Fire Footwear: Sneaker 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 the Matty Ice Media Network. Presented by the Matty Ice Media Network. Matty Ice Media Network: https://www.mattyicemedia.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodcorn - https...
Social Media Toxicity
Expounding on his initial episode about the Urban Necessities story, Matt goes into the human elements behind the aftermath. Social media is a mainstay in society and while it has its benefits, it also has many pitfalls. The Urban Necessities situation has been an example of the toxicity that social media can traffic in: taking sides, false narratives, ignorant opinions and more.
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Urban Necessities
Urban Necessities, a popular sneaker consignment shop, is under fire due to allegations of defaulted payments and lacking customer service. Matt gives an overall take with the information had at the time (more has since been revealed). Like other scandals before it, Urban Necessities tests the trust of the sneaker community.
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Some Iconic Sneaker Moments
The nostalgia brought on by the NBA Finals has Matt thinking about iconic moments in sneaker history. This episode presents 15 seminal moments along the road to sneaker culture in 2025. While sports helped drastically shape the mold of what is sneaker culture today, there are other moments sprinkled in that have had major impacts as well. What is your favorite moment?
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Breaking Down the Nike Price Hikes
Nike has raised prices, seemingly in response to trade decisions and conditions globally in 2025. Sneaker prices have be steadily going up over the years, but consumers continue to pay. With more attention paid to the prices of sneakers, Matt dives into today's prices compared to historical prices (adjusted the inflation) to see if things are as bad as we are making them out to be.
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Dick's Sporting Goods Buys Foot Locker
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 businesses, is seeing a decline in sales and stock prices with the world economy in flux. Dick's pounced on an opportunity they hope will rise their value globally. What does this mean for sneaker culture? Matt returns and gives his thoughts.
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Sketchers Sells for How Much?!
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 billion, got Matt's attention. While Sketchers and sneaker culture have never been aligned, could this sale be the jumping point for Sketchers to get into the hype game? Matt gives his thoughts.
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Pivoting from Basketball Shoes
Sneaker culture and basketball shoes have been synonymous for ages. Since the advent of the Air Jordan line, countless NBA (and WBNA) athletes have been given the signature shoe treatment. Each year new iterations of these signature lines debut, but has the line grown stagnant. Nike, Jordan Brand, and others need to look to other sports for their future. Matt talks through the possibilities.
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Sneaker Conventions
Back from Rome, Matt dives into sneaker conventions, but not in the traditional way. Prior to leaving, friend of the show DeVante Mack (@realmackism on Instagram) recorded an episode for the week Matt was gone. Due to technical issues overseas, it never saw the light of day ... until now. Tap in as Matt reacts to Devante's episode and provides his own commentary on the matter.
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Ronnie Fieg and Kith
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 talks through Ronnie Fieg and his history in sneakers. He also talks a bit about Kith's arrival, influence and impact on the sneaker game. Tap in.
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Who Are Sneakers Really For?
The demographics of the sneaker world are dynamic. Many times when people hear about a "sneakerhead" they envision a certain look or behavior. The truth is that sneakers and the culture that surrounds them may not be for everyone. The culture attached to sneakers is perhaps made for specific people, but the commodities that are sneakers are for everyone. Matt thinks about his possible missteps as it relates to who he sees as "the culture" and gets introspective with you.
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The Sneaker Economy
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 buzz around a release or two? Or is it more? Matt checks in.
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(Unintentional) Gatekeeping in Sneakers
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 might be seen at gatekeeping. Matt talks through how he might be able to help.
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Is Nike Tricking Us Into Copping?
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 the hood it seems much more intentional. Are we being conditioned into copping out of FOMO? Matt weighs in.
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Restoring "The Feeling" in Sneakers
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 "has the feeling been restored in sneakers?". Matt gets on his soap box to talk about what the feeling is to him and how we can bring it back.
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Sneaker Brand Responsibility
Stories in the sneaker news about violence at sneaker releases, Joe Freshgoods creating good will, and Yeezy going up in flames (again). Matt breaks it down.
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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? To find out, he asked YOU what you thought. Tap in to find out what the people had to say.
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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 sneaker hype?
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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?
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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.
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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 looking to uphold in 2025. What are some of yours?
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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 both sneakers and the podcast. Happy New Year everyone!
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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 a decent year for sneakers.
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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. 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.
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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 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.
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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 sneaker culture.
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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 if you come as a sneaker lover, this conversation will leave you feeling good.
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<...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 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.
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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 figure in streetwear and sneaker history, and discusses whether his influence still resonates with today's audience.
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Frank Cooke and Tom Sachs Return to Nike
Nike is making significant changes in leadership and strategy, aiming to reshape its image and reconnect with sneaker culture. Host Matt Frates discusses the recent appointment of new CEO Elliot Hill and the return of influential figures like Frank Cook and Tom Sachs, highlighting their potential impact on the brand's creative direction.
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Nike's CEO Shakeup: What It Means for Sneaker Culture
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 this change in CEO get that back to their perceived legendary status?
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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 Air Max 1 "Chlorophyll", which sold out instantly. Did Complex undersell Patta's place in the culture?
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StockX Partners with ... Walmart?
StockX recently announced their intentions to partner with Walmart; bringing shoes from StockX to brick and mortar Walmart stores. While brand expansion is what StockX is looking for, is Walmart really the proper consumer base for them to achieve it? Matt gives his thoughts.
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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 everyone else. After personally breaking one of these norms, Matt dives into his experience and some of the norms we've all accepted.
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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 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 items could mean for the culture.
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<...Nigel Sylvester and the Jordan 4 RM
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 Sylvester, has been a massive hit. The real question comes down to the place this shoe has in the future of the culture? Has Nike missed an opportunity to blend both old and new here? Matt discusses.
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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 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?
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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 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.
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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 host of Fire Footwear, and answers a question he gets from listeners, "What sneaker content do you consume?"
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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 pulls, Matt goes through the topics that have stood out to him throughout the year. Has it been a good year so far?
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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 it a mistake on Nike's part to reach this far back into the archives?
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