Sneaker releases have become a race to the top of the world. Since then, the sneakerheads have been burning through the limited edition Nike drop or fresh Adidas collaboration to find the latest, the coolest, the most exclusive. And as online sneaker culture continues to grow, getting your hands on highly coveted classic models has gotten more difficult than ever. But there are ways and tips you can use to increase your chances of copping the next big drop. This article will cover the best ways to compete with upcoming Nike & Adidas sneakers, from using the right apps to staying ahead.
Stay Updated on Release Dates
The first step to successfully copping upcoming sneakers is knowing when they are released. The amount of sneakers released by brands like Nike and Adidas is announced days, weeks — sometimes even months — in advance, but sometimes dates will change, or new releases will pop up out of nowhere. The easiest way to know release schedules is to follow the official brand websites, not the sneaker blogs, although they may have the best info. You can certainly put some calls in and set reminders for the release date, but you can also have a solid plan for when the sneakers will be going up, which will help you get things ready.
Besides official sources, sneaker apps like Nike SNKRS or Adidas Confirmed give you direct access to release calendars, so you’ll always know what’s happening. One of the best ways to know you aren’t missing a drop is to sign up for notifications on these platforms. There’s also some valuable info from resellers and the famous squeeze in the sneakerheads, who often post on social media to remind you when the time arrives.
Use Multiple Platforms
The more platforms you use, the better it is if you would like a shot at getting a pair of shoes that is coveted in the market. Nike and Adidas drop their sneakers on their official apps and websites, but when they do, they are also released on third-party sites like Foot Locker, Finish Line, etc. With more spaces to show your size and more platforms to sell the sneakers, you improve your chances of realizing your size before the sneakers sell out.
Save all your payment details on these accounts before ensuring they’re set up. Fast checkout can be fast during high-demand parts releases, and having your information entered before you start the process can save you time. Some sites also have special early access for members or loyalty program participants, so sign up for these first before the release.
Enter Raffles and Giveaways
By entering raffles and giveaways, you’re one of the best ways to cop rare sneakers. Nike and Adidas also team up with retailers or local sneaker boutiques for raffles to have a few of their limited releases. The odds are still good, as these raffles may be in-store or online, but you can drop the money you would spend on delicious new shoes on resale prices instead.
Just like with those other offers, to get in, you’ll likely have to go through some form of step to get there, such as using their website, downloading their app, or completing a survey. Some raffles, for example, require you to buy a product or do social media tasks to enter. Not only are these raffle opportunities extremely coveted, but they usually have very strict deadlines — nothing beats missing one!
Be Ready for the Release Time
Regarding sneaker drops, especially for highly anticipated releases, there’s a good chance they will happen at a certain time to a certain crowd, and you have to be ready. On the day of the drop, you should log in to your accounts 15 minutes or more ahead of the scheduled drop time. It allows you to get settled and to verify you are not having an issue with your login or payment info. Early means you’ll be able to buy the sneakers as soon as they’re up.
Release times vary according to time zone, and some drops are region-specific. That last bit is important: to ensure you aren’t missing out, know exactly when the release occurs in your local time zone. Additionally, some of the releases are staggered, so the sneakers aren’t released at the same time for all regions or websites, so you’re going to want a plan for each platform you’re using.
Leverage Bots (Cautiously)
Sneaker bots are the software tools that give you the advantage of getting highly sought-after sneakers. These bots can save precious time when you get sneakers in your cart before fellow humans can. Then there’s the use of bots, which is controversial and frowned upon by brands but that others have turned to so they can claim a few extra pairs of sneakers during the high-stakes release of some of their products.
If you need to use a bot, use it ethically and carefully. Most retailers embed sophisticated anti-bot systems to catch and shut off automated purchases. Bots can also be costly and tricky, so not all are foolproof solutions. Bots are a thing that people aren’t familiar with; at least the people who aren’t familiar with bots but love the sound of the word bot are better off using normal old-fashioned ways (raffles, manual attempts) or at least for casual releases, it’s usually better then.
Early Access Programs
Nike and Adidas sometimes allow people who sign up to purchase their sneakers first. They can be part of their loyalty or membership programs, for instance, in the case of Nike’s SNKRS Pass or Adidas’ Confirmed app. With early access, you have a better chance of getting your hands on a pair of our sneakers before we release them to everyone else, meaning that you might get them right from the get-go without much competition.
And so, if you want to get early access, the best thing is to engage with these platforms regularly. Loyal customers who spend money on Nike or Adidas apps or follow their page may receive a gift from Nike and Adidas occasionally. If you are active on these platforms, you’ll be increasing your chances of being selected for early access by being active on these platforms, entering raffles or purchasing other items.
Connect with Other Sneakerheads
The other way of copping sneakers is to network with other sneakerheads, especially the ones who’ve nailed securing rare releases. Online and off, sneaker communities share tips and tricks to increase your likelihood of scoring exclusive sneakers. You can also join these communities to be informed about restocks or new raffles that may not be on widespread ads.
Further, sneakerhead networks are a good source to gain a pair of sneakers via collaborations or Trade. If you have an acquaintance that seems to win raffles all the damn time or regularly gets their hands on cop sneakers, you can perhaps trade or buy them. Nevertheless, it’s important to establish trust in these networks and not rely on others to secure sneakers because disappointment or loss is possible.
Be Persistent and Adaptable
Persistence is just one of the most important aspects of copping sneakers. You never know when you will miss a release in this sneaker market: the sneaker market is unpredictable, and even if you use all the best strategies in the world, there will be times when you simply don’t get a release, whatever the reason. The trick is to remain agile and keep attempting. The more you engage with sneaker releases, the more you’ll understand when things sneak out, what’s trending and what works to secure a pair.
The problem with sneaker drops is that they can be a pain point where bot protection and, unfortunately, a quick sell out sell-out can pop up. There aren’t a lot of strategies that work for everyone, but with persistence, you will eventually find one that works for you. That means going for a new approach in each release, trying out new platforms, or potentially at different instances and areas. This will allow you to be more determined and adaptable when purchasing sneakers and increase your chance of getting something.
Conclusion
No one is lucky when trying to secure the latest Nike or Adidas sneakers. It combines preparing, timing, and structuring the right steps. There are many ways you can cop your desired pair, from staying updated on release dates, entering raffles, and using early access programs. Regardless of manning your sneaker game through manual effort, leeching out of bots cautiously or networking with fellow sneakerheads, the sneaker game in 2024 is all about keeping up with the industry. Follow these tips and stay consistent, and you will get pretty close to getting the next big release and adding that precious pair of kicks to your collection
