Graded Shoes Company is the world’s first sneaker grading and encapsulation company.

Once your shoes are mailed to our facility, we authenticate, professionally grade, and permanently encapsulate sneakers in our patented GS1.

By providing collectors with revolutionary new standards and tools, we are focused on long-term sneaker collectability.

Graded Shoes Company is proud to be the world's first company to authenticate, grade and preserve sneakers, all in a seamless process.

Graded Shoes Company is focused on introducing structure into the world of sneakers by establishing the first standardized method for grading sneakers.

Additionally, the GS1 Encapsulation is the world's first permanent encapsulation, made specifically for the long-term preservation of sneakers.

The GS1 is the world’s first sneaker encapsulation — a custom-engineered display encapsulation designed to protect and preserve a pair of sneakers for life.

Shoes with a heel taller than 7.5" will not fit in the GS1.

Shoes larger than size 14 will not fit in the GS1.

Please do not submit sneakers with the specifications listed above, as they will be rejected for services.

Our patented grading algorithm evaluates over 20 condition factors across outsole, midsole, upper materials, structure, and interior. This process ensures consistent and transparent grading — combining human expertise with measurable precision.

In addition to authentication and grading, we encapsulate each pair in our patented GS1, which is designed for long-term sneaker protection and preservation.

A formal GSC Grade inspires confidence in the pair by the owner, and prospective buyers. Grading is used to establish the overall quality of the pair.

In addition, the GS1 Encapsulation protects and display your collectible footwear. The GS1 is also pivotal in preventing yellowing and discoloration that occur over time.

Whether you're a modest, amateur collector, or a professional sneaker trader, Graded Shoes Company is made for enthusiasts of all levels, and all ages.

We recommend grading and preserving any pair that has significant collectible value.

We grade most standard-sized sneaker models from most common manufacturers, including:

• Nike
• Adidas
• New Balance
• Reebok

If you have questions about whether we will grade your exact model, contact william@gradedshoes.com.

Yes, every pair that we receive is fully insured up to $50,000 per loss while in our possession.

Once you purchase a Pre-Order for GSC Services, you will receive an email notification, which includes your personal Pre-Order Confirmation.

As soon as 500 Pre-Order Submissions are sold, Graded Shoes Company will begin accepting grading submissions.

Pre-Order customers will receive an email prompting their submission as soon as 500 orders are reached.

No. Pre-Order Submission Codes are non-transferrable, and only for use by the original buyer.

All Pre-Orders for GSC Services will include the Limited Edition Benchmark 3,000 Collector Tag, signifying that pair as among the first 3,000 graded.

All Pre-Orders for GSC Services will include Free Shipping, which is not included on standard submissions.

Lastly, all Pre-Orders will include Express Services, ensuring that your timeline for GSC Services will not exceed 7 business days.

Yes, any Pre-Order purchases are entirely refundable, until we receive your shoes.

1. Purchase a $99 Promotional Code.
2. Ship your sneakers to the GSC authentication facility.
3. We authenticate, professionally grade, and encapsulate your pair.
4. Your sneakers are returned to you, perfectly preserved in our patented GS1.

Your $99.00 purchase covers one sneaker submission, including authentication, grading, encapsulation, and return shipment.

Yes — the buyer is responsible for shipping the sneakers to Graded Shoes Company Headquarters, located at:

PO Box 4612, Minneapolis, MN 55416

Return shipment after encapsulation is included in the $99 submission.

(Pre-Orders will include FREE SHIPPING)

Yes. Each pair requires its own submission and Promotional Code.

Average turnaround time is 1–2 weeks from the date your sneakers arrive at our facility. Times may vary during high-demand periods.

Graded Shoes Company requires a "Declared Value" for every pair that undergoes our services.

A "Declared Value" can be approximate.

We recommend using a "realistic" value, that the pair would sell for if they were to sell on the current market.

If possible, use comparable pairs that have sold recently for reference.

After your shoes have been authenticated, graded, and sealed, they will be packaged and shipped back to the owner, using UPS Shipping.

All return shipments include a tracking number, and signature receipt is required.

View Graded Shoes Company Terms & Conditions.

Graded Shoe Company uses a proprietary method of authentication, which involves AI Analysis, combined with a thorough Expert Evaluation.

Our grading algorithm measures 20+ condition factors across key categories including outsole, midsole, upper, laces, shape, and interior structure.

Each factor contributes to an overall grade that reflects both visual and structural integrity.

Graded Shoes Company is very selective about GSC Grader Qualifications.

Being a GSC Grader require a minimum of five years of experience in the field of professional sneaker authentication.

Additionally, every GSC Grader undergoes a thorough 2-week training process, in order to learn our step-by-step protocol, and grade with precision.

We take pride in being able to offer evaluation by genuine industry experts.

If authentication fails, the sneakers will be returned ungraded with documentation stating they did not pass verification.

The grading and encapsulation process will not proceed.

No, the cost for services will not be refunded if the shoe cannot be established to be genuine.

Yes — every encapsulated pair comes with a digital record and verification ID that includes a breakdown of its grading and authentication data.

Yes — Graded Shoes Company grades sneakers with any level of wear.

Every pair of sneakers that undergoes GSC Services is serviced blindly, meaning the GSC Grader evaluating the pair will be entirely unaware of ownership.

We take every effort to ensure that every pair is evaluated properly, using Graded Shoes Company standards and protocols.

The Benchmark 3,000 Series will represent the first 3,000 pairs of sneakers graded.

The first 3,000 pairs will include the Benchmark 3,000 tag, representing that they are among the first 3,000 pairs graded.

All Pre-Orders will include the Benchmark 3,000 tag.

No. Once sealed, the capsule is permanently sealed to ensure authenticity and preservation integrity.

The GSC1 capsule accommodates one pair of adult sneakers, up to men’s US size 14. Each unit is custom-positioned and sealed to prevent movement.

Oversized encapsulations, which are designed to hold larger shoes will be coming soon.

Yes. We grade both brand new and pre-owned pairs. Grading results will reflect the condition accordingly.

The GS1 is nearly air-tight. When sealed, the encapsulation prevents 99.9% of air exchange, which prevents your shoes from oxidizing.

The GS1 dimensions are 14"x12"x7.5".

The GS1 is designed to for most sneakers, up to size 14.

Keep in mind, the GS1 only supports high tops up to 7.5" tall.

Coming in Mid-2026, GSC will release additional oversized encapsulations, designed to suit shoes larger than size 14, and taller than 7.5".

The GS1 is made from durable, and scratch resistant ABS plastic.

No. The GS1 was designed and engineered not to damage your shoes.

Yes, the GS1 is made of high-quality, scratch-resistant ABS plastic. The GS1 was engineered to be durable and tamperproof.

Yes, the GS1 is the ideal way to display your collection.

In addition to preserving your shoes, the GS1 was designed to be the premier showcase for your valued collectible footwear.

Yes, the GS1 is stackable. We do not recommend stacking more than six-units.

The first 3,000 sneakers graded by Graded Shoes Company will be a part of the Benchmark 3,000 Series, which comes with a Limited Edition GSC Tag (Limit 3,000).

No limit per customer — however, only the first 3,000 encapsulations will qualify.

While we make no guarantees, we anticipate that the original GS1 units, with the Benchmark 3,000 Tags, will be very collectible.

Yes — visit our Grading Guide gallery to see visual examples of wear, flaws, and deductions across outsole, midsole, and upper materials.

Yes — digital record verification is currently in development and will be introduced in a future update.

Every pair we grade undergoes a thorough, methodical evaluation, carried out by an industry expert.

We welcome any collector who is unsatisfied with their GSC Grade to re-submit the already graded pair.

If, after an additional review, the pair scores higher than the initial grade, Graded Shoes Company will refund payment for a re-submission.

However, if the original score stands, after an additional review, the payment for GSC will not be refunded.

Slated for Mid-2026, Graded Shoes Company will begin offering "On-Site Grading" at miscellaneous sneaker conventions. Stay tuned.