There’s a lot to know about proxies as they are tech-based products. It also doesn’t help that proxies are used in many different ways, with each use case having distinct requirements.
Sneaker copping is one of the more competitive and demanding tasks. Here’s what you should know before choosing proxies for it.
Why proxies?
A proxy server acts as a middleman between your device and the websites you visit. Using a proxy means connecting to it first and only then accessing the world wide web. Without such a service, your device must always identify itself by providing its IP address.
With a proxy, you hide your IP address from websites, and they can only see the intermediary connecting. Your approximate location and the name of the internet service provider (ISP), which IP addresses provide, aren’t available to identify you.
It is almost impossible for websites to trace you if you rotate multiple proxies. Other means of hiding your IP address do exist, such as VPNs or Tor networks, but aren’t viable for so many use cases.
Proxies are used not only for anonymous browsing. They can be integrated into automation or data gathering software and used as a relay connection to bypass various restrictions. Sneaker copping is one such task, and it would be impossible without proxies.
Anti-copping measures
Vendors make it impossible for one customer to purchase all their limited-edition sneakers. But that is precisely what sneakerheads intend to do while copping. They use various automation tools, such as bots, to be the first ones to catch a drop.
It is a cat-and-mouse game – sellers increase their anti-copping measures while sneakerheads improve their tools. Proxies can’t win the game alone, but they play a major role in avoiding the most severe defense mechanisms. Most of the popular online sneaker stores would be impossible to cop from without proxies.
Geo-restrictions are common with vendors such as Nike, Adidas or Supreme. They entail checking the locations of visitors’ IP addresses and allowing only specific ones to access the website. Retailers can control who is able to access the drop, so if you are from the USA, you can’t participate in a drop from Europe.
Proxies enable changing your IP address so you can target drops from anywhere in the world. But increasing the variety of possible purchases isn’t the only reason proxies are helpful. Some drops would not be available without matching your IP and the delivery address you entered.
Account limitations restrict the number of items one customer can purchase. You won’t be able to check out more than a couple of pairs of limited-edition sneakers on Nike.com with a single account. Therefore, you need to create multiple ones with unique names, emails, delivery addresses, payment information and, of course, IPs.
Overlapping account information breaches Terms and Conditions, so you risk cancellation of your delivery and an account ban. Proxies can only change one part of what is needed, but IPs are still the most commonly monitored aspect by websites. You only need to load a page, and it will be visible.
Action monitoring is real-time tracking of visitors while trying to detect bots. If unusual patterns are noticed, the website triggers a CAPTCHA test which you need to solve. Otherwise, your IP address might be banned. A general tip against action monitoring is to imitate organic user behavior.
Occasionally you might still arouse suspicion without any wrong steps on your side. Action monitoring, however, is only possible while tracking IP addresses, so if you use proxies and rotate them regularly, your success rate will increase significantly. Therefore, making the right choice of proxies is crucial for this task.
Sneaker proxies
Sneaker proxies are a special type of intermediary server designed and tested for the best performance while sneaker copping. Before selling these proxies, providers run them through websites to ensure that the locations are supported, IP addresses aren’t banned, and overall performance is fitting.
Other proxies might work with sneaker websites, but providers do not guarantee the best performance. They might be great proxies, but just not meant for sneaker copping. As such, the label of sneaker proxies gives you more assurance.
Providers can even take a step further and test proxies with specific sneaker vendors. So, there are sneaker proxies specifically for copping Nikes, Adidas or for Shopify platforms and Footsites.
Types of sneaker proxies
Residential proxies are verified by the internet service provider (ISPs) because they are created with physical devices and household connections. They are best for when you need to blend in and attract as little attention to your bot as possible.
Datacenter proxies are created virtually in large quantities and run on servers without affiliation to ISPs. Their connection and equipment make them ideal for when you need a lot of fast IP addresses without spending much money.
ISP (or static residential) proxies are somewhat in the middle. They have IP addresses verified by ISPs but hosted on a server and not a residential device. It is the best choice when you need to strike a speed and legitimacy balance.
Choosing between sneaker proxy types requires some trial and error or previous experience with the sites you will be copping. Most cook groups recommend starting with residential proxies if unsure what IPs the website accepts best.
Setting up
Using proxies with a bot is straightforward – you will receive an IP address, port and password, which you must enter into the software. For example, with the AIO bot, you create a proxy list and put the proxy credentials there. Here’s a useful guide on how to set up that bot.
Conclusion
Proxies are the best tool for changing your IP while buying sneakers. They are essential for overcoming various security measures and copping multiple pairs of sneakers. Sneaker proxies are the type you should choose because other options are inferior.
