The Complex Sneakers Podcast

EXPLORE

Society & Culture

© 2024 PodJoint

https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts211/v4/1e/43/eb/1e43eb9f-9c48-3736-0807-d5830e3f6b0a/mza_15755690125860874071.jpeg/600x600bb.jpg

The Complex Sneakers Podcast

Complex

247 episodes

5 days ago

On The Complex Sneakers Podcast. Joe La Puma, Matt Welty, and Upscale Vandal discuss the most important sneaker news and topics every week, and give their expert opinions that can only be told authentically from Complex.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...

Society & Culture

All content for The Complex Sneakers Podcast is the property of Complex and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

On The Complex Sneakers Podcast. Joe La Puma, Matt Welty, and Upscale Vandal discuss the most important sneaker news and topics every week, and give their expert opinions that can only be told authentically from Complex.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...

Society & Culture

Episodes (20/247)

The Complex Sneakers Podcast

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 about sneaker theft, and much more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5 days ago

1 hour 15 minutes 2 seconds

The Complex Sneakers Podcast

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 on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 week ago

1 hour 1 minute 45 seconds

The Complex Sneakers Podcast

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.

2 weeks ago

55 minutes 31 seconds

The Complex Sneakers Podcast

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.

3 weeks ago

1 hour 22 minutes 21 seconds

The Complex Sneakers Podcast

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 more information.

1 month ago

1 hour 13 minutes 45 seconds

The Complex Sneakers Podcast

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.

1 month ago

1 hour 1 minute 24 seconds

The Complex Sneakers Podcast

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.

1 month ago

58 minutes 58 seconds

The Complex Sneakers Podcast

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, the return of grail-level shoes in general, and more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 month ago

1 hour 14 minutes 8 seconds

The Complex Sneakers Podcast

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 months ago

1 hour 41 minutes 28 seconds

The Complex Sneakers Podcast

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 Goods buying Foot Locker, and how good the Air Max 95 is this year.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6 months ago

1 hour 6 minutes 23 seconds

The Complex Sneakers Podcast

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, more NIke Kobe retros, the “White Cement” Jordan 4, and Dunne going belt shopping at a random man’s apartment. Note that this week's episode was shot in a temporary studio—we'll be back to normal in a few weeks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6 months ago

1 hour 2 minutes 25 seconds

The Complex Sneakers Podcast

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 the sacred status of the white-on-white Air Force 1s, the less-talked-about black pair, and the real thing you should be mad about when it comes to Uptowns. Also on this episode, a preview of New Balance’s Grey Day celebration, a recap of the best sneakers of the year so far, and the upcoming Undefeated x Air Jordan 4.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6 months ago

1 hour 12 minutes 43 seconds

The Complex Sneakers Podcast

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 Zeroes really that bad? Also in this episode, discussions about the latest Nike SNKRS update, the tariffs’ effects on Adidas sneaker prices, and even more Air Max 95 talk.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6 months ago

1 hour 5 minutes 51 seconds

The Complex Sneakers Podcast

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 shoe smell that we’re still all obsessed with.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6 months ago

1 hour 2 minutes 45 seconds

The Complex Sneakers Podcast

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 tier-list ranking of all-time Nike signature lines in this episode. Also, an update on the Air Max 95 “Neon” rollout, news about Bodega’s struggles, and a narrowly avoided April Fools’ prank.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7 months ago

1 hour 1 minute 4 seconds

The Complex Sneakers Podcast

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 former Swoosh CEO Mark Parker has been back in Beaverton.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7 months ago

59 minutes 15 seconds

The Complex Sneakers Podcast

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 time in this episode. Also, they catch up on sneaker news like the leak of the Adidas AE 2, the frenzied drop of the “Cool Grey” Air Jordan 9, and the F1 endorsement deal between Lewis Hamilton and Nike that never happened.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8 months ago

1 hour 15 minutes 6 seconds

The Complex Sneakers Podcast

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 like the Wu-Tang Dunks and Undefeated x Air Jordan 4s, co-hosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty debate the merits of that kind of retro in this episode. Also in the episode: the best Air Jordan retro era ever, Stussy’s Nike Baltoros, and the leopard print Adidas Sambas.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8 months ago

1 hour 16 minutes 23 seconds

The Complex Sneakers Podcast

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 & Hammer and a lifelong sneaker retailer, breaks down the ASICS momentum. Also on this episode: co hosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty talk about the hype around the “Galaxy” Foamposite retro, Undefeated’s next Spiridon, and the brazen Air Jordan train heists happening in the middle of the desert.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8 months ago

1 hour 17 minutes 51 seconds

The Complex Sneakers Podcast

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 spending money in sneaker stores. Also on this episode, co-hosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty talk about the heavy Air Jordan presence during All-Star Weekend, the return of the Tom Sachs x Nike Mars Yards, and the billion-dollar potential of Nikeskims.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9 months ago

1 hour 11 minutes 16 seconds