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 ideas? --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com...
Jul 15, 2025•15 min
Fire Footwear is nearing its third birthday, and looking back on the journey to this point is essential as this podcast grows. Matt sits behind the mic reminiscing about where things started, where they are, and where he wants them to go for the future of this podcast. If you found Fire Footwear recently, this is your chance to get to know the host a little bit more. --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episodes every Monday. Follow Fire Footwear ...
Jul 07, 2025•23 min
Expounding on his initial episode about the Urban Necessities story, Matt goes into the human elements behind the aftermath. Social media is a mainstay in society and while it has its benefits, it also has many pitfalls. The Urban Necessities situation has been an example of the toxicity that social media can traffic in: taking sides, false narratives, ignorant opinions and more. --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episodes every Monday. Follow F...
Jun 30, 2025•16 min
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. --- 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/fir...
Jun 23, 2025•16 min
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? --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episodes every Monday. Follow Fire Footwear...
Jun 17, 2025•27 min
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. --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episodes every Monday. Follow...
Jun 09, 2025•19 min
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. --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episodes every Monday. Follo...
Jun 02, 2025•16 min
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. --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episodes every Monday. Follow Fire Footwear on Instagram: https://www.instag...
May 16, 2025•15 min
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. --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episodes every Mond...
May 02, 2025•17 min
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. --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episodes every Monday. Follow Fire...
Apr 25, 2025•31 min
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. --- 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 Foo...
Apr 11, 2025•15 min
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 "the culture" and gets introspective with you. --- Like what you hear? ...
Apr 04, 2025•17 min
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. --- 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 with que...
Mar 21, 2025•17 min
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. --- 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 o...
Mar 14, 2025•15 min
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. --- 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...
Mar 08, 2025•16 min
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. --- 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 Footw...
Feb 28, 2025•16 min
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. --- 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 with questions or thoughts: firefootwearpod@gmail.com --- For...
Feb 14, 2025•18 min
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. --- 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/@...
Feb 07, 2025•23 min
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? --- 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 with questions or thoughts: firefootwearpod@g...
Jan 31, 2025•14 min
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 --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episodes every Monday. Follow Fir...
Jan 24, 2025•52 min
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. --- 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 with questions or thoughts: firefootwearpod@gmail.com --- Review Fi...
Jan 17, 2025•19 min
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? --- 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 with que...
Jan 10, 2025•16 min
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! --- 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 with q...
Jan 03, 2025•17 min
At the end of each. year, sneaker culture debates on what the sneaker of the year is. While it's all completely subjective, Matt gives some of his favorites in a decent year for sneakers. --- 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 with questions or thoughts: fir...
Dec 27, 2024•23 min
The Black Cement Jordan 3 is high regarded as one of the best Air Jordans of all-time. The release of the 2024 retro has been nothing short of controversial. The stories of lacking quality and inconsistency beg the question of whether sneaker lovers should voice with their wallets more loudly going forward. Matt checks in with his thoughts. --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episodes every Monday. Follow Fire Footwear on Instagram: https://www.i...
Dec 06, 2024•18 min
StockX is facing significant challenges as it grapples with its ability to authenticate sneakers, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the resale market. Matt gets into the implications of StockX's admission that it cannot guarantee the authenticity of the shoes it sells, especially in light of the lawsuit from Nike. --- 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/...
Nov 22, 2024•17 min
DJ Clark Kent, sneaker icon, passed away at the age of 58. He was a true sneaker icon. Matt briefly goes into his legacy, and how he will be remembered by sneaker culture. --- 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 with questions or thoughts: firefootwearpod@gma...
Nov 18, 2024•15 min
Matt sits down with Chris Chase, the main personality of WearTesters. While both love sneakers, this chat goes down the rabbit holes of life and nerdom. Even if you come as a sneaker lover, this conversation will leave you feeling good. --- Subscribe to WearTesters on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@WearTesters Subscribe to Some of My Favorite Things on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SomeOfMyFavoriteThings Follow WearTesters on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/WearTesters Follow Chri...
Nov 01, 2024•1 hr 10 min
Co.JP, or Concept Japan, has played a pivotal role in shaping international sneaker culture over the last two decades, a fact that many sneaker enthusiasts may overlook today. Host Matt dives into the history and significance of Co.JP, highlighting how its exclusivity and innovative designs contributed to the global sneaker phenomenon. --- Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod New episodes every Monday. Follow Fire Footwear on Instagram: https://www.instag...
Oct 26, 2024•16 min
Nigo's recent collaboration with Nike raises the question of its significance in 2024 sneaker culture. Host Matt delves into the impact of Nigo, a pivotal figure in streetwear and sneaker history, and discusses whether his influence still resonates with today's audience. --- 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: htt...
Oct 18, 2024•16 min
