How often have you been frustrated when new shoes are coming out on the market, then as soon as they drop, it turns out they are already sold out? This is infuriating, and it then leaves you wondering when, if ever, you will be able to get your hands on a pair.
But here’s an important point.
They are sold out as soon as they drop, because people know how to play the system. They know how to get their hands on those precious new releases before they drop.
So, how do you get shoes before they drop? If you want to avoid being left behind in the future, then this is what you need to do.
The Problem with New Shoes
You see, new shoes come with various problems. First, people hear about them, and then wonder when they will hit the market. That type of uncertainty is something the companies use to their advantage. They want this to happen to create hype around high-end sneakers, and it’s a tactic that works.
Aside from uncertainty as to when they will drop, there’s also the unknown quantity of shoes that will be out on the market. Some will be rarer than others, and that means your odds of being able to get your hands on them in those early days will really be against you.
But all is not lost. There are ways to improve your odds.
Before going into these options, we need to talk about bots.
Some people use bots to grab pairs, but even with this it does involve some luck on your side. Bots simply increase your odds of trying to automate being there at the right time in order to get your new shoes.
Also, be aware that some bots are picked up and they won’t work. That is why you need to understand different options or methods that can make it more likely you will be able to get those shoes.
Option 1: Reservations?
One potential option is to look for reservations. Some drops will come with a waiting list, but even though it does then increase your odds of getting a pair of those hot new shoes, it’s not a guarantee.
Reservations involve you simply adding your name to a list. Now, don’t think you have to go straight to the manufacturer to get on these lists. Online stores will also sometimes run with these reservation lists, so it’s best to spend time searching for them in advance, and then keep on checking back.
You will be more likely to get a pair if you get on the reservation list early enough. Unfortunately, you have no way of knowing where you are on the list, so it’s a case of just hoping your luck is in.
Option 2: Being Aware of the Time
Here is a little fact that most people are unaware of. New shoe drops have a tendency to drop at the same time, and that time is 10am EST.
That little snippet of information can make a difference when it comes to you getting your hands on those new shoes. You need to be primed and ready for them to appear online, but this is something where you must be fast, or you will lose out.
Option 3: Pay Attention to the Brands
If we look at Nike as an example here as to what to look out for when paying attention to the brands. After all, it’s often Nike that leads the way when it comes to special collaborations, but that’s not always the case.
Nike themselves will tell you to sign up in advance of a launch of new shoes. They will then tell you to watch their Twitter feed, or other social media platforms, to get the link that will then take you to where you can buy them.
Now, you won’t be the only person doing this, but paying attention to what the brands themselves are saying will make life a whole lot easier for you.
At times, you may even notice them doing what is effectively a countdown. The problem with a countdown is it draws in more attention to the drop, and that’s something you don’t want to happen since it reduces your own chances of grabbing the shoes.
Option 4: Apply for a Sneakers Pass
If you are looking for those brand new Nike releases, then you may want to look for a thing called a Sneakers Pass.
This special pass gives you advanced access to the latest releases. You know what is coming up, when it drops, and you stand a better chance of being able to grab a pair.
However, even this comes with no guarantee. It’s important to remember that you will be one of many trying to grab a pair.
On the flip side, not everyone knows about these passes, so it does increase the odds of you being able to get something.
Of course, you could do the best thing and look at all of the different options and applying them at the same time. The more avenues you explore, then the better the odds are of you ending up in a position where you can grab the latest pair or shoes, and do so before the masses get their hands on them.
Overall Conclusion
Getting your hands on those new shoes before they drop is not an easy thing to do. It does require a degree of luck, as well as advanced planning to actually get those rare high-end sneakers.
However, it’s not impossible.
You need to persevere. You need to be prepared to sometimes miss out on some sneakers, knowing you will get to purchase others that are hitting the market.
You could go down the line of bots that have been set up to do all of this hunting and buying on your behalf, but they are not going to come with a guarantee. Also, they can sometimes be blocked, and that could mean you waste your time on something that just cannot work at all.