In Pakistan, secondhand shoes go by many names: landa, lunda, landay ka maal, thrift, preloved. They overlap, but they are not the same experience. Here is what the words usually mean and how to choose well.
Landa (landay ka maal)
Landa bazaars sell imported secondhand clothes and shoes, often sold by the pile or by the piece, with bargaining. You can find real bargains, but you usually cannot check condition properly, and nothing is described or graded. The word has also carried a stigma, as if used meant poor quality.
Thrift
Thrift is the newer word, popular with Instagram pages and online stores. It usually means someone has sorted the stock, cleaned it, photographed it and priced it. The quality depends entirely on the seller.
Preloved
Preloved stresses that the item was cared for before. At its best, it means every pair is cleaned, checked and described honestly, so you know what you are buying.
What actually matters
- Condition: a clear grade and a description of the specific flaws
- Authenticity: checks on tags, stitching and style codes (see how to spot fake sneakers)
- Measurements: foot length in centimetres, not just a size label (see our size chart)
- Payment: cash on delivery, so you check before you pay (see how it works)
Is buying used shoes something to be embarrassed about?
Pakistan buys used cars, phones and furniture without a second thought. A well-made pair of sneakers that has years of life left is the same idea. Wearing one is a smart choice, not a compromise.
How Shanasa does it
Every pair is one of one, cleaned, checked, graded from A+ to D and photographed individually. Read how we grade on our condition grading page, or start with the buyer's guide to preloved sneakers in Pakistan. Browse all shoes when you are ready.