Fire Footwear: Sneakers Talk (with Matt Frates)

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/@firefootwearsneakersSubscribe 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/@mattfratescreatesReach out to me with questions or thoughts: [email protected] podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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/@firefootwearsneakersSubscribe 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/@mattfratescreatesReach out to me with questions or thoughts: [email protected] podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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/@firefootwearsneakersSubscribe 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/@mattfratescreatesReach out to me with questions or thoughts: [email protected] podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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/@firefootwearsneakersSubscribe 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/@mattfratescreatesReach out to me with questions or thoughts: [email protected] podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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/@firefootwearsneakersSubscribe 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/@mattfratescreatesReach out to me with questions or thoughts: [email protected] podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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/@firefootwearsneakersSubscribe 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/@mattfratescreatesReach out to me with questions or thoughts: [email protected] podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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/@firefootwearsneakersSubscribe 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/@mattfratescreatesReach out to me with questions or thoughts: [email protected] podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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/@firefootwearsneakersSubscribe 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/@mattfratescreatesReach out to me with questions or thoughts: [email protected] podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy