Over the last two decades, the love for sneakers has catapulted these once casual kicks into sold-out must-haves. In fact, sneakers have become so notoriously desirable that even luxury fashion houses like Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton have gotten into the game. Such is the demand for this footwear that the global sneaker resale market is forecast to have a $30 billion value by 2030.
That said, the competition for ultra-hot sneakers is fierce, with some sneaker drops — like the Yeezy 450 in Cloud White — selling out in seconds. Often, the latest sneaker drops are snatched up by insiders and those with shopping bots. Luckily, as competitive as the sneaker shopping market is, there are ways that even sneaker newbies can cop the season’s latest pair. Here are a few ways you can score those exclusive kicks from the comfort of your home:
1. Set your alarms regularly.
Before sneaker culture became mainstream, retailers and brands used to have around three drops a year. However, with the massive new popularity of sneakers, drops are happening multiple times a year with no set date. But while there is no longer a pattern for drop dates, there does seem to be one for time. Historically, most collections are released at 10 a.m. EST. Earlier this year, the “Red Flint” version of the Jordan 13 was released at 10 a.m., and in years prior, Adidas also made drops at the same time. Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to keep your alarms permanently set. Just set them the minute you catch wind of a release you want.
2. Use sneaker-centered apps.
Just as you have specific apps for other retailers, you should try using some for sneakers too. In the sneakerhead world, there are two types of apps you’ll want. The first is sneaker prediction-type apps like Unlaced, which aims to predict any upcoming release dates. They don’t always get it right, but these apps can offer you a statistics-based date suggestion to consider. The second is sneaker apps from the brands themselves. These sneaker apps usually give you access to early drops and slot reservations. Sometimes, brands will also choose to do exclusive shock drops through these platforms. For instance, in celebration of the “The Last Dance” finale, the Nike sneakers app SNKRS had a limited drop of Air Jordan 13 “Flint” kicks. This small supply release was sold out to those savvy enough to be on the app within minutes.
3. Join a sneakerhead community.
Although penetrating the exclusive sneaker circles can be daunting, having access to a sneaker community makes a huge difference. This can come in the form of group memberships, podcasts, or newsletters dedicated to sneakers. On these platforms, you can enjoy special perks that range from fast sneaker monitors, sneaker assists, and retail discounts. What’s more, some well-developed communities even offer you networking opportunities. This makes it easier for you to build relationships with other sneakerheads who can help you get limited drops or even trade with you. Many times, members are also privy to members-only events where you can learn shopping secrets from pro sneaker buyers.
4. Look out for raffles and sales.
In many retail outlets, shoppers are asked to take part in raffles for slots. Should you win the raffle, the slot allows you to purchase from the store’s limited number of pairs per release. Admittedly, these raffle systems can be harder to win, given the number of others competing. But it’s free to join online, so it won’t hurt to try. Otherwise, you could also wait it out and purchase during a sale instead. Some of the most notable sales periods, like Cyber Monday or Black Friday, have some of the best shopping deals. Brands sometimes drop new releases on these dates, while some retailers also offer special promotions. Because these sales are so highly anticipated, it’s easy to find more than one in-demand pair for sale.
Sneakers are undeniably a fashion staple — and an investment. It may seem tricky to cop the latest sneaker releases. But with these tips and tricks, you can avoid missing out on your coveted kicks and start growing your new collection.
Photo by Taylor Smith on Unsplash
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This is a great guide. Great job OP.
One thing I will add and I’ve stated before; Build a report with your local stores. They will be more willing to help a familiar face/someone they know with info and possibly hold a shoe for you, as they have that privilege.
Don’t be a flake. If you say you’re going to buy something do that and don’t ring. If you are no longer able to, tell your rep. They will understand and won’t be bothered because the shoe will well anyway.
This guide will assist you in obtaining the most exclusive sneaker releases available. Thank you for all of your efforts in providing such valuable information!
It was quite beneficial information! I’m just starting started with this, but I’m getting a lot better at it! Thank you very much, and keep up the excellent work.
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