Sneaker Raffle Guide: How to Find, Enter, and Win Sneaker Raffles

Whether you’re an experienced sneaker aficionado or just looking to take a W on a hot upcoming sneaker release, it’s time you learn about sneaker raffles - what they are, how they work, and how Sole Retriever and our mobile app simplify them for you.

Setting the Stage

Getting your hands on a pair of a fresh upcoming sneaker release in today’s world is not how it once was. Gone (for the most part) are the days of waiting in crazy lines and camping out on crowded street corners. Oh, you want to try your luck online on release day instead, you say? Best of luck in your fight against the determined infantry of botters. A combination of these factors, coupled with growing concern over the spread of COVID-19, has led many retailers to turn to an alternative launch method for their most highly coveted kicks - sneaker raffles.

What are Sneaker Raffles?

A sneaker raffle or sneaker draw is when a retailer provides customers with the opportunity to win the right to purchase a pair of sneakers. Typically, the raffle mechanic is used when demand for the shoe exceeds supply. Raffles tend to level the playing field by giving everyone who enters an equal chance of being able to purchase the latest Yeezy's, Jordan's, Nike's and other hot kicks for retail. Once the raffle period ends, the retailer will then select the winners at random and alert them of their winning entry. The ways in which these sneaker raffles are held vary in both their entry and retrieval methods. To make it easy, Sole Retriever has created a list of the different sneaker raffle types and retrieval methods. We've also included a brief description of how each of them operate.

‍Common Questions

‍Do you have to pay for sneaker raffles?

‍Yes. When you win a sneaker raffle, you are winning the opportunity to purchase the product; you're not winning the product for free (unless otherwise stated).

‍What are the chances of winning sneaker raffles?

‍Your chances for winning any given sneaker raffle depend upon a variety of factors - primarily, (1) how many pairs the store/retailer has been allocated for that product release, (2) how widely demanded the sneaker is and (3) how many other people entered the raffle.

‍How can I improve my chances of winning sneaker raffles?

‍Enter more raffles. The best method for increasing your odds at winning a raffle for a new sneaker launch is to enter as many raffles as you can. The more raffles you enter, the more chances you have to win!

Raffle Types

Almost every sneaker raffle will fall into one of four main categories - In Store, Online, Social, or In-App.

• In-Store - The first major raffle type is classified as “In-Store." This typically involves an in-person pickup of the sneaker being raffled. Before entering, be sure that you'll be able to pick-up the sneakers from the store on the dedicated pickup day. You want to ensure you're able to claim your pair if you are selected as a lucky winner!
• Online - If a raffle is under the “Online” category, that generally means that it involves postage (or shipping). The winners of said raffle will have the sneakers shipped to them. Thus, you do not need to be physically present in-store to claim a winning entry for this raffle type! Some online raffles require upfront charge or payment, so be sure to read each individual raffle’s terms and information before submitting your entries.
• Social - Raffles that fall under the “Social” category are those in which the entering process takes place on social media. Typically, the store holding the raffle will use its specific social media page to hold the raffle and share the entry details. Almost always, this means the store’s official Twitter or Instagram account is where the raffle will be hosted. Most social raffle entry requirements include liking, commenting, or sharing the post. Once you navigate from Sole Retriever to any social raffle, be sure to read the store’s post and follow their exact instructions. This way you can rest assured that your entry is valid!
• In-App - Some stores have dedicated mobile applications where they announce and host their raffles. For a comprehensive list of the stores which have dedicated raffle app’s and where to download them, check out our article on the Top Ten Apps to Enter Sneaker Raffles. Similar to online raffles, some In-App raffles may require an upfront charge. Others, however, will give you the opportunity to claim, should you win. Moral of the story, always make sure to read the instructions and terms for each raffle you enter!

Retrieval Methods

Every raffle will possess a given retrieval method by which winners will purchase and receive the sneaker they’ve won the raffle for. There are two different retrieval methods - Shipping and Pick-up.

• Shipping - If a raffle has shipping (or postage), this means that the retailer will ship the pairs to the winners, upon purchase. This method does not require any sort of in-person retrieval. Be sure to check each raffle’s shipping guidelines & restrictions to ensure you qualify to enter.
• Pick-up - Unlike shipping raffles, Pick-up raffles require winners to visit to the store in person in order to claim and pay for their winning pair.

How To Find, Enter & Win Sneaker Raffles

So now you know what sneaker raffles are, how they work, and their varying types. But, how do you go about finding and organizing all of the different stores’ raffles for each sneaker release? You don’t - we do. Sole Retriever takes care of the hard work in order to craft the ultimate destination for sneaker fanatics like yourself. We're the true, one-stop shop for helping you secure W’s on the hottest drops. Our team digs up and organizes all of the raffles & releases for each of the latest sneaker launches, making it super easy for you! Organized, intuitive, and feature-filled, Sole Retriever is truly an essential for every sneakerhead. Here’s how it works.

Welcome to Sole Retriever!

All things sneakers, all in one place.

Head over to our site and locate the upcoming release you’re looking to get your hands on. If you have our mobile app, you'll be able to view and sort raffles with our various filter features including region, raffle type, and retrieval method. Easily find the raffles you qualify for and keep it all organized with our easy-to-use interface. Track all of your entries by marking each raffle as entered once you've completed it! Say goodbye to the painful and exhausting days of trying to keep up with all of the upcoming sneaker launches. Here at Sole Retriever, we know the industry inside out. Moreover, we understand the importance of finding, navigating, and organizing all of your sneaker raffle entries. We’ve got you covered. By sneakerheads, for sneakerheads, our mission is to give you the best shot at copping the latest drops for retail. If you want to start securing some W’s, it’s time you sign up for a free account on Sole Retriever. For a premium, feature-filled experience, be sure to check out our mobile app.

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