Most designers chase Nike. Salehe Bembury went a different direction — and it worked. This episode breaks down how Bembury built one of the most respected creative portfolios in sneakers across New Balance, Versace, Crocs, and beyond, including signature silhouettes that stand on their own. A conversation about betting on yourself and redefining what sneaker success actually looks like.

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New episodes released weekly.

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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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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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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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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/

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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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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/

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Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: [email protected]

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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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/

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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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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/

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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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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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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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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/

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Angel Reese just got something Caitlin Clark doesn't have — a signature sneaker. Her new deal with Reebok marks a milestone in her career and a statement for her legacy. But when you look at the shoe itself, it raises a bigger question: are sneaker companies running out of ideas? This episode breaks down Reese's Reebok signature, what it means for her story in the WNBA, and whether the design actually does justice to one of basketball's most polarizing and compelling figures.

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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/

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Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: [email protected]

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.

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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: [email protected]