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
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.
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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.
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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.
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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreates
Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod
New episodes released on Tuesdays.
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: htt...
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.
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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreates
Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod
New episodes released on Tuesdays.
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.
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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreates
Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod
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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.
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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreates
Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod
New episodes released on Tuesdays.
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://...
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.
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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreates
Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod
New episodes released on Tuesdays...
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.
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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreates
Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefo...
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.
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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreates
Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/fi...
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.
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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreates
Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod
New episodes released on Tuesdays.
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.
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New e...
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.
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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfr...
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.
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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreates
Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod
Ne...
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.
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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreates
Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod
New episodes released on Tuesdays.
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.
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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreates
Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod
New episodes released on Tuesdays.
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: h...
As the fourth anniversary of his mom's passing comes, Matt has been thinking about life changes over that time. The growth of self and embracing of passions has filled him with perspective and continued yearning for more. Life is short and we should embrace it as much as we can. Are you?
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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreates
Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com...
Nike and Undefeated released the most coveted grail in all of sneakers with their mass release of the Undefeated Jordan 4. By most measures, the release was a massive success. There has been chatter about delayed shipping, and it begs the question "is sneaker culture spoiled?". Matt gives his take.
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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreates
Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https:...
Trev, one fifth of the In Kix We Trust podcast team, joins Matt to discuss his life in sneakers and beyond. They talk about sneakers in Toronto, the emergence of runners, and all the sneaker releases we have now. Trev has a lot to provide the culture, and this chat helps shine some light on his contributions.
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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreates
Nike and Jordan Brand have a unique ability to tell stories with their rich history in sneakers. The frequency of releases has left Matt thinking about whether the brand is diluting their own history by leaving little room between retros. Should Nike lean more into storytelling, or has the culture changed so much that it just doesn't matter?
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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreates
Angel Reese is a polarizing WNBA athlete who is making a name for herself. Her story is also seemingly tied to Caitlin Clark's, fairly or unfairly. Angel Reese recently announced her first signature sneaker with Reebok, something Caitlin Clark does not have to this point. While a notch in her belt for her legacy, the shoe design itself seems on par with every other basketball shoe on the market. Are companies running out of ide...
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