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Eric “Shake” James, founder of Milwaukee-based lifestyle boutiques CLICKS and SNEEX, has reunited with adidas, Summerfest, and Visit Milwaukee for a follow-up to their “View Finder” Samba collaboration from earlier this year. The “W.T.M.” Forum, short for “What The Milwaukee,” transforms the city into wearable footwear, with each panel inspired by the people and places that continue to shape the city’s identity.
Milwaukee’s history, neighborhoods, wildlife, food culture, and community staples are represented across the mismatched pair, designed in collaboration with creative director Alexander John. Some of the panels reference Shake’s previous Milwaukee-themed adidas collabs. Cream City bricks on the left toe are pulled from the 2024 “414 Day” Rivalry Low. That shoe also referenced Wisconsin’s famous cheese, which returns here through the yellow Three Stripes on the left lateral side panel, complete with cheese-inspired perforations. The wave motif on the right lateral rear quarter panel, representing Lake Michigan, is borrowed from the 2025 “414 Day” Forums, while other details are entirely new, including the giraffe-print pony hair panel, a nod to the Milwaukee County Zoo.
The tongues also feature branding for Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival held every summer in Downtown Milwaukee, and Visit Milwaukee, the official non-profit tourism marketing organization for the Greater Milwaukee area. Every pair comes with tickets to Summerfest 2026 and an insert detailing the story and references behind each design element.
“I’ve always looked at sneakers as a way to tell stories, and with W.T.M., this was about telling Milwaukee’s story in an honest way,” says Eric “Shake” James. “There’s so much culture, creativity, and pride here that people outside the city don’t always get to see. We wanted this project to feel true to the community that raised us, while also creating something that gives back and inspires the next generation to see value in where they come from.”
As part of Shake’s longtime partnership with adidas Cornerstone Community, a series of community-driven activations will be hosted across Milwaukee throughout the month of June. A youth-focused sneaker fair and customization workshop for local students will kick off launch week on June 4th. The in-store launch celebration at SNEEX on June 6th will feature community programming and immersive storytelling moments tied to the shoe. During Summerfest Opening Day on June 19th, adidas and SNEEX will host an on-site activation featuring a wider release of the W.T.M. Forum alongside exclusive access and giveaways. A Juneteenth festival will close out the celebration on June 20th, featuring the giveaway of 500 bikes and helmets alongside family programming, music, food, and community initiatives.
The Shake x adidas W.T.M. Forum will release on June 6th at 11am CT exclusively through SNEEX in-store and online, with a wider release scheduled for Summerfest Opening Day on June 19th. Check out the pair below.
Shake x adidas Forum Low “W.T.M.”
Release Date: June 6, 2026 (SNEEX)
Release Date: June 19, 2026 (Summerfest)
Price: $180 USD
