Fire Footwear: Sneaker Talk (with Matt Frates)
Exploring the People and Stories Behind Sneaker Culture
Matt Frates | Matt Frates Creations, LLC
Show overview
Fire Footwear: Sneaker Talk (with Matt Frates) has been publishing since 2021, and across the 5 years since has built a catalogue of 183 episodes, alongside 1 trailer or bonus episode. That works out to roughly 60 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence.
Episodes typically run ten to twenty minutes — most land between 17 min and 21 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Arts show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 5 days ago, with 20 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2023, with 46 episodes published. Published by Matt Frates | Matt Frates Creations, LLC.
From the publisher
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 - https://op3.dev/privacy Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Latest Episodes
View all 183 episodesSneaker Collabs Are Stale
Yeezys are Back ... Really?
In 2026, Comfort is King in Sneakers
Are Sneaker Prices Too High?
Has Nike SB Lost Its Way?
Jordan Design Studio
Why is Nike So Disconnected?
Sneakers are Thriving in 2026
Culture Vultures in Sneakers
Unresolved Debates in Sneakers
I'm Not a Sneakerhead (and that's okay)
A New Direction for SNKRS
The Book of Eastbay - Interviewing Art Juedes and Rick Gering
Jae Tips Goes to Nike
Changing Tastes in Sneakers
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.---Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreatesLike what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpodNew episodes released on Tuesdays.Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreatesReach out to me with questions or thoughts: [email protected] podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Air Max 95: Nike's Inflection Point
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.---Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreatesLike what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpodNew episodes released on Tuesdays.Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreatesReach out to me with questions or thoughts: [email protected] podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
The Nike Air Max: Stylish and Innovative
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.---Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreatesLike what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpodNew episodes released on Tuesdays.Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreatesReach out to me with questions or thoughts: [email protected] podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Community in Sneakers is Important
Sneaker culture can sometimes be made to be only about mass consumerism of sneakers. In reality, it is so much more. What makes the culture so special are the people and stories/experiences they bring. It's our unique perspectives that connect us and is the through line. Matt talks about it.---Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreatesLike what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpodNew episodes released on Tuesdays.Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreatesReach out to me with questions or thoughts: [email protected] podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Jerry Lorenzo and Costco SB Dunks: Icons of a Different Color
After a month long hiatus, Matt comes back to discuss the fizzling of Jerry Lorenzo's partnership with Adidas, and the hype and shock drop that was the Costco Nike SB Dunk. Both are icons in their own way.---Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreatesLike what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpodNew episodes released on Tuesdays.Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreatesReach out to me with questions or thoughts: [email protected] podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Sneaker Releases in 2026
The year in sneakers that was 2025 was outstanding. Now that 2026 is here, what are the expectations? Will it be a letdown by default? Is it even fair to compare. Matt takes a look at the scene and provides some opinions and observations.---Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreatesLike what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpodNew episodes released on Tuesdays.Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreatesReach out to me with questions or thoughts: [email protected] podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy