Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)

Sneaker culture has changed fundamentally over the years, like many cultures do. How is the big question? Matt gives you five observations he has made. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates --- Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.ins...

With the turnover into a new year, many make New Year's resolutions. After the success of last year's episode, Matt is back with five sneaker resolutions he is looking to uphold in 2025. What are some of yours? --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@matt...

The new year has turned over and 2025 promises to be great! Matt breaks down the prosperous year that was 2024 and looks ahead to what 2025 has in store for both sneakers and the podcast. Happy New Year everyone! --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ma...

At the end of each. year, sneaker culture debates on what the sneaker of the year is. While it's all completely subjective, Matt gives some of his favorites in a decent year for sneakers. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates --- Follow Matt...

The Black Cement Jordan 3 is high regarded as one of the best Air Jordans of all-time. The release of the 2024 retro has been nothing short of controversial. The stories of lacking quality and inconsistency beg the question of whether sneaker lovers should voice with their wallets more loudly going forward. Matt checks in with his thoughts. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire F...

StockX is facing significant challenges as it grapples with its ability to authenticate sneakers, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the resale market. Matt gets into the implications of StockX's admission that it cannot guarantee the authenticity of the shoes it sells, especially in light of the lawsuit from Nike. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on Yo...

DJ Clark Kent, sneaker icon, passed away at the age of 58. He was a true sneaker icon. Matt briefly goes into his legacy, and how he will be remembered by sneaker culture. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates --- Follow Matt Frates on Instag...

Matt sits down with Chris Chase, the main personality of WearTesters. While both love sneakers, this chat goes down the rabbit holes of life and nerdom. Even if you come as a sneaker lover, this conversation will leave you feeling good. --- Subscribe to WearTesters on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@WearTesters Subscribe to Some of My Favorite Things on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SomeOf...

Co. JP, or Concept Japan, has played a pivotal role in shaping international sneaker culture over the last two decades, a fact that many sneaker enthusiasts may overlook today. Host Matt dives into the history and significance of Co. JP, highlighting how its exclusivity and innovative designs contributed to the global sneaker phenomenon. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Foot...

Nigo's recent collaboration with Nike raises the question of its significance in 2024 sneaker culture. Host Matt delves into the impact of Nigo, a pivotal figure in streetwear and sneaker history, and discusses whether his influence still resonates with today's audience. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers Subsc...

Frank Cooke helped define Jordan Brand design in the 2010s. Tom Sachs built one of the most hyped Nike collaborations in recent memory — then faced serious workplace harassment allegations. This episode covers both of their returns to Nike, what brought them back, and what it says about how the sneaker industry handles accountability and creative legacy. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subsc...

Nike hasn't felt like Nike for a while. Under John Donahoe, the brand lost some of its cool — and the sneaker community noticed. Now Elliott Hill is taking over as CEO, and the question isn't just about business strategy. It's about whether Nike can win back the culture. Matt breaks down what this leadership change means for sneakerheads, collectors, and anyone who grew up believing Nike was untou...

Complex dropped their Sneaker Collaborator Power Rankings and Patta came in at 20th. To celebrate 20 years in business, Patta and Nike re-released the famous Air Max 1 "Chlorophyll", which sold out instantly. Did Complex undersell Patta's place in the culture? --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers Subscribe to Mat...

StockX and Walmart. Two names you never expected to see in the same sentence. StockX recently announced plans to bring their sneaker marketplace into brick and mortar Walmart stores — a move aimed at brand expansion. But is Walmart really the right audience for a platform built on hype, authentication, and sneaker culture credibility? Matt breaks down the partnership, what StockX is chasing, and w...

Anyone who is a part of sneaker culture knows there are certain behaviors that have become norms. We almost feel obligated to live the culture the same way as everyone else. After personally breaking one of these norms, Matt dives into his experience and some of the norms we've all accepted. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firef...

A Ma Maniere cemented their legacy as one of the most popular collaborators in the game with the news of their "While You Were Sleeping" collection; a collection of six silhouettes. Is Nike trying to tell us something with this? Rumor has it that Nike, trying desperately to gain back the sneaker consumer, is toying around with a sneaker subscription model. Matt breaks down what both of these news...

Nike remixed the Jordan 4 and called it the Jordan 4 RM. The Nigel Sylvester colorway sold out fast and turned heads — but the bigger question isn't whether the shoe is hot. It's whether Nike is using this silhouette to push culture forward or playing it safe with a new label on a familiar formula. Matt discusses the RM, Nigel Sylvester's role in the release, and what this shoe says about Jordan B...

The Summer Olympic Games are here and it's a special time. Sneaker companies are in full branding mode as they send their products to Paris for use by all athletes. Nike specifically has a major presence. How does this year's crop stack up to the past? What are some of the best Olympics inspired sneakers of all-time? --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: http...

Nike, known for being litigious, finally takes the gloves off and goes after Shoe Surgeon. In a previous episode, Matt gave his thoughts about GoYard's lawsuit against the man, but knows how that his initial thoughts were well enough informed. Thanks to fellow sneaker podcaster Sockjig, Matt dives into the lawsuit and confesses changes his tune. Check out Sockjig wherever you listen to your podcas...

Sneaker content is a robust market of creative people. The creation of content is not an easy venture; investment is required. Matt talks about his journey to host of Fire Footwear, and answers a question he gets from listeners, "What sneaker content do you consume?" --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers Subscribe...

We are officially halfway through the year 2024 and there has been a good amount to talk about in the sneaker world. From blossoming new models to nostalgia pulls, Matt goes through the topics that have stood out to him throughout the year. Has it been a good year so far? --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers Subs...

Host Matt takes Fire Footwear live for the first time to talk about the recent news of the long awaited release of Undefeated Jordan 4s and Wu Tang Dunks. Is it a mistake on Nike's part to reach this far back into the archives? --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www....

Nike, notoriously litigious, once again is after the replica sneaker market. The boom in the replica sneaker market since the pandemic has seen Nike fear of losing profits. Is Nike being too aggressive? Goyard, a French luxury goods brand, is also suing famed sneaker customizer, The Shoe Surgeon. Are these two lawsuits equal, or does one represent a dangerous path to the future? --- New episodes r...

Kobe Bryant's legacy in basketball needs no introduction. A legend by any definition. Since his passing, the legacy of Kobes as a sneaker line needs to be revisited. With so many beloved colorways of the past, are today's releases lacking. Host Matt asks a question of himself by the end; did he miss the boat on appreciating Kobes? --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on...

The NBA in the 1990s was a different beast entirely. Yes it had Michael Jordan, but the vast sea of all-time greats that graced the court back then was magical. Within each of the bitter rivalries and star players was a burgeoning of player edition basketball shoes. Matt dives into some of the best ones. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtu...