Near Deadstock” shoes. The term holds the same meaning as Pass As Deadstock (PADS)

Where Can You Buy Deadstock Sneakers?

The best place to buy Deadstock sneakers is directly from a retailer. They get their products directly from the brands themselves.

Another option is to purchase them from private sellers. However, it would be best to be careful as many fakes are being sold. We recommend you only buy from sellers with a good reputation and track record.

The final alternative is to buy them from online stores or auction sites like eBay and StockX. However, before you buy one, make sure to do your research to ensure you’re getting an authentic pair of shoes.

Final Thoughts

We hope this article has helped answer your question of what does DS stands for in shoes. To summarize, “DS” stands for Deadstock. It refers to shoes that are brand new and have never been worn before. DS shoes are authentic and in good condition. However, they may not come with the original tags or labels.

Similar to DS, there are many terms that you may want to know. Check out our articles explaining GS, PS, TD, and more.

You may also like our article, what does SE mean in shoes?

Please do your research before you purchase DS shoes. Ensure you’re getting an authentic pair of shoes to avoid disappointment.

If you are a Nike or New Balance fan, check out the difference between New Balance and Nike sizing.

What are your thoughts on DS shoes? Have you ever purchased a pair before? Let us know in the comments below.

Leave a Comment