The SoleSavy Podcast

This is a live recording from a SoleSavy community event. DP, Kendell, Lawrence and Jose host a live snake draft picking their individual sneaker of the year choices across 4 rounds!

As we look back on 2024 we discuss five themes that set the tone for the year. From collabs with fresh stories and new partners, to on sale is the new retail, and more!

What happens at ComplexCon Las Vegas is definitely getting talked about on this podcast. We dive into the full spectrum of what went down at this years event from limited edition collabs to ways the event can improve. 

Toronto's Makeway gives us a peak behind the curtain at what it's like to get a Nike collaboration, breaks down the inspiration behind their first sneaker, and hints at what could be next for them.

It used to be about the culture first, now it's strictly about the monetary gain and commercialization of the space. Are we too far gone for the next generation of sneakerheads?

1:11 Tell us about your 2019 collab with Nike?3:57 What role did sneakers and fashion play in your childhood?9:52 What's the creative scene like in Phoenix and what changes have you seen?11:49 When did HOLO Footwear get on your radar?15:27 What are some of your favorite details on this shoe? 18:48 How did your cultural roots impact you as a person and artist?20:43 What is one of your dream collab?23:17 What is your vision for the next 5 years of the brand?24:19 What's your SOTY pick? 

We sit down to discuss the most exciting Jordan releases of 2025 include Undefeated AJ4, Union AJ1s and a lot more. 

We interviewed Doernbecher Freestyle 20 patient designer Jillian who designed her own Air Jordan 6. She discusses what inspired her and why it was important to put "Give Life" on her sneaker. 

SoleSavy co-founders discuss where the sneaker industry is heading next now that Nike has a new CEO. What brands will have a strong 2025? Will Nike get their hype back? Will the Kobe business grow even more?

In this episode, we react to the news that Nike CEO John Donahoe is stepping down. We talk about Donahoe's tenure and what went wrong, including his lack of sneaker industry experience, Silicon Valley background, mass layoffs, and emphasis on DTC (direct to consumer.) We also discuss Nike's new CEO, Elliott Hill, his background, and where Nike goes from here.  

1:20 How has the Sneaker Law Volume 2 Book Launch been?4:40 How did the first book impact your lives and careers?5:48 How did that impact the second book?7:28 What were some of the hardest chapters to cover?9:59 What was the most surprising thing you learned?16:35 What was the inspiration behind the book theme?24:24 Why did you include the NY Sole Savy Jordan 1 drop in the book?25:12 What do you guys have for shoe of the year?

In this episode, we look at the Kendrick Lamar x Super Bowl LIX news from a sneaker industry perspective. We recap the recent history of sneaker moments at the Super Bowl and speculate what Kendrick's may look like. We discuss Kendrick Lamar's sneaker history and recent love for Nikes. Later, we look at how Drake's longtime deal with Nike could impact what Kendrick wears during the Super Bowl. 

In this episode, we discuss how and why Cooper Flagg chose to sign with New Balance over Nike. We talk about his history playing for Nike teams and how Duke has historically been a pipeline for future Nike signature athletes. We touch on the decline in signature sneaker sales and why brands stopped investing millions in rookies. We break down the impact NIL is having on the footwear industry and why Flagg won't be able to play in NB at Duke.    0:48 Who is Cooper Flag?7:01 NIL and how it's changed sneaker brands9:59 New Balance needs Cooper Flag14:14 American Born Star16:12 Why didn't Nike sign him? 

In this episode, we are joined by Ewing Athletics designer Jonas Guerrero to talk about his work with the brand. We discuss Ewing's legacy as the first athlete-owned footwear brand, Patrick's involvement, and the all-new SL33 silhouette. Jonas shares his journey in the footwear industry, his NYC upbringing, and how Virgil Abloh inspires him as a creative. We also break down the latest collaboration with reggaeton icon Yandel and how Latino culture influences Jonas' work and the Ewing brand.

0:41 Initial Reaction to the While You Were Sleeping Collection4:04 How did A Ma Maniere get here? A rundown of all of their Nike and Jordan collabs.14:03 Looking at the While You Were Sleeping Collection

0:50 Reactions to the news2:12 What details do we know right now?5:05 Looking back at the 2018 Union x Jordan release21:27 What does this mean for Jordan Brand's 2025 release year?27:43 What kind of conversations will we be having about Jordan Brand a year from now?

1:14 Initial Reactions3:53 What are your memories of this release?11:51 What was the sneaker landscape like back then?20:44 Follow-up Colorways29:50 Is this the best non-OG Jordan 1 colorway?

1:51 '92 Olympics14:07 '96 Olympics20:24 '00 Olympics27:05 '04 Olympics31:13 '08 Olympics37:00 '12 Olympics42:23 '20 Olympics46:35 What can we expect from the '24 Olympics

1:47 Does this lawsuit come as a surprise?7:28 What took Nike so long to file this lawsuit?15:22 What does Nike want from the lawsuit?

4:14 2016 Sneaker Era12:04 How did Jordan brand change the narrative?27:52 Where is Jordan brand today?32:15 What can Jordan brand do now?

1:38 Do the Right Thing 30th Anniversary Scavenger Hunt Recap7:45 First Hidden Location - Sal's Pizzeria11:02 Second Hidden Location - Bedstuy Mural15:35 Third Hidden Location - Ebbets Field21:55 Fourth Hidden Location - Viand Coffee Shop29:23 Fifth Hidden Location - Korean Grocery Store32:38 Final Hidden Location - Record Store

2:25 Action Bronson Drop Recap19:56 Nina Chanel Drop Recap26:21 HUF Drop Recap

1:46 First initial reaction to Retroing Later Jordan Models4:53 Reasons why Jordan Brand is bringing back the later Jordan Models11:54 Does the Wizards era still matter to consumers?15:41 Declining sales for popular Jordan models19:03 Will these releases be limited?23:08 Will these drops create a conversation around Jordan brand?25:29 Is the Jordan 17 a SOTY candidate?

2:41 Jordan Brand signature Athlete will win a championship ring5:59 Thoughts on Luka and Tatum Sneakers?14:27 Kyrie potentially winning a championship in Anta Sneakers19:36 Jalen Brown and Nike differences23:03 Jason Kidd could become the first former signature athlete to win a championship since Bill Russell27:26 Former Nike Exec, Nico Harrison could lead his team to a championship in only his third season as a GM31:57 The absence of a Nike superstar in the championships37:17 Michael Finley could win a championship from the front office39:08 What brand has most to gain in this NBA Finals?

0:45 J Balvin Early Access Release Recap2:19 Air Jordan 3 Collaborations4:45 Air Jordan 3 x Atmos Pack8:03 Air Jordan 3 x Anna Wintour10:54 Air Jordan 3 x Justin Timberlake15:12 Air Jordan 3 x Fragment Design16:53 Air Jordan 3 x A Ma Maniere19:41 Air Jordan 3 x J Balvin 202324:22 Air Jordan 3 x Doernbecher25:28 Upcoming Air Jordan 3 Collaborations28:44 Who do you think is going to be the next Jordan 3 collaborator?31:88 Which notable promos would you like to see get a full release?

1:33 WNBA League Expansion4:34 What are your expectations for the 2024 Season?6:12 Caitlin Clark entering the league8:00 Do you think the league is ready for all the energy coming this season?11:40 WNBA Signature Sneakers20:55 What do you expect to see from Candace Parker now?24:41 What about WNBA signature sneakers retros?27:28 What is your favorite women's signature sneaker silhouette?29:02 Giveaway of your favorite Women's signature sneaker

2:19 How did Travis Scott become the most important endorser of Jordan Brand?6:09 A timeline of Travis Scott's sneaker releases 11:35 Is Travis Scott's sneaker influence built on limited stock?16:30 Is Travis Scott an influencer or is he beyond that?17:37 Drake and Jordan Brand Collab Attempt27:48 Jordan 1 low Mocha31:05 Jordan 6 Marketing41:36 Present Day Jumpman Jack48:51 Where does the Jumpman Jack go from here?

1:04 Major Sneaker Retail Acquisitions6:08 JD Sports enters the US Market10:06 Footlocker aquires Atmos14:44 JD Sports other aquistions25:27 What does this mean for sneaker retail?31:48 What does this mean for sneaker consumers?

0:52 Basketball Sneaker Storylines going into the NBA Playoffs2:07 Oklahoma City Thunder Sneaker Storylines7:53 What is happening with Under Armour and the Currys?9:14 New Orleans Pelicans Sneaker Storylines12:04 Denver Nuggets Sneaker Storylines19:58 Los Angeles Lakers Sneaker Storylines22:02 Clippers vs Mavs Sneaker Storylines32:24 Timberwolves vs Suns Sneaker Storylines35:24 Celtics vs Heat Sneaker Storylines38:25 Cavs vs Magic Sneaker Storylines39:18 Bucks vs Pacers Sneaker Storylines41:36 Knicks vs Sixers Sneaker Storylines

1:18 Industrial or Military Blue?2:55 Is the Military Blue AJ4 a grail?6:38 History of Military Blue AJ49:30 What was the 2012 era like?18:54 Fabricated Nostalgia of AJ4 Military Blue21:17 What colourways have led to this?30:15 New shape of AJ432:15 What does the stock look like for this retro?

0:58 Reaction to recent Air Ship Releases4:25 Banned colorway10:39 2022 Air Ship Releases15:29 The collab stage of the Air Ship21:47 Recent Air Ship Releases32:45 Favorite Air Ship so far?34:15 What do you want to see from the Air Ship?

1:37 Jordan Brand Summer Lineup1:58 Air Jordan 4 "Oxidized Green" 3:40 Air Jordan 6 "Oreo"5:26 WMNS Air Jordan 1 High "Latte"8;37 Air Jordan 1 High "Artisinal Red"11:26 Air Jordan 12 "Gym Red"14:16 Air Jordan 1 High "Green Glow"16:26 Air Jordan 1 Low "silver"19:09 Air Jordan 11 low "pink"23:40 Air Jordan 11 low "Space Jam"25:06 Air Jordan 13 "Dune"26:40 Air Jordan 1 Low "Shadow"30:10 WMNS Air Jordan 1 "Silver"31:06 Air Jordan 17 "Lightning"34:27 Air Jordan 4 "Industrial Blue"

1:04 Is it worth paying resell right now?5:20 Are sneakers actually selling out?12:55 Case Study: Mettalic Vomero 518:35 Limited runs of first signature of sneakers21:44 Reliance on nike snkrs app to get the sneakers

0:50 Introduction4:26 What are your personal experiences with trades?6:19 What's the biggest roadblock for trades?9:39 What about authenticity with trades?10:45 Legitmark Founder Jacob Roscoe joins the podcast to discuss digital authentication.12:35 How does digital authentication make trades easier?16:44 How does Legitmark authentication work on Collect right now?23:35 Would the 2019 Bred Jordan 4 be a fair trade for the 2024 Bred Jordan 4?27:12 Is time a roadblock for when you are trading?32:14 SoleSavy Member Feedback on Trades

1:31 All-Star Weekend Recap3:34 Was this Adidas' best All-Star Weekend?6:03 Adidas Basketball design language11:56 Sneaker Moments from All-Star Weekend15:22 Dame 9 Reaction18:18 DON 6 Reaction19:12 Adidas Basketball Roster22:57 Harden 8 Reaction25:46 Trae 3 Reaction27:03 What was missing from All-Star Weekend?

1:30 Black Cement 3 Coming Holiday 20246:12 Should we purchase if we have a 2018 BC3?9:04 Prediction on elephant print10:28 Stock Predictions12:12 Release Date Predictions21:50 Retro Cycles25:26 Final Thoughts/ State of Leaks

1:03 Overview of Kith Loyalty Program13:11 Transparency of the Kith Loyalty Program20:33 Thoughts on the Program22:50 Sole Savy Rewards Program

0:52 Introductions3:23 What inspired you to start this business?6:10 How did you test this product to make sure it worked?8:12 What was the biggest challenge throughout development?9:21 How do you describe how this product works?11:17 Is it just for new shoes or would it help older shoes as well?14:13 What other benefits does this product give you?15:54 What was the response to you trying to bring this product to life?17:30 Is this any better than shrink wrapping shoes?20:10 What is the recommended use for this product?26:41 What size should I get?

1:21 Kobe Line 2023 Recap19:59 What is the current sentiment with consumers to the Kobe Line?23:12 2024 Forecast for Kobe Line

1:01 Nike Earnings Call Review5:02 What other brands are capitlizing on retros?10:02 Nike's Retros Reimagined Program27:59 Jordan Remix line has surpassed 1 Billion in product33:45 The rise of the Jordan 4's  

1:13 2023 Predictions Recap: #1 The Rise of Independent Shoe Designer4:08 2023 Predictions Recap: #2 Creators having a moment8:58 2023 Predictions Recap: #3 FCFS would make a comeback10:54 2023 Predictions Recap: #4 Recent resellers would start to fall off16:18 2023 Predictions Recap: #5 Air Jordan 2 will have a great year18:37 2023 Predictions Recap: #6 New Balance's staying power26:50 2023 Predictions Recap: #7 The rise of Asics28:24 2023 Predictions Recap: #8 What's next for Adidas?35:30 What is your SOTY?47:50 Sleeper SOTY?52:10 Predictions for 2024?

1:28 The Pre-Cart is Dead9:20 A fresh start for manual users16:09 What's next for Shopify?

1:40 "Breds and Royals on Sale"3:56 Why do you think so many OG sneakers are on sale?10:30 How is your audience responding to these deals?11:40 Are people buying less?20:45 Will the sales end soon?

0:55 What is Brick Culture?17:05 Are classic shoes bricks?26:36 What about tradebait?30:28 Final Thoughts