SneakerDads

Whether it’s getting his hands on a pair of AND1 Tai Chis in Grade 6 after seeing Vince Carter’s Dunk Contest performance, or discovering classic adidas models through friends in the sneaker community today, James @jamesbwill2 Williams’ passion is pure. He shares a lot of great stories, his perspective on avoiding the hype, budgeting for himself and his kids, being influenced, and an insider’s per...

On Episode 23 of SneakerDads, we welcome another member of the Montreal sneaker scene, Christopher Chiu @christopher.chiu on IG and @FreakyFirstStep on Twitter. Chris digs deep into photography and gives host @headzaintredee some shooting advice. He also talks about working with brands, two podcasts he’s a part of – The Sneaker Podcast and Traphik Boyz, some of his favourite sneakers and more. Hos...

Cid Merisier @cid_merisier @cidthekicks joins SneakerDads for episode 22 of the podcast. He talks about his inspirations in sneakers, why he rarely lets go of a pair, taking up photography, being a dad, running, and lots more. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintredee Beats: Chili Banks

On the fifth instalment of Wear Everything, SneakerDads welcomes Sean Go @sgo8, a very successful sneaker content creator. He talks about his favourite pairs, managing the collection when a lot is coming in, some memorable moments, and also shares advice for aspiring YouTubers. Host: Jon Ratner JRatner@gmail.com @headzaintredee Beats: Chili Banks

At the age of 14, Abdul @dontchargeabdul spotted a pair of Air Force 1s at the airport when his family arrived in America. His love of sneakers took off from there. Abdul talks to SneakerDads about a wide range of topics, including the state of his collection, making YouTube videos with his daughters, his own podcast: Whats’a Podcast, and of course, #TheList. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee JRatn...

Angela @ellaesco is no stranger to the sneaker community, with her background ranging from the early days of NikeTalk to being part of the Masters of Air project. Whether it’s digging through storage with her sneakerhead partner or selling Supreme Dunk Lows to help pay for a family home, this SneakerMom has some great stories and perspective to share. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintr...

Longtime YouTube creator, veteran of New York City sneaker lineups, encyclopedia of runner history, photographer, host and more, Mike @thecamp0ut joins the podcast for the fourth installment of Wear Everything. He talks about his early days coming up in the NYC sneaker scene, sneaker YouTube then and now, controlling crowds at KITH, his collection, and somethings you might not know. Host: Jon Ratn...

After starting 2021 with a case of COVID-19, I’m on the mend and didn’t want to miss an episode. I go a little off routine and talk about 1985 Jordan 1s, the ongoing effort to cut back the collection, some recent pickups, Nike By You Dunks, and more. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee JRatner@gmail.com Beats: Chili Banks

SneakerDads wraps up the year with some previous guests and their opinions on the top sneakers of 2020. Lawrence @Ldoggystyles of @CanadaGotSole picks his favourite SB of the year, Jaron of @Parlor23 talks about an unfortunate transaction with Travis Scott, and Christian aka @FlippinLaces tells us what trend needs to go in 2021. We talk about everything from the best Nike retro to our top pickups...

Lawrence @Ldoggystyles, host of the True to Size podcast from Canada Got Sole, joins SneakerDads for the third installment of Wear Everything. He talks about his roots in the sneaker game, finding space when moving in with someone, hunting grails and upgrading the collection. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee Jratner@gmail.com Beats: Chili Banks

The man behind The Sneak Diss Sneaker Podcast – Greg (like his co-host George) – isn’t shy when it comes to giving his opinion about sneakers and the culture. On this episode of SneakerDads, Greg digs deep into podcasting, the state of the game, and shares some old stories and discusses some personal topics. You can find the longest-running and most entertaining sneaker podcast around @the_sneakdi...

Back to our original format this week with @laced_heat Faraz Ghanbari, who not only has a huge collection, but some pairs and special boxes you might not be familiar with. We also talk toy collecting, take it back to the early days of the Toronto sneaker scene, and hear about how his kids get involved in these hobbies. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee jratner@gmail.com Beats: Chili Banks

The second episode of SneakerDads spinoff podcast Wear Everything welcomes Sean Collard @scollard23. In addition to curating his own very popular Instagram page focused primarily on Air Jordans, MJ himself and the history behind it all, Sean is also part of The Sneaker Podcast crew, as well as @OGsupportgroup on IG. He is truly an OG in the sneaker game, who shares stories, some jokes, and his per...

In the first episode of SneakerDads spinoff podcast Wear Everything, we’re joined by legendary independent reseller and collector @Netmagnetism. We get behind the scenes and talk about his favourite pairs, selling grails, funny stories, a relentless work ethic, advice for newcomers, and of course, if he wears everything. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee Beats: Chili Banks

A very good friend of the podcast, Joel @jo_doooney, takes us back to how he got started in the game through b-boy and graffiti culture, shares some of the origins of Canada Got Sole, discusses the sometimes difficult realities of parenting as a sneakerhead, and talks about why he can’t keep anything deadstock. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintredee Music: Chili Banks

Jason Bitton @jasonbitton shares his views on the intersection of sneakers and fashion, emerging and established brands, and the state of the industry. We also talk about keeping the collection in order, mixing brands, buying kicks for kids and spouses, and wearing pairs like the Nike Air Yeezy 2s to play men’s league hoops. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintredee Music: Chili Banks

Iconic photos, creative videos, father-son time, and plenty of sneakers. Nelson Campana talks about his role with the Toronto Raptors and other MLSE teams, shares some photography tips, discusses family, being on the road and at home, and getting attached to certain shoes. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintredee Music by Chili Banks Check us out in the top Sneaker podcasts list https://...

Back in Montreal with Mark Bayne (Bayner on Twitter and IG) who shares his experiences coming up in sneaker retail, working with Nike, and how family blends – and sometimes doesn’t – with this passion. Host: Jon Ratner, Music: Chili Banks. Check us out in the top Sneaker podcasts list https://blog.feedspot.com/sneaker_podcasts/

You should recognize Dan Tanenbaum’s unique creations from his @watchpartsmotorcycles Instagram feed, but his son Graeme is also an up-and-coming artist whose custom sneaker work can be found at @soleprodigy23. They have some great stories and passion for their work.

SneakerDads welcomes a very special guest this week, one that knows me intimately, and can shed some light on a lot of the issues partners have to deal with when it comes to kicks. Big thanks to my wife, Amanda – the first of many SneakerMoms on the podcast. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee Beats: Chili Banks

From doubling up on Air Jordan 4s during a trip to Chicago in 1989, to selling hundreds of pairs to buy his dream car, Toddy Flores has always done things for the love of it, while keeping his priorities straight. The DJ, restauranteur, car lover and family man shares his history and passion with the sneaker game, and what’s happening with his 1,000-plus pair collection. Host: Jon Ratner @headzain...

This week we talk to Christian Gubatan AKA @flippinlaces, who personifies “family first” while still making community a big part of his life. Lucky for him, when it comes to sneakers, food and everything else he is passionate about, his family has his back. —Beats by Chili Banks

This week’s guest is Alvin Quincy Martinez, best known for being one third of Canada Got Sole and the True to Size podcast, but also his great photography, writing, and of course, being a father. Beats by Chili Banks

Jaron Smith from Toronto-based sneaker boutique Parlor23 talks about being an entrepreneur, the past and present state of the shoe game, and being a dad. Music by Chili Banks