Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)

In this bonus episode of Fire Footwear, Matt gives his thoughts on the influx of Yeezys hitting Adidas' website. --- 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.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/ Follow Ma...

After an appearance on the Sneak Diss Podcast, and with the unveiling of the upcoming reimagined version of the Air Tech Challenge 2, Matt decides to take a deep dive into the shoe. Its place in sneaker history should be revered and remembered. Even if you are hesitant about the upcoming release, listen and be reminded of the history. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwea...

In this episode of Fire Footwear, we're uncovering the stories of influential figures who have left a unique mark on the sneaker world. Join us as we delve into the lives and contributions of these game-changers who have driven trends and innovations in sneaker culture. Tune in to hear about the creativity, innovation, and passion that these individuals have brought to the world of sneakers. Don't...

In this episode of Fire Footwear, we continue our exploration of the key figures who have fundamentally transformed the sneaker industry. Join host Matt Frates as he delves into the history and impact of five individuals whose contributions have left an undeniable mark on sneaker culture. From designers to cultural icons, discover how their innovations and influence have shaped the footwear landsc...

Last episode spoke to sneaker models that fundamentally changed the game. Many other models released in the history of sneakers have influenced the sneaker game as we know it today. This episode dives into the most influential of those models; setting the stage for the arrival to today's culture. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@...

Sneaker Culture today is a wonderful thing, but how did we get here? There are so many factors that have led its current standing, it cannot be contained in just one episode. This episode dives into the sneaker models that have helped shape sneaker culture today, according to Matty Ice. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwe...

Nike SB has been a staple in the sneaker community since 2002. The early days of Nike SB saw a reinvention of a failed silhouette, the Nike Dunk, and going voice to an unheard population in skateboarders. There have been many eras of Nike SB, and Matt goes through each era highlighting the best of the bunch. In the end, the question remains as to whether Nike SB dunks need another reinvention? ---...

The legacy of Michael Jordan has made sneaker culture what it is today. While more brands have inserted dominance in the game, Air Jordans still stand tall as the most recognizable and cherished. If you take away the history and nostalgia for Air Jordans before Michael's retirement in 1998, what is the Air Jordan legacy? Is it nearing time for Nike to move away from Jordans to preserve its future?...

A common complaint in sneaker culture today is the lack of innovation, but what does that really mean? Innovation usually speaks to advances in technology or ways of doing business. Creativity and a true sense of what real sneakerheads is lacking within the most popular brands. Matty Ice discusses the difference between innovation and creativity. Join in on the conversation. --- New episodes relea...

Once upon a time, Disney had the famous Disney Vault; a place where its prized movies would go for a period of time. In the vault, consumers had to wait for it to emerge to purchase it. What if Nike did this with its most famous models? Matty Ice discusses the potential impact this would have on the future of sneakers. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: ht...

March 26th is Air Max Day, and it is a day Nike puts a lot of stock into each year. There's no doubt that the Air Max 1, and some other models down the line, have made an impact on the culture. The question is, is that in any way a lasting legacy the way Jordan Brand's legacy has become. Matty Ice dives in. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.yo...

Marcus Jordan's Trophy Room has made an impact on sneaker culture since 2016. With his proximity to the man that started what is today's sneaker culture, he had an opportunity to tell unique stories through his collaborations. The past few collaborations have seen a change in the direction, with more of am emphasis on hype and resell. Matty Ice discusses. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subs...

It's been heavily debated as to the state of sneaker culture today. Is it dead or is it thriving? We, the sneaker community, love to give our opinions on the success of a sneaker or a sneaker company. When it comes down to it, what are the factors that define success in sneakers? --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneak...

Hyperbole and recency bias skew our views as every week we deem a shoe a "classic". In reality, a classic should not only be objectively be great, but agreed upon by the culture compared to all of the shoes that have released over the years. Matty Ice dives into five criteria that he thinks will help define what a true classic is. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on...

Shock drops have been a staple of sneaker culture for years, and were an essential piece to driving up demand and hype for upcoming releases. In 2024, Nike has gone the route of announcing shock drops publicly. While a courtesy, has this approach ruined shock drops for the sneaker community? --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firef...

The word "grail" has always had a place in sneaker culture; normally to show how coveted a shoe was to a person. In 2024, with so much new blood to the culture and resale making things attainable (with money), it begs the question is the idea of a grail outdated, or do we just need to rethink how we use it? --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.yo...

The world of rep/fake sneakers is permanently embedded in the culture. The advent of quality and accessible knockoffs make the market a major player in today's game. Thing is, there are lots of myths being pushed about the market and those who traffic in it. It's not all bad though, and host Matt wants to give you some insight he has gained to help you either stay away from or successfully navigat...

In an effort to live one of his suggested sneaker resolutions, host Matt Frates digs into the history of the Nike Foamposite. While the sneaker may not have been ready for the shoe in 1997, nowadays the shoe has a cemented place in the culture; both in the DMV and in global sneaker culture. Where were you when the Foamposite hit stores? Shoutout to listener Julius for the topic suggestion this wee...

Early looks are commonplace in sneaker culture today, most of which happen via social media. While consumers need to see products they could eventually consume, is the mass of early looks of pre-released sneakers ruining their appeal before we have a chance to cop. Matt thinks this over. Don't miss it. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube...

Happy New Year fam! With a new year having turned over, the focus is always on making New Year's resolutions. In today's episode, host Matty Ice decides to share some resolutions he made surrounding his love of sneakers. While sneakers are great, these resolutions may help to love them even more, and quite possibly save some money along the way. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to F...

Out with the old, in with the new as 2023 has closed its doors. While we are always looking forward to upcoming events, host Matt Frates always feels it's a good idea to remember where you came from. This episode will be an overview of the year that was in sneakers, and also the year that was in life. Don't miss it. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https...

Resale of sneakers has become so divisive that skate shops and boutiques are requiring customers to jump through more and more hopes in the name of sneakers; to the point of embarrassment. With resale slowly dwindling, is apathy for shoes also rising? Matty Ice discusses the impact sneaker resale may have on the future. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: h...

As 2023 comes to a close, it's time to examine the discussion around Sneaker of the Year. Content outlets are all getting their lists out to out list one another, but a discussion could be had on just how we should view each list. Matty Ice discusses the conversations being had about the sneaker of the year, while also giving not one ... but two lists. --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscri...

The sneaker community is larger than it has ever been, but not everyone has entered into it for the same reasons. Recent questions from listeners has host Matty Ice thinking about the behaviors of 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/@m...

Adidas CEO, Bjorn Gulden, made some headlines when telling Nike to "watch out" after the Samba was voted sneaker of the year by the FNAA. His bravado shocked many, but if you really look in to it, Adidas had one hell of a 2023 in the sneaker game. Do you agree? --- New episodes released weekly. --- Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers Subscribe to Ma...