First, get a bot. Then, study up on the most popular celebrity-backed brands. And get on the notification list for the latest limited-edition releases from Nike, Adidas and shoee like. And a lot of people—well, teenagers—are. Bots—automated software applications that can place online sneaker orders the moment they go on sale—are important because certain sneaker releases have become highly orchestrated events meant to maximize viral hype and turn shoes into collectibles owned only by a lucky. Releases occur online at a precise time, and the most popular brands are literally gone within seconds. Resellers used to rely mostly on eBay, but there s now sites devoted strictly to clothing or sneakers, such as Fot and Flight Clubalong with a smartphone app called Goat. Sneakerheads can also trade and sell shoes at events usung as Sneakercona touring trade show that hits several major cities each year. One concern: knockoffs. Counterfeiters have discovered there’s good money in designer s...