The Complex Sneakers Podcast
On The Complex Sneakers Podcast, Joe La Puma, Matt Welty, and Upscale Vandal discuss the most important sneaker news and topics every week, giving their expert opinions that can only be told authentically from Complex.
Episodes
The Truth Behind Reselling Sneakers In 2025
On the final episode of 2025 of the Complex Sneakers Podcast, co-hosts Joe La Puma, Matt Welty, and Upscale Vandal are joined by sneaker reseller Sole Street, Andre Arias, to talk about the current state of sneaker resale, if resellers are down bad, and the glory days of reselling sneakers. They also talk about Jeff Staple throwing fake Pigeon Dunks on a traffic light, Jerry Lorenzo leaving Adidas
Tracy McGrady Says Kobe Leaving Adidas Helped Him Get a Bigger Deal
On this week of the Complex Sneakers Podcast, co-hosts Joe La Puma, Matt Welty, and Upscale Vandal are joined by NBA Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady and he talks about his history with Adidas, how Kobe Bryant leaving the brand helped him negotiate a bigger deal, LeBron James wearing his sneakers in high school, where Adidas basketball went wrong, wearing Yeezys, and his infamous viral baggy suit, and
Rich Paul Talks NBA Sneaker Deals, Steph Curry's Free Agency, and New Balance Sneaker
This week on the Complex Sneakers Podcast, co-hosts Joe La Puma, Matt Welty, and Upscale Vandal are joined by legendary sports agent Rich Paul, who's a longtime friend and business partner to LeBron James, to talk about NBA sneaker deals, Steph Curry's sneaker free agency, and his upcoming sneaker release with New Balance. Paul talks about how he used to buy Air Jordans early for over retail, help
Ranking Our Top 25 Shoes Of This Century
This week on the Complex Sneakers Podcast, co-hosts Joe La Puma, Matt Welty, and Upscale Vandal talk about the 25 Best Sneakers of the 21st Century. They break down Kanye's Air Yeezys and Adidas Boosts, the Nike Mag, Pigeon Dunk, Tiffany Dunk, Galaxy Foamposite, and more. They say whether or not the sneakers should have made the list and if Yeezy 350s were way too low. They also discuss Travis Sco
Joe Freshgoods Keeps It Real About His New Balance Releases, Bootlegs, and Nas Wearing His Sneakers
This week on the Complex Sneakers Podcast, co-hosts Joe La Puma and Matt Welty takeover the podcast duties with Upscale Vandal out sick. They’re joined by designer and New Balance collaborator Joe Freshgoods to talk about his long line of projects with the brand including his recent 2010 collaboration, the 992, and his 990v3 and 1000. He talks about how many units he makes, the reality of the indu
Our Personal Top 10 Sneaker of The Year Lists
On the latest episode of the Complex Sneakers Podcast, Joe La Puma, Matt Welty, and Upscale Vandal finally put the Sneaker of the Year talk to bed. The hosts give their personal top 10 sneaker of the year lists with some constants from the ComplexCon panel, some surprises, and plenty of debate. They also unbox the SoleFly x Air Jordan 3 and the Travis Scott x Fragment x Air Jordan 1 Low, talk abou
The Best Sneakers of 2025 | Complex Con(versations) Panel
At ComplexCon 2025, Joe La Puma was joined by Fat Joe, Vashtie, Matt Welty, Brendan Dunne, and Upscale Vandal to discuss and rank the best sneakers of the year as chosen by the Complex team. Nigel Sylvester’s Air Jordan 4s, Air Max 95s, Awake’s Air Jordan 5s, and more are all debated as the audience discusses whether they like the choices or not and gives feedback to the panel in real time. Hosted
The Shoes That Didn't Make the Sneaker of the Year List
This week on The Complex Sneakers Podcast, co-hosts Joe La Puma, Matt Welty, and Upscale Vandal discuss the sneakers that didn’t make the Sneaker of the Year list and why: Vans Souvenirs, Yu-Gi-Oh 95s, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Salehe Bembury Changed the Game at New Balance, Crocs, and Yeezy
Salehe Bembury joins this week’s episode of The Complex Sneakers Podcast to talk about his new book, “I Make Shoes”, his new brand, SPUNGE, and his sneaker history with Yeezy, New Balance, and Crocs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ghostface Killah Tells Hilarious Wu-Tang Sneaker Stories
This week on the Complex Sneakers Podcast co-hosts Joe La Puma, Matt Welty, and Upscale Vandal are joined by Wu-Tang Clan member and rap legend Ghostface Killah to talk about his love for Clarks Wallabees, Nike Air Maxes, his rap lyrics, influence on streetwear and fashion, and to hear hilarious stories about his changing footwear choices over the years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for
How Coolkicks Got Busted With $500,000 of Stolen Sneakers
This week on the Complex Sneakers Podcast, co-hosts Joe La Puma, Matt Welty, and Upscale Vandal talk about the Coolkicks stolen sneaker scandal, Pharrell’s Jellyfish sneaker with Adidas, and why JLP doesn’t love all patent leather sneakers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is Jordan Brand Rinsing the Air Jordan 11?
On this week’s episode of the Complex Sneakers Podcast, co-hosts Joe La Puma, Matt Welty and Upscale Vandal discuss Air Jordan retros sitting on shelves, whether or not Jordan Brand is doing too much with the Air Jordan 11 for its 30th anniversary, and Welty seeing Michael Jordan at a NASCAR race in New Hampshire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tom Sachs Talks the Mars Yard 3.0 And Announces His Next Sneaker
Tom Sachs is on the Complex Sneakers Podcast this week to talk about his Nike Mars Yard 3.0, to unveil the brand new and upcoming Nike General Purpose Participation Shoe, address the allegations made against him at Nike in 2023, and his history in footwear and art. We even found out that Tom Sachs used to be an Air Jordan 9 guy. Elsewhere, the guys talk about the return of the "Toyko" Air Jordan 5
Ranking The Best Sneaker Collaborators Right Now (2025)
The Complex Sneakers Podcast is back for its first episode since Upscale Vandal joined Joe La Puma and Matt Welty as a new host. The three guys catch up, Vandal explains why he joined the podcast and they go over the Sneaker Collaborator Power Rankings, as decided by the Complex Sneakers team. The team debates Travis Scott, Nigel Sylvester, Jae Tips, ASAP Rocky, Tyler, the Creator, and more.
Is the Air Jordan 4 "White Cement" Worth It or Not?
On this week's episode of the Complex Sneakers Podcast, Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty discuss the upcoming Air Jordan 4 "White Cement," that re-released for the first time since 2016. The crew looks at the shoe's quality, leather, history, and more. And discusses whether or not they deserve a price tag of $225. They also discuss Lil Yachty's Air Force 1 release in NYC, Dick's Sporting
Reacting to the Spicy Sneaker Talk Online
It happens to the best of us—we let a sneaker argument online get us in our feelings. This week, we relive a recent online drama involving our own Matt Welty and the Cincinnati sneaker store Unheardof over their “Piggy Runner” Adidas collaboration. The other cohosts, Joe La Puma and Brendan Dunne, give a progress update on the great sneaker purge of 2025. Also in this episode: “Rodeo” SB Dunks, mo
Nike Is Really Selling Dirty Triple White Air Force 1s
The ‘Dirty Triple White’ Nike Air Force 1 is the most viral sneaker this year. It’s a shoe from Nike’s Dot Swoosh division that’s made to look like it’s been worn-in right out of the box. The shoe is supposed to get cleaner as you wear it, revealing a crispy white Air Force 1 underneath. Why are people so mad about it? On this episode, co-hosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty discuss th
The Worst Air Jordans of All Time
We love Air Jordans—and we’ve spent a lot of time discussing the best ones—but let’s be honest, there have been some truly awful Jordan releases in the past 40 years. In this episode, co hosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty pick out their least favorite Air Jordans of all time. Who is responsible for the J2K “Filbert” Jordan 7? Why do the “Plaid” Air Jordan 5s exist? And are the Dub Ze
Is Nike's $900 Hyperboot Recovery Shoe Just a Gimmick?
Nike and Hyperice are dropping a wild pair of $900 boots that they say will help you warm up and recover from physical activity. How do the Nike Hyperboots actually work? And how wearable are they as shoes? We test a pair out in this episode. Also, co-hosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty talk about the upcoming Nike SB Air Max 95, too-early picks for sneaker of the year, and that new s
Ranking Every Nike Signature Sneaker From Best to Worst
There’s no debating that Michael Jordan has the best signature sneaker line ever in the Air Jordans, but who comes next? How close is Penny Hardaway to the top tier of signature shoes with designs like the Foamposite? And where do Bo Jackson and Ken Griffey’s shoes stack up? Does Carmelo Anthony deserve a spot in the tier list? Co-hosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty put together a tie
Eric Koston Reveals the Secrets of the Nike SB Air Jordan 4
Skateboard legend Eric Koston is on the podcast this week to talk about his history in skate sneakers, his input on the Air Jordan 4 SB, and his favorite Air Max models. Is he ready to talk about his Nike SB version of the Nike Air Max 95? Not exactly, but we did our best anyway. Elsewhere on the episode: Zadeh Kicks is guilty, Nike is down bad, Cactus Plant Flea Market is as wacky as ever, and fo
What Are the Best Nike Air Max 95s of All Time?
It’s not really up for debate that the “Neon” Nike Air Max 95 is the best version of the Air Max 95 that’s ever released. But what are the other great colorways worth celebrating? How good is Atmos’ “Beast Pack”? What about insidery pairs like the Mita flip on the Sergio Lozano prototype? Co-hosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty break down a ranked list of the best Air Max 95s of all ti
Is It a Mistake to Bring Back Nike's Biggest Sneaker Grails?
How far would Nike possibly go when it comes to bringing grail sneakers back out of the vault? Could untouchable sneakers like the “Red October” Air Yeezy 2 and the Nike Mag actually see some sort of retro? Would people line up all over again for a classic like Sean Wotherspoon’s corduroy Air Max 1/97? What about the return of Virgil Abloh’s Off-White x Nikes? In light of Nike bringing back heat l
Why Is ASICS So Popular Right Now?
ASICS’ sportstyle sneakers, including runners like the Gel 1130 and the Kayano 14, have been on a tear for the last couple of years. Where did the hype around these Y2K running sneakers come from? Who is buying all the Asics? And how did we get to a world where resellers are flipping the shoes? On this episode of the Complex Sneakers Podcast, Brian Nadav, owner of Philly sneaker boutique Lapstone
Is Sneaker Reselling Dead?
There’s no doubt that sneaker reselling has cooled off from its peak in the early part of the 2020s. But has the bubble totally popped? Answering that question in this episode is Puneet Singh, aka Sole Supreme, a collector and reseller who owns the store Legacy in New Jersey. Singh talks about the death of the Panda Dunks, the rampant Travis Scott Air Jordan fake market, and the truth about who’s
Is the Off-White x Air Jordan 1 Actually Coming Back?
The Off-White x Air Jordan 1 might feel like too sacred, special, and recent a shoe to get a retro treatment, but rumors are circulating that Jordan Brand is planning to bring the Virgil Abloh design back out as a retro at the end of this year. What’s the truth behind those rumors? And is it right to bring the shoe back so soon? Co-hosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty discuss that in t
Is the 2025 Air Jordan 1 'Bred' Retro Worth $250?
The biggest sneaker release of the year so far is the 2025 retro return of the original black and red “Bred” Air Jordan 1. It’s going to be an expensive shoe at $250, and a hard one to get with around 10,000 pairs floating around. How good of a job did Jordan Brand do in recreating its most seminal sneaker? Does this year’s iteration of the black and red “Banned” Jordan 1 actually feel like a prem
Ranking the Best Air Jordan 3s of All Time
What are the best Air Jordan 3 colorways of all time? Co-hosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty debate that in their latest list rundown on this new episode. What’s the best non-original Air Jordan 3? How good is the “Cool Grey” Jordan 3? Does the “Mocha” Jordan 3 deserve a spot? Also on this episode, the panel discusses ethics around sneaker leaks, the impact on the resale market of Sta
The Biggest Sneakers Releasing in 2025
We’re early into 2025, but there are already a handful of important sneaker release dates to look forward to. The “Galaxy” Nike Air Foamposite Ones are coming back in February. The legendary Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 is getting a legit retail release. Tom Sachs and Nike are back working together. Which will be the biggest sneakers this year? And will some of these highly anticipated pairs—like the
Our Favorite Sneakers of 2024
We’re still in year-end list-making mode when it comes to the best sneakers of 2024. With the dust from the ComplexCon Sneaker of the Year panel finally settled, we’re revisiting that compilation to briefly go over our final sneaker of the year selections. More than that, cohosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty talk about their personal favorite shoes from 2024, like Ronnie Fieg’s run o
The Best Sneakers of 2024 | Complex Con(versations)
What are the best sneakers of 2024? Which pairs will we remember the most that set the tone in sneakers over the last 12 months? Is the Adidas AE 1 really that good? What about Wu-Tang Dunks? Did Jae Tips make a top-10 sneaker of the year? The Complex Sneakers Show co-hosts got into these questions at the annual ComplexCon Sneaker of the Year panel last month with guests Lil Yachty and PJ Tucker.
How Good Is the ‘Black Cement’ Air Jordan 3 Retro?
The ‘Black Cement’ Air Jordan 3 is one of the biggest sneakers of the year. But how does the 2024 Jordan 3 ‘Black Cement’ compare to the 2018 ‘Black Cement’? And which one is more like the original Jordan 3 that was released in 1988? Co-hosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty review the sneakers in this episode. They also recap ComplexCon, from the Travis Scott drops to Nike’s 3D-printed
Remembering DJ Clark Kent
DJ Clark Kent was a huge figure in hip-hop—he discovered Jay-Z and worked with Biggie—and an influential sneaker collector who made shoes with brands like Nike and Adidas. Clark, who died in October, was also a close friend to Complex. In this episode, co-hosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Wetly reflect on Clark in the wake of his passing. Elsewhere in the episode, they talk about the life
RZA's Difficult Decision to Retro the Wu-Tang Dunk
The leader of the Wu-Tang Clan, the RZA, joins the Complex Sneakers Show this week to discuss the long history of the Wu-Tang x Nike Dunk High, breaking down how the shoe finally came back as a retro after all these years. RZA runs through his sneaker history, from ducking gangs with ODB in Coney Island to collecting all flavors of Havana Joes. Also in the episode, cohosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dun
Michael Vick Wants to Recreate His Nike Success on His Own
Michael Vick has one of the NFL’s defining signature sneaker lines with a series of Nike shoes that matched his electric play with the Atlanta Falcons in the 2000s. Before that, he was turning heads by wearing Air Jordan 17s on the field. On this episode, he breaks down how his Nike deal happened, how he got back together with Nike, and why he wants to start his own footwear brand now. Vick touche
What’s the Best Nike SB Dunk of All Time?
Is the Staple x Nike SB Dunk Low “Pigeon” the best SB Dunk of all time? What about the legendarily rare “FLOM” SB Dunk High by Futura? And does a shoe like the “Chunky Dunky” SB by Ben & Jerry’s even deserve consideration in such a discussion? In this episode, cohosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty give their takes on the best SB Dunks of all time, and respond to some of the recent
J Balvin Trolled Sneaker Resellers on His Air Jordan Release
J Balvin is four sneakers deep with Jordan Brand, and it sounds like he has more to come. In this episode, the Colombian artist discusses his relationship with Michael Jordan, his battle against sneaker bots on the Air Jordan 3, and what might be next up for his collaborations. He even touches briefly on that recent Air Jordan 4 custom he wore that Jordan was apparently not too happy about. Elsewh
Michael Rubin Reveals How Travis Scott's 'White Party' Jordan 1s Happened
Michael Rubin is a billionaire, entrepreneur, and close personal friend to Travis Scott. In this conversation, he talks about Travis’ sneaker business, and even dishes a bit on the ‘White Party’ version of the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low that popped up this summer. Rubin also talks about Jay-Z gifting him Louis Vuitton Air Force 1s, recounts a business meeting with Nike co-founder Phil Knight,
Ranking the Best Sneaker Collaborations Right Now
Who is the most powerful collaborator in sneakers right now? In this episode, cohosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty run down a long list of industry heavyweights to determine who in the industry is generating the most buzz, sales, and genuinely cool sneakers. They discuss how high Jerry Lorenzo’s Fear of God work at Adidas puts him, everything Joe Freshgoods has contributed,
Is Nigel Sylvester's AJ4 One of This Year's Best Sneakers?
Nigel Sylvester is back with Jordan Brand, with what might be his most ambitious project ever. This time around, the BMX superstar is reworking a new take on the Air Jordan 4, the Jordan 4RM. It's a low-cut shoe with a frame that's inspired by bikes. The story behind his shoes takes root from his grandmother's driveway, where he first learned how to ride a bike. In this episode, Sylvester tal
Why Is Nike Retroing Its Most Expensive Grail Sneakers?
The Wu-Tang x Nike Dunks are releasing for the first time ever. The “Galaxy” Foamposites are coming back. It even looks like the Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 grails are retroing next year. Why is Nike scrambling to drop so much heat? And should the brand show any restraint when it comes to bringing sneakers back out? Should certain sneakers remain in the vault? Co-hosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, an
What's the Best Sneaker of 2024 So Far?
What’s the most exciting new sneaker in the past year? How much do big retros like the Air Jordan 4 “Military Blue” deserve to be celebrated in 2024? What about Nina Chanel Abney’s Air Jordan 3? In this mid-year episode, cohosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty discuss the best sneakers to drop now that the year is halfway over. They also preview some upcoming releases, like Nike’s Sunde
Fabolous Realizes He Has Too Many Sneakers
Fabolous is a serious sneaker collector—he’s seen every era, from original Air Jordans to the wild fake shoes of the 2000s to the current retros and Travis Scott collaborations. He joins the show this week to discuss all that, along with his influential style, the heyday of throwback jerseys, filling your house with sneakers, and more. Also, the cohosts address Action Bronson’s New Balance drops,
What's the Best Nike Air Max of All Time?
Is the first ever Air Max sneaker still the best in the line? Or did the post-Tinker Hatfield designers who worked on massive shoes like the Air Max 95 and the Tn do it better? Cohosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty rank all the best Air Maxes in this episode, whittling them down to the best of the best. Also, they talk about LeBron James’ mysterious new shoe, Cam’ron’s Adidas diss ove
What's the Best Air Jordan of All Time?
What’s the best Air Jordan model of all time? What are the most important colorways to consider in such a ranking? How much have the best Air Jordans changed through time? Co-hosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty end up on a winding debate on those topics in the latest episode The general consensus is that the S-tier, the most elite of Air Jordans, consists of the Jordan 1, Jordan 3, Jo
How June Ambrose Helped Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, and Busta Become Style Icons
June Ambrose is a costume designer and creative director who’s spent 30 years elevating the style of hip hop icons. She was there with Jay Z since the beginning, she was there when Missy Elliott signed her deal with Adidas, and she was there when Busta Rhymes needed exaggerated visuals to match his energy. In this episode, she relives her long resume, reflects on her Puma work, and dishes out some
Are Travis Scott's Air Jordan 1s Still Good?
Travis Scott is finally switching up his retro Air Jordans with a new colorway of his Cactus Jack Air Jordan 1 Lows inspired by his high school colors. Does the new palette make the “Elkins” Air Jordan 1 Low his best in a while? In this episode, cohosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty break down the merits of those, LaMelo Ball’s Lanvin Curb/Osiris D3-looking Puma lifestyle shoe, and th
Aaron Cooper on Designing Nikes for Scottie Pippen, Charles Barkley, and Kevin Garnett
Aaron Cooper is a Nike design veteran who worked on genre-defining basketball sneakers for athletes like Charles Barkley, Kevin Garnett, LeBron James, and Scottie Pippen. Cooper started out as Nike’s first design intern in the 90s, ascending from there to influence classics like the Nike Free, Air More Uptempo, and Air Max Plus. Cooper talks about his long resume, his design philosophy, and what h
Debunking Drake's Kendrick Lamar Sneaker Diss
Drake dissed Kendrick Lamar last week for being a “big stepper” with a size-7 men’s on, but it turns out the bar wasn’t actually factual. As the Rap War of 2024 now includes a footwear-related jab, co-hosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty reacted to the line and also talk about the clarification, from sneaker store Rif LA, that Lamar is in fact a few sizes up from that. Also, the co-hos
How Reebok Pumps Took Over the World, With Inventor Paul Litchfield
Paul Litchfield is a mad scientist, a shoe dog with decades of experience, and the innovator who created the original Reebok Pump. In this episode, he talks about his long history in footwear and the Pump’s iconic lineage from Dee Brown and Dominique Wilkins to Jackie Chan and John Cena. Litchfield, a fireball of Irish-American energy, has truly seen it all in sneakers. Lately he’s been making foo
Ian Ginoza on Making Sneaker Magic With Virgil Abloh, Huf, and Nike
Ian Ginoza has worked in sneakers for decades, playing a part in collaborative projects with the likes of Drake, Tom Sachs, Beyonce, Ye, Frank Ocean, and more. He started the Honolulu sneaker store Kicks HI, then did stints at Converse, Nike and Adidas. Now, he’s the global vice president and creative director of pinnacle product at Vans. Ginoza has mostly worked in the background, opting to let h
Kerwin Frost Talks Adidas, McDonald's, and Post Malone
Kerwin Frost—designer, wearer of big fits, talk show host—has worn many hats in the streetwear industry. Here, he talks about the realities of signing with a big brand like Adidas, making footwear with McDonald’s, and Post Malone’s total lack of footwear. Frost also gives his perspective on the many collaborators he’s seen go through Adidas, from Jonah Hill to Jerry Lorenzo. At the top of the epis
The Problem With Military Blue Air Jordan 4s
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Stop Hating on the Panda Dunk
Love it or hate it, the Nike Dunk Low “Panda,” the black and white colorway you’ve seen everywhere every day for the past three years, isn’t going anywhere. In this episode, cohosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Wetly discuss the positives and negatives of the unavoidable sneaker, and react to Welty’s claim that it’s the most influential sneaker of the past five years. The group also discus
Did Donald Trump Destroy Sneaker Culture?
In one of the most bizarre moments in the history of sneakers, former President Donald Trump popped up at Sneaker Con last weekend to sell a gold pair of $399 sneakers called the Never Surrender High Tops. Is it a low point for sneaker culture? Is it the end of sneaker culture as we know it? Here, the co-hosts discuss Trump’s Sneaker Con appearance and new line of footwear, Biden’s response, and t
Is Nike Falling Off?
Nike is still the biggest brand in sneakers by a large margin, but it feels like the Swoosh has slowed down a little in the past couple years. Where are the exciting new products? How long can Nike rely on retro? Co-hosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty discuss these topics in response to a recent Business of Fashion story about Nike’s sluggish business. The trio also leak some upcoming
Greg Selkoe on the Rise and Fall of Karmaloop
With the legacy of Karmaloop being a hot topic on social media in the past few weeks, we sit down with the company’s founder, Greg Selkoe. Selkoe tells never-before-heard stories about the company and also explains the highs and lows of running the streetwear juggernaut. Earlier in the episode co-hosts, Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne and Matt Welty talk about Nike seizing $5 million in sneaker invento
What Makes a Sneaker Classic?
There’s no denying the Nike Air Max 95 is a classic sneaker, but what about the Air Max 96? What about a pedestrian shoe like the Air Max 270, which is everywhere but not that loved by sneakerheads? What about the VaporMax? Co-hosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty discuss the merits and bounds of the term “classic” in sneakers in this episode. They also talk about the rumored Kobe x Nik
Why Clot’s Edison Chen Left Nike For Adidas
Edison Chen is the co-founder of Clot, a streetwear brand that’s spent 20 years tying together the East and the West. Clot is best known in sneakers for its high-profile Nike collaborations, but that’s about to change. Last year, Chen and Clot started a new partnership with Adidas that promises to expand their sneaker empire by allowing Clot more resources and freedom to create. In this episode, C
Are the Reimagined 'Bred' Air Jordan 4s Any Good?
Is it too early to start talking about the best sneakers of 2024? Absolutely, but that hasn’t stopped people from throwing around that distinction for the “Bred” Air Jordan 4 reimagined, which changes up a classic with a leather makeover. In their comeback episode, co-hosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty discuss the merits of the latest Jordan 4 retro. They also break down the hot year
The Best Sneakers of 2023
This is the one you've all been asking for, the best sneakers of the year. The most hotly debated subject this year, or almost any year, what were the best sneakers over the past 12 months? After the panel at ComplexCon, many were wondering what we'd put as our top 10. Would Drake's Nocta shope be on the list? Would a Samba make it? How much did people care about Travis Scott's Air Jordan 1s still
Action Bronson Is Pure Chaos in the Sneaker World
Action Bronson’s next step in footwear is his boldest yet. On this episode, the rapper, chef, painter, sculptor, body builder, and all-around renaissance man debuts a wild EVA foam shoe that looks like something between a shoe you’d slip off as you step into the mosque and an old-school Dutch clog. Bronson also teases what’s to come from his New Balance 1906 collaboration and discusses how limited
The $32 Million Sneaker Reselling Allegations Against James Whitner
The biggest sneaker scandal of the year is the bombshell allegation that James Whitner, owner of sneaker stories like A Ma Maniere and Social Status, has for years resold millions of dollars of product, breaching his Nike contract and getting involved in what prosecutors say is an illegal money laundering scheme. In this episode, the cohosts respond to the allegations and what they might mean for
Tony Finau on Golfing With Michael Jordan and Golfing in Jordans
Tony Finau wants to change the game of golf, from how it looks to who plays it. In this episode, the PGA Tour pro talks about his deal with Nike, golfing with Michael Jordan, and how that infamous ankle roll changed his approach to sneakers. Finau even teases some early heat in the form of the “Reverse Grinch” Nike Kobe 6. Elsewhere in the episode, cohosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welt
Why Those Old Jordans You Loved Wouldn't Sell Today
The sneakers that you loved decades ago may not be all that exciting today—no matter how much you try to convince yourself otherwise. Here, Complex Sneakers Podcast co-hosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty talk about wanting old Air Jordans to come back only to realize that a lot of them really don’t hold up. The retro market is different, and more saturated now, which affects how we co
Nicole McLaughlin Turned Scraps Into Massively Cool Sneakers
Designer Nicole McLaughlin, who started out in the sneaker industry as an intern at Reebok before her quirky upcycling creations ever went viral, is ready to expand her footwear portfolio with a new collaboration from Hoka on its Mafate Three2 model. In this episode, McLaughlin relives her resume, from the Reebok years to her time at the Adidas Farm in Brooklyn (with a Kanye West cameo) to making
Horror Stories From Working in Sneaker Stores
Ever seen someone try to return a pair of fake sneakers at Foot Locker? Or witnessed sneaker theft in real time? On the latest episode of the Complex Sneakers Show, cohosts Matt Welty and Joe La Puma relive their past lives as sneaker salesmen with tales of avoiding district managers, showing up late, and wage theft lawsuits. Also in the episode: Brendan Dunne’s report on the Adidas Yeezy release
Westside Gunn on How to Build a $10,000 Outfit
Westside Gunn, who just released his album “And Then You Pray for Me,” is a rapper who’s well-versed in rare sneakers and elite garments. In this episode, he talks about the footwear of professional wrestlers, his aspirations to own a pair of Nike Air Yeezy 1s even if they’ll crumble on him, and the blight that is fake Denim Tears. Westside also drops a teaser that Griselda will reunite in 2024 fo
Bimma Williams on What It's Really Like to Work in the Sneaker Industry
Bimma Williams is an entrepreneur and podcast host who spent years in the sneaker industry at brands like Saucony, Adidas, and Nike. Now, he interviews subjects from the footwear scene and beyond on his Claima Stories podcast. In this episode, Williams tells stories about his work on the Adidas Yeezy business, his time alongside Travis Scott at Nike, and finding his community as a Black man in the
The Record-Breaking $1.8 Million Yeezy Fail
Remember the rare Nike Air Yeezy 1 Grammy sample worn by Kanye West that sold for $1.8 million dollars just two years ago? The shoe just sold again, this time losing 90 percent of its value and selling for a mere $180,000 at an auction at Goldin. The cohosts discuss the market of high-end sneakers, why pairs like this are suddenly selling for way less money, and who benefits from it all. Also, Joe
Michael Jordan's Untold New Balance Story
Did you know Michael Jordan wore New Balances in the original photo that inspired his famous Jumpman pose? Joe Freshgoods celebrated that 1984 moment on his latest New Balance collaboration, which cohosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty discuss here. They also react to the incoming Powerpuff Girls set of Nike SB Dunks, which may or may not be a totally unnecessary collaboration. Elsewhe
Fat Joe Says No One Can Beat Him in Sneakers Still
Sneaker king Fat Joe just hit a new milestone, releasing his first-ever Nike collaboration to the public in the form of the “Terror Squad” Nike Air Force 1s. The sneakers’ long history traces back to the early 2000s, when Joe was paying a Nike employee to quietly design and produce samples for him without the brand knowing. Here, Joe talks about that history, trading sneakers with DJ Khaled, how M
Kobe Expert Ranks the Best Nike Kobe Sneakers of All Time
What are the best Nike Kobe sneakers of all time? Complex recently ranked the top 24 designs from Kobe Bryant’s run of Nike signature shoes in celebration of Mamba Day. Coming off that list, the Complex Sneakers Show recruited Kobe fanatic Darryl Glover to get his reactions to the list and also talk about his history with the shoes. Is the “Grinch” Nike Kobe 6 really the best Kobe ever? Is the HTM
Is Nike Making Too Many Travis Scott Sneakers?
Yes, Travis Scott just released another Nike collaboration in the form of his Utopia-themed Air Force 1 Low. Does that make one too many sneakers for Cactus Jack? Cohosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty discuss his sneaker collaborations in the latest episode of the Complex Sneakers Show. They also talk about how wearing fakes of hyped pairs like the Nike Mags is becoming more accepted,
Ronnie Fieg on the State of the Sneaker Industry
Kith founder Ronnie Fieg is back, returning to the podcast to celebrate the launch of his X-Men-themed Asics Gel Lyte 3 collaboration with Marvel, but also to survey the state of the industry. Fieg talks about the Y2K trend in sneakers, how preordering might become more common in the future, and the recent dominance of the Adidas Samba. He responds to the critique about the “Kith Filter” look to h
Adidas Yeezys Are Actually Coming Back
After all the controversy and the end of the Adidas Yeezy deal, it looks like Ye’s sneakers will once again be made available for sale. Can these restocks be as successful as they were in the past? How long will shoes like the Yeezy Boost 350 V2 stay around? The cohosts of the Complex Sneakers Podcast—Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty—tackle these questions in the latest episode. They als
How Dad Shoes Became So Cool
In this episode the co-hosts dissect why there’s been a recent boom in performance running models from Asics, New Balance and other brands. They also talk about the origin of the “Cool Dad Shoe” boom of 2017-2018. Elsewhere in the episode, Dunne, Welty and JLP talk about the upcoming Terror Squad Air Force 1s and compare the project to the Tiffany & Co x Nike Air Force 1. Finally the
Nike Kobes Are Finally Coming Back for Real
Los Angeles legend and the founder of Born x Raised Chris ‘Spanto’ Printup was lost in a tragic accident, and the episode opens up with the cohosts paying their respects as well as talking about the release update for the upcoming Born x Raised x Nike Dunk SB. Also, with Nike CEO John Donahoe revealing that the Kobe line will get an official relaunch ahead of “Kobe Day” on August 24, cohosts
Ranking the Best Sneakers of 2023 So Far
Is the “White Cement Reimagined” Air Jordan 3 the best sneaker that’s released this year? Does the Tiffany x Nike Air Force 1 deserve a slot? What about big releases from smaller brands like Saucony? In this episode of the Complex Sneakers Podcast, the cohosts rank the best sneakers that have released so for at this year’s midpoint. They also talk about the tragedy of sneakers falling apart, like
Steve Madden Says the Sneaker Industry Is a War
Steve Madden is a footwear industry icon who’s seen it all, from independent success to an infamous relationship with the real-life Wolf of Wall Street to lawsuits over sneaker designs. Here, Madden retraces his career in shoes, discussing that Jay-Z shoutout, his respect for Master P, his work with Ja Rule, and more. Elsewhere in the episode, cohosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welt
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