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

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Jae Tips emerged on the scene with his loud and proud work with Saucony. Unmistakeble in their appearance, they took the culture by storm. Recently Jae Tips announced an upcoming partnership with the Swoosh. In a world where people are gifted platforms and opportunities, seeing a creator that did more with less be rewarded, feels like an uplifting of the culture for us all.

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New episodes released on Tuesdays.

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A comment on a YouTube video made Matt think about changing perspectives and tastes. As we get older, should our tastes change in our likes and dislikes? Should we embrace new elements of the culture to gain wisdom and have new experiences? Matt talks though this in both sneakers and life.

Big thanks to HomeGrownKicks on YouTube and Instagram for the inspiration.

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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreates

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New episodes released on Tuesdays.

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After receiving his pair of the Neon Air Max 95, Matt realized he underestimated the shoe. In looking through its history and origins, Matt came to see how influential and meaningful the shoe was in the growing history of Nike as a brand. The Air Max 95 not only cemented the Air Max as a staple, but may also have helped bridge the gap between Nike and cool.

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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreates

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New episodes released on Tuesdays.

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March is Air Max month for Nike. They spend time celebrating some of the best shoes in the lineage. While Matt has visited the history of the Air Max before, this time he looks at the most innovative offerings over the years. One thing is certain, the Nike Air Max has become a staple of style of innovation for Nike.

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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreates

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New episodes released on Tuesdays.

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Sneaker culture can sometimes be made to be only about mass consumerism of sneakers. In reality, it is so much more. What makes the culture so special are the people and stories/experiences they bring. It's our unique perspectives that connect us and is the through line. Matt talks about it.

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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreates

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New episodes released on Tuesdays.

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After a month long hiatus, Matt comes back to discuss the fizzling of Jerry Lorenzo's partnership with Adidas, and the hype and shock drop that was the Costco Nike SB Dunk. Both are icons in their own way.

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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreates

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New episodes released on Tuesdays.

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The year in sneakers that was 2025 was outstanding. Now that 2026 is here, what are the expectations? Will it be a letdown by default? Is it even fair to compare. Matt takes a look at the scene and provides some opinions and observations.

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Subscribe to Matt Frates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattfratescreates

Like what you hear? Help this content grow: https://ko-fi.com/firefootwearpod

New episodes released on Tuesdays.

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Reach out to me with questions or thoughts: mattyicemedia@gmail.com