Customer Reviews (500)

aggrogasm • 2025-03-19T14:09:57-07:00

Just cannot find any value outside release dates and raffle info. The restock notifications are more annoying than helpful. The ability to only mute 60 words is not near enough for my interests. Very slow restock notifications or completely missing them. For general restock info, it does have value; but don’t bank on it for very hard to get items. Shouldn’t have SoleLinks giving me Metallic 5’s notifications and none from SR. This app has value but not near the current monthly asking price. I’ll just scroll Twitter and save some capital.

Jermaine42 • 2025-03-14T08:33:25-07:00

Best shoe app out there. Period

joeblow45455 • 2025-03-04T11:18:40-07:00

This app is GREAT. It LINKS you DIRECTLY to drops immediately, with your info ALREADY filled out including size, and all u have to do is push the pay button. It's great!!

Summary of Key Insights

Sole Retriever - Sneakers is generally well-received, with users praising its ability to provide timely information on sneaker releases, raffles, and restocks, significantly increasing their chances of securing desired sneakers at retail prices. The app's strong point is its ability to aggregate information and deliver it quickly, giving users an edge over manual searching. However, some users report issues with the reliability of restock notifications, the effectiveness of autofill, and the aggressive notification frequency. There are also complaints about customer support responsiveness and subscription-related issues. Overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, but addressing the identified pain points will improve user satisfaction and retention.

  • Overall Sentiment: Overwhelmingly positive. Users appreciate the app's core functionality and the edge it provides in the sneaker market.
  • Key Strengths: Timely release, raffle, and restock information; convenient aggregation of data; user-friendly interface.
  • Key Weaknesses: Restock notification reliability; autofill effectiveness; notification frequency and customization; customer support responsiveness; subscription issues.
  • Quantitative Metrics:
    • Overall Rating: High (based on score distribution)
    • Score Distribution: {"1":29,"2":4,"3":7,"4":16,"5":444}
      • 5-star: 88.8%
      • 4-star: 3.2%
      • 3-star: 1.4%
      • 2-star: 0.8%
      • 1-star: 5.8%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but assumed to be a recent period based on the version number (4.3.0) and the content of the reviews.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment Analysis: Manual assessment of review sentiment (positive, negative, neutral).
    • Keyword Extraction: Identification of frequently mentioned keywords and phrases related to features, issues, and user experiences.
    • Frequency Analysis: Counting the occurrences of specific issues, requests, and positive aspects.

Key User Pain Points

  • Restock Notification Reliability: Many users report that restock notifications are often delayed or inaccurate, leading to sold-out items by the time they reach the retailer's site. This is a major source of frustration, as it undermines the app's core value proposition.
  • Notification Frequency & Customization: A significant number of users find the notification frequency overwhelming and desire more granular control over notification settings, including brand-specific filters. The inability to filter out unwanted brands is a common complaint.
  • Autofill Ineffectiveness: Some users report that the autofill feature doesn't work reliably across all retailer sites, requiring them to manually enter information repeatedly.
  • Customer Support Responsiveness: Several users have complained about a lack of responsiveness from customer support, particularly regarding subscription issues and giveaway inquiries.
  • Subscription Issues: Some users experience issues with their subscription resetting after closing the app, requiring them to manually restore their purchase. Others have trouble cancelling subscriptions or report being charged after cancellation.
  • Waitlist Frustration: Several users expressed frustration with the waitlist process, with some feeling it's artificially inflated or misleading.
  • Login issues: Some users are unable to log in even with paid subscriptions.
  • App loading issues: Slow loading when clicking on available shoes or restocks.

Frequently Requested Features

  • More Granular Notification Filters: Users consistently request the ability to filter notifications by brand, shoe type, and size.
  • Improved Autofill Compatibility: Users want the autofill feature to work seamlessly across more retailer websites.
  • Picture of the Shoe in Restock Alert: Users want a picture of the shoe in the alert so they don't cart the wrong item.
  • Better Customer Support: Users want faster and more helpful customer support.
  • Cheaper Subscription Options: Some users suggest lower-priced tiers, especially for basic features.
  • Option to earn subscription through ads: Users want the option to watch ads to earn subscription.
  • Women-specific filters and support

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Timely Release and Raffle Information: Users consistently praise the app's ability to provide up-to-date information on sneaker releases and raffles.
  • Convenient Aggregation of Data: Users appreciate having all the relevant information in one place, saving them time and effort.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Many users find the app easy to navigate and use.
  • Increased Chances of Copping: Many users report an increased success rate in securing desired sneakers at retail prices.
  • Restock Notifications (when reliable): When working correctly, the restock notifications are highly valued.
  • Access to Exclusive Raffles: Users have won exclusive raffles that they wouldn't have found otherwise.
  • Giveaways: Users appreciate the frequent giveaways offered through the app.
  • Autocart Feature (Pro): Users with the Pro plan appreciate the autocart feature for faster checkout.
  • Good for Reselling: Some users find the app helpful for their reselling business.
  • Discovering New Retailers: The app helps users discover new retailers and raffle opportunities.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Improve Restock Notification Reliability: Investigate and address the issues causing delayed or inaccurate restock notifications. This is the most critical issue affecting the app's core value proposition.
  • Enhance Notification Filtering: Implement more granular notification filters, allowing users to specify brands, shoe types, and sizes they are interested in.
  • Improve Customer Support Responsiveness: Increase staffing and implement better support processes to ensure timely and helpful responses to user inquiries.
  • Address Subscription Issues: Resolve the issues causing subscription resets and cancellation problems.

Medium Priority:

  • Improve Autofill Compatibility: Expand the autofill feature to work seamlessly across a wider range of retailer websites.
  • Optimize Notification Frequency: Provide options to customize notification frequency and batch notifications to reduce the overall volume.
  • Provide Picture of Shoe in Restock Alerts: Add a picture of the shoe in the restock alert so users don't cart the wrong item.
  • Review Waitlist Process: Evaluate and streamline the waitlist process to improve the user experience and address concerns about artificial demand.

Low Priority:

  • Explore Cheaper Subscription Options: Consider offering lower-priced subscription tiers with limited features to cater to a wider audience.
  • Option to Earn Subscription Through Ads: Explore offering the option to watch ads to earn subscription time.
  • Improve women-specific filters and support: Add better filters for women's sizes and support.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Raffle Entry: Develop an AI-powered feature that automatically enters users into raffles based on their preferences and eligibility, maximizing their chances of winning.
  • Personalized Sneaker Recommendations: Implement an AI-driven recommendation engine that suggests sneakers based on user style, preferences, and past purchases.
  • Sneaker Community Forum: Create an in-app forum where users can connect, share information, and discuss sneaker releases.
  • Integrated Resale Platform: Integrate a secure resale platform within the app, allowing users to buy and sell sneakers directly with verified authenticity.
  • Augmented Reality Sneaker Try-On: Implement an AR feature that allows users to virtually "try on" sneakers using their smartphone camera.
  • Sneaker Customization Tool: Allow users to virtually customize sneakers and share their designs.

Trends and Observations

  • Strong Positive Sentiment: The overwhelming majority of users express positive sentiment towards the app, indicating a strong foundation.
  • Price Sensitivity: Some users express concern about the subscription price, suggesting a potential market for lower-priced alternatives.
  • Desire for More Control: Users consistently request more control over notifications and customization options, indicating a need for greater personalization.
  • Reliance on Bots: Some users mention the presence of bots in the sneaker market, highlighting the need for features that give manual users a competitive edge.
  • The value of community: Users enjoy being part of a community that helps them get the shoes they want.

Conclusion

Sole Retriever - Sneakers is a valuable tool for sneaker enthusiasts, providing timely information and increasing their chances of securing desired sneakers. However, addressing the identified pain points, particularly those related to restock notification reliability, notification customization, and customer support, is crucial for improving user satisfaction and retention. By focusing on these areas, Sole Retriever can solidify its position as the leading sneaker app in the market. Overall, the app is recommended, but with the caveat that improvements are needed in specific areas.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sole-retriever-sneakers/id1553374770?uo=2