The Kickback Sneaker Podcast

In this episode Josh & Fabs give you a 2025 First Half sneaker report, outlining some of the biggest sneaker trends as well as their top 5 sneakers of the year so far. The episode starts with Josh recapping his recent trip to Colombia (2:32) before diving into what we been wearing lately and new pickups (7:17). We then get into our big topic discussing the first half trends we each noticed (21:44) before getting into our Top 5 (33:24)

In his video Josh and Fabs give you their perspective comparing American vs European Sneakerheads. We talk about which sneaker brands are the most popular in either continent, how differently people dress and which particular shoes are the most sought after.

In this episode we give you a Q1 Sneaker Brand Power Rankings based on which brands have the most momentum right now. Is Jordan Brand making a comeback? Is Adidas starting to fall off? Plus we discuss what we been wearing and latest pickups

In this episode we discuss the 'Comeback' of performance basketball sneakers. The NBA All star weekend gave us some very interesting models like the Shai 001, The Harden 9s and the Nike GT Futures. Is it ok to wear performance basketball shoes off the court again? Plus latest pickups and upcoming releases we are excited about

In this episode we highlight some of the best sneakers that were seen at Paris Fashion Week, which seem to have one trend in common. Also we talk about the one sneaker brand that really drove the conversation at PFW + our thoughts on February releases

In this podcast we reflect on the year that 2024 has been in the sneaker world. Were the releases disappointing overall or was the selection from each brand quite strong this year? We also give you our Top 5 sneakers of the year and discuss one particular trend we forecast for 2025

The boys are back, this time discussing their respective trips to Japan (with Josh also hitting up South Korea). The Kickback guys go through their favourite food spots, neighborhoods, stores, and pickups from Japan and what their impressions were. And, as always, they discuss what they picked up recently, what they have been wearing, and the releases they are most looking forward to this month. Additionally, a new format for the podcast, beginning in 2025 was introduced. Listen here to check it out.

After a little late summer hiatus, the Kickback boys are back with another episode. This time, they react to Complex Sneaker's list of the 25 best sneaker collaborators right now. Listen in to find out who they feel was snubbed, who was too high, who was too low, and who Josh and Fabs pick for their personal top 5 sneaker collaborators right now. In addition, they discuss their latest pickups, what they've been wearing lately and the drops they are most looking forward to.

In this episode we dig into the recent Earnings report from Nike and discuss the many problems that the brand is facing, the current reputation of the brand and whether the competition will eventually catch up with them.

AND WE ARE BACK. After a small pre-summer hiatus, we are back with another one of our notorious news roundups. This time Josh & Fabs take a look at the upcoming Nigel Sylvester x Nike Air Jordan 4 Low, the massive price reduction on the CDG x Nike Foamposite "Paris Olympics", and some crazy Kiko ASICS Mules in addition to other red hot sneaker news.

This week, the boys are back and in NBA Playoff fever—meaning they are discussing their personal top 5 signature sneakers made for active basketball players right now. That's right: no Jordans and no Kobes. Find out which signature sneakers Josh and Fabs are feeling, which one's they aren't, and much more. Of course, they'll go through their latest pickups, what has made their rotation recently, and their favorite upcoming drops.

This week, the boys are back and have set themselves an outrageous task: to rank the best 10 Nike Air Max colorways of all time. Listen in to find out which iconic collaborations, general releases, and special drops made our list. And, as always, Josh and Fabs talk through their latest pickups and what they have been wearing recently. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickback.pod/ Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkicks6/ Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisaipak/

This week, the boys tackle the big subject of Nike's slowed growth, layoffs, and change in strategy, and how that has affected the Swoosh's cultural relevance. Increased competition, more agile competitors, and a lack of focus on innovation and performance have left Nike playing catch up in some ways, even as the biggest sportswear brand in the world still. Latest pickups, what Josh and Fabs have been wearing, and biggest releases to look out for are, of course, also on the menu. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickback.pod/ Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkicks6/ Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisaipak/

AND WE ARE BACK. This week, Josh and Fabs discuss Fashion Week FW24 and some of the best footwear seen on the runways over the past few weeks. Let's put it this way: there's a lot of heat to look forward to later this year. Some brand highlights include New Balance, ASICS, Reebok, and Nike. Additionally, the boys chat latest pickups, upcoming drops, and what they've been wearing recently. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickback.pod/ Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkicks6/ Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisaipak/

AND WE ARE BACK. This week, Josh and Fabs put their heads together to come up with a list of 8 trends that they are certain will blow up in 2024. In addition, they discuss their latest pickups, what they've been wearing a lot recently, and their favorite upcoming drops. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickback.pod/ Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkicks6/ Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisaipak/

The boys are back with the last episode of the year. After outlining the biggest and most surprising sneaker moments and brands in 2023 last time, Josh and Fabs share their own top 10 sneaker releases of the year. Additionally, the Kickback Boys announce which one release they are most looking forward to in 2024. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickback.pod/ Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkicks6/ Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisaipak/

In this episode Josh & Fabs break down the best and worst of what happened in the sneaker world in 2023. This include Best and & worst Sneaker Brand, Sneaker Moment as well as biggest surprise and disappointments.

This week, Fabs and Josh spread a little holiday cheer, as they discuss the best sneakers to buy yourself (or someone else) based on five different budgets: Under 100 Under 150 Under 250 Under 500 Under 1000 As always, the Kickback Crew discusses their latest pickups, what they've been wearing recently, and their favorite upcoming drops. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickback.pod/ Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkicks6/ Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisaipak/ Upcoming Drops: Nov 17 - A Ma Maniere Jordan 5 Dawn Nov 22 - A Ma Maniere Jordan 5 Dusk Nov 22 - Cecile Bahnsen x ASICS GT-2160 Nov 22 - Sacai x Jean Paul Gauliter x Nike Vaporwaffle Nov 2 - Consortium Sambas Nov 25 - Jordan 3 Fear Nov 25 - Dime x Reebok Club C Revenge Nov 27 - April Skateboards SB Dunk Nov 29 - Jordan 6 Brown Kelp Nov 30 - Air Max Plus Light Photography

This week, Fabs and Josh bring back Vol. 2 of the fun segment "Over- Under- Just Rated", where they discuss ten sneakers and whether they overrated, underrated, or perfectly rated by the community. In addition, and as always, they discuss their latest pickups, what they have been wearing recently, and favorite upcoming drops. The shoes featured are: 1) Kith Sambas 2) JJJJJound NB 2002r 3) Carharrt 990v6 4) Jarritos SB Dunks 5) Gucci Gazelles 6) A Ma Maniere x Nike Air Jordan 5 7)Mizuno Wave Prophecy Moc 8) Loewe x On CloudTilt 9) Cactus Plant Flea Market Air Flea 2 10) Supreme x Nike Courtposite Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickback.pod/ Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkicks6/ Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisaipak/

This week, Fabs and Josh come together to discuss something that has been weighing heavily on their mind: why no one is talking about how good adidas Basketball has been doing? The brand has a clear visual identity and, for what feels like the first time in ages, is bringing out better shoes — both on the lifestyle and the performance end — than Nike. In addition, they both discuss their latest pickups, what they have been wearing recently, and their favorite upcoming drops. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickback.pod/ Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkicks6/ Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisaipak/

After an (unplanned) hiatus, the boys are back, this time dissecting Nike SNKRS day, the first one hosted worldwide, and give their thoughts on the changes Nike made to the event. Then, Josh and Fabs go through all of the major brands, heat checking their performance in 2023 so far and giving their thoughts on the best sneaker of the year to date for each brand. Brands include Nike (SB, Sportswear, and Jordan Brand), adidas, New Balance, and ASICS. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickback.pod/ Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkicks6/ Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisaipak/

After a short summer hiatus, the Kickback Boys are back with a fresh episode. This time, they're discussing whether right now is the best time to be a sneakerhead (from a consumers POV). More collaborations and hyped drops are sitting on shelves for longer than ever in recent memory. Sneakerheads have more choice, more time to buy sneakers, and can actually try them on before. Listen in to find out what Josh and Fabs have to say. In addition, they discuss some recent news, upcoming drops, and what they've been wearing recently. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickback.pod/ Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkicks6/ Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisaipak/

This week marks the end of the first half of the year, so obviously Fabs and Josh had to present their respective top 5 sneakers of 2023 so far. Listen in to find out which sneakers the boys put at the top of their lists, how many duplicates there are in the list, and which brands are most represented. And, as per usual, find out what the Kickback duo have been wearing recently, what their latest pickups have been, and what sneakers are dropping soon that you should keep an eye on. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickback.pod/ Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkicks6/ Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisaipak/

This week, Josh and Fabs are reunited and JD gives us his very own, in depth Japan review. Next, the guys each present a current trend in the sneaker world, giving their thoughts on where it came from, why it's cool, and where it's going from here. Then, of course, latest pickups, what we've been wearing, and favorite upcoming drops are covered by The Kickback Crew. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickback.pod/ Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkicks6/ Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisaipak/

This week, Fabs is flying solo and he dives into the biggest news stories of the past few weeks. That includes rumors of Travis Scott getting a signature sneaker from Jordan Brand, Prada's latest adidas collaboration - which is all performance - and Fabian's pick for the next up and coming brand. Additionally, he covers what he's picked up recently, as well as what his favorite upcoming drops are. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickback.pod/ Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkicks6/ Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisaipak/

This week's episode is a special one, as Fabs is finally back from his parental leave and the boys are REUNITED! Josh and Fabs play "This or That" in this episode, which sees them discuss two options across a range of topics, discussing which one they prefer and why. It's basically a cop or drop with a broader theme of topics. In addition, they talk about their latest pickups, what they have been wearing recently and their favorite upcoming drops. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickback.pod/ Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkicks6/ Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisaipak/

In this week's episode Josh speaks with Youtuber Bryce Kicks. We get into several topics including why are people hating on sambas?, a trip down memory lane of Sneaker Youtube, can you wear a suit with sneakers and our all time grails.

In this week's episode Josh speaks with Content Creator Drew Joiner. We get into how he got started with fashion and sneaker content creation, as well as discuss some of the best sneakers out right now, as well as which sneakers are likely to trend in 2023.

In this week's episode Josh speaks with Sneaker Youtuber Sean Go. We get into how Sneaker Youtube has changed, what Canadian sneaker culture is like and what pairs we would save in a Nuclear War

This week Josh & Fabs break down our biggest sneaker predictions for 2023. Which brands and sneakers will rise in popularity? Will Adidas struggle? Which sneaker will be silhouette of the year? These and much more

This week, the Kickback Boyz talk all things Sneaker New Year's Resolutions. Josh and Fabs look back at what they said they were going to change in 2022 and how those resolutions fared. Next, they look at 2023 and what they want to start doing and stop doing with regards to sneakers. As per usual, they talk latest pickups, what they've been wearing recently, and upcoming drops. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickback.pod/ Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkicks6/ Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisaipak/

One last episode in 2022 and you already know what it's about: Our favorite five sneaker releases of the year. Both of the Kickback co-hosts picked their personal top 5 of 2022 and present them to each other (and you). They also discuss latest pickups and what they have planned for the podcast in 2023. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickback.pod/ Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkicks6/ Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisaipak/

This week, Josh and Fabs run through their favorite sneaker moments, sneaker releases, and sneaker trends of 2022. Everything from A Ma Maniere's political Air Jordan 4 drop to the continued increase in general release popularity were topics of discussion. In addition, the Kickback boys discuss their latest picksups, what they have been wearing recently, and the best upcoming drops. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickback.pod/ Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkicks6/ Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisaipak/

The time has come for year-end retrospective content to begin. To kick it off, Fabs and Josh take a look at some of the most underrated brands, releases, and collaborators of 2022. In addition, they discuss their latest pick ups, what they've been wearing recently, and what drops they are looking forward to over the coming weeks. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickback.pod/ Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisaipak/ Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkicks6/

This week, we gave you - the listeners - the chance to ask us anything and everything about sneakers, streetwear, and the culture. We picked the best ones that we had time for and tried to give worth answers. And, as per usual, we discussed our latest pickups, what we've been wearing recently, and the upcoming drops we are most excited about. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://instagram.com/kickback.pod Follow Josh on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jdkicks6 Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://instagram.com/maisaipak

This week, Fabs and Josh tackle the onslaught of Holiday Season releases, including confirmed and rumored releases, such as Drake's CLB Air Force 1, the A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 4, and the New Balance 990v6 (we're counting it as a holiday release). Additionally, the duo sounds off on Kanye West's recent comments, and take a look at what is said to be Virgil Abloh's first-ever, all-original Nike design. LPUs and what the guys have been wearing lately are also, as always, part of the episode. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://instagram.com/kickback.pod Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://instagram.com/maisaipak Follow Josh on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jdkicks6

This week Fabs and Josh present their take on the 5 strongest sneaker brands at the moment and rank them. Each brand was scored on their heat check (how popular they are right now), their future outlook (the potential for improvement in the next 12-24 months), their roster of collaborators, and the strength of their general releases. Listen in to find out which 5 brands made the cut, which got honorable mentions, and why. And, as always, the guys discuss their latest pickups, the sneakers they have been wearing the most over the past few weeks, and the hottest upcoming drops. Follow the Kickback on Instagram: https://instagram.com/kickback.pod Follow Josh on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jdkicks6 Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://instagram.com/maisaipak

This week, Josh and Fabs catch up after a longer hiatus, covering their latest pickups, Josh's European Tour, and Fabs' newfound fatherhood. The main topic sees the duo lay out what makes a good winter sneaker, what brands have the best, and which ones Josh and Fabs will be wearing when the temperatures hit sub-zero.

In this episode we break down some news in the sneaker world including the huge public beef between Kanye West and Adidas as well as go through recently released and upcoming sneaker drops

This week, Josh and Fabs each pick 5 sneakers for The Kickback's newest format: Over, Under, Or Just Rated? The guys will determine whether each sneaker is overrated, underrated, or properly rated and explain why. Additionally, they discuss the adidas CEO stepping down at the end of this year and the latest news surrounding the "Lost and Found" Nike Air Jordan 1 Chicago. Check out The Kickback on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickback.pod/ Check out Fabs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisaipak/ Check out Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkicks6/ For questions, comments, rants, please send us an email at: thekickbacksneakerpod@gmail.com

AND WE ARE BACK. This week, Josh and Fabs tackle the topic of the non-sneaker shoe. How do you define a non-sneaker? What kind of brands and models are big players in that market? Why are they so popular? Listen in as the boys trace the timeline of the non-sneaker's rise in popularity. In addition, they quickly recap YEEZY and Nike SNKRS day, share their latest pickups, and discuss upcoming drops. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://instagram.com/kickback.pod Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://instagram.com/maisaipak Follow Josh on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jdkicks6

This week, with two of the biggest sneaker holidays approaching, Fabs and Josh take a look at what to expect from YZY and SNKRS Day 2022. Lots of big releases, hidden easter eggs, and community engagement are expected to be part of the celebrations. In addition, check out what the Kickback crew has been wearing most lately, as well as what they have picked up. As per usual, they will also go through some of the biggest releases of the next two weeks for you here. Follow Kickback on Instagram: https://instagram.com/kickback.pod Follow Josh on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jdkicks6 Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://instagram.com/maisaipak

This week, Josh and Fabs share their thoughts on why the sneaker marketing is declining. With a lot of limited editions sneakers not selling out anymore and many pairs not reselling for as much as expected, the boys ask each other whether we're entering a "Sneaker Bear Market"? In addition, The Kickback Crew discuss their latest pickups, what they've been wearing recently, and what they're looking forward to.

This week, Fabs and Josh each present their top 5 sneakers of the year so far. Comprising the list are sneakers we may or may not have copped that dropped in the first 6 months of 2022. As tastes differ wildly, these lists are based on our personal preferences and vary from each other. These are not the sneakers we thought were most successful or most popular this year, but sneakers WE enjoyed the most thus far. In addition, we walk through our latest pickups and upcoming drops, as we do every week.

This week, Fabs and Josh take a look at some of the biggest stories to break over the past two weeks. This includes adidas suing Nike for trademark infringement, Kanye dragging adidas' CEO on Instagram because of the company's new adilette 22 slides, the Chicago 1 Remastered images that leaked, Salomon's new GORE-TEX-equipped XT-6, and much more. Listen to the episode and leave your thoughts and a review if you feel like it. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://instagram.com/kickback.pod Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://instagram.com/maisaipak Follow Josh on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jdkicks6

This week, Josh and Fabs react to the Zadeh Kicks news and discuss how to best avoid getting scammed — whether you're buying and selling sneakers online or offline. The duo run through their personal tips, Do's and Don'ts, and speak about personal experiences through the years. Additionally, both Fabs and Josh walk us through their latest pickups and the upcoming drops. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickback.pod Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisaipak Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkicks6

Nike accusing StockX of selling fake sneakers was the biggest news of the past two weeks, so Fabs and Josh dissect what went down and share their thoughts on whether the resell platform's reputation has taken a hit. The boys then also go over everything you need to know about fake sneakers, including but not limited to: why fake sneakers exist, why people buy fake sneakers, what kind of fake sneakers exist, and what they think the most faked sneaker currently is. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://instagram.com/kickback.pod Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://instagram.com/maisaipak Follow Josh on Instargam: https://instagram.com/jdkicks6

This week Josh is fresh back from his trip to Amsterdam, a city he dubs "one of the most dangerous in the world" and Fabs gearing up for wedding SZN. Since a lot has happened in the sneaker world, the boys discuss some of the hottest news, ranging from the attempted break-in at A Ma Maniere in Atlanta, Benjamin Kickz claiming he gets his sneakers direct from the source (read: Nike). In addition, Josh and Fabs discuss whether JJJJOUND is getting too boring or if his signature style will stand the test of time. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://instagram.com/kickback.pod Follow Josh on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jdkicks6 Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://instagram.com/maisaipak

This week, Fabs and Josh discuss whether Nike Air Jordan 1 hype has reached its lowest point in recent memory. Are sneakerheads over the silhouette that many credit with kick-starting sneaker culture as we know it? Whose fault is it that AJ1 colorways are sitting on shelves and not selling out? What should Jordan Brand do? All that, and more, is covered in this week's episode. Follow The Kickback on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickback.pod/ Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkicks6/ Follow Fabs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisaipak/

Air Max Day 2022 saw Nike put a lot of effort into fostering a sense of community and bringing back live events across some of Europe's biggest cities following a two-year Coronavirus hiatus. Josh and Fabs discuss what went down, what they thought of it, and what we expect moving forward. Special guest Chris Danforth shares his first-hand experiences competing at Nike's Quiz Show as part of Team Berlin in London. In addition, the boys chat their favorite pickups, upcoming drops, and a roundup of news.

This week, Josh and Fabs dive deep into the world of sneaker news, breaking down the biggest headlines and storylines that have popped up over the past two weeks. Fabs noticed that a lot of '90s basketball sneakers (particularly from the Swoosh) are making a comeback, that Air Max Day has been pretty boring recently, and that Teddy Santis has already proven his worth to New Balance. Josh talks about the return of the elusive Nike Air Jordan 1 “Chicago” colorway and what to expect from this year's rumored return, as well as YEEZYs brand strategy.