Sockjig Sneaker Podcast

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 and how Hidden NY has no point of view. Timestamps 00:00 - Newsradio Cold Open 00:21 - Intro 03:09 - Pickups / Skips / Misses 04:54 - Skips 06:35 - Misses 08:47 - Bode Astrograbbers 13:19 - Hidden NY Asics 20:42 - Nike and Goat 24:51 - Nike's Marketing and Shitty Products Problem 29:41 - Nike's AI Designed Sneakers 31:39 - Nike and MLB Fanatics Deal 33:35 - The Sword of Donahue 37:08 - Big in Japan 41:09 - Picking a Travel Sneaker 42:02 - Clothing for Japan 45:01 - Initial Thoughts in Japan 48:42 - Cash Money 49:42 - Language 50:51 - Food 54:12 - Transportation 57:07 - Sneakers Japanese Wear 59:52 - Clothing Japanese Wear 1:01:36 - Shopping 1:08:37 - Ginza and the History of Japanese Men's Fashion 1:15:19 - Closing Thoughts Buy Sockjig Socks https://shop.sockjig.com/

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 07:12 - Misses 08:56 - HartCopy adidas BW Army Release 13:14 - Wale Deserves More 16:36 - Nike Signs Kai Cennat 20:13 - Complex Sold to NTWRK App 25:14 - Future Sneaker Influencers and Livestreaming 27:27 - Trump at SneakerCon 40:01 - Shawn Stussy Says Sneaker Culture is Officially Over 49:09 - Outro

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 startup in the sneaker industry. We also talk about the challenges of having a startup that launched just before Covid-19, and also now the slowing sneaker economy. We also talk about what happened with the recent app UI changes and the strong customer feedback on those changes. Timestamps 00:00 - Intro 01:22 - Interview 07:18 - Becoming a Tech Cofounder 15:02 - Tech Startup During Covid 19:36 - Importance of Community 21:47 - Importance of Black Owned Startup in the Sneaker Industry 26:32 - Jason Mayden 33:10 - Tradeblock App 34:50 - Slowing Economy and Down Sneaker Market 39:58 - Recent Tradeblock UI Changes 48:42 - What's Next for Tradeblock 53:53 - Sneaker March Mania

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 Yeezys from EU sites in the middle of the night. A time many look back on now as a golden age. Timestamps 00:00 2024 Intro 01:15 What is a Sockjig? 02:36 2017 Sneaker Boom  05:11 Rundown 05:40 Nike Off-White The Ten Drop 11:40 Sean Wotherspoon: Need Supply Virginia Drop 15:11 Nike 2017 Year in Review 20:39 Nike Collaborators 20:43 Acronym 21:08 Tom Sachs 22:12 Vlone 23:07 PSNY 23:28 Travis Scott 24:05 Jordan Brand 25:55 New Balance  26:43 Fear of God 27:20 Big Baller Brand 27:30 Yeezys 31:17 adidas Ultraboost 33:23 Pharrell and 4D 33:46 4D 34:15 Outro Support the show! Buy socks at ⁠https://shop.sockjig.com/

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 Nike and Tiger Woods split and why Nike is letting legends walk. I think talk about the challenges in digital media with recent layoffs at Sports Illustrated, Pitchfork and of course Buzzfeed being broke and content creation in this era. I also talk about my personal goals with content creation and have a retrospective on the podcast, creating best of the year and worst of the year lists. And finally talk about my personal year in sneakers: favourite pickups, misses, regrets and shoes I sold. The Best Sneakers of 2023 - 64 Tournament Bracket https://www.sockjig.com/bestof2023/ Top 20 Worst of the Year in the World of Sneakers https://twitter.com/sockjig/status/1744190809581494595 Timestamps 00:00 - Cold Open 00:19 - Intro 03:00 - On Feet / Pickups / Skips 04:43  - Bold Predictions For 2024 10:05 - Project Blitz Warehouse Raided 13:14 - Stanley Cup Hype 17:59 - Kith Loyalty Program 27:30 - Nike and Tiger Woods: Being the Big Dog 34:43 - Aside: Getting Paid More for Cartoon Dunk Concept Photoshops Than Working at Nike 36:22 - Digital Media and Buzzfeed's Debt Problem 45:16 - Content Creation as an Independant Content Creator 56:27 - Podcast Retrospective 01:05:53 - Sneaker of the Year Lists 01:09:42 - Personal Year in Sneakers 01:22:24 - Worst Of The Year In Sneakers List 01:29:05 - Outro Support the show! Buy socks at https://shop.sockjig.com/

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 little bit about sneaker of the year bracket tournament, the sneaker community, perception, validation and people wanting to be the Sneaker Mayor. And I once again have to address my enemies. Also, BridgeGPT sits in with me for the entire episode as a sidekick. Loaded show! There’s lots insights and analysis and unhinged content that you’ll only get from this show, so I hope you enjoy.  Timestamps 0:00 - Cold Open: Twix Size 00:04 - Intro 05:08 - On Feet 06:34 - Pickups 10:45 - Skips 12:27 - Misses 13:01 - Sneaker of the Year Tournament 15:40 - Meet The Sneaker Mayor 20:39 - Sockjig Addresses His Enemies Part II 30:44 - BridgetGPT Gives Content Suggestions 32:46 - AE1 and Cactus Mac Disruptive Sneaker Marketing 44:29 - JaeTips and The Playbook for New Collaborators 58:49 - Jerry the Visionary: Fear of God x adidas 01:13:32 - Outro https://shop.sockjig.com/

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 discuss Lois attending ComplexCon, what people are wearing in Erewhon, and the impressive rise of Emily Oberg's Sporty and Rich brand. Timestamps 0:00 - Cold Open 00:12 - Intro 02:39 - Interview with Lois Sakany 03:22 - James Whitner and The Foundation 11:41 - Attending ComplexCon 16:19 - Sneakers at Erewhon 23:39 - Sneaker Analyst for Wall Street 33:04 - What's Next for adidas and Nike? 47:33 - Snobette and Women's Streetwear Lois Sakany https://snobette.com/ https://snobette.substack.com/ @LoisSakany

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 possible timeline of events from 2017 to 2022, examine key players involved, and touch on the court documents. We also delve into past backdoor allegations against Whitner and also his growing influence at Nike and the uncertainty of his future in light of the scandal. Amidst all these revelations, we are reminded that allegations remain allegations until proven guilty in a court of law. Timestamps: 00:00 - Cold Open 04:12 - The Major Players 08:28 - The Scheme 14:00 - Axe to Fall: A Timeline 17:46 - Backdoor Allegations over the Years 19:56 - Influence at Jordan Brand 21:34 - What's Next 29:54 - Outro

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 brick-and-mortar retail, and what Nike can do to help going forward. I also talk about Kanye story in NYT, CPFM Flea 2, and Complex cancelling shows. Sockjig Socks in Elachi Green available now at shop.sockjig.com Timestamps 00:00 - George Cold Open 00:20 - Intro 01:45 - Sockjig Socks Available Now 03:58 - Pickups, Skips, Misses 06:34 - Kanye NYT Story 11:17 - CPFM Flea 2 23:28 - Complex and the Future of Digital Media 31:34 - The Future of Sneaker Retail 36:32 - Sneaker Retail Closures 40:13 - History of Retail 41:32 - Classic Retail Model 44:23 - Generations 47:45 - The Decline of Retailers 54:00 - Current State of Sneaker Retail 59:44 - Sneaker Brands and DTC 1:02:48 - Everything Online 1:07:39 - How to Save Retail 1:23:49 - What Nike Can Do To Help 1:29:23 - Summary Books Retail Therapy by Mark Pilkington The Secret Life of Groceries: The Dark Miracle of the American Supermarket by Benjamin Lorr Links ⁠https://linktr.ee/sockjig⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://shop.sockjig.com/

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 Raised Release 21:09 - Kith Toronto ⁠https://linktr.ee/sockjig⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://shop.sockjig.com/

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. Kool Kiy Lawsuit Update 19:43 - Fake Apologies 33:47 - Tremaine Leaves Supreme 39:50 - Fake Sneakers 44:40 - Stolen Sneakers 48:43 - Backdoored Sneakers ⁠https://linktr.ee/sockjig⁠ ⁠https://shop.sockjig.com/

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 Fire 34:13 - Voice Messages 38:56 - Buying on StockX 44:30 - Selling on StockX 52:36 - Customer Service 58:12 - Tech Fuck-ups 01:00:38 - Too Stupid or Too Cheap 01:03:26 - How StockX Has Changed Sneaker Culture Forever 01:06:49 - StockX is Spirit Airlines ⁠https://linktr.ee/sockjig⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://shop.sockjig.com/

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 conversation with Joe. He shares a lot of exclusive details, and doesn't generally do very many long form interviews, so check it out. https://twitter.com/JoeFreshgoods https://www.instagram.com/JoeFreshgoods Timestamps 00:00 - Intro 04:23 - Conversation with Joe Freshgoods 06:22 - Adidas 18:54 - Sneakers and Storytelling 46:02 - Drops 52:46 - Online Drops 59:53 - Chicago 01:02:45 - Outro ⁠https://linktr.ee/sockjig⁠ ⁠https://shop.sockjig.com/

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: Tony Soprano 00:26 - Intro 03:31 - Sock Drop 04:33 - On Feet 06:05 - Pickups and Skips 09:32 - JaeTips Saucony 10:15 - Spider-Man Jordan 1 12:38 - Jarritos Dunk SB 15:24 - Yeezys Return 22:28 - Travis SB Restock Rumour 32:35 - Nike Business Insider Story 38:38 - The Sneakers are Dead Crowd 40:29 - GNR and Nirvana Tangent 44:43 - Life Advice for New Sneakerhads 47:22 - The War Against Embarrassment 48:18 - You Don't Need to Know the History of Every Good Shoe 52:31 - Skip All the Oldhead Silhouettes 53:22 - The Limits to Nostalgia 54:38 - If Weren't There You Weren't There 55:51 - Respect 57:56 - Sneaker Collection 01:00:07 - The Importance of Memory 01:02:18 - Outro If you liked this episode you may also like semi related Episode 39 - Sneaker Taste ⁠https://linktr.ee/sockjig https://shop.sockjig.com/

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 bookings in the sneaker industry. We also talk about representation and women in sneakers. And throughout the interview I read aloud some of her memorable tweets to her, which was a lot of fun. JerLisa Nicole Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/JerLisa_Nicole⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jerlisa_nicole/⁠ Timestamps 00:00 - Intro 02:11 - Interview 01:21:09 Outro ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/sockjig

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 on FOG adidas and the Union Jordan 1 Footscape, Nigo and Nike, botched SNKRS apps drops, and a lot more. Timestamps 00:00 - Cold Open 00:26 - Intro 02:00 - OG Sockjig Sock Drop 02:52 - On Feet / Pickups 04:55 - Misses 06:28 - Skips 10:17 - Upcoming Drops 10:53 - Corrections and Updates 13:54 - Joe Grondin to ALD 15:56 - Fear of God Adidas Unveiled 19:55 - SNKRS App Botched Drops 27:22 - Nigo Air 29:26 - Union Jordan 1 Footscape 31:37 - YCMC Closing 33:22 - AIR Movie 34:57 - BridgetGPT Returns 39:17 - How Generative AI Could Disrupt the Sneaker Industry 46:24 - Sneaker Brands 51:31 - How AI Could Improve Customer Service 52:49 - Generative AI and Sneaker Media 54:34 - Generative AI and Content Creators 57:50 - Generative AI and Sneakerheads 59:34 - Generative AI and Resellers 01:00:25 Issues ⁠https://linktr.ee/sockjig

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 Restock 02:12 - On Feet 03:03 - Pickups 06:38 - Skips 09:30 - Misses 11:54 - StockX 38 Pairs Scoop 21:16 - Mac Attacks  23:10 - Joe Grondin Leaves New Balance 24:18 - adidas and Beyonce Split 24:46 - Kanye Watches 21 Jump Street 26:44 - Jerry Lorenzo is a Delicate Genius 31:34 - Tom Sachs is a Delicate Genius ⁠https://linktr.ee/sockjig

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 - Adidas 28:31 - Yeezys 35:24 - New Balance 38:10 - Other Brands 41:26 - Retailers 45:40 - Reselling 49:37 - Sneaker Influencers 51:09 - Sneaker Youtubers 360 Deal with Complex 57:05 - Sneaker Media 01:00:51 - TikTok / Instagram Reels 01:01:56 - Twitter 01:02:52 - Final Thoughts https://linktr.ee/sockjig

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 market, and close it out with my thoughts on how Nike is explaining why they didn't sue Bape earlier. A jam packed episode, all killer no filler! Timestamps 00:00 - Cold Open - Those are IOUs 00:44 - Intro 05:12 - On Feet / Pickups / Misses / Skips 07:35 - BridgetGPT the Sneaker AI 12:06 - JA1 Designed by Ben Nethongkome 12:46 - Panda Jordan 1 13:53 - Teddy New Balance that look like ASICS 15:08 - Adidas Losing Money 18:07 - Product That Doesn't Make Sense for North America 19:27 - Quoted in Business Insider 20:44 - Union AJKO Retcon 24:48 - Sneaker Leaker Wars 26:42 - Brand Rollouts and Leaks 30:12 - MSCHF Astro Boy Boots 35:38 - Burning Bridges: Joshua Vides Calls Out Nike 41:17 - DotSwoosh Ecosystem 44:14 - Tiffany AF1s 52:44 - Consignment as a Concept 57:16 - Banned LA 01:01:06 - Nike Suing Bape 01:07:16 - Outro https://linktr.ee/sockjig

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, including his relationship with Sneaker Twitter and bot developers. We also discuss Shopify as a platform and what makes it into the core platform and what does not and why. Plus a lot more! Timestamps 00:00 - Cold Open: Stephen A 00:22 - Intro 03:18 - Sock Drop 04:29 - Interview 08:58 - Landing Supreme as a Shopify Customer 15:16 - Rebuilding Checkout 26:54 - Early Days of Anti-Bot Protection 33:09 - Dealing with Botched Drops 39:19 - Why is anti-bot only a Shopify Plus feature? 43:08 - Raffles 49:29 - Sneaker Twitter Ombudsman 01:03:16 - Zadeh Kicks 01:05:21 - Ticketmaster 01:07:48 - Outro https://linktr.ee/sockjig