How to Enter Sneaker Raffles

If you’ve just stepped into the sneaker world then it’s safe to say that it might be a little intimidating for a first-timer. There’s a whole load of releases by the week and each and every one of them is likely to launch at a whole variation of places and times. Now it’s likely that most of these will launch via a raffle process, but what even is a raffle you may ask? To put it simply, sneaker raffles run to give you a chance to purchase limited-edition sneakers at retail price.

Users sign-up with personal details to be in with the chance to get their hands on the pair they’re after. Now there’s plenty of different types of raffles and all of them require slightly different methods of entry, so we’ve put together this handy guide that details the most common raffle types and exactly how you can enter them! Read on further for all you need to know regarding raffles right here at The Sole Supplier.

If it’s a pair of Swoosh sneakers you’re after, then your first port of call should always be Nike’s official launch platform - the Nike SNKRS app. First launched back in 2017, the app is the place to be when it comes to limited-edition releases from Nike or Jordan Brand. Raffles take place on launch day at 8am and come in the form of two minute or 15 minute launches. Users have to sign up beforehand with their address and payment details to save time while the launch is taking place. It’s also worth noting that loyal users are sometimes granted the opportunity to purchase sneakers early via the “Exclusive Access” feature.

We've wrote a comprehensive guide on this app, so be sure to check out 'How To Get Shoes On SNKRS'.

Similar to the SNKRS app, adidas recently revived it’s very own exclusive releases app, titled adidas CONFIRMED. First used back in 2015 (way before SNKRS even existed), the CONFIRMED app was the primary way to cop exclusive Yeezy releases back in the day. For unknown reasons, the app was shut down in 2018 for a long period of time, although it resurfaced in early 2021 and is now back and better than ever. Users often have a lot longer to enter CONFIRMED raffles, as they can run for several days prior to the launch. Of course, you must be signed up with all payment details before entering any raffles.

If you would like a big more detail around adidas' raffle system, check out our article 'How Does adidas Confirmed Work?'

Online raffles were once the most common type of raffle in the sneaker industry, however as of late they’ve become a little less commonplace. That’s not to say that they don’t still exist though, as you can still find plenty if you look in the right places!

These raffles are incredibly straightforward to enter, they usually involve leaving your name, address and contact details via an online form. After this, the retailer will select the winners and contact them to arrange payment. There’s not a lot to lose when entering this type of raffle so try and enter as many as possible to increase your chances of winning!

Before the internet reigned supreme, in-store raffles were the only way to cop limited edition sneaker releases! While these days the majority of raffles are online, in-store releases do still take place and often via a raffle release! If you’re looking to enter you’ll usually have to physically go to the retail location and provide your details (often via inputting them into a tablet or by using location services on your phone), however certain retailers do allow you to opt for in-store pickup when entering online. As with before, if you’re successful you’ll then be contacted to arrange payment and pickup. While stock numbers in-store are always smaller, there’s also less competition, making it well worth entering these raffles.

Pre-authorised raffles are becoming increasingly commonplace throughout the industry, as they take away the risk of the store being left with uncollected pairs. By providing payment details as they enter the draw, the full amount of the sneakers is pre-authorised from the users payment method, meaning the funds are put on hold. If the user is then successful in the draw, the full amount is passed onto the retailer and the goods are dispatched, however if they don’t end up winning the full amount is returned to the payment method. While this method puts many people off, it’s always worth entering pre-authorised raffles if you’re seriously chasing a pair.

While most raffles are conducted online or in-store, there are a small amount of raffles that take place across social media, most commonly Instagram. There are a number of ways that this can happen, but most notable retailers will ask users to comment on a post with their size, sometimes asking for a “keyword” to stop bots from entering also. Other methods include sharing a post to stories, or even posting an image on your feed. While this is becoming less common, it’s the preferred method for Offspring (one of the biggest UK sneaker retailers) and works extremely well for their consumer base. If you’re considering entering an Instagram raffle we’d absolutely advise giving it a go, there’s not much to lose by trying!

If you're looking for some more information about the sneaker industry, be sure to check out some of our related articles below.