Sockjig Sneaker Podcast
By Sockjig
Not Part of the Marketing Plan
In this episode, I cover Dick’s Sporting Goods acquiring Foot Locker and how mergers and acquisitions usually lead to layoffs at the loser company. I talk about why NYC is so important for any sneaker brand that wants to generate energy. I also ask questions of Nike delayed releases of A’Ja One signature sneaker and Tourmaline Rodeo Dunk SB and how they probably have very boring answers, or very interesting ones that we’ll never hear. I also ask if Grandmas have 4 couches and cover the final UnheardOf Grandma’s Couch release and give 7 Suggestions for Future Grandma Themed Collabs. Plus a ton more!
Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
03:04 - On Feet
03:51 - Pickups
05:44 - Air Max 95 Reverse Neon
07:24 - Rejuven8 4 U
08:18 - Bred 11 Low
09:14 - Travis Bright Cactus / Leche Blue
11:04 - UNC AJ1 Reimagined
12:31 - Only in NY: Corteiz Honey Black Release
17:00 - A'Ja One and Nike Basketball Design Language
19:51 - Why Was the Tourmaline Rodeo Dunk SB Delayed?
23:01 - UnheardOf Oink Army and Grandma's Couch Release
29:24 - Seven Suggestions for Future Grandma Themed Collabs
32:13 - Dirty White AF1 Meme Sneakers
36:26 - Early Photos of Undefeated 4s All Look Fake
38:10 - Nike x Hyperice Hyperboot
42:17 - "Made in the Same Factory Bro"
44:26 - Bred 1 Restocks: The Quest For More Money
45:20 - SNKRS Link
47:26 - Sneaker AI Slop Era is Here
49:00 - JFG Puts Over Sneaker Twitter in Complex Interview
51:52 - Dick's Sporting Goods Acquires Foot Locker
01:00:16 - Outro
Stay Relevant or Get Stale, and Why All New Sneaker Brands Have to Be Persona Based
In this episode I talk about how sneaker brands can get stale and what do they need to do to stay relevant in light of the lack of hype for recent A Ma Maniere releases, and even Bodega store closures. I also discuss how newer brands and releases must be more persona based in this day and age, particularly looking into UnheardOf's recent releases.I also discuss Zadeh Kicks Pleads Guilty, Nike News, What Happened to Air Max Day and why don’t they call it Air Max Day any more? I wonder if StockX Verified Seller program has a strike team auditing resellers. Plus a lot more!
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
04:45 On Feet
05:50 Pickups: Nigel Brick by Brick Jordan 4
10:04 Pickup: Kith 997.5 Easter
11:20 Pickups: Kobe 6 Dodgers & Action Bronson 990v6
12:12 Misses: Jordan 4 SB Navy12:48 Recent Releases
13:17 Supreme Air Max 1
13:52 Salehe NB 991v2 Grimace be the Shoe
14:39 JaeTips Saucony Jazz 9 - I Love You But I'm Busy
18:32 Unheardof Adidas Adistar Cushion 3 Piggy Runners
20:32 Air Max 95 Neon22:00 A Ma Maniere Pack
23:53 New Balance Spring Releases and Kith vs Packer
25:28 Zadeh Kicks Pleads Guilty
29:07 Nike Earnings, DTC Shareholder Lawsuit
31:03 Tinker Got a Weird Case
33:10 What Happened to Air Max Day?
37:31 StockX Verified Seller Program
47:12 Should Bodega Be Saved?
54:25 Staying Relevant / Not Getting Stale
58:08 Persona Based Brands
59:51 UnheardOf Case Study
Top 10 Signs Sneakers Are Back - Episode 78
In this episode, I do a Top 10 Signs That Sneakers Are Back List. I also do release recaps of Bred 1 and Union Jordan 1 release. And cover sneaker news over the recent month. A fun show as always so check it out~!
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
02:21 Skips: Haven Asics Gel Nimbus 10.1
03:01 Black Toe 1s and Sneakerhead Math
04:38 Undefeated Spiridon Needs a Gimmick
05:32 Air Max 1 Polly Adventure and the Triangle Stitching
08:39 Misses: Kobes, Galaxy Foams
11:19 Pickups: Black Metallic Jordan 5s
12:17 JFG New Balance 992 Aged Well
16:33 Bred 1 85 High
20:39 Union Jordan 1 Chicago Shadow
22:36 Yuto Dunk SB Matcha
24:51 Recent Releases: Bred 1 85 Highs
27:30 Union Jordan 1 Chicago Shadow Release
39:45 News: Tom Sachs Put Some Pants On And Announced Mars Yard 3.0
43:36 A New Low For Kanye
50:09 Nike Skims
54:30 Kai Cennat gifts a Freddy Kreuger SB
58:57 Travis Scott and WWE
01:04:38 StockX Found Liable for Selling Counterfeits
01:09:31 Sneakers and Tariffs
01:16:40 Top 10 Signs That Sneakers Are Back
Bred 1s and the 5 Stages of Sneakerhead Grief - Episode 77
In this episode, we talk about the release of the Bred 1 85 High and if the marketing fit the low stock numbers and distribution. We talk about the community resentment and take a look at the 5 Stages of Sneakerhead Grief. Other topics covered include Corteiz’s design contest, sneaker retailers hurting and the recent fires in Los Angeles.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
06:48 - On Feet, Skips and Misses
09:53 - Corteiz Design Contest
15:24 - Sneaker Retail Hurting
19:48 - LA Fires
25:40 - 2025 Bred 1 Release
27:04 - Most Historically Accurate Jordan 1 Ever
29:06 - Ticketmaster Approach to Pricing
30:33 - Stock Numbers and White Glove Service
36:13 - Marketing Blitz
42:27 - 6 Year Cycles
44:21 - Disconnect / Resentment
45:41 - Everything Should Be a GR Opinion
48:08 - 5 Stages of Sneakerhead Grief
Fandom vs Tribalism in Sneakers - Episode 76
In this episode I talk about the making of sneaker of the year lists and the criticism they get and why I believe that anyone creating lists like this should embrace the debate.
That leads to the main segment which is about how fandom is changing in sneakers and all other niches. I talk about how it's becoming more tribalistic and how that affects the state of criticism and feedback in this modern digital age. There's also a special announcement!
Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
03:25 - On Feet
04:19 - Pickups
13:40 - Misses
15:07 - Skips
17:17 - James Whitner, Virgil Abloh and The Lore of a Swoosh on a Converse
19:00 - Embrace Debate: Making Sneaker of the Year Lists
28:45 - Fandom vs Tribalism in Sneakers
The Zone of Conflict - Episode 75
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 - Pickups
06:11 - Misses
07:33 - Skips
10:48 - Upcoming
13:06 - Sneaker Guy of the Week
15:05 - We Are So Back / It's So Over
22:21 - Sneaker of the Year Panels
25:41 - The Zone of Conflict of Interest
26:53 - Recap of What I Said Last Episode
29:56 - Whitaker Group x adidas official
34:17 - What Does an Editor in Chief Do?
38:10 - EIC Responds
41:11 - Looking For Clout
42:10 - Anonymous
47:35 - Journalism Skills
48:18 - Go Outside
48:54 - God Bless
53:40 - My Response
58:29 - Outro
Cover includes artwork by Aldo Giorgini
Winning Isn't For Everyone - Episode 74
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 sneakers available at Walmart, TwoJsKicks apparently out at Urban Necessities, customizers selling fakes, and Tom Sachs back at Nike. A lot of topics! If I had more time, I woulda made a shorter podcast.
Timestamps
00:00 - Cold Open: Let the Blessings Come In
00:18 - Intro
02:10 - On Feet
02:30 - Pickups
05:26 - Skips
12:05 - EQL Feedback
15:31 - Influencer Era
20:18 - StockX Sneakers Available at Walmart
23:51 - TwoJsKicks Apparently Out At Urban Necessities
27:46 - JSM Customs Accused of Selling Fake Customs
39:03 - Tom Sachs Back at Nike
46:01 - James Whitner Gives Up Claim to $1.2 Mil
50:33 - Complex Interview
57:16 - Potential Adidas Deal
1:00:03 - Working With Multiple Brands
01:02:10 - Nike Relationship Over?
01:07:14 - Prosper Closing
01:08:27 - MJ and James Whitner
01:10:08 - Nike CEO Out
01:17:21 - Outro
EQL's Customer Privacy Incident and Shoe Surgeon Mass Producing Counterfeit Sneakers, Allegedly - Episode 73
How To Release A Collab Sneaker Part 3 - Navigating Sneaker Drops with Corey Whatever
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 Whatever at:
https://whateverindustries.com/
Twitter: @corey_whatever
Instagram: coreywhatever
Timestamps
00:00 - Intro 06:41 - Corey Whatever 07:21 - Starting Point with Retailers 13:14 - Working with Converse on the Lost Daze Weapon Low FNF 20:27 - Part 2 Reaction 21:30 - Working with Shopify on Drops 25:17 - Collabs are Awesome for Brands 28:19 - Nina Chanel Abney Jordan 3 Drop 32:43 - When Things Go Wrong 40:31 - FNF 46:34 - Resellers Cause Havoc 55:17 - Have You Seen The Backdoor 57:56 - Getting New Brands To The Next Level
Support the Jig, buy socks at https://shop.sockjig.com/
How to Release a Collab Sneaker Part 2: A Case Study
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 should explore. Finally we look at the logistics involved in warehousing and shipping 10k pairs.
If you like the episode, consider buying some Sockjig Socks: https://shop.sockjig.com/
Timestamps
0:00 - Cold Open: Pump Up The Volume
0:35 - Intro
02:14 - Premise: You’re Getting 10k Pairs of a Hype Dunk SB to Release
04:16 - Why a Nike SB Dunk for the Collab?
06:55 - Think of it Like You're Planning a Wedding
07:35 - Start With Why
08:56 - The Business of Collabs
13:54 - Release Strategy
14:40 - Marketing Plan
17:29 - A Sidebar on Location Clearance
21:03 - In-Store Raffle
25:19 - FNF / VIP
27:08 - Online Drop or Raffle
30:32 - To Backdoor, or Not To Backdoor
34:00 - Option 1: 100% Retail, No Backdooring
34:53 - Option 2: 80% Retail, 20% Backdoored at $200
36:39 - Option 3: 80% Retail, 20% Backdoored at $300
37:08 - Option 4: 50% Retail, 50% Backdoored at $350
38:13 - Option 5: Full Trophy Room Mode
38:45 - Recap
40:51 - Final Stock Allocation
42:46 - Logistics Plan
46:21 - Shipping 10k Sneakers
48:57 - 3PL - Third Party Logistics
53:25 - Did Any Pairs Fall Off the Truck?
54:05 - Backdooring Logistics
55:10 - Drop Time
56:30 - Customer Service
58:21 - What If the Online Drop Didn't Go Well?
01:01:22 - Post Release
Nike Re-Releasing Grails
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 https://www.youtube.com/@LooseLacesPod/
The Game Is The Game Socks available now at https://shop.sockjig.com/
How To Release a Collab Sneaker Part 1: Brand Theater
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 look at recent releases of Action Bronson, Nina Chanel Abney, and others. I'll answer why some choose raffle, or loyalty access or first-come first-served approach. Plus a lot more!
Links
New Socks Available Now! shop.sockjig.com
MLB Article I'm quoted in: Instant classic? New Balance unveils Ohtani 1, Shohei's first signature cleat
Sockilizer: The Raffle Simulator: https://www.sockjig.com/sockilizer/
Whatever Industries: https://whateverindustries.com/
Timestamps
0:00 Cold Open
00:12 Intro
01:25 Shohei Ohtani Article on MLB.com
04:42 How to Release a Collab Sneaker Series
07:07 On Feet
07:45 Pickups
12:09 Skips / Recent Releases
20:34 Misses
21:55 Don't Stop Disbelieving About Tomorrow
24:19 Skepta's Getting Royalties
27:59 Nike Stepping in the Drake v. Kendrick Beef
29:03 Kanye x Nike Not Happening
31:14 Kool Kiy Gets a Slap on the Wrist
33:28 Intro: UP NYC Lightning 17 Drop
38:35 How to Release A Collab Sneaker: Start With Why
41:26 The Why
48:11 The How: Designing a Release Strategy
54:11 Evaluating EQL
01:02:05 Rewarding Loyalty
01:04:35 The What: Did You Get it Right?
01:06:27 Post Mortem / Retrospective
01:09:50 JBalvin Release
01:10:29 Travis Scott Release
01:12:34 Action Bronson Release
01:14:30 Nina Chanel Jordan 3
01:17:29 HUF AM1
01:18:02 Outro
State of the Sneaker Game 2024
Big in Japan: Sneaker and Clothes Shopping in Japan, Nike's Marketing and Innovation Problem - Episode 67
No Country For Old Heads - Episode 66
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
Tradeblock CEO and Cofounder Mbiyimoh Ghogomu - Episode 65
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
Lost Episode From 2017 - Episode 64
2023 Year in Sneakers - Episode 63
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/
Disruptive Sneaker Marketing and The Collaborator Playbook - Episode 62
Lois Sakany, Snobette Co-Founder and Wall Street Sneaker Analyst - Episode 61
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
James Whitner's Backdoor Sneaker Ring Busted - Episode 60
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
The Future of Sneaker Retail - Episode 59
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
Kith Toronto - Episode 58
Stolen Sneakers, Fake Sneakers, Backdoored Sneakers - Episode 57
The Hater's Guide to StockX - Episode 56
Joe Freshgoods - Episode 55
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
The Little Moments - Episode 54
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
JerLisa Nicole - Episode 53
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
How Generative AI Could Disrupt the Sneaker Industry - Episode 52
Delicate Genius - Episode 51
The State of the Sneaker Game 2023 - Episode 50
Episode 49: BridgetGPT The Sneaker AI
Episode 48: Jean-Michel Lemieux, ex-CTO of Shopify
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
Episode 47: Nonchalant
Episode 46: Sockjig Addresses His Enemies
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 respond. Enjoy!
00:00 Cold Open
00:18 Intro
02:29 Birthday
03:37 Sockjig Socks Available Now
04:50 Episode Rundown
08:06 A Ma Maniere Jordan 4 Release Recap
10:13 Cncpts Lobster Dunk Release Recap
19:09 Lost and Found Jordan 1 Release Recap
25:45 American Express Re-charging Zadeh Kicks Customers
28:04 Fear of God and adidas
32:29 OBJ vs Nike Lawsuit
32:44 Shoe Surgeon
33:51 Kool Kiy
34:42 Nike Doesn't Want You If You're Not At The Top
36:18 Kyrie
40:32 Sockjig Addresses His Enemies
56:02 Outro
Episode 45: Finding Early Sneaker Images with Guest @brandon1an
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, being a cookgroup admin, goals in the sneaker space, and sneaker of the year lists.
Follow Brandon at:
https://twitter.com/brandon1an
https://www.instagram.com/brandon1an/
Timestamps
00:00 - Cold Open: Bazookas
00:11 - Intro
02:09 - Interview
02:57 - How Do You Pronounce @brandon1an?
03:45 - Finding Early Sneaker Images
10:02 - Getting Credit From Sneaker Blogs
14:00 - Leaking Nike Info
17:41 - Kobe 6 Mambacita Controversy
29:01 - Life of a Cookgroup Discord Admin
36:54 - Twitter Beefs
45:13 - Making it Sustainable
49:24 - CPFM Flea 1 Interlude
51:11 - Sneaker of the Year
01:04:22 - Outro
Follow me at
Episode 44: Trash Takes With @GawdofFrames
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
Loose Laces podcast: https://linktr.ee/looselacespod
Timestamps
00:00 - Cold Open: Big Gulps
00:08 - Intro
02:04 - @GawdofFrames
03:18 - Zadeh Kicks
07:55 - AMM4 Video Submission Raffle
22:17 - StockX Verified
26:49 - Twitter Chaos
29:51 - Selling Frames
35:56 - Fashion and Retros
41:05 - Sneaker Podcasting
48:07 - Sneaker Oldheads
59:21 - Adidas
62:48 - Kanye is a Walking Hiroshima
66:59 - LV AF1 Drop
72:08 - Outro
Episode 43: End of a Sneaker Era
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 topics, so hope you enjoy.
Timestamps
00:00 - Cold Open: Takeoff
00:10 - Intro
04:22 - On Feet / Pickups / Misses
09:00 - Trophy Room 7s
11:42 - Sneaker Guys of the Week
14:18 - Lost and Found 1 Backdoor and Plummeting Resell Price
21:24 - Mandatory Kanye West Segment
21:54 - Kanye on Lex Fridman Podcast
26:01 - Sockjig, Media Man
27:35 - Short Term and Long Term Effects of Dead Yeezy Deal
34:49 - Sneaker Tech Startups
37:24 - Sneaker Equality
45:47 - Sneaker Storytelling and One or Two Hit Wonders
56:06 - End of a Sneaker Era
Episode 42: Ye Must Be Stopped Again
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 Come Back From This?
31:24 - Outro
Episode 40: Burnt Loops
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: Delicate Genius
00:27 - Intro
03:04 - On Feet / Pickups / Skips / Misses
07:55 - Lebron 20
10:36 - John Geiger Beat the Case
12:13 - Wingstop's Lemon Pepper 1s Fake Contest
13:43 - Why Shopify is Not Handing Over Zadeh Customer Data
16:30 - PayPal Not Refunding Zadeh Customers
18:03 - Private Selection Orange Lobsters
20:46 - Russ Bengston Threads
26:05 - My Reselling Days
31:58 - Goat Storage Loop
34:15 - Goat Changes Burnt the Loop
38:15 - Kanye and Adidas and Gap
51:32 - Non Sneaker Related: Album of the Week
Episode 39: Sneaker Taste
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: High Fidelity
00:13 - Intro
02:04 - Sneaker Taste Intro
06:52 - Why Do We Like What We Like
29:45 - How Do We Know What We Like?
37:02 - New vs Familiar
42:19 - Conformity vs Distinction
46:11 - Sneaker Reviews
49:51 - Influencers and Experts
57:39 - How and Why Tastes Change
61:56 - Conclusion
Episode 38: Victory Lap
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 Story
12:21 - Backdooring and Losing Nike Accounts
19:34 - Mom and Pops Shops Died for Lost and Found 1s
27:41 - Fake Sneakers Thats That Shit I Don't Like
31:23 - Kanye and Adidas
34:48 - Zadeh Kicks Ponzi Finally Charged
39:05 - Original Content in the Age of Engagement Farming
43:16 - Outro
Episode 37: The Hater's Guide to Sneakers Vol. 1: ALD, New Balance and Supreme
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
Episode 36: Sneakers in a Recession
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 Authentication
12:40 - New Balance fakes on StockX and Goat, allegedly
19:52 - Onyx 350 and "Don't sleep on a black 350"
21:51 - Kith app and raffle
25:58 - Louis Vuitton VIPs spending $1mil a year is probably bullshit
29:45 - What Kanye wants from adidas and the adilette 22
37:52 - Sneakers in a recession
Episode 35: Misery Business - Zadeh Kicks Update, Tom Sachs GPS, StockX, Bot Instances and more
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, winners and losers, and finally some cold hard lessons learned from all this. Oh there's also socks. Fun show, thanks for listening!
Timestamps
00:00 - Dr. Umar dunks in the cold open
00:14 - Intro
04:28 - Mr. Brightside Socks
07:08 - Sneaker Guy of the Week
08:28 - On Feet / Pickups / Skips / Misses
17:16 - Tom Sachs General Purpose Shoe
23:37 - Upcoming Releases
32:27 - News: StockX, Adidas Sues Nike, Bot Instances
40:18 - Zadeh Kicks update
61:46 - Outro
Episode 34: Zadeh Kicks Rugged
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
Links
Recorded Twitter Space: https://twitter.com/SwiftCop/status/1529286777042784257
Zadeh Relief Group Discord: https://discord.com/invite/ttPsCfQkgN
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sockjig
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sockjig/
Episode 33: Guest SneakerPhetish
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
03:28 - Conversation with Kari aka SneakerPhetish
51:53 - Outro
@SneakerPhetish
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SneakerPhetish
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sneakerphetish/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sneakerphetish
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sockjig
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sockjig/
Episode 32: Nike vs StockX
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 a lot more, enjoy!
Timestamps
00:00 - Moneyjig Cold Open
00:17 - Intro
02:07 - Timeline of Events: Nike Escalates Feud with StockX
03:24 - A Sidebar on Stolen Tweets
08:32 - StockX Response to Nike
11:38 - Wingstop 1s
14:54 - Listener Calls
16:23 - How Did Nike Get Fakes From StockX?
21:13 - How StockX is Viewed by Customers and Resellers
27:52 - Listener Call
29:12 - My Thoughts
33:07 - Listener Calls
35:20 - What If… Thought Experiments
41:54 - Outro
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sockjig
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sockjig/
Episode 31: Gatekeeping the Gatekeepers
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 designers at Nike seems to be over.
Timestamps
00:00 - Sneaker Night in Canada Cold Open
00:39 - Intro
03:32 - On Feet / Pickups / Skips / Misses
06:28 - Trophy Room Fallout
13:21 - Gatekeeping the Gatekeepers
22:25 - Kobe 6 Mambacita and the Dilemma of Hype Charity Sneakers
31:43 - Vans vs MSCHF
35:05 - La La Land and Geiger
38:52 - The Era of Big Name Nike Sneaker Designers is Over
52:35 - Outro
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sockjig
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sockjig/
Episode 30: Union Jordan 2, Is Sneaker Culture Trash and Are Sneakers Over? Sneaker Power Rankings Spring 2022 and more
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
02:09 - Sock Drop
03:19 - On Feet / Pickups / Skips / Misses
11:20 - Sneaker Guy of the Week
12:22 - Union Jordan 2 Drop Recap
22:04 - Nike x RTFKT Dogshit Digital Sneakers
24:45 - DJ Khaled x Jordans
27:51 - Is Sneaker Culture Trash and Are Sneakers Over?
34:58 - Sneaker Therapy
40:40 - Sneaker Power Rankings Spring 2022
49:48 - Outro
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sockjig
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sockjig/