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.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Episodes
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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New episodes every Monday.
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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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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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 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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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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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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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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New episodes every Monday.
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 "t...
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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New episodes every Monday.
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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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Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod
New episodes every Monday.
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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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Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod
New episodes every Monday.
Follow Fire Footwear on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firefoot...
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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New episodes every Monday.
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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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Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod
New episodes every Monday.
Follow Fire Footwear on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firefootwearpod/?hl=en
Follow Fire Footwear on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@firefootwearpod
Reach out to me ...
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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Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod
New episodes every Monday.
Follow Fire Footwear on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firefootwearpo...
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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Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod
New episodes every Monday.
Follow Fire Footwear on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firefootwearpod/?hl=en
Follow Fire Footwear on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@firefootwearpod
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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?
Support DeVante on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmackism/
Listen to the Mackism Effect: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/divergent-being
Support Divergent Being on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@divergentbeing
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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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Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod
New episodes every Monday.
Follow Fire Footwear on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firefootwearpod/?hl=en
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Reach out to me wit...
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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Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod
New episodes every Monday.
Follow Fire Footwear on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firefootwearpod/?hl=en
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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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Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod
New episodes every Monday.
Follow Fire Footwear on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firefootwearpod/?hl=en
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