Mastering the Game: A Comprehensive Guide to Sneaker Botting

• Posted on 5 June 2023
• By Sole Food Sneakers
• Posted in Sneaker Botting
• 0

Discover the world of sneaker botting in our beginner botting guide. Learn what it takes to secure limited-edition Nike kicks with the best sneaker bots from Sole Food Sneaker's personal experiences.

Introduction: What is Botting?

Botting, a term that has become increasingly popular in the world of online retail, describes the use of automated software to expedite and streamline the process of purchasing products. But it's not just any products - a sneaker buying bot is often employed for acquiring hard-to-get items, such as limited edition sneakers, that typically sell out in seconds.

Botting Terminology: Understanding the Language

Before diving into the specifics of botting, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the some of the terminology that is commonly used. Key terms include:

• Bot: Automated software used to purchase items. For instance, a 'snkrs bot' would target Nike's SNKRS app.
• Proxy: An IP address designed to mask your personal IP and run multiple tasks at once.
• Residential Proxy: A type of proxy that appears to websites as a house IP address which is an added level of protection against website security detecting that you are using a bot to purchase products. One issue with residential proxies is that they can be slower than data center proxies and have a limited amount of data they can use before they stop working, which you must purchase when they run out of data - similar to a cell phone data plan.
• Data Center Proxy: A type of proxy that is faster than residential proxies and appears as an IP address that comes directly from a data center. They are typically a little more stable than residential proxies and are significantly faster, but websites ban them faster than residential proxies.
• Task: Similar to an individual attempting to manually buy a product off a website. Imagine sending 25 friends to try and buy a product off a website at the same time. In botting, 'task' refers to the same idea. More tasks mean a higher chance of purchase.
• Server: A digital computer that provides the needed RAM and broadband to run multiple tasks. It’s like a powerful computer within your own computer. They're necessary because they can handle more tasks and maintain a stable internet connection, which your home computer or Internet Service Provider (ISP) may struggle with.
• ISP: Internet Service Provider, often linked with different types of proxy providers.
• Jig/Jigging: Using unique billing information and modifying your address slightly to appear as a different user, allowing you to bypass the 'one purchase per customer' rule.
• CAPTCHA: Everyone has seen a Captcha, most without its name. In layman’s terms, it is the box you must click on websites that says “I am not a robot.” In technical terms, it is part of the website’s bot security detection that prevents many bots from completing their intended actions because it is something that must be highly adapted to by the bot, or completed by an actual human.
• Human Activity Generator: Software used to mimic human-like activity on Gmail accounts to make them seem more trustworthy. Therefore providing easier and faster Captchas or none at all depending on the website.
• Footsites: Footsites is the general term used to group together FootLocker, Champs, FootAction, and Eastbay.

How Does Botting Work: Breaking Down the Process

A commonly held misbelief about botting is that it is as simple as 'set and forget it'. The botting process involves various stages. Initially, users set up a bot specific to the website they're targeting. Then, tasks are created. These tasks are coded to work specifically for certain websites. The more tasks, the higher the odds of purchasing the desired product depending on the type of website it is. This process requires significant RAM and broadband capacity, often requiring a server.

In addition, users need to follow instructions provided by bot developers leading up to, and sometimes even during, the release. Bot developers often provide updates and guidance in real-time to adapt to changes on the website, ensuring the highest chance of success. It's a nuanced process, and success is never guaranteed. Even some of the best sneakers bots like Valor, Cyber, and Mek go through rough patches and have serious struggles.

Proxies in Botting: What, When, and Why

Proxies are integral to botting. They mask the user's personal IP, enabling the running of multiple tasks without getting banned. The two main types, Residential and Data Center Proxies, offer different advantages. While Residential Proxies appear as home IP addresses providing an extra layer of protection, Data Center Proxies are faster and more stable but may be more susceptible to bans. Getting a reliable and good proxy provider is no simple task, it requires lots of research, testing during live drops, and making connections in the sneaker botting world. Obtaining a good proxy provider typically comes with a cost, typically billed monthly based on the amount of proxies you wish to use (data center proxies), or the amount of data you wish to use (residential proxies). However, without proxies it is impossible to have any type of success.

Introducing the Human Activity Generator: An Important Ally in Botting

A Human Activity Generator creates human-like activity on Gmail accounts, bolstering their trustworthiness score in the eyes of Google. A higher score can result in quicker and simpler CAPTCHAs, or even no CAPTCHA at all on certain websites, thereby increasing the chances of a successful purchase.

Overcoming Challenges in Botting: Update Strategies and More

Botting comes with its challenges. Websites often update their security measures right before high-profile releases, rendering bots ineffective. However, savvy bot developers can circumvent these issues by preparing alternative updates ready to be implemented at the moment of the release.

Case Study: The Success and Setbacks of Botting in SFS

Here at SFS, we've experienced the ups and downs of botting firsthand. Botting allowed us to secure highly sought-after sneakers, especially from Footsites and YeezySupply. However, major changes in the release methods of these platforms have affected our botting success rate, highlighting the need for constant adaptation in this arena.

Adapting to Change: The Impact of Shifted Release Methods on Botting

The change in release methods by Footsites to online raffles meant the botting had to adapt. These shifts posed a challenge, but they also offered an opportunity to develop new strategies and improve our botting techniques.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead at the Future of Botting

As we gaze into the horizon, the future of botting remains exciting and unpredictable. The continual advancements in technology and shifts in the retail industry necessitate an adaptable, ever-evolving approach to botting.