Matt Varga The SNKRS app has been a sneakerhead bugaboo essentially since its introduction. While some form of consumer scorn is only natural when demand outpaces supply, we can definitely credit Nike, Inc. and its various branches for aiming to alleviate that negative sentiment within their fanbase, continually ramping up efforts to ensure that their most coveted kicks make it into the right hands. As part of their festivities surrounding this weekend’s Chicago Marathon, one of their more creative initiatives made a surprise appearance, as another batch of Nike SNKRS “Instant Got ‘Em” tickets has started circulating anew.
While it’s unclear exactly who received these passes, their use case is spelled out rather clearly on the ticket itself, allowing holders to cash in for one SNKRS drop during the rest of October through November 18th. Crucially, it’s access that’s granted through this channel; you’ll still seemingly have to pony up sticker price to actually see the notorious “Got ‘Em” screen. Simply by already reported news, highlights from that range include the Zion Williamson Jordan 1 Low, the Air Jordan 11 “Rare Air,” and the Air Jordan 12 “Taxi.”
In the wake of this new flare-up, official brand copy has resurfaced from All-Star San Francisco earlier this year, where the “Instant Got ‘Em” first debuted. Those who won that prize in a sweepstakes-style event were able to cash in their voucher for “Nike, Inc. footwear that [was] visible in the SNKRS App U.S. region” and coincided with that pass’s date, a span from the end of February to the end of March.
Taking those things into account, though some have already noted that this Q4 “Golden Ticket” aligns with the Travis Scott x Fragment Air Jordan 1 Low OG, the Swoosh’s reliance on exclusive access and shock drops for high-heat product means that those hoping to secure some Cactus Jacks may be headed home disappointed.
Whether we’ll see further North American activations surrounding this new voucher system in the coming months is unclear. Still, it’s undoubtedly a splashy way for Beaverton to publicize their democratization efforts surrounding their oft-maligned digital channel. Catch an in-hand look at the pass itself below.
