Fire Footwear: Sneaker Talk (with Matt Frates)
Episodes
An Authentic Look at My 2025
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The end of 2025 is here, and while it was a great one for sneakers and the community, it was not the greatest year for Matt personally. Matt dives in ...
My Favorite Sneakers of 2025
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sneaker of the Year is always talked about this time of year. Really, it should just be what sneakers are your favorite, because what you like is all...
Jeff Staple Makes Headlines (the bad kind)
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jeff Staple is a renowned figure in sneaker lore. His work speaks for itself. Recently he stirred up quite a controversy by making a pair of pigeon ...
Is Sneaker Culture Bored?
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the sneaker year ends, not only do we debate whether 2025 is a great sneaker year, but Nike announces the new SNKRS Code program. Matt talks about...
Steph Curry Leaves Under Armor: What's Next?
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Big news broke that Steph Curry and Under Armor had ended their long-standing partnership. Speculation is running wild as to where Steph will end up....
Get Inspired!
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt uses the Bull Airs "The Scarecrow" shoe, and the processing of video making with it, as a means of inspiration recently. Even in the darkest of ...
FTK? - Talking Doernbecher Freestyle Criticism
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every year the Doernbecher Freestyle Series is unveiled as a vessel to raise money for a children's hospital. As sneakers have grown over the the yea...
Salehe Bembury: Betting on Himself
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Salehe Bembury has established himself, for better or worse, with his own style in sneakers. Whether it be his work with Crocs or New Balance, his wo...
Cool Kicks (and other topics)
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After a three week break from sneaker content, Matt is back to catch up on the topics that were over the last month or. From his opinions on the Cool...
Being a Sneaker Dad
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Creative ruts happen for all creators. At times we get burned out and need new inspiration. As Matt was struggling in what to talk about in coming b...
Awake NY Accountability (& more)
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sneaker pre-orders and scamming in the sneaker community. These two stories dominated last week in the game. Matt talks through both and drives home...
Embrace Your Life
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the fourth anniversary of his mom's passing comes, Matt has been thinking about life changes over that time. The growth of self and embracing of p...
The Undefeated Jordan 4
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nike and Undefeated released the most coveted grail in all of sneakers with their mass release of the Undefeated Jordan 4. By most measures, the rele...
Toronto Sneaker Culture (with Trev from In Kix We Trust)
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trev, one fifth of the In Kix We Trust podcast team, joins Matt to discuss his life in sneakers and beyond. They talk about sneakers in Toronto, the ...
Diluted Sneaker History
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nike and Jordan Brand have a unique ability to tell stories with their rich history in sneakers. The frequency of releases has left Matt thinking abo...
Angel Reese Gets A Signature Shoe
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Angel Reese is a polarizing WNBA athlete who is making a name for herself. Her story is also seemingly tied to Caitlin Clark's, fairly or unfairly. ...
Who Is Matt Frates?
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fire Footwear is nearing its third birthday, and looking back on the journey to this point is essential as this podcast grows. Matt sits behind the m...
Social Media Toxicity
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Expounding on his initial episode about the Urban Necessities story, Matt goes into the human elements behind the aftermath. Social media is a mainst...
Urban Necessities
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Urban Necessities, a popular sneaker consignment shop, is under fire due to allegations of defaulted payments and lacking customer service. Matt give...
Some Iconic Sneaker Moments
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The nostalgia brought on by the NBA Finals has Matt thinking about iconic moments in sneaker history. This episode presents 15 seminal moments along ...
Breaking Down the Nike Price Hikes
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nike has raised prices, seemingly in response to trade decisions and conditions globally in 2025. Sneaker prices have be steadily going up over the y...
Dick's Sporting Goods Buys Foot Locker
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On the heels of the sale of Sketchers, Dick's Sporting Goods makes a huge splash with their acquisition of Foot Locker. Foot Locker, like many busine...
Sketchers Sells for How Much?!
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sketchers is a major global footwear brand, and one that has probably never been mentioned on this podcast. Their recent sale, for close to $9 billio...
Pivoting from Basketball Shoes
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sneaker culture and basketball shoes have been synonymous for ages. Since the advent of the Air Jordan line, countless NBA (and WBNA) athletes have b...
Sneaker Conventions
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Back from Rome, Matt dives into sneaker conventions, but not in the traditional way. Prior to leaving, friend of the show DeVante Mack (@realmackism ...
Ronnie Fieg and Kith
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There have been many sneaker collaborators and influencers over the years. In the wake of the hype of running shoes in the culture, Matt briefly talk...
Who Are Sneakers Really For?
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The demographics of the sneaker world are dynamic. Many times when people hear about a "sneakerhead" they envision a certain look or behavior. The t...
The Sneaker Economy
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With all the hype buzzing about the return of sneakers and sneaker hype, it's a good time to look at what defines the economy of sneakers. Is it just...
(Unintentional) Gatekeeping in Sneakers
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sneakers is an expensive hobby with a large culture. There is a LOT to learn as you navigate. That knowledge can be a barrier to entry, and at times...
Is Nike Tricking Us Into Copping?
08 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Jordan releases in 2025 have been hot, heavy, and steeping in history. On the surface it appears we are all getting what we want, but underneath ...
Restoring "The Feeling" in Sneakers
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's no surprise that 2025 in sneakers has started out hot. Between limited stock and fighting at releases, the question has popped up all over of "h...
Sneaker Brand Responsibility
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stories in the sneaker news about violence at sneaker releases, Joe Freshgoods creating good will, and Yeezy going up in flames (again). Matt breaks ...
Sneakers That Haven't Aged Well in 2025
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In sneaker culture, there are colorways and silhouettes that are universally beloved. Lately Matt has been wondering if all of them still hit the sam...
Is Sneaker Hype on the Rise?
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Leaders in Sneaker Culture (with DeVante Mack of The Mackism Effect)
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The topic of representation and leadership in sneakers has been rampant. Matt invites DeVante to talk this through. Who are leaders in sneakers to y...
Changes Seen in Sneaker Culture
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sneaker culture has changed fundamentally over the years, like many cultures do. How is the big question? Matt gives you five observations he has ma...
Matt's 2025 Sneaker Resolutions
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 resolut...
Matt's 2025 Sneakers (and Content) Outlook
03 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 st...
2024 (Subjective) Sneaker of the Year
27 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 fa...
Nike Fumbling the Black Cement Jordan 3
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 contro...
StockX and the Ideals of Authenticity
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
StockX is facing significant challenges as it grapples with its ability to authenticate sneakers, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the ...
The Legacy of DJ Clark Kent
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 remembe...
Embracing Your Purpose (with Chris Chase from WearTesters)
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 nerd...
Co.JP and Global Sneaker Culture
26 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 enthus...
Nigo x Nike: Does This Collab Matter in 2024?
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 piv...
Frank Cooke and Tom Sachs Return to Nike
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nike is making significant changes in leadership and strategy, aiming to reshape its image and reconnect with sneaker culture. Host Matt Frates discus...
Nike's CEO Shakeup: What It Means for Sneaker Culture
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
John Donahoe, former CEO of Nike, resigned last week with Elliott Hill to take over. Nike has been seen an uncool brand over the last year, but will ...
Is Patta Underrated in Sneakers?
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Complex dropped their Sneaker Collaborator Power Rankings and Patta came in at 20th. To celebrate 20 years in business, Patta and Nike re-released th...
StockX Partners with ... Walmart?
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
StockX recently announced their intentions to partner with Walmart; bringing shoes from StockX to brick and mortar Walmart stores. While brand expans...
Breaking Some Sneaker Norms
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 sa...
A Ma Maniere and Sneaker Subscriptions
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Nigel Sylvester and the Jordan 4 RM
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nike recently released a remixed version of the classic Jordan 4 called, the Jordan 4 RM. The first colorway, associated with famed BMX star Nigel Sy...
The Best Olympics Sneakers
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 b...
Nike Sues the Shoe Surgeon
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Creating Sneaker Content
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
State of Sneakers Halfway Through 2024
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 nos...
Undefeated 4s and Wu Tang Dunks Releasing: Is it a Mistake?
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Du...
Nike Sues Replica Sneaker Companies
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nike, notoriously litigious, once again is after the replica sneaker market. The boom in the replica sneaker market since the pandemic has seen Nike ...
Are New Kobes Wack in 2024?
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Best 90's Basketball Shoes (Excluding Air Jordans)
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
Yeezy Restocks in 2024
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus episode of Fire Footwear, Matt gives his thoughts on the influx of Yeezys hitting Adidas' website. ---Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTu...
Remembering the Air Tech Challenge 2
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Influenced the Game (Part 2): People Who Influenced the Sneaker Game
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Changed the Game (Part 2): People Who Changed the Game
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Fire Footwear, we continue our exploration of the key figures who have fundamentally transformed the sneaker industry. Join host Ma...
Influenced The Game (Part 1): Sneaker Models That Influenced the Game
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Last episode spoke to sneaker models that fundamentally changed the game. Many other models released in the history of sneakers have influenced the s...
Changed The Game (Part 1): Sneaker Models That Changed the Game
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 conta...
Have Nike SB Dunks Become Mid?
27 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Moving On From Michael Jordan
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 stan...
What is Innovation in Sneakers?
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A common complaint in sneaker culture today is the lack of innovation, but what does that really mean? Innovation usually speaks to advances in techn...
Should Nike Create a Sneaker Vault?
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
Air Max Day's Relevancy in 2024
29 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Trophy Room: Still Hype or Played Out?
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 cult...
What Makes a Sneaker Company Successful?
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 opinio...
What Is a "Classic" Sneaker?
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, bu...
Has Nike Ruined Shock Drops?
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Grails in Sneakers: Outdated or Needs Updating?
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Debunking Myths About Rep Sneakers
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The History of the Nike Foamposite
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 n...
Early Looks Ruining Sneakers' Appeal
19 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Early looks are commonplace in sneaker culture today, most of which happen via social media. While consumers need to see products they could eventual...
New Year's Sneaker Resolutions
12 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 dec...
2023: Sneakers (& Life) Year in Review
05 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Can Resale Save Sneakers?
22 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 sn...
Sneaker of the Year 2023
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Adidas Quietly Killed It In 2023
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Why Do People Buy Sneakers?
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Complex Sold: Changing Sneaker Content
24 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Jordan 1 Royal Reimagined Sitting on Shelves
18 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ca...
Spike Lee and Jordan Hybrid Models
10 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In talking through the icons of sneakers, host Matty Ice forgot one of the most important icons in the game; Spike Lee. Spike Lee's early influence o...
Exploring the Icons of Sneaker Culture
03 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 sne...
Nike SNKRS Exclusive Access
27 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Shaq and Iverson to Reebok
20 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Atmos USA Closes
13 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Footloc...
Nike Refurbished
06 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Nike Refurbished program is Nike's attempt at giving sneakerheads the ability to cop shoes they may have missed out on. In the sneaker world ther...
Reimagined Jordans and Nikes
29 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jordan Brand, and by extension Nike, is fully on the "reimagined" path when it comes to their most beloved Jordan colorways. The unveiling of the Jor...
The Complex Value of Sneakers
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How do we determine the true value of a sneaker? News outlets such as Complex make this a complicated questions to answer. The viewpoints and person...
Matty Ice's Rotation (and Some Pick-Ups)
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Matty Ice does a lot of talking about sneakers that others wear, but rarely gives a glimpse into his own sneaker closet. In this episode, you get a p...
Union Jordan 1: Story of a Successful Sneaker Release
01 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The recent release of the Union Jordan 1 highlighted how far sneaker releases have come. Smaller shops and boutiques are taking measures to give snea...
Remembering Momma Ice
27 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nearing the two year anniversary since Momma Ice passed away, Matty Ice gives you a glimpse into her and their relationship. Momma Ice was a complica...
Kobe Bryant's Sneaker Legacy
18 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kobe Bryant's legacy goes beyond the basketball court. His untimely death in 2020 took his popularity in the sneaker world to new heights. With the ...
Rep Sneakers: The Great Debate
11 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Replica sneakers are probably the most polarizing topic in the sneaker world. Are they evil? Should you wear them? Does it matter? Matty Ice talks...