Do you remember browsing the shelves of your favorite sneaker store, only to find them completely empty? This happens with such frequency that it’s been given a name: The “Sneaker Bot Crackdown.” No, those aren’t just silly words for something that’s not so serious; this is a very real problem for sneakerheads around the world. In fact, it happens so often that there are entire websites dedicated to alerting users when and where these “bots” will strike next. If you haven’t heard about them before, bots are essentially programs developed to help users shop faster on websites. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous people have taken advantage of these programs and used them for nefarious purposes like logging into sneaker reselling sites in fast succession in order to secure limited-edition sneakers before real customers have the opportunity to buy them. Fortunately, there are good people out there who understand how much pain and frustration this causes genuine consumers and have developed countermeasures against bot software. In this blog post, we will discuss why sneaker bots are worth it, how you can get started with them and how they can be used ethically (and responsibly) as a tool to help you score exclusive kicks sooner rather than later.
Why Sneaker Bots Are Worth it
First, let’s talk about why sneaker bots are worth it. You may have heard that bots have been banned from most online sneaker shops. This is true. Some of the biggest sneaker reselling sites like GOAT and StockX have put an end to them. But as long as you don’t use them to break the rules, they can be a great asset. Bots can speed up the process of finding and buying exclusive sneakers by doing things like checking price, availability and size (PUPS) automatically and at lightning speed. This means that you can find out whether those Dinos are in your size and buy them before anyone else even knows they’re there. You can also employ bots to help you stay up to date with sneaker releases. They can tell you when and where sneaker drops are happening, so you don’t have to keep visiting websites or scouring social media to try and keep up.
How Sneaker Bots Work
Let’s talk about how sneaker bots work. First, you need to understand that there are two different types of bot software — “good” and “bad.” With “good” bots, you simply enter your login information for the sites you want to use and set your preferences for what type of sneakers you want to buy and how much you’re willing to pay for them. The bot takes care of the rest and will remember your preferences each time you use it so the process is as quick and seamless as possible. With “bad” bots, you enter the website address, select the sneakers you want and click “go.” This creates an automated program that will continue to click “go” until it has completed the specified number of tasks. This is obviously dangerous and can lead to your account being shut down or banned. Bots are programmed to run very quickly and mimic human behaviour. They can also be programmed to evade detection by the websites they’re using.
Are Sneaker Bots Worth It?
This is a difficult question to answer, as it really boils down to each individual user and their own personal circumstances. If you’re only interested in limited-edition sneakers that are almost impossible to get a hold of, then yes — sneaker bots are definitely worth it. If you’re more interested in purchasing more widely available styles, however, you may be better off simply waiting until they’re in stock and purchasing them the old-fashioned way. It’s worth bearing in mind that, while bots are very easy to use, they are also easy to abuse; and if you’re caught using them in a way that contravenes the terms and conditions of the sites you’re using them on, you could have your account shut down and/or be subjected to a ban.
How To Use Sneaker Bots Ethically
Let’s discuss how to use sneaker bots ethically. The first and most important rule to follow when using bots is that you should only use them on websites that allow it. You should also do your research and familiarize yourself with any terms and conditions that apply to each site you’re using them on. For example, on GOAT and StockX, there are limits on the number of sneakers you can buy per day. Bots should also be used in moderation. While the occasional use of a bot is probably not going to hurt anyone, constantly employing them can hurt both you and other sneakerheads. By constantly setting and resetting a bot, you’re essentially creating a loop that will leave you (and others) standing in line for hours. Instead, be patient and only set a bot once you’ve arrived at the front of the line.
3 Steps to Using Sneaker Bots Responsibly
Let’s discuss three steps to using sneaker bots responsibly. First, only use them on websites that allow bots. Next, be sure to familiarize yourself with any terms and conditions that apply to each site you’re using them on. And finally, use bots in moderation and only when necessary.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s a lot to be said for using sneaker bots. They can help you find out when and where sneakers are being released, they can help you stay up to date with price changes and they can help you avoid long lines at stores. They can be worth their weight in gold if you know how to use them properly. Remember to only use them on websites that allow them, be sure to familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions that apply to each site you’re using them on and use them in moderation.
