In this episode, I discuss my spat with the Editor in Chief of Complex, criticism vs hating, how past history affects harshness, the backlash, and a lot more. It's not intended as a rant, it's intended as a reflection. Also, Sneaker Guy of the Week returns, plus the debut of a new segment: We Are So Back / It's So Over. 00:00 - Intro 05:40 - Pickup…

In this episode we talk about James Whitner not getting charged by feds and apparently signing with adidas and speculate if his relationship with Nike and Jordan will continue. We also talk about the Nike CEO John Donahoe stepping down and who’s really to blame for Nike’s decline in these last 5 years. Some other topics, we talk about StockX sneake…

In this episode I cover EQL's recent customer privacy incident in full detail and explain what happened, and why it shouldn't be considered as no big deal because incidents like this could potentially be company ending events. I also talk about Nike suing The Shoe Surgeon and how coverage of the story seems to be ignoring that he's being accused of…

The series concludes with a conversation with my friend Corey Whatever who runs the digital agency Whatever Industries that has worked with brands like Rhude, Fear of God, JJJJound on their sites and on their hyped sneaker collaborations. We talk about what happens on that side of the aisle during and after sneaker drops. You can find Corey Whateve…

Premise You own a fictional skateshop in San Francisco called Ice Age Skate and you're getting 10k pairs of a Dunk SB to release in-store and online. Let's create a release strategy plan for a hype collab sneaker, and decide how we want to release in-store, to fnf/vip, and online. We'll also do some Backdoor Math and decide if that's an option we s…

This is a special edition Sockjig x Loose Laces Crossover episode all about Nike re-releasing grails like Wu-Tang Clan Dunk Highs and potentially Undefeated Jordan 4s. Listen and Subscribe to Loose Laces Podcast Apple https://open.spotify.com/show/7irgYwZjswyrUFCBtdio4T Spotify https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/loose-laces/id1623728170 YouTube …

This episode is about how to release a sneaker from a collaborator's point of view. I'll take a look at how they can create a release strategy that suits their needs. But first they need to know what are they trying to get out of a sneaker release and what are their core values. I also evaluate why sneaker releases are the way they are, taking a lo…

An in depth look at sneaker brands, collaborators, retailers, resell, sneaker media, trends and overall thoughts on the state of the sneaker game in 2024. Timestamps 00:00 - Entrance 02:01 - Intro 04:33 - Opening Remarks 15:49 - State of Sneaker Market 17:41 - The Rise of EQL 19:30 - State of Reselling: Resell is Dead, Long Live Resell 21:24 - Stat…

In this episode, I talk about Nike’s marketing and shitty products problem. I also talk about my trip to Japan, how Instagram is a key for vacation planning, what I wore and what Japanese were wearing. I also talk about shopping and a give a brief history Ginza, the birthplace of Japanese Fashion. Other topics include the Bode Astrograbber release …

In this episode, I talk about Live Streaming and how future sneaker influencers will more likely emerge from this space. I also share my thoughts on all these overly dramatic takes about the Death of Sneaker Culture because Trump appeared up at SneakerCon. Plus a lot more! Timestamps 0:00 - Cold Open: Thurston Moore 02:51 - Pickups 04:17 - Skips 07…

Episode 65 of the Sockjig Sneaker Podcast features an in-depth interview with Mbiyimoh Ghogomu, CEO and Co-founder of Tradeblock, a marketplace app for trading sneakers. Mbiyimoh discusses his personal journey from a sneaker-loving kid to a tech startup CEO, the inception and growth of Tradeblock, and the significance of running a Black-owned start…

This is special episode of The Sockjig Sneaker Podcast. I found a pilot episode of a sneaker podcast that I originally recorded on November 30th, 2017. I thought it was lost media but I just found it, cleaned it up and publishing for the first time ever. So let's go back to Nov 2017 when Nike Off White The Ten had just dropped, we used to cop Yeezy…

In this episode I discuss bold predictions for sneakers in 2024: Send me your 2024 Bold Predictions. Click Send a voice message button here: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sockjig⁠ I also discuss the recent raid at the Project Blitz warehouse, the Stanley Cups hype and what's important about the Kith Loyalty program. I also look at the Ni…

In this episode, we look into the disruptive marketing campaigns of Anthony Edwards AE1 and the Travis Scott Cactus Mac sneakers. We also talk about the playbook for collaborators with both new collaborator JaeTips, and contrast that with established collaborator Jerry Lorenzo and his new Fear of God x adidas collection. But before that, I talk a l…

In this episode we welcome Lois Sakany, a Wall Street sneaker analyst and co-founder of women's streetwear blog, Snobette. We discuss the current challenges faced by big brands like Nike and Adidas, the state of women's streetwear. Lois offers an insightful analysis of the impact of marketing, design, and distribution on a brand's success. We also …

In this episode, we delve into the current money laundering allegations against James Whitner of the Whitaker Group, owner of Social Status and A Ma Maniere. The podcast breaks down the possible scheme which allegedly involved selling Nike product to a Chinese buyer, with proceeds said to have been laundered and traced back to Whitner. We explore a…

In this episode, I take a deep-dive look into the future of sneaker retail amid the generational shift in what we buy, and the technological changes happening everyday. I look into recent store closures, the decline of big box retailers and malls and contemplate the long-term future of retail. Finally, I examine what retailers need to do to save br…

In this episode, I recap my trip to Kith Toronto opening night party and the store open and talk about why I was there, how I got invited, and the people I met. I also talk about the Born x Raised Dunk SB drop. Timestamps 00:00 - Sneak Peek 00:06 - Intro 00:58 - On Feet 01:12 - Pickups 03:24 - Misses 04:20 - Nike dotSwoosh TINAJ 08:17 - Born x Rais…

In this episode I talk about early pairs and if they're stolen, fake, or backdoored. I also talk about Kool Kiy, Nightwing's fake apology to me, Tremaine leaving Supreme, and debut a new segment called Size 13 Takes. Timestamps 00:00 - Funkmaster Flex Cold Open 02:30 - On Feet 03:22 - Pickups / Skips / Misses 11:56 - Size 13 Takes 14:03 - Nike v. K…

What's there to hate about StockX? Let me count the ways. This is The Hater's Guide to StockX Timestamps 00:00 - Cold Open - The Unofficial and Probably Incorrect Story of the Founding of StockX 04:55 - Intro 07:04 - Disclaimer 08:44 - What’s Good About StockX? 11:23 - Authentication 23:36 - Nike NFT Lawsuit 26:52 - Fakes on StockX 31:52 - Rapid Fi…

A conversation with designer, Creative Director, and entrepreneur Joe Freshgoods. We talk about his approach to creating sneakers and storytelling. We talk about the business side of collabs, and also detail what happened with adidas. Finally we talk about how Joe handles drops, both in person and online. It's a very candid and in depth conversatio…

In this episode, I talk about Spider-Man Jordan 1s, Jarritos SB Dunk, Yeezys returning, and shoot down the Travis SB Dunk rumour. There's also a sock drop in this episode if you're interested. The main topic is about advice I'd give to someone in their early 20s about getting into sneakers, but without the cliches. Timestamps 00:00 - Cold Open: Ton…

In this episode I welcome my guest, creative director, stylist, and all around blueprint JerLisa Nicole. You may have seen her work on Twitter including the Black History Month Kicks of the Day hashtag. We talk about that as well as her Sneaker Hunting show that was on Sole Collector, being outspoken and passionate and how that can hurt your bookin…

In this episode, I look at how generative artificial intelligence like ChatGPT could affect sneaker brands, sneaker media, content creators, resellers and sneakerheads. I look into all of the problems and issues that could arise because of the rise of Generative AI. BridgetGPT, the first sneaker AI also returns. In sneaker news, I give my thoughts …

In this episode, I talk about Tom Sachs running an art gitmo, Jerry Lorenzo and adidas, and tell the story about how I got the scoop on the reseller who got 38 pairs of fake Jordan 1s from StockX and gave a deposition in the Nike vs StockX court case. Plus a lot more! Timestamps 00:00 - Action Bronson Cold Open 00:11 - Intro 01:05 - Limited Socks R…

A look at brands, collaborators, retailers, resell, sneaker media, trends and overall thoughts on the state of the sneaker game in 2023. Timestamps 00:00 - Cold Open: Just a Game 00:27 - Intro 04:10 - Opening Remarks 09:49 - The Economy and Middle Class Sneakers 13:59 - State of Collabs 18:30 - Nike 21:17 - Jordan Brand 23:25 - Nike SB 24:45 - Adid…

In this episode, I debut a conversation with BridgetGPT, the first Sneaker AI. Other topics include retconning the Union 1 AJKO, Sneaker Leaker Wars, the MSCHF red boots and what it takes to build an audience, Joshua Vides and what it takes to burn bridges. I also talk about Tiffany AF1s, how consignment as a concept is not advisable in a slow mark…

In this episode, I speak with Jean-Michel Lemieux, aka @jmwind, ex-CTO of Shopify who helped usher in the modern era sneaker drops and anti-bot protection. We talk about what it took landing Supreme as a customer and how it required a complete rewrite of the checkout flow. We also discuss the early days of anti-bot protection and how it evolved, in…

In this episode I talk about feedback from last episode and some podcast goals for the new year. I talk about some of the results from the Sneaker of the Year Bracket as well as some of my favs of 2022. Other topics include: - Selling Mystery Boxes to Kids - Knockoff Brands are at it again - Shopify Moves to Supreme - Round 2 closing and how they h…

In this episode, I recap recent A Ma Maniere 4, Concepts Lobster Dunk, and Lost and Found 1 drops. I also cover Amex re-charging Zadeh Kicks customers, Fear of God and adidas status, the impact of OBJ's lawsuit against Nike on future athlete deals. Finally, I breakdown what I heard a certain sneaker entertainment conglomerate thinks about me and re…

In this episode we talk with @brandon1an about finding early sneaker images from Nike and other retailers. The most well known leak was when he found images of the Kobe 6 Mambacita from a retailer and Vanessa Bryant saw them and was upset about it and called the sneakers unauthorized. We talk about that incident, getting credit from sneaker blogs, …

In this episode, I talk trash takes with @GawdofFrames of Loose Laces sneaker podcast. We talk about AMM4 video submission raffle, StockX replacing the word Authentic with Verified, Twitter chaos, and I ask for his takes on fashion brands, sneaker oldheads, adidas and Kanye. https://twitter.com/GawdofFrames https://www.instagram.com/frame_gawd Loos…

In this episode, I cover Lost and Found 1s being backdoored and their plummeting resell price, more fallout from Kanye West deal and it's short term and long term effects on the industry. I also give my thoughts on the state of collaborators and sneaker storytelling, how we're at the end of a sneaker era, but a dawning of a new one. A shit ton of t…

Emergency pod about adidas terminating their partnership with Kanye West. Timestamps 00:00 - Apu Cold Open 00:02 - Intro 03:13 - adidas Deal Under Review 11:42 - Tremaine Emory 13:18 - adidas Deal Terminated 16:31 - Conspiracy Theory 20:43 - Calls 22:26 - What's Next for Resell 25:33 - What's Next for adidas 27:23 - Jerry Lorenzo 30:01 - Can Ye Com…

In this episode I talk about my reselling days, and recent changes at Goat that basically killed it. I also look into the whims of Ye and what would happen if he took Yeezy independent, if he can ever be happy and who he'd blame when there's no one else to blame. I cover lots of other recent sneaker topics as well. Timestamps 00:00 - Cold Open: Del…

An in depth look into how we develop our taste in sneakers, why we like what we like, how do we know what's good, how are we influenced, and how our tastes change. Adapted from the book You May Also Like: Taste in an Age of Endless Choice by Tom Vanderbilt https://www.amazon.com/You-May-Also-Like-Endless/dp/0307948595 Timestamps 00:00 - Cold Open: …

In this episode I talk about how I broke news stories, how I was right on Chicago 1 story, Zadeh Kicks being a Ponzi all along and take a victory lap. More topics as well: Timestamps 00:00 - Cold Open: Vending Machines 00:07 - Intro 02:35 - The Game Is The Game Sock Drop 03:41 - On Feet / Pickups / Skips / Misses 06:53 - Breaking the Ann Freeman St…

The Hater's Guide to Sneakers Vol. 1: ALD, New Balance and Supreme Timestamps 00:00 - Silky Johnson Cold Open 00:17 - Intro 01:58 - On Feet / Pickups / Skips 04:18 - Haters Guide Disclaimer 07:35 - Aime Leon Dore 17:39 - Calls 20:17 - Bonus mini Kith hating 22:25 - New Balance 30:04 - Calls 31:57 - Supreme 39:10 - Outro…

In this episode I talk about sneakers in a recession, New Balance fakes, Louis Vuitton VIPs spending $1mil a year to get access to AF1s is probably bullshit, and a lot more. Timestamps 00:00 - Costanza Cold Open 00:12 - Intro 04:54 - On Feet / Pickups / Skips and Misses 09:18 - Why is the Stussy AF1 Mid Fossil under retail? 10:55 - StockX Authentic…

In this episode, I talk about recent releases, my thoughts on some upcoming drops, StockX defending their authentication program, Adidas suing Nike over patents, and bot instances issue. For the main topic I give an update on Zadeh Kicks and some analysis on why it was a Ponzi scheme (allegedly), why it collapsed, the effect it's had on resell, win…

Emergency podcast episode that covers the Zadeh Kicks rug pull. Timestamps 00:00 - The Office Cold Open 00:19 - Intro 03:26 - What Happened? 05:37 - Will I Get My Sneakers? (No) 06:25 - Will I Get My Money Back? (Maybe) 09:59 - Listener Calls 11:26 - What Should I Do? (File a Claim) 16:59 - TBlake Calls In 19:39 - More Listener Calls 25:58 - Outro …

In this episode I have a conversation with special guest Kari aka SneakerPhetish. We discuss sneaker influencers, brand campaigns, and content platforms. We also discuss being on Sneaker Twitter and having various feuds and haters, the current state of Sneaker YouTube, and a lot more. Timestamps 00:00 - RICO on Bot Devs 00:20 - Open 00:46 - JFG 03:…

In this episode, I talk about the huge news of Nike updating their lawsuit against StockX to include claims of counterfeiting. I'll cover how Nike got fakes from StockX, how the public views StockX, how each company handles fakes as well as my thoughts on why Nike did this and how it could all backfire on them. Plus there's calls from listeners and…

In this episode, I talk about the fallout from Trophy Room backdooring back in the news. I talk about Complex's editorial coverage of it and I gatekeep the gatekeepers. I also talk about the Kobe 6 and the dilemma of the hype charity sneaker. I talk about some recent Nike lawsuits, which leads to talking about how the era of big name sneaker design…

In this episode, I talk about Union Jordan 2 drop, Nike's childish vision of futuristic digital sneakers, DJ Khaled, and my response to recent talk that sneaker culture is trash and the bubble is going to pop soon. I also update the Sneaker Power Rankings for Spring 2022. Timestamps 00:00 - Cold Open: Pumpkin Escobar buying an NFT 00:27 - Intro 02:…

In this episode, I break down all the sneaker conspiracy theories involving brands, retailers, and StockX and Goat. I also try to explain how and the why of Zadeh Kicks. The truth is out there! Timestamps 00:00 - Milhouse Cold Open 00:37 - Coast to Coast Intro 05:14 - On Feet, Pickups, Skips, Misses 11:09 - Conspiracy Theories and The Known Unknown…

A look at brands, collaborators, retailers, resell, sneaker blogs, trends and overall thoughts on the current state of the sneaker game in 2022. Timestamps 00:00 - Al Bundy Cold Open 00:48 - Intro 02:13 - Brands and the state of collabs 09:22 - New Balance 14:34 - Reebok, Asics, Vans 17:11 - New Brands 19:08 - Puma: a comprehensive look 19:37 - Adi…

In this episode I have a conversation with special guest LA Three (@LA3Life). We discuss being on Sneaker Twitter, getting early info, Adidas Wave Runners, the state of Nike collabs, the current state of resell, and a lot more. Timestamps 00:00 - Randy Orton Cold Open 00:36 - Intro 01:16 - Guest LA Three 56:42 - Outro https://twitter.com/La3Life --…

In this episode I talk about StockX NFTs and Louis Vuitton x Off White Nike Air Force 1s and Grails. I also discuss my personal Top 10 Sneakers of 2021, state of the pod, and some thoughts on the first step in reducing your sneaker collection. Timestamps 00:00 - Cold Open: Bodega Boys 00:17 - Intro 01:41 - Pickups 03:13 - State of the Podcast 09:53…

In this episode I talk about the loss of Virgil Abloh, Ricky Burgstrom, aka BurgersKicks. I also discuss adidas and Nike's recent moves into NFTs and how they related to world of sneakers. Finally I go over the results The Best Sneakers of 2021 64 Sneaker Tournament that I held on Twitter recently. Timestamps 00:00 - Cold Open BurgersKicks 00:33 - …