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With brands jumping on the hype wave and the rise of sneaker resale you have a better chance of catching a cold than a W on Jordans, Yeezys, etc… Luckily, many sneaker boutiques & retailers have begun to level the playing field by developing integrated raffles into their mobile apps for both in-store and online releases. To make your life easier, we put together a list of the top 10 sneaker apps for entering raffles on the go. We will always post the latest sneaker raffles and releases on Sole Retriever and our Twitter so be sure to keep it locked for the best chances of winning.
The #1 Best Overall Sneaker Raffle App
1. Sole Retriever Mobile
Sole Retriever Mobile is every sneakerhead’s ultimate one-stop-shop for all things sneaker raffles, releases, news and more. Receive real-time notifications for every sneaker raffle, stay in-the-know with all of the latest releases and news, quickly enter raffles with advanced autofill, and much more. Download the app (available on iOS and Android), create an account, and join the waitlist. We’ll notify you when your access has been granted. Prepare for an experience like no other with this groundbreaking new mobile app.
Sneaker Raffle Apps That Offer Worldwide Shipping
2. SNS
No surprise that Sneakersnstuff tops the list of must-download sneaker apps. SNS is usually one of the first shops to load raffles for limited kicks. They also tend to be generous when it comes to the amount of time they keep raffles open. Just because the raffles are open longer than most does not mean you should wait till the last minute to enter! Our favorite thing about the SNS app is that it's solely dedicated to their limited launches and raffles. This results in a stellar user experience that gives users the ability to enter raffles from anywhere. They also offer worldwide shipping. The only drawback of SNS’s raffle entry system is that it REQUIRES you to download the app to participate in raffles. That’s right, no desktop entries, so be sure to download today.
3. END.
While END does not have a dedicated app for raffles, they do make it easy to enter within their app. END holds raffles for most coveted sneakers, and they tend to get them up early. Another huge plus is that END offers worldwide shipping. A couple things to be aware of… END does not always follow retail for their sneaker launches. There have been cases where the price of their launch items are cheaper than retail and other times where prices are $20-$30 over retail. They pre-charge you the price of the shoe so make sure to double-check pricing prior to entering.
4. SVD
In an effort to combat bots, Spanish retailer, Sivasdescalzo, launched their raffles and launches app. Designed with REAL users in mind, the app allows its customers to enter raffles for the hottest kicks at the push of a button. To take part in SVD raffles, you must download the SVD app and signup for an account. Each time you enter a raffle you must include your ID, Driving License, or Passport number (to prevent multiple entries per customer). Sivas offers worldwide shipping and does not pre-authorize your card for entering raffles. If you enter you'll get an alert giving you 12 hours to purchase. No risk, all reward.
5. Nike SNKRS or SNEAKRS
If you’re a sneakerhead, you’re probably familiar with Nike’s limited release app. What app you use depends on where you live for the UK & EU SNEAKRS & for US users it is SNKRS. Both apps function the same and Nike uses a few different mechanics for their releases:
- LEO - the most common method and the one which Nike most frequently chooses to utilize when releasing products via SNKRS. When release time hits, refresh the page, enter your details, and submit your entry. You will see a “pending screen.” During this time, Nike is filtering through the accounts which have entered and selecting the lucky winners, those who are able to successfully checkout the sneaker. Although this release type isn’t necessarily “first come, first served”, it’s in your best interest to submit your entry as quickly as possible.
- DAN - for Nike’s most limited releases, they typically make use of the DAN release method. When a sneaker is released via DAN, Nike gives you between 10-30 minutes, depending on the release, to enter your account(s). This method is simply a raffle. Nike will send you a notification following the release, alerting you of whether or not your entry was successful.
- FLOW - releases are first come, first served. The fastest users are rewarded with the opportunity to purchase the sneaker. The faster you get to the product page and checkout, the better your odds.
6. Footpatrol
London based fashion boutique, Footpatrol, announced their sneaker raffle release system in December 2018. The app is not required to enter their draws, but you will need to create an account to participate. Footpatrol is known for doing FLASH raffles that last only a few hours so be sure to enter quick. They offer worldwide shipping, and you’re not charged until you win the raffle and checkout via the unique link they send you.
Sneaker Raffle Apps For In-Store Reservations
7. Finish Line
To cut down on lineups, Finish Line has moved to mobile reservations. To enter: download the Finish Line app, create an account or log in, then head over to the releases tab to enter a “ticket” for your sneaker of choice and preferred pickup location. Choose carefully, you only get to select 1 location. When the raffle is over, you will be notified via email and push notification (if enabled). Finally, you'll need to “peel to reveal” your W or L in the app.
8. Footlocker, Footaction, and Champs
The “footsites” are mobile entry only. To enter raffles for Footlocker, Footaction, & Champs you must download each app. All three stores require an account so be sure to sign in or create one. Footsite raffles have a unique component where you earn “headstarts” or points that increase your likelihood of being selected on release day (more on that here). If chosen, you'll receive a notification via email. If your sneakers are not picked up before 3 PM on release day, your reservation will be forfeited and they will sell on a FCFS basis.
9. Adidas
Adidas recently pivoted from their clunky Confirmed app to a new, sleek app self-titled, “Adidas.” So much for Adidas being original... With the Adidas app, you can reserve Pharrell NMD's to Yeezys for pickup at their Flagship locations in NYC & Chicago. Occasionally, the Adidas app holds raffles for products that ship anywhere in the US.
10. Hibbett | City Gear
In 2018, Hibbett acquired City Gear and, in an effort to reinvent themselves, recently adopted the mobile reservation model. Like all apps, you will need to create an account or log in to enter raffles. Hibbett does a good job of sending push notifications when a new raffle is open (make sure you enable push notifications). To enter: head over to the “launches” tab, find the desired shoe, select up to 3 preferred pickup locations, then cross your fingers. If you win, you will receive an email with retrieval instructions.
11. Kith
Kith Draws can be entered from desktop or mobile. You will need to log in or create an account before you can enter their raffles. For most releases, they require you to select one of four pickup locations: Brooklyn, Soho, Miami, or LA. If you win, they will send you an email with pickup instructions the day before release. You’re charged at the point of sale, not prior.
