Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)
Matt Frates | Matt Frates Creates, LLC

Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)

Fashion & BeautyPersonal JournalsHobbiesEnglish
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
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Changing Tastes in Sneakers
24 March 2026

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...
Air Max 95: Nike's Inflection Point
17 March 2026

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:...
The Nike Air Max: Stylish and Innovative
10 March 2026

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:...
Community in Sneakers is Important
03 March 2026

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...
Jerry Lorenzo and Costco SB Dunks: Icons of a Different Color
10 February 2026

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...
Sneaker Releases in 2026
06 January 2026

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:...
An Authentic Look at My 2025
30 December 2025

An Authentic Look at My 2025

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...
My Favorite Sneakers of 2025
24 December 2025

My Favorite Sneakers of 2025

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...
Jeff Staple Makes Headlines (the bad kind)
16 December 2025

Jeff Staple Makes Headlines (the bad kind)

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:...
Is Sneaker Culture Bored, or Spoiled?
09 December 2025

Is Sneaker Culture Bored, or Spoiled?

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...