Fire Footwear: Sneaker Talk (with Matt Frates)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 a little to the uncertainty of the early part of his year, and how that was reframed to a new direction for 2026, and beyond.---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 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 that matters. Matt gives his favorites of 2025.---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

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 SB Dunks available for one lucky sneaker lover. Except this pair was fake. Matt chimes in.---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

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 who this program is for, and whether companies are trying to get sneaker culture outside, because boredom has set in with sneakers.---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

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. There is a brand out there that excites Matt more than others. Wherever he ends up, his legacy will be defined by long into retirement.---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

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 times, the smallest of things can light that fire of inspiration. Go out and get 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

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 years, so has the negative criticism of the shoes within the series. Matt talks about showing a bit more grace with these.---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

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 work is recognizable. Recently it was leaked of his turning down an offer to work with Nike and people were confused. In the end, betting on yourself is risky, but may be the most rewarding. Matt talks through 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

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 Kicks scandal, to Tom Sachs and the concept of a sneaker participation award, it was good to be back with you all again.---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

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 back to Fire Footwear, inspiration came in a small form: his son.---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 pre-orders and scamming in the sneaker community. These two stories dominated last week in the game. Matt talks through both and drives home a firm message: accountability and transparency are key.---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