All Nike SNKRS App Release Mechanisms: Explained

When you think about the world of sneaker reselling, one platform invariably comes to mind: the Nike SNKRS app. Launched in 2015, this platform is where Nike often releases some of its most sought-after products. As a result, it has turned into a battleground between resellers and sneakerheads somewhat in recent years. This is because it is usually the go-to place for the likes of Jordan and Dunk releases.

As such, Nike has employed various different release mechanisms within the app. In short, buying on SNKRS is not as simple as adding an item to your cart and paying, due to the limited nature of most releases. In this article, we have attempted to detail each release mechanism used by the app. On top of this, we have provided some tips and tricks on how to deal with each mechanism. We hope that whether you are a beginner or expert you will find some value in this piece. Without further ado, let us get started.

First Come, First Served (FCFS)

Also known as “General Releases,” this is the most straightforward release mechanism. It is not commonly used on the SNKRS app and is usually instead found on the Nike app itself. With this mechanism, once the shoes become available, they’re up for grabs, and the quickest buyers secure their pairs.

Tip: Speed is of the essence here. Ensure your account information (payment, shipping) is always the most up-to-date so you are ready for rapid checkout. Use the “Notify Me” feature for releases you’re eyeing to get a timely reminder. However, due to high demand and limited quantities, even the fastest fingers might not be quick enough to snag a pair.

Drawings (Raffles)

For highly sought-after releases, SNKRS uses a raffle system known as “The Draw.” This is by far the most common release mechanism used on the SNKRS app. Once The Draw is open, you typically have 10 minutes to enter. If selected, you’ll have a limited time to complete your purchase. Luck plays a substantial role here, but you can increase your chances by making sure you’re ready to respond promptly if you win.

Tip: Set an alarm for when The Draw is set to occur, and make sure you’re free during that window. They are often held early morning so the last thing you want to do is sleep in and miss out!

SNKRS Pass

The SNKRS Pass is a location-based release mechanism primarily used for in-store pickup of certain releases. There are two types of SNKRS Pass: “First Come, First Served” and “The Draw.” In both cases, you’ll need to be in a designated geographical area to reserve your pair, and you’ll need to pick up your sneakers from a specific store. Given the geographical restrictions, this mechanism is only applicable to buyers who live near a Nike store participating in the SNKRS Pass program. However, with certain tools you can spoof your location and get access to these drops even if you aren’t physically nearby, but that is for another article to discuss…

Tip: Make sure to enable location services for the SNKRS app to be notified when a SNKRS Pass is available in your area.

Shock Drops

Nike occasionally releases a shoe unannounced. This is known as a “Shock Drop.” These unexpected releases are exactly that – a shock – and usually occur in the lead-up to a highly anticipated release. They can happen at any time, and the only hint is typically a post on SNKRS Live or a cryptic social media message. To have a shot at these, engage regularly with the app, follow SNKRS and Nike on social media, and stay updated with sneaker news.

Tip: Juiced is a revolutionary all-in-one selling app that will inform you of these shock drops as well as the most profitable releases in collectables, tickets, NFTs and more. You can sign up for free by clicking here. We also provide numerous tools to help your reselling journey including an auto-checkout tool.

Exclusive Access

Exclusive Access (EA) is Nike’s way of rewarding loyal customers. Based on your app engagement, purchase history, and other factors, Nike may grant you exclusive access to a release ahead of the general public. It’s not exactly clear how Nike determines who gets exclusive access, but regularly buying sneakers, engaging with the app, and showing interest in particular models or brands are said to increase your chances.

Tip: explore the app’s content, participate in polls, and watch stories.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are various release mechanisms used on the SNKRS app. It is important to remember that understanding these mechanisms is just one part of the puzzle. Due to the competitive nature of sneaker drops, there’s no guaranteed formula for success. However, with persistence and a bit of luck, you might just be able to get those coveted kicks.