Episode Notes

RETRO’S, VINTAGE, THRIFTING AND NOSTALGIA WITH PROFESSOR SKOOLA

Is everything old becoming new again—or did the culture never really leave?

On this episode of The Sole Table, we sit down with Professor Skoola for a conversation about the growing influence of retro sneakers, vintage fashion, thrifting, and nostalgia on today’s culture.

We dig into why people are searching for pieces from the past, how vintage and secondhand clothing have gone from overlooked to highly sought-after, and why the stories attached to what we wear can sometimes matter more than the price tag.

The conversation goes beyond sneakers. We explore the connection between fashion, music, memories, personal style, and identity—and what gets lost when brands try to manufacture nostalgia instead of allowing it to happen organically.

IN THIS EPISODE

And we get into a bigger question:

Are we bringing the past back because it was actually better—or because nostalgia makes us remember it that way?

This is a conversation about sneakers, but it’s really about memory, identity, history and why the things we wore can become part of who we are.

THE SOLE TABLE

REAL TALK. DEEPER THAN SNEAKERS.

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COULD LEBRON CHANGE SNEAKER CULTURE IN PHILLY?

What happens when one of the biggest names in basketball and sneaker history gets connected to one of the most opinionated sneaker cities in America?

On this episode of The Sole Table, we ask the question: Could LeBron James actually change sneaker culture in Philadelphia?

Philly has always had its own sneaker identity. From basketball shoes and Air Force 1s to New Balance, Jordans, Foamposites, Timbs and neighborhood-specific trends, this city doesn’t automatically follow what the rest of the country is wearing.

So how much influence could LeBron really have?

We get into the relationship between athletes, signature sneakers and local culture, whether a superstar can still move the needle in today’s sneaker market, and what LeBron’s presence could mean for what people buy, collect and wear around Philadelphia.

IN THIS EPISODE:

Plus, the crew gets into the bigger conversation about who actually controls sneaker culture today: athletes, brands, influencers, collectors—or the streets themselves?

The Sole Table is where sneaker culture gets a deeper conversation.

REAL TALK. DEEPER THAN SNEAKERS.

Watch the full episode on YouTube and join the conversation:

Could LeBron change Philly sneaker culture—or is Philly’s sneaker identity too strong for any one athlete to change?

👟 WHICH SNEAKER BRAND WINS THE NEXT DECADE?

Nike has ruled sneaker culture for decades—but is its reign finally coming to an end?

In this episode of The Sole Table, Evan “R.B.D.” Polk and the crew break down the brands they believe are best positioned to dominate the next ten years. From Nike’s efforts to regain momentum to adidas’ resurgence, New Balance’s cultural rise, ASICS’ growing influence, and the performance boom led by HOKA and On, this conversation goes beyond hype and dives into what really creates a winning sneaker brand.

In this episode:

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💬 Which sneaker brand do YOU think wins the next decade?

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🎙 Hosted by Evan “R.B.D.” Polk and the crew.

Real Talk. Deeper Than Sneakers.

Keywords

Nike • Jordan Brand • adidas • New Balance • ASICS • HOKA • On • Puma • Saucony • Sneaker Culture • Sneaker Podcast • Footwear • Basketball • Running • Sports Business • Sneaker News • The Sole Table • Evan “R.B.D.” Polk

Nike has been the king of sneakers for decades—but is adidas finally in position to take the crown?

In Episode 7 of The Sole Table, we dive into one of the biggest debates in sneaker culture. We discuss adidas’ momentum, Nike’s recent struggles, innovation versus nostalgia, signature athletes, and how changing consumer habits are reshaping the industry.

Is Nike still untouchable, or has adidas closed the gap? And what does it all mean for sneakerheads?

Join Evan aka “R.B.D.” , Ashley Simone and the crew as they break down the business, the culture, and the stories behind the sneakers.

Topics include:

🎙️ The Sole Table is where sneaker culture, business, history, and storytelling come together.

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From Concrete Boys to Complex Media, Lil Yachty's Air Force 1 design has been making waves in the sneaker community. As a renowned sneaker enthusiast, Lil Boat's collaboration with Nike has sparked intense debate among sneaker heads and hype beasts alike. But what's the wild story behind his unconventional design? In this video, we delve into the world of premium footwear and explore the inspiration behind Lil Yachty's bold creation. From Adidas to New Balance, we examine the evolution of sneaker culture and how Lil Yachty's design fits into the larger sneaker legacy. Whether you're a fan of cool kicks or a sneaker freaker, this video is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of sneakers. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to learn about the fascinating story behind Lil Yachty's Air Force 1 design.

n the world of sneaker enthusiasts, the Sole Table, Complex Kicks, and Goat Talk are just a few of the many platforms where sneakerheads unite to discuss the latest trends and releases from brands like Nike, Adidas, and New Balance. But have you ever stopped to think about the darker side of the sneaker industry? In this video, we explore the disturbing connection between Nike and mass suicide, a topic that has been swept under the rug for far too long. From the iconic Air Jordan to the highly sought-after Nike Spiridon and Nike Fragment, we dive into the world of sneaker culture and the influence it has on our society. With the rise of hype beasts and sneaker shopping, we examine how brands like Nike have become synonymous with fashion and status. But at what cost? Featuring insights from industry experts and sneaker aficionados, including Tom Sachs, Frank Cooker, and Travis Scott, this video is a must-watch for anyone who wants to know the truth behind the sneakers they wear. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to have your mind blown by the disturbing connection between Nike and mass suicide.

Welcome back to the Sole Table! This week we discuss Kyrie Irving's newest release of his skateboarding shoe The Anta Kai Skate. What does this mean for Kyrie Irving as he embarks on another footwear journey?

Next, And 1 is giving us a blast from the past with the rerelease of the Tai Chi. Wes and Evan discuss some of their favorite memories from the year the Tai Chi was released and some of their favorite releases similar.

Out with the old and in with the new. Nike announces John Donohue will be stepping down as CEO and bringing back a familiar face, Elliott Hill. Are we excited for this announcement and what does this mean for Nike moving forward?

Regardless of how we feel, Nike is still popular amongst Gen Z. Why is that? What has Nike done right to relate to the newer generation of sneakerheads?

Lastly, Is sneaker collecting a mental illness? Join in on the conversation in the comments below!

Welcome to another week of the Sole Table!!

This week we are welcome by Jai from SUPLMNT, the Sole Tables newest sponsor! We discuss the recent moves Nike has made in the pursuit of being back to the top dog in the sneaker game. Firstly, the under $100 line. What does this mean for the value of Nike moving forward?

Next, we discuss Nike letting go over 700 employees. Is this a sign of greater or worse things to come? What were the departments that were affected in this move?

Has Nike taken accountability for their lack in innovation? We discuss what Nike has blamed their lackluster trajectory in designs and what they blame it on. In addition to, the losing of Dylan Raasch.

Also, the death of self lacing. Nike has announced that it will no longer be hosting the self lacing technology as seen in Nike Adapts and Nike Air Mags. The Table weighs in.

Lastly, we discuss SUPLMNT and how Jai decided to meet hydration and culture and how that intertwines with sneakerheads culture!

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Sole Table! In this week's special edition, Carl and Evan pay tribute to the legendary Kobe Bryant on Kobe Day. Join them as they dive into a discussion on the iconic Adidas Kobe vs. Nike Kobe eras. Which era were you more drawn to as a sneaker enthusiast?

Welcome back to another episode of the Sole Table. This week Carl and Evan discuss Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand committing $8,000,000 to the black community. Is this a sign of things to come for MJ? How is this a contradiction to his statements in the past and his previous alleged investments? The table discusses.

On to another Michael, Michael Keaton reveals that he still has possession of the Air Jordan VI Batman boots. What were some of the best custom sneaker cinematic moments in history and how do they compare?

Speaking of customs, Goyard has decided to pursue litigation against the Shoe Surgeon for using their prints on a release. Should you be able to use other brands at your discretion if you’ve purchased them? Also, is the Shoe Surgeon technically a rep? What were some of his best releases? 

How old is too old? When should being a sneakerhead stop? The table discusses when or if we should ever grow out of being a sneaker head. 

Lastly, Nike reveals their releases for next year and we are in for a ride. What does this do for Nike and the sanctity of our beloved grails of the past?