Transparency in SNKRS
In order to provide you with a clear understanding of how SNKRS works, we're sharing a comprehensive look into how we mitigate bots.
What is a bot?
Bots are automated programs that fake real consumer activity, primarily to join launches and purchase products with the intent to resell.
How do we verify submissions and screen out bots?
Nike uses a variety of tools to identify and remove them from the SNKRS platform, including advanced analytics and machine learning to verify that users and entries are authentic. There is a team of Nike engineers dedicated to dismantling bots designed to game launches. We take bot protection extremely seriously, and critically evaluate launches both in real time, and retroactively, to evolve our defences and remain a step ahead of bot developers.
Is this new for SNKRS?
No, it's not. Nike and SNKRS have been defending launches against bots for more than a decade, with significant accuracy and success. Within the launch process, we include messaging that states when we are verifying submissions and removing bots as part of an effort to provide more transparency about how we validate entries.
Does Nike remove all bots?
SNKRS is able to remove the majority of bots from all launches, including our most popular launches, as we know these are of prime importance to members. Nike remains on the offensive daily to ensure that our technology and tactics stay ahead of the game and that verified, authentic community members have fair access to launches. Bot innovation is constantly evolving; therefore, it is possible that a small fraction of bot entries may be successful for any given launch.
If launches are protected from bots, why don't I see more Ws?
SNKRS features the most coveted drops from Nike, Converse and Jordan Brand. Demand often greatly outweighs supply. Various factors impact how many pairs Nike makes of a given sneaker, but the goal is always the same: making sure our most popular product goes to real fans.