How Many Proxies Are Needed for Successful Sneaker Copping: A Calculation for Nike, Adidas, and Supreme

One of the most common questions from beginners in sneaker copping is: "How many proxies do I need to buy?". The correct answer depends on many factors: which site you are targeting, how many tasks you are running in the bot, what strategy you are using, and what budget you are willing to invest. In this guide, we will discuss the exact calculation formulas, strategies for distributing proxies, and real examples of successful copping.

An incorrect calculation of the number of proxies is one of the main reasons for failures in copping. Too few proxies will lead to bans and missed releases. Too many will result in overspending and unrecouped costs. Let’s figure out how to find the golden mean.

Basic Proxy Calculation Formula for Copping

There is a proven formula that experienced coppers use to calculate the necessary number of proxies. It takes into account three main parameters: the number of tasks in the bot, the ratio of tasks to proxies, and a buffer for potential bans.

Formula: Number of Proxies = (Number of Tasks ÷ Task:Proxy Ratio) × Buffer Coefficient

Let’s break down each parameter in more detail:

• Number of Tasks — how many purchase attempts you are running simultaneously. For beginners, it is usually 50-100 tasks, for experienced coppers — 200-500 or more.
• Task:Proxy Ratio — how many tasks can run on one proxy. This depends on the site: for Nike SNKRS, it is usually 1:1 or 2:1, for Shopify sites, it can be 3:1 or even 5:1.
• Buffer Coefficient — usually 1.2-1.5 (i.e., 20-50% more than the minimum). This is a reserve in case of proxy bans or the need to restart tasks.

Example Calculation for Nike SNKRS:

Number of Tasks: 100
Ratio: 1:1 (one task = one proxy)
Buffer Coefficient: 1.3

Calculation: (100 ÷ 1) × 1.3 = 130 proxies

Example Calculation for Shopify Site (Supreme, Kith):

Number of Tasks: 200
Ratio: 3:1 (three tasks per one proxy)
Buffer Coefficient: 1.2

Calculation: (200 ÷ 3) × 1.2 = 80 proxies

As you can see, Shopify sites require fewer proxies for the same number of tasks because these sites are less strict about repeated IP addresses. However, for Nike, Adidas, and other major brands, the ratio should be closer to 1:1 to avoid bans.

Requirements of Different Sites: Nike, Adidas, Supreme

Each site has its own bot protection system, which directly affects the number of proxies needed. Let’s examine the requirements of top platforms for sneaker releases.

Nike SNKRS is the strictest platform. It uses an advanced bot detection system, including behavior analysis, fingerprinting, and IP address verification. A 1:1 ratio is recommended, meaning each task operates through its unique proxy. Using residential proxies is critically important, as datacenters get banned almost instantly.

Adidas and Yeezy Supply have a medium level of protection. A 2:1 ratio can be used for less hyped releases, but for top drops (Yeezy, collaborations), it’s better to stick to 1:1. Residential proxies show better results, although quality ISP proxies also work.

Supreme and Shopify sites are more lenient towards bots. Here, a 3:1 or even 5:1 ratio can be used, especially if you have fast proxies. Many coppers successfully use datacenter proxies for these sites, saving on budget.

Task to Proxy Ratio in Popular Bots

Different copping bots have their recommendations for proxy distribution. This is related to the architecture of the bot, the speed of request sending, and built-in mechanisms to prevent bans. Let’s look at the settings for popular bots.

Cyber AIO is one of the most popular bots for Nike and Shopify. For Nike SNKRS, a 1:1 ratio is recommended, while for Shopify, a 3:1 ratio can be used. The bot has a built-in proxy management system and automatically distributes tasks.

Balko specializes in Footsites and Shopify. The optimal ratio is 2:1 for Footsites and 3:1 for Shopify. The bot aggressively sends requests, so it’s important to use fast proxies with low ping.

Kodai is a universal bot for all platforms. For Supreme and Shopify, a 5:1 ratio can be used, for Footsites — 2:1, and for Nike — strictly 1:1. Kodai has an advanced proxy rotation system within the task group.

Wrath is a budget option with good Shopify support. A 3:1 ratio is recommended for most sites. The bot is less demanding on proxy quality, but for top releases, residential proxies are still needed.

Example Setup for 200 Tasks in Cyber AIO for a Nike Release:

• Create a task group for 200 profiles (each profile = unique Nike account)
• Upload a list of 200-250 residential proxies (25% buffer)
• In the proxy settings, select "One proxy per task" mode
• Enable automatic proxy replacement on errors
• Start tasks 2-3 minutes before the release

Which Type of Proxy to Choose for Copping

Choosing the type of proxy is a critically important decision that affects the success of copping and the budget. There are three main types of proxies for sneaker copping: residential, ISP (static residential), and datacenter. Each has its pros and cons.

Residential proxies are the gold standard for copping on protected platforms. They use IP addresses from real home internet providers, so sites perceive them as regular users. For Nike SNKRS, this is practically a mandatory requirement. Average price: $3-15 per GB of traffic or $40-80 per month for an unlimited plan.

ISP proxies (static residential) are a compromise between residential and datacenter proxies. These are static IP addresses hosted in residential ASNs (autonomous systems of internet providers). They are faster than regular residential proxies and have a fixed IP, which is convenient for whitelisting on some sites. Average price: $2-5 per proxy per month.

Datacenter proxies are the most budget-friendly option. They are suitable for Shopify sites, Supreme, and other less protected platforms. The main advantages are speed and price. You can buy 100 proxies for $20-50 per month. However, on Nike or Adidas, they will be banned within seconds.

Strategies for Different Budgets

The number of proxies is directly related to your budget and goals. Let’s discuss three strategies: for beginners with a minimal budget, for intermediate levels, and for professionals ready to invest significant amounts.

Strategy 1: Beginner ($50-100/month on proxies)

Goal: Learn to cop, achieve initial successes, minimize risks.

Recommendations:

• Focus on Shopify sites (Supreme, Kith, BSTN) — they are less demanding on proxies
• Buy 25-30 datacenter proxies ($20-30) for Shopify
• Buy 10-15 residential proxies ($30-50) for rare attempts on Nike/Adidas
• Run 50-75 tasks on Shopify (3:1 ratio)
• For Nike, run only 10-15 tasks (1:1 ratio)

Expected Result: 1-2 successful copping attempts per month on Shopify, rare successes on Nike with some luck.

Strategy 2: Intermediate Level ($200-400/month on proxies)

Goal: Stable copping on different platforms, recouping investments.

Recommendations:

• Buy 50 residential proxies ($150-200) for Nike SNKRS and Adidas
• Buy 30 ISP proxies ($60-90) for Footsites
• Buy 50 datacenter proxies ($30-50) for Shopify
• Run 100-150 tasks on Nike (use all 50 residential + buffer)
• Run 60-90 tasks on Footsites (2:1 ratio with ISP)
• Run 150-200 tasks on Shopify (4:1 ratio with datacenters)

Expected Result: 3-5 successful copping attempts per month on different platforms, recouping investments with the right choice of releases.

Strategy 3: Professional ($500-1000+/month on proxies)

Goal: Maximize the chance of success on top releases, scale the business.

Recommendations:

• Buy 200-300 residential proxies ($400-600) for Nike and Adidas
• Buy 100 ISP proxies ($200-300) for Footsites and as a backup for Nike
• Buy 100 datacenter proxies ($50-80) for Shopify and testing
• Run 300-500 tasks on top Nike releases (1:1 ratio with buffer)
• Use different proxy pools for different releases in one day
• Rotate proxies between releases to maintain IP "cleanliness"

Expected Result: 10+ successful copping attempts per month, stable profit, ability to cop the most hyped releases.

Rotation Management and Reusing Proxies

Proper proxy management allows you to save budget and increase efficiency. Not all proxies need to be used simultaneously, and not all proxies "burn out" after one use. Let’s discuss rotation and reuse strategies.

Proxy Rotation Between Releases: If you have multiple releases in a day or week, do not use the same proxies for all. Create proxy pools and distribute them across releases. For example, if you have 100 residential proxies and three releases a week, use 35-40 proxies for each release. This reduces the risk of bans and extends the "life" of proxies.

Reusing Proxies After a Failed Copping Attempt: If a release fails (you didn’t manage to add to cart or pay), proxies usually remain "clean" and can be used for the next release. However, if proxies received a ban or captcha, it’s better to let them "rest" for 1-2 weeks or replace them altogether.

Testing Proxies Before a Release: 1-2 days before an important release, check all proxies for functionality. Use built-in testers in bots or separate tools (e.g., Proxy Tester). Remove or replace non-working proxies to avoid losing tasks during copping.

When NOT to Reuse Proxies:

• Proxies received a ban (error 403, permanent ban) — they are "burned out" for this site
• Proxies successfully completed a purchase — it’s better not to risk and let them rest for at least a week
• Proxies showed slow speed or timeouts — there may be an issue with the provider
• You are using proxies on a very hyped release (Travis Scott x Jordan, Yeezy 350) — it’s better to get fresh ones

Common Mistakes in Calculating the Number of Proxies

Beginners often make the same mistakes when buying proxies, leading to wasted money and failed copping attempts. Let’s discuss the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Buying Too Few Proxies

Many beginners think: "I’ll buy 10 proxies and run 100 tasks, maybe it will work." This does not work. With a 10:1 ratio on Nike SNKRS, you will get mass bans within seconds. The result is wasted money on proxies, bots, and accounts. Always calculate the minimum number using the formula and add a 20-30% buffer.

Mistake 2: Using Datacenters on Protected Sites

"Why pay $5 for residential when a datacenter costs $0.50?" — a typical beginner's logic. On Nike, Adidas, and Footsites, datacenters get banned instantly. You will waste time setting up, run tasks, and get a 100% fail rate. Saving on proxies is like saving on matches when buying a Ferrari.

Mistake 3: Buying Proxies at the Last Minute

The release is tomorrow, and you just decided to buy proxies today. The result — no time to test, half of the proxies don’t work, you panic, and miss the release. Buy proxies at least 2-3 days in advance, test them, and replace non-working ones. This is especially important for residential proxies — not all providers offer a quality pool.

Mistake 4: Using the Same Proxies on All Sites

"I have 50 proxies, I’ll use them everywhere" — a bad idea. If proxies got banned on Nike, they may be "dirty" for other sites as well. It’s better to divide: one pool for Nike/Adidas, another for Footsites, a third for Shopify. This isolates risks and extends the life of proxies.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Proxy Geography

Copping Nike US with European proxies? This is a red flag for anti-fraud systems. Always use proxies from the same country as the site: US proxies for Nike US, UK proxies for Nike UK, EU proxies for Adidas EU. Some providers allow you to choose a region — be sure to use this option.

Mistake 6: Lack of Backup Proxies

You calculated that you need exactly 100 proxies for 100 tasks and bought exactly 100. During the release, 15 proxies don’t work or get errors. The result — 15 tasks are idle, and you lose chances. Always buy 20-30% more than the calculated minimum. It’s better to have a buffer than to miss a release due to a lack of proxies.

Conclusion

Correctly calculating the number of proxies is a balance between budget, goals, and site requirements. For beginners, 25-40 proxies are sufficient to start on Shopify and for rare attempts on Nike. For intermediate levels, it’s optimal to have 100-150 proxies of different types for different sites. Professionals use 200-500+ proxies for large-scale attacks on top releases.

The main rules: always use the calculation formula considering the task to proxy ratio, add a 20-30% buffer, choose the type of proxy for the specific platform, and never skimp on quality for protected sites like Nike SNKRS. Residential proxies for Nike are not a luxury, but a necessity.

If you plan to seriously engage in sneaker copping, we recommend starting with residential proxies for top platforms — they provide the maximum chance of success on highly competitive releases. For budget strategies on Shopify sites, quality datacenter proxies will suffice, offering good speed at a lower price.

Remember: the number of proxies is just one of the factors for success. The quality of accounts, bot settings, choice of release, and a bit of luck are equally important. Happy copping!