Podcast
Fire Footwear: Sneakers 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 Matt Frates Creates, LLC
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
- Episodes
- 190
- Releases
- Weekly
- Typical length
- 17 min
- On air since
- 2021
- Latest episode
- 1 week ago
Episodes
190 episodes, newest first
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14 min
Life Update: Welcome to Matt 4.0
Show notes
A major life milestone has changed the trajectory of Matt's life. He gets behind the mic to talk through how a hip surgery will change his entire future.
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New episodes released weekly.
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Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers
Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates
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Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/
Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates
Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
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16 min
Nike Caitlin 1 - Too Little Too Late?
Show notes
On October 1st, the first Caitlin Clark signature model dropped to the masses. CC's fire has dwindled somewhat since joining the WNBA. It begs the question, is it too late for her to buoy Nike?
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New episodes released weekly.
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Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers
Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates
---
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/
Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates
Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
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15 min
Kith is King?
Show notes
Ronnie Fieg has worked to make Kith a premier brand in sneakers and streetwear. With consistent quality and presence, is it time to place Kith in the pantheon?
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New episodes released weekly.
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Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers
Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates
---
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/
Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates
Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
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14 min
On Has Entered the Sneakers Chat
Show notes
Nike has taken some hits lately. The latest was losing international football superstar Kylian Mbappe to emerging brand, On. This may or not be a major blow to Nike, but it is a major get for the Swiss footwear brand. If this is a sign of things to come, be ready for On to make a huge push in the culture.
---
New episodes released weekly.
---
Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers
Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates
---
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/
Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates
Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
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15 min
Saucony Has Entered the Chat
Show notes
Saucony has made its presence felt within sneaker culture over the last few years. They are capitalizing on Nike's current dip. Matt talks about why.
---
New episodes released weekly.
---
Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers
Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates
---
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/
Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates
Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
-
16 min
Nike Stock Crashes: Does It Matter?
Show notes
Nike falls out of the S&P 100 for the first time in eighteen years and the Air Jordan 41 seems like a dud. Is it time to panic about Nike, or have they hit a valley that every company hits?
---
New episodes released weekly.
---
Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers
Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates
---
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/
Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates
Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
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15 min
You Will Turn This Off
Show notes
Another episode where we put aside sneakers as the main, and talk about life.
---
New episodes released weekly.
---
Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers
Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates
---
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/
Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates
Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
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17 min
Sneaker Collabs Are Stale
Show notes
Sneaker collabs used to feel special when they were fewer and farther between. Nowadays, collabs feel like GRs. Matt talks about how collabs feel stale, and how we may be able to get the magic back.
---
New episodes released weekly.
---
Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers
Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates
---
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/
Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates
Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
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14 min
Yeezys are Back ... Really?
Show notes
Kanye West and the Yeezy brand have made a return to the sneaker community, in the form of the Yeezy 800. To Matt, both the sneaker and the man are highly underwhelming. What say you?
---
New episodes released weekly.
---
Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers
Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates
---
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/
Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates
Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
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15 min
In 2026, Comfort is King in Sneakers
Show notes
Why are Nike and Jordan brand falling behind? It's simple. Other brands are leaning into comfort being paramount for aging sneakerheads. Couple that with great color ways and storytelling? Nike is taking a standing eight count.
---
New episodes released weekly.
---
Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers
Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates
---
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/
Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates
Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
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19 min
Are Sneaker Prices Too High?
Show notes
Sneaker prices have climbed over the years. So much so that buyers are sitting out releases. A listen of the show asked Matt to talk through sneaker prices and their meaning. He gets into their debut prices, how inflation skews the data, and some other factors at play.
---
New episodes released weekly.
---
Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers
Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates
---
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/
Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates
Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
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15 min
Has Nike SB Lost Its Way?
Show notes
With the announcement of a Nike SB Foamposite dropping in 2027, you have to ask if Nike SB has lost its way a bit. Skateboard culture and sneaker culture have been associated for decades, but this latest attempt at highlighting the former seems like it misses the mark.
---
New episodes released weekly.
---
Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers
Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates
---
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/
Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates
Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
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17 min
Jordan Design Studio
Show notes
Jordan Design Studio is the latest announcement by the brand. Focusing on eight cities around the world, and putting names like Chris Gibbs in association with this, Nike hopes to find the next great idea. On the surface it feels like a true means of connection. Is it?
---
New episodes released weekly.
---
Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers
Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates
---
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/
Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates
Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
-
17 min
Why is Nike So Disconnected?
Show notes
In what feels like a thriving era for sneakers, Nike seems a bit out touch. Sure, they lead in terms of sales and money on a global level, but where are they on the streets? Where are they with the culture? Matt discusses.
---
New episodes released weekly.
---
Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers
Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates
---
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/
Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates
Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
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15 min
Sneakers are Thriving in 2026
Show notes
We are halfway through 2026, and sneakers are thriving. Yes you can make the argument that retros are down, resale is gone, and others. In the end, sneakers is thriving and growing for the future because of one element. People like us.
---
New episodes released weekly.
---
Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers
Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates
---
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/
Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates
Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
-
17 min
Culture Vultures in Sneakers
Show notes
Seth Fowler recently got some flak on X for selling a bunch of his collection. It led Matt to think about creators in the sneaker space who may be culture vultures, and the ones who, despite any financial gain, stick around for love of the game; sneakers and content. Respect to all on the content grind.
---
New episodes released weekly.
---
Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers
Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates
---
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/
Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates
Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
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18 min
Unresolved Debates in Sneakers
Show notes
Throughout sneakers, there are debates we all have that never get resolved. After looking back at his own sneaker journey, Matt talks through three of these debates, and why they will never be resolved.
---
New episodes released weekly.
---
Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers
Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates
---
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/
Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates
Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
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18 min
I'm Not a Sneakerhead (and that's okay)
Show notes
After seeing some creators talking through what makes someone a true sneakerhead, Matt takes a trip down memory lane thinking through ways he has changed as a sneaker lover.
---
New episodes released weekly.
---
Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers
Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates
---
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/
Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates
Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
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17 min
A New Direction for SNKRS
Show notes
Nike made headlines with the firing of 90% of the staff working on the SNKRS app. This begs the question of what is next for the platform? Matt chimes in about the intention of SNKRS versus the execution over the years.
---
New episodes released weekly.
---
Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers
Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates
---
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/
Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates
Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
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53 min
The Book of Eastbay - Interviewing Art Juedes and Rick Gering
Show notes
The Eastbay catalog, for those of a certain age, was one of the most iconic pieces of media in sneaker history. Between its colorful images, consistent presence, and selection, it captured the hearts and minds of youths everywhere. The founders of Eastbay, Art Juedes and Rick Gering, penned a memoir of Eastbay entitled "The Book of Eastbay". They joined Matt to talk about the book, share some stories, and stroll down memory lane. All proceeds from the book go to childhood cancer research.
To purchase "The Book of Eastbay": https://bookofeastbay.com/
For information on The Little Warrior Foundation: https://www.littlewarrior.org
---
New episodes released weekly.
---
Subscribe to Fire Footwear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firefootwearsneakers
Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfrates
---
Follow Matt Frates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfratescreates/
Follow Matt Frates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattfratescreates
Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattfratescreations@gmail.com
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
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