Sneaker bots are software programs that automate the process of buying sneakers online. Buying sneakers using a sneaker bot gives you a massive advantage over people who try to purchase limited edition sneakers manually, because they can complete purchases much faster than a human. For this reason, sneaker bots are a driving force in the sneaker resale market, where resellers use bots to purchase multiple pairs of sneakers and sell them for higher prices on the secondary market.
Some people find sneaker bots to be a controversial topic, as they can make it difficult for sneaker enthusiasts to buy shoes at retail prices. But however you feel about them, sneaker bots remain a significant part of the sneaker market, enabling the resale economy and fueling the desire for limited-edition footwear.
What are sneaker bots?
Sneaker bots are automated software programs designed to quickly purchase limited-edition sneakers online. These bots can perform actions like adding items to cart and completing the checkout process much faster than any human, giving users a major advantage when trying to buy shoes that are released in limited quantities. Some people use sneaker bots to secure multiple pairs of high-demand shoes, which they can resell at higher prices on secondary markets.
The bots work by bypassing manual steps in the buying process and can monitor websites for product releases, handle CAPTCHAs, and avoid certain restrictions that retailers set up to prevent automated purchases. While they provide an edge in acquiring limited stock, they are controversial because they often make it harder for regular buyers to get shoes at retail prices.
Understanding the sneaker resale market
Sneakers have become a staple of streetwear and high fashion, blurring the lines between casual and luxury. Sneaker companies are wise to this phenomenon, and have capitalized on the popularity of sneakers by intentionally releasing limited quantities of highly sought-after shoes, to create artificial scarcity. This, combined with massive demand fueled by hype and celebrity endorsements, can make it difficult for sneaker enthusiasts to secure the latest limited edition styles before they sell out, unless they use a sneaker bot.
Limited releases and hype-driven drops are core to many sneaker brands' strategies. Here's why:
- Social media: Brands can leverage social media to build anticipation and create viral marketing campaigns around new releases.
- Influencer culture: Collaborations with influencers and celebrities drive demand and create a sense of exclusivity.
- "Drop" model: Surprise releases and limited-time offers create a sense of urgency and encourage impulse buying.
The scarcity of popular sneakers created a huge reselling market, with people deploying sneaker bots to purchase multiple pairs of hyped sneakers in order to resell them for profit. Although the sneaker resale market peaked in 2021-2022, the demand for limited-edition sneakers remains strong.
Resellers continue to use sneaker bots to secure pairs that can be flipped for a profit, though competition and anti-bot measures by retailers have made it more challenging. Despite these hurdles, sneaker bots still play a significant role in the resale ecosystem, where rare and exclusive shoes can sell for several times their original price.
Example: The Nike Air Yeezy 2 "Red October"
- Brand: Nike (in collaboration with Kanye West)
- Limited quantity: Extremely limited release, with rumors suggesting only around 5,000 pairs were produced.
- Hype: Massive hype built around this release due to Kanye West's involvement and the striking all-red colorway.
- Celebrity endorsements: Besides Kanye himself constantly wearing them, other celebrities like Jay-Z were spotted in them, further fueling the desire.
Result: The "Red Octobers" sold out instantly and now resell for tens of thousands of dollars. This is a prime example of how limited releases, hype, and celebrity endorsements create a frenzy in the sneaker market.
Popular sneaker brands for resellers
- Nike: Continues to dominate the limited-edition sneaker game with collaborations like Off-White, Travis Scott, and limited colorways of popular models like Jordans and Dunks.
- Adidas: Successful with Yeezy (though the partnership with Kanye has ended), limited releases of their collaborations with Pharrell Williams, and collaborations with Beyoncé's Ivy Park.
- Supreme: Known for their highly limited drops and collaborations, often leading to long queues and quick sell-outs.
How do sneaker bots work?
Sneaker bots use a combination of speed, precision, and stealth to outpace manual buyers and bypass website defenses. Designed to automate and accelerate the purchasing process, these bots use a range of techniques to secure limited-edition sneakers before they sell out.
Monitoring release dates and times
A sneaker bot’s first task is to monitor retailer websites to track upcoming sneaker releases. This means the bot will continuously refresh the page until it can action the next tasks (for example, purchasing the sneakers).
The bots stay on top of restocks and countdown timers so it knows the exact moment a sneaker becomes available and makes a purchase the moment the drop happens. Some bots can even sync with user calendars or send notifications to ensure you don’t miss a drop.
Auto-filling forms
When a sneaker release goes live, speed is everything. Sneaker bots automate the checkout process by instantly filling in forms with your name, address, and payment information. While a human might take several seconds or even minutes to fill out a form, the bot does it in a fraction of a second. This precision and speed makes it more likely you will secure limited sneakers before they sell out.
Bypassing security measures
Retailers have started to take action against people who use bots to secure their sneakers to combat the rise of sneaker resellers. For example, Nike have updated their terms of service to include their right to reject your purchase if they suspect you used “automated ordering software or technology” or if your order “was purchased for the purpose of resale”.
To stop bots from placing orders in the first place, sneaker retailers have implemented bot detection and blocking measures like CAPTCHAs, rate limits, and IP blocking to prevent automated purchases. However, sophisticated sneaker bots can bypass these obstacles. Advanced bots use tools like optical character recognition (OCR) to solve CAPTCHAs in real-time or rotate between different IP addresses using proxies to avoid detection and mimic real human traffic.
Making multiple purchases
To increase their odds of success, sneaker bots can create multiple user accounts and use residential proxies to make it seem like different people are making the purchases. This means a bot can place multiple orders at once without triggering retailer restrictions, and maximizing your potential for profit on the resale market.
Types of sneaker bots
There are various types of sneaker bots, each designed with different capabilities. Depending on what you're looking for, these bots can range from comprehensive tools that cover multiple retailers to specialized bots that focus on a specific site or task.
All-in-one (AIO) bots
As the name suggests, AIO bots offer a complete solution for sneaker buyers. These bots work across multiple retail sites, including popular stores like Foot Locker and Finish Line, as well as niche sneaker boutiques. AIO sneaker bots usually come with a range of features like:
- Auto-checkout
- Proxy support
- CAPTCHA bypass
- Multiple account handling
Examples of popular AIO bots include Cybersole and Kodai, both of which have gained a strong reputation for their success rates across various platforms. These bots are ideal if you want flexibility and the ability to target many retailers at once.
Retailer-specific bots
Some bots are built to specialize in purchasing from specific websites, such as Nike’s SNKRS app or Adidas’ site. These bots are often optimized to navigate the specific security measures of these sites, making them more efficient at bypassing barriers like CAPTCHA or anti-bot technology. For instance, Nike Shoe Bot (NSB) is a well-known bot tailored specifically for the Nike website. These bots tend to have higher success rates on their dedicated platforms because they’re fine-tuned for those environments.
Monitor bots
Monitor bots don’t complete purchases but instead keep an eye on upcoming sneaker releases and restocks. They continuously scan websites and social media platforms for updates, and they can send you real-time notifications when a release goes live. While monitor bots are not a standalone purchasing tool, they can help you be the first to know about sudden restocks or unexpected drops. Notify is an example of a popular monitor bot that tracks sneaker releases across a number of retailers.
Add-to-cart bots
These bots automate the process of adding sneakers to your cart—one of the most challenging steps in the buying process due to high traffic during sneaker releases. Once a product is added to the cart, the user can manually complete the checkout or hand it off to another bot for automation. BetterNikeBot (BNB) is an example of an add-to-cart bot that specializes in quickly securing items in the cart, often increasing your chances of getting past the most competitive part of a release.
How to get a sneaker bot
Sneaker bots are in high demand, with many top-performing bots being hard to find or frequently out of stock—much like the limited-edition sneakers they’re designed to buy. If you’re looking to use a sneaker bot to increase your chances of copping rare shoes, you have two main options: buy a bot outright or rent one for a limited time.
Buying a sneaker bot
When buying a sneaker bot, you can either purchase it directly from the developer or through the aftermarket, where resellers offer popular bots. Here are some strategies and tips to help you secure a bot:
Use social media
Most bot developers announce restocks on platforms like Twitter and Discord. Using tools like X Pro (formerly TweetDeck) can help you monitor bot accounts for real-time restock announcements. Additionally, Discord cook groups—community groups for sneaker enthusiasts—often include alerts for bot restocks and sometimes exclusive deals for members.
Join cook groups and restock groups
Cook groups are community channels where members share tips, release updates, and botting strategies. Some even offer exclusive group buys with bot developers. Restock groups, on the other hand, are dedicated to tracking bot restocks, offering members real-time alerts to increase their chances of purchasing a bot.
Sneaker enthusiasts and resellers come together to share valuable information, tips, and resources related to copping (buying) limited-edition sneakers and other in-demand items in cook groups, usually on Discord or Slack. Members of cook groups can gain access to resources like:
- Release monitors and alerts: Notifications for upcoming sneaker drops, restocks, and bot restocks, helping members stay informed in real time.
- Exclusive deals: Some cook groups arrange group buys with bot developers or provide discounts on bot rentals and proxies.
- Botting tips and tutorials: Many cook groups provide guides on how to set up and optimize sneaker bots, helping new members understand botting and improve their chances of success.
- Reselling insights: Members share market insights, helping each other with pricing strategies and identifying which releases have strong resale potential.
- One-on-one support: Some groups offer support channels where experienced users can help others with troubleshooting or strategy questions.
Cook groups are valuable to both beginner and experienced sneaker enthusiasts because they offer a supportive environment and a wealth of resources for navigating the competitive sneaker and botting market. Most cook groups require a paid subscription, as the tools and insights provided can be very effective for improving a member’s success in securing limited-edition items.
Note: Most cook groups require a paid subscription, but they’re often worth the investment for the access to insights and tools they offer.
Use autofill tools for faster checkout
When a bot restocks, time is of the essence. Having an autofill tool ready to input your credit card and shipping details can save precious seconds, giving you an edge over other buyers during high-demand restocks.
Where to buy a sneaker bot
To buy a bot directly, visit the developer’s official site during a restock. However, popular bots sell out fast, so the aftermarket is a secondary option where bots are resold, often at higher prices. Platforms like BotMart are popular for buying and selling bots securely. Some bots require you to link to the original Discord account for license verification, so be sure to get this along with your purchase to avoid access issues.
Cost of buying a sneaker bot
Retail prices for bots range from $100 to $500. However, prices on the resale market can reach thousands, especially if the bot has proven success rates. Bots also often require renewal fees, paid quarterly or monthly, to maintain access. For instance:
- Wrath AIO: $350 for three months, with $50/month for renewal. Aftermarket prices reach around $4,800.
- Cybersole: £300 retail with a £50/month renewal. Resells for over £1,900.
- Prism AIO: $400 with a $150 quarterly renewal fee. Starts at $250 on the aftermarket if a renewal is due soon.
Renting a sneaker bot
If you’re not ready to commit to purchasing a bot, renting is an option, especially if you’re targeting a specific release. Renting lets you test different bots and gain experience at a lower cost.
Tips for renting a sneaker bot
Choose a reputable platform and review feedback from other renters. Pay attention to community reviews on Twitter and Discord to gauge the bot's effectiveness for upcoming drops.
Where to rent a sneaker bot
Platforms like Whop and BotMart offer reliable sneaker bot rentals. You can also find short-term rentals via Twitter, Reddit, and Discord cook groups.
Cost of renting a sneaker bot
Rental prices vary widely based on demand and upcoming releases. On non-release days, you may rent a bot for as low as $7 per day, while demand spikes can push daily rates up to $30 or more. Bots like Cybersole and Kodai AIO also rent for $7 to $15 on average during off-peak days.
The best sneaker bots to buy or rent
The best sneaker bots are those that consistently perform well across various releases and retailers, though availability, cost, and features may vary. Here are some of the top options known for their reliability and capabilities:
Cybersole
A high-speed bot effective on Footsites and Supreme, Cybersole is popular with beginners and experienced users alike for its ease of use and performance.
- Retail cost: Around £300 with a £50 monthly renewal fee.
- Aftermarket price: £1,500–£2,000.
- Renting cost: $15–$25 per day.
- Best for: Beginners and those focusing on Footsites and Supreme.
Kodai AIO
Known for success on Shopify, Yeezy Supply, and Footsites, Kodai AIO is a solid choice for those targeting popular sneaker releases.
- Retail cost: $175 per month, usually sold out.
- Aftermarket price: $4,000–$6,000.
- Renting cost: $10–$20 per day.
- Best for: Users who need consistent performance on Yeezy Supply and Footsites.
Prism AIO
Prism’s reliability on Shopify and Footsites makes it popular among botters who target in-demand releases.
- Retail cost: $400 initially, with a $150 quarterly renewal.
- Aftermarket price: Generally $2,500 or more.
- Renting cost: $15–$20 per day.
- Best for: Those focused on Shopify and Footsites who need a dependable bot.
Balko Bot
Balko Bot’s user-friendly design and strong performance on Supreme, Shopify, and Footsites make it a versatile option.
- Retail cost: $200, with a quarterly renewal of $75.
- Aftermarket price: Around $1,000–$1,500.
- Renting cost: $10–$20 per day.
- Best for: Supreme fans and users focused on multi-site reliability.
Mekpreme (Supreme Bot)
Optimized for Supreme drops, Mekpreme consistently performs well for dedicated Supreme releases.
- Retail cost: $200 annually.
- Aftermarket price: Generally $500–$1,000.
- Renting cost: $5–$15 per day.
- Best for: Supreme enthusiasts looking for a specialized bot.
Proxies and sneaker bots
Proxies enable you to use sneaker bots without being blocked by the retailers’ websites. This is because proxies help you to avoid detection, make multiple attempts to purchase without hitting rate limits, and speed up your access.
Avoiding IP bans
Retailers detect and block repeated purchase attempts from the same IP address, potentially locking you out of future releases. Proxies hide your real IP address by routing bot traffic through different IPs. This makes it look like multiple users are trying to make purchases, keeping your actual IP protected.
Running multiple tasks at once
To increase your chances, bots run multiple “tasks”, or separate purchase attempts, each needing a different IP to avoid detection. Proxies let you assign a unique IP to each task, so your bot can make multiple attempts at once without getting blocked for repeated activity.
Bypassing location restrictions and throttling
Some sneaker retailers limit access based on location or slow down requests from certain areas. Proxies can connect from IPs in approved locations, allowing you to bypass restrictions. Proxies also spread out requests across different IPs, reducing the risk of slowing down your access.
Speeding up your connection
When speed is crucial, having a low-latency connection is key to securing limited-edition sneakers before they sell out. By connecting through datacenter or residential proxies close to the retailer’s servers, you can reduce lag and gain a faster response, which is critical in high-demand releases.
