Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)

Saucony has made its presence felt within sneaker culture over the last few years. They are capitalizing on Nike's current dip. Matt talks about why. --- 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 Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Nike falls out of the S&P 100 for the first time in eighteen years and the Air Jordan 41 seems like a dud. Is it time to panic about Nike, or have they hit a valley that every company hits? --- 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 Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Another episode where we put aside sneakers as the main, and talk about life. --- 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 Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Sneaker collabs used to feel special when they were fewer and farther between. Nowadays, collabs feel like GRs. Matt talks about how collabs feel stale, and how we may be able to get the magic back. --- 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 Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Kanye West and the Yeezy brand have made a return to the sneaker community, in the form of the Yeezy 800. To Matt, both the sneaker and the man are highly underwhelming. What say you? --- 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 Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Why are Nike and Jordan brand falling behind? It's simple. Other brands are leaning into comfort being paramount for aging sneakerheads. Couple that with great color ways and storytelling? Nike is taking a standing eight count. --- 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 Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Sneaker prices have climbed over the years. So much so that buyers are sitting out releases. A listen of the show asked Matt to talk through sneaker prices and their meaning. He gets into their debut prices, how inflation skews the data, and some other factors at play. --- 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 Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

With the announcement of a Nike SB Foamposite dropping in 2027, you have to ask if Nike SB has lost its way a bit. Skateboard culture and sneaker culture have been associated for decades, but this latest attempt at highlighting the former seems like it misses the mark. --- 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 Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Jordan Design Studio is the latest announcement by the brand. Focusing on eight cities around the world, and putting names like Chris Gibbs in association with this, Nike hopes to find the next great idea. On the surface it feels like a true means of connection. Is it? --- 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 Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

In what feels like a thriving era for sneakers, Nike seems a bit out touch. Sure, they lead in terms of sales and money on a global level, but where are they on the streets? Where are they with the culture? Matt discusses. --- 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 Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

We are halfway through 2026, and sneakers are thriving. Yes you can make the argument that retros are down, resale is gone, and others. In the end, sneakers is thriving and growing for the future because of one element. People like us. --- 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 Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Seth Fowler recently got some flak on X for selling a bunch of his collection. It led Matt to think about creators in the sneaker space who may be culture vultures, and the ones who, despite any financial gain, stick around for love of the game; sneakers and content. Respect to all on the content grind. --- 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 Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Throughout sneakers, there are debates we all have that never get resolved. After looking back at his own sneaker journey, Matt talks through three of these debates, and why they will never be resolved. --- 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 Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

After seeing some creators talking through what makes someone a true sneakerhead, Matt takes a trip down memory lane thinking through ways he has changed as a sneaker lover. --- 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 Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Nike made headlines with the firing of 90% of the staff working on the SNKRS app. This begs the question of what is next for the platform? Matt chimes in about the intention of SNKRS versus the execution over the years. --- 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 Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

The Eastbay catalog, for those of a certain age, was one of the most iconic pieces of media in sneaker history. Between its colorful images, consistent presence, and selection, it captured the hearts and minds of youths everywhere. The founders of Eastbay, Art Juedes and Rick Gering, penned a memoir of Eastbay entitled "The Book of Eastbay". They joined Matt to talk about the book, share some stories, and stroll down memory lane. All proceeds from the book go to childhood cancer research. To purchase "The Book of Eastbay": https://bookofeastbay.com/ For information on The Little Warrior Foundation: https://www.littlewarrior.org --- 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 Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Jae Tips emerged on the scene with his loud and proud work with Saucony. Unmistakeble in their appearance, they took the culture by storm. Recently Jae Tips announced an upcoming partnership with the Swoosh. In a world where people are gifted platforms and opportunities, seeing a creator that did more with less be rewarded, feels like an uplifting of the culture for us all. --- 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 Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

A comment on a YouTube video made Matt think about changing perspectives and tastes. As we get older, should our tastes change in our likes and dislikes? Should we embrace new elements of the culture to gain wisdom and have new experiences? Matt talks though this in both sneakers and life. Big thanks to HomeGrownKicks on YouTube and Instagram for the inspiration. --- 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 Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

After receiving his pair of the Neon Air Max 95, Matt realized he underestimated the shoe. In looking through its history and origins, Matt came to see how influential and meaningful the shoe was in the growing history of Nike as a brand. The Air Max 95 not only cemented the Air Max as a staple, but may also have helped bridge the gap between Nike and cool. --- 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 Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

March is Air Max month for Nike. They spend time celebrating some of the best shoes in the lineage. While Matt has visited the history of the Air Max before, this time he looks at the most innovative offerings over the years. One thing is certain, the Nike Air Max has become a staple of style of innovation for Nike. --- 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 Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy