Shake James

Owner at CLICKS, SNEEX, BLK MARKET, JAY ACADEMY

Speaker

Erik “Shake” James is a Milwaukee native, entrepreneur, sneaker culture pioneer, and owner of Clicks in Shorewood and on Milwaukee’s east side. In 2015, he partnered with Darryl McDaniels to open Clicks, a boutique that quickly became a destination for sneaker enthusiasts throughout the region. He has worked extensively with Adidas. Beyond retail, James is widely recognized for his commitment to community engagement and youth empowerment. Through shoe giveaways, mentorship initiatives, educational programs, and collaborations with local organizations, he has consistently used his platform to create opportunities for young people across Milwaukee.

He has a valuable partnership with Visit Milwaukee. One of the most visible outcomes of the partnership has been a series of Milwaukee-inspired Adidas sneaker releases created by James in collaboration with Visit Milwaukee and Summerfest. The 2026 “View Finder” Adidas Samba featured a map of Milwaukee neighborhoods and was accompanied by a Visit Milwaukee digital visitor experience highlighting attractions, restaurants, and cultural destinations throughout the city. Each shoe purchase also included access to Summerfest, connecting tourism, music, and local pride.