Every sneakerhead has at least one memory they can recount of when they fell in love with shoes. For Cordero James, better known as CJ So Cool, that moment was in the second grade in his hometown of Gary, Indiana. Like many, it happened at school when a classmate wore a pair of kicks that blew his mind. Today CJ is a successful digital creator with nearly 15 million followers across social media and sneakers have played a role in his life every step of the way. Now based in Las Vegas, CJ worked closely with the SoleSavy and Garrixson Studios teams to create his first signature sneaker, the Frostbite SS4.
Designed by footwear industry veterans Gemo Wong and Justin Taylor, the SS4 served as the canvas to bring CJ’s iced-out vision to life. Every color, material, and detail of the shoes and packaging was handpicked by CJ. The base material is a blue mist three-dimensional mesh combined with no-sew overlays and natural suede details. The upper overlays feature a textured water droplet design, playing into the sneaker’s frozen theme. Tech features include TPU-injected eyestays, a translucent heel counter, and a lightweight white Phylon midsole for maximum comfort. The outsole is a tinted clear synthetic rubber compound tuned for traction and durability. The left sock liner proudly displays the Cordero James signature while the right shows his lucky number 7. “CJ” initials show up embroidered on the tongue. Other finishing touches include red lace tips on the Navagio Bay laces, a soft quiet tide blue on the inner heel, and a custom box designed by CJ.
The Cordero James Frostbite SS4 is available now until Friday, March 10 at CoderoJames.com. We caught up with CJ to learn more about his love for sneakers, his journey as a creator, and what fans can expect with they get their Frostbite SS4s.
When did your love for sneakers start?
My love for sneakers started back in 2nd grade before I could actually afford them. After all these years, I still remember the first time I saw my classmate rock in the Reebok Questions. I had no idea what they were at the time, but the hype around those shoes at my school changed my love for sneakers forever.
What are your favorite sneakers of all time?
My favorite sneaker of all time is the Air Jordan 1. It was the first Jordan that I could actually afford and it was the first shoe that I took care of for as long as I could. I wore that shoe until the soles had holes in them and I kept them clean like brand new!
How would you describe your personal style?
I would describe my personal style as flashy. Whenever I’m trying to figure out what outfit to go with or what shoes I should wear or even the hairstyle I should rock, my first step is always about the flash. I love expressing myself through my style.
What roles have sneakers and style played in your journey as a creator?
Sneakers have played a large role in the success of CJ so cool, and so has style! When I first started YouTube in 2015, I already owned 70 pairs of sneakers and that alone helped me climb through the YouTube ranks. My style was noticed by many and the sneakerhead community has shown a lot of love to me.
What inspired your idea for the Frostbite colorway?
When we started creating my shoe, I knew that I wanted to make my birthstone a part of the colorway. Aquamarine is my birthstone so that’s the reason I went with the colorway. This shoe is very sentimental to me because of that.
What were your first thoughts when you saw the final Frostbite SS4?
I will never forget that night. I was presented with my sneaker while out to dinner on the Las Vegas strip. I hadn’t even held the shoe for longer than 20 seconds before a waiter walking past complimented it. It was that random opinion that sealed the deal for me because I knew people who didn’t even know who I was liked it.
What was the design process like?
The design process was a unique experience for me but once I started working with the team, it felt like second nature. To be working with designers who have decades of experience was surreal for me and is proof that you don’t have to be a professional athlete or traditional celebratory to bring your dreams to life.
What are your favorite details about your sneaker?
My favorite details about my sneaker are the comfort, eye-catching design, and premium materials. One thing is for sure, these are the most comfortable sneaker in my collection.
What do you want your fans to know about this sneaker?
My shoe has 33 years of sneaker and style experiences wrapped all into one shoe and I tried my best to make it as affordable as possible.
As one of the first creators to ever create their own sneaker, what do you hope this does for other creators and aspiring creators?
I hope that this helps create a trend of creators coming out with their own original sneakers. We’ve all spent much of our lives creating wealth for other companies and it’s time to use our platform to create our own waves.
