The Best Sneaker Apps for Buying Shoes Right Now
From Nike SNKRS and Adidas Confirmed to Sole Collector and StockX, here are the best sneaker apps in 2022 for buying shoes, tracking release dates, & restocks.
Image via Complex Original
Unfortunately, buying in-demand sneakers these days isn't as easy as it used to be. The chances of wandering into a retail store and finding a rare pair are slim to none, and even highly trafficked websites are as plagued with bots as ever, but apps are often more reliable. Thanks to raffle systems and an evolving aftermarket, the right apps can remedy a lot of the headaches that come along with buying sneakers in 2019.
Whether you've got cash to blow on the secondary market or are looking to increase your chances of getting lucky on release day, you'll find the apps you need to cop and keep track of drop dates below.
Adidas Confirmed
After launching then rebranding as simply the Adidas app (now a standalone app) then returning once again as Confirmed, the Three Stripes’ app allows users the opportunity to enter raffles for the brand’s coveted drops including Yeezys. Meanwhile, the standard Adidas app provides the full product lineup from adidas.com in an easily accessible manner as well as in-store perks like instant stock updates.
Download: App Store / Google Play
SNKRS
Arguably the most obvious choice for this list, Nike’s SNKRS app has been its main platform for limited-edition online drops since 2015. At this point, most readers probably have a love/hate relationship with the app, which seems to more often than not kick back its infamous “didn’t get ‘em” message. At the same time, it’s one of the easiest ways to contend for hyped-up drops, and there’s nothing quite like that feeling when a W does happen to roll in.
Download: App Store / Google Play
eBay
You can’t do this list without including the OG. New competitors may have stepped into the space, but eBay is still a reliable source for sneakers of all kinds. In fact, due to the limited nature of listings on apps like GOAT and StockX, eBay can be even more bountiful for buyers and sellers alike. Some things you just can’t find anywhere else, whether it’s vintage Adidas Superstars from the ’70s or an elusive player exclusive Air Jordans. Plus, with eBay’s recent focus on sneakers and its new authenticity program, you don’t have to worry about getting burned with fakes.
Download: App Store / Google Play
GOAT
Founded in 2015, GOAT has quickly made a splash in the resale world thanks in large part to its partnership with Flight Club. This means shoppers have access to an even wider selection than before, a range while is bolstered by services such as GOAT Clean, which refurbishes used sneakers for a small commission. Sellers can also take advantage of drop-off points with instant payouts at select Flight Club locations. Or, for those who are low on space, there’s also the Storage service which houses your sneakers in GOAT’s warehouse until you’re ready to sell.
Download: App Store / Google Play
Sole Collector
For those who want to consolidate their apps and have everything in one place, it’s hard to top the official Sole Collector app. It’s designed to help users find the sneakers they’re looking for at the best prices by allowing comparisons across the most popular marketplaces and sites. In addition to offering the hottest pairs at the best prices, the app is also a great place to keep track of release dates and follow Sole Collector’s latest video and editorial output.
Download: App Store / Google Play
Grailed
If you’re looking to cop the latest Sacai x Nikes and shop the week’s newest Supreme drop in one place, Grailed is the app for you. The marketplace is made up of a wide range of sneakers and streetwear, from obscure, high-end grails to general releases that’ve been price slashed lower than your local outlet.
Download: App Store / Google Play
Nike
While much of the excitement over the Swoosh’s numerous apps is centered around SNKRS, you shouldn’t sleep on the standard Nike app. Formerly known as Nike+, the app is notable for offering members-only exclusive and early access to select product. It’s also got training tips, live chat with experts, and will soon offer a new digital foot measurement feature known as Nike Fit.
Download: App Store / Google Play
Size?
UK retailer Size? splits its apps into two, offering Size? Launches for hyped product releases and the Size? App for a more standardized shopping experience. Users who sign up for both apps are eligible for exclusive Size? Acess perks, but it’s not required to buy footwear from the overseas shop.
Download: App Store / Google Play (App) App Store / Google Play (Launches)
Stadium Goods
For those who can’t make it to Stadium Goods’ NYC store—which is said to boast a basement packed with $20 million worth of sneakers—the entire inventory can be shopped from its app. Along with having one of the most impressive selections around, the app earns extra points for its smooth, easy to use interface.
Download: App Store / Google Play
StockX
StockX is one of the top options for buying and reselling on the aftermarket. Although it’s been caught up in controversy recently over reported hacks, it remains one of the easiest-to-use resale platforms thanks to its intuitive design and bidding setup. As long as your shoes are in new condition, you’ll be able to list them instantly without the need to take pictures and jot down a description. For buyers, StockX functions as a middleman and ensures that the shoes you’re copping are the real deal.
Download: App Store / Google Play
Finish Line
Whether it's the newest Yeezy release or something more performance-oriented like The Rock's Under Armour sneakers, the Finish Line app has you covered. You'll find the usual raffles and shoppable experience, but there's also an educational aspect with blog posts that break down the nuances of featured drops and a sneaker feed which highlights the best of Finish Line's Instagram. Members can also use the app to take advantage of the retailer's Winner's Circle rewards program.
Download: App Store / Google Play
Kith
In late 2017, Kith launched a revamped version of its app to offer shoppers a more tailored experience. The app allows users to customize their feeds with brand and products they're interested in, eliminating the need to swipe through items you wouldn't have copped in the first place. In addition to that, it's also home to the store's raffles for many of its own collaborations as well as other limited-edition sneakers.
Download: App Store / Google Play
Sneakersnstuff
Although things aren't quite as complicated as they were in years past, getting certain shoes in the States can still be a challenge. One of the best apps for circumventing that is from retailer Sneakersnstuff. Originating in Sweden but since planting its flag in NYC and LA, the store's app isn't limited to its stateside offerings. Shoppers will also find Euro-only drops, SNS-exclusive collabs, and more.
Download: App Store / Google Play
Supreme
It might not end up being your most-used app on this list, but Supreme's sneaker drops are definitely not something you want to miss, especially considering some of them don't end up releasing anywhere else. As hard to come by as they may be, staying on top of them is relatively simple. Sign up for newesletter updates to be notified of upcoming collaborations, then refresh the app on Thursday at 11 a.m. ET for a chance to cop. Just remember—we said it was simple, not easy.
Download: App Store / Google Play
Foot Locker
For those looking to flourish during in-store drops, it's hard to top Foot Locker's app. Its VIP program allows you to reserve sneakers for pick up based on which locations are closest to you. To make things even better, Footaction and Champs Sports' apps operate on the same systems, so you can increase your chances by using all three.
Download: App Store / Google Play