Shows / Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Step into the world of sneakers with host Matt Frates. Each week, we unravel the unique stories behind the sneakers and the culture. From iconic designs to influential figures, discover fresh perspectives and in-depth discussions on the sneakers that shape our world. If you live for sneaker talk and crave insightful takes, this is your go-to podcast. This podcast is brought to you by Matt Frates Creates, LLC This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 -…
Episodes
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Sneakers That Haven't Aged Well in 2025
In sneaker culture, there are colorways and silhouettes that are universally beloved. Lately Matt has been wondering if all of them still hit the same in 2025?…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Is Sneaker Hype on the Rise?
After a back and forth with a listener of the pod, Matt dives into some recent examples of exclusivity and hype. The question is, does this symbolize a rise in…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Leaders in Sneaker Culture (with DeVante Mack of The Mackism Effect)
The topic of representation and leadership in sneakers has been rampant. Matt invites DeVante to talk this through. Who are leaders in sneakers to you? Support…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Changes Seen in Sneaker Culture
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Matt's 2025 Sneaker Resolutions
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Matt's 2025 Sneakers (and Content) Outlook
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
2024 (Subjective) Sneaker of the Year
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Nike Fumbling the Black Cement Jordan 3
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
StockX and the Ideals of Authenticity
StockX is facing significant challenges as it grapples with its ability to authenticate sneakers, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the resale…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
The Legacy of DJ Clark Kent
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Embracing Your Purpose (with Chris Chase from WearTesters)
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Co.JP and Global Sneaker Culture
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Nigo x Nike: Does This Collab Matter in 2024?
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Frank Cooke and Tom Sachs Return to Nike
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Nike's CEO Shakeup: What It Means for Sneaker Culture
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Is Patta Underrated in Sneakers?
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
StockX Partners with ... Walmart?
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Breaking Some Sneaker Norms
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
A Ma Maniere and Sneaker Subscriptions
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Nigel Sylvester and the Jordan 4 RM
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
The Best Olympics Sneakers
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Nike Sues the Shoe Surgeon
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Creating Sneaker Content
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
State of Sneakers Halfway Through 2024
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Undefeated 4s and Wu Tang Dunks Releasing: Is it a Mistake?
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Nike Sues Replica Sneaker Companies
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Are New Kobes Wack in 2024?
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Best 90's Basketball Shoes (Excluding Air Jordans)
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Yeezy Restocks in 2024
In this bonus episode of Fire Footwear, Matt gives his thoughts on the influx of Yeezys hitting Adidas' website. --- New episodes released weekly. ---…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Remembering the Air Tech Challenge 2
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Influenced the Game (Part 2): People Who Influenced the Sneaker Game
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Changed the Game (Part 2): People Who Changed the Game
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Influenced The Game (Part 1): Sneaker Models That Influenced the Game
Last episode spoke to sneaker models that fundamentally changed the game. Many other models released in the history of sneakers have influenced the sneaker…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Changed The Game (Part 1): Sneaker Models That Changed the Game
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Have Nike SB Dunks Become Mid?
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Moving On From Michael Jordan
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
What is Innovation in Sneakers?
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Should Nike Create a Sneaker Vault?
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Air Max Day's Relevancy in 2024
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Trophy Room: Still Hype or Played Out?
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
What Makes a Sneaker Company Successful?
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
What Is a "Classic" Sneaker?
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Has Nike Ruined Shock Drops?
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Grails in Sneakers: Outdated or Needs Updating?
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Debunking Myths About Rep Sneakers
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
The History of the Nike Foamposite
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Early Looks Ruining Sneakers' Appeal
Early looks are commonplace in sneaker culture today, most of which happen via social media. While consumers need to see products they could eventually…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
New Year's Sneaker Resolutions
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
2023: Sneakers (& Life) Year in Review
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Can Resale Save Sneakers?
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Sneaker of the Year 2023
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Adidas Quietly Killed It In 2023
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Why Do People Buy Sneakers?
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…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Complex Sold: Changing Sneaker Content
News broke that the Complex Network was being sold for $140 million; a low price given its stature in the sneaker community. As the sneaker game has cooled…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Jordan 1 Royal Reimagined Sitting on Shelves
The recent release of the Jordan 1 Royal Reimagined saw the sneaker community largely sitting it out. What once would have sold out in a heartbeat can now be…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Spike Lee and Jordan Hybrid Models
Spike Lee should have been on the icons list — and host Matty Ice will be the first to admit it. This episode corrects the record, diving into Spike Lee's…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Exploring the Icons of Sneaker Culture
Today's world and media is all about hyperbole. We are constantly prisoner to recency bias in giving people the label of icon. It happens in the sneaker…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Nike SNKRS Exclusive Access
The Nike SNKRS app is the bane of many sneakerheads' existence. Between taking Ls and app crashes, it's difficult to feel positive about SNKRS. Nike has…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Shaq and Iverson to Reebok
Reebok, once a proud staple in footwear and fitness, has struggled in recent years to find its place amongst the sneaker community. Sensing the need for a new…
- Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Atmos USA Closes
Atmos USA is closing the doors on their three brick and mortar stores in the United States. Atmos USA is a part of the Footlocker family, and Footlocker is a…