Jae Tips Remembers Who Fronted on Him and His Saucony Collab | The Complex Sneakers Podcast

New York designer and rapper Jae Tips has been making waves this year with the release of his Saucony Grid Azura 2000 collaboration. Here, he joins the podcast to talk about his long history in the footwear industry-from working chaotic Foamposite drops at Foot Locker to reselling in the streets of New York to landing his own official collaboration. Elsewhere on the episode, the cohosts talk about those nasty fakes that landed on Shein, the bad rumor about Travis Scott’s SB Dunks restocking, and what’s next for Nike in terms of innovation.
Chapters:
0:00 - 2:10: Host Intros
2:11 - 5:59: Jacquemus x Nike J Force 1
6:00 - 6:51: Full Size Run Returns
6:52 - 8:02: Shein Removes Fake Jordans From Their Site
8:03 - 9:35: Dunne vs. USPS
9:36 - 10:05: Nike Air Max 1 OG “Anniversary” vs. Nike Air Max 90 “Infrared”
10:06 - 17:05: What Are The Top 5 Sneakers in Your Rotation?
17:06 - 22:05: What’s Next for Nike?
22:06 - 23:34: Travis Scott x Nike SB Dunk Restock Rumor
23:35. - 24:29: Jae Tips Joins CSP
24:30 - 27:09: What’s on Feet?
27:10 - 28:59: How to Pronounce “Saucony”
29:00 - 32:24: The Story Behind Jae’s Saucony Collab
32:25 - 40:59: Jae’s Foot Locker Journey
41:00 - 46:24: From Footlocker to Rapper + Designer
46:25 - 54:30: Designing the Jae Tips x Saucony Grid Azura 2000
54:31 - 57:22: Jae’s Bespoke Air Force 1s
57:23 - 59:39: Jae Tips x Saucony Grid Azura 2000 Release Day
59:40 - 1:04:09: Jae’s Relationship with Nike
1:04:09 - 1:05:00: Jae’s Upcoming Releases
1:05:01 - 1:07:15: Making Sneaker of the Year List
1:07:16 - 1:09:16: Outro
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COMPLEX is a community of creators and curators, armed with the Internet, committed to surfacing and sharing the voices and conversations that define our new America. Our videos exemplify convergence culture, exploring topics that include music, sneakers, style, sports, and pop culture through original shows and Complex News segments. Featuring your favorite celebrities, authoritative commentary, and a unique voice, our videos make culture pop.

[@Complex]

If you had to start your collection with one sneaker, what would it be?

[@zanemontego8090]

Influenced by Brendan Dunne, I decided to start buying sneakers last year. I started my first collection with 6 Reebok Classics.

[@dwightblake6952]

Probably some black cement 3s. Classics, and you can wear with almost anything. They’re going to get respect no matter what hood you in

[@jayo1017]

For me personally... Jordan 3 cement, Jordan 3 true blue or Jordan 1 shadow or royal

[@tonybpena]

easy, a grey new balance 574 because its a timeless classic that is easily accessible and affordable. no need to break the bank with a $75 shoe

[@SuperWhofan1]

Grey 990 and done. Comfortable to wear all day and goes with anything you wear

[@Checkz_over_Stripez]

I like what you guys said about starting out as a sneakerhead. Maybe you guys could do a “Best shoe to get for retail RIGHT NOW” segment!?!?!

[@MrSirDame]

The fact that the intro song went an extra bar. I’m not sure how to feel about it.🫠

[@Srjr0122]

It was weird af

[@rudyoliveira6532]

Right. The whole intro was longer.

[@christopherbrown9573]

The sound clips were different on last night’s FSR - and this and that episode look extra HD. BuzzFeed changes if I had to guess…

[@Flatbedcruz]

I liked it made it feel more official

[@monokey2059]

Didn’t feel right

[@fleedelcastro4333]

Proud of you Jae. The Synergy was great this episode. JLP and the Gang Keep Crushin it!

[@JHillNC]

Jae Tips is just such a good dude. Happy for him and wish him nothing but continued success and happiness.

[@rickeysantos]

I've never heard of him until today but he seems super authentic and likeable! especially how he was describing why he picked the silhouette from saucony and wanting to invoke feeling rather than just slapping some colorways/logo on an already hyped silhouette

[@davidarmstrong2469]

I'm a marathoner, and Saucony is by far the best running shoe on the market. Love saucony, been running in them for years. Glad to see they're getting their flowers.

[@StephenMangiulli]

Didn't know who Jae was before this interview, but he's made a fan out of me!

[@The1SwagDad]

Super Proud of Jae Tips and love my Sauconys! It should definitely be on the list for one of the shoes of the year!

[@TheVinylCorner1]

Shoutout Brendan for rockin that Original Pirate Material tee. Great conversation as always

[@al3xaguirr3]

great episode, don't know much about saucony but listening to jae tips story was great and it's definitely changing my perception of the brand in a good way, an its exciting seeing something new and fresh in the sneaker community

[@chrisscanlan8819]

Great conversation with Jae

[@jasonmarley4653]

Great interview watched the whole thing and learned a lot perfect

[@Boredbutnotreally]

Had to watch and listen to the episode. Gotta support the pod and my guy Jae Tips.

[@Brian_Cards]

Good to see the boys again

[@hiruys]

After this episode I'm convinced the Jae Tips collab needs to be my first ever pair of Saucony's. SuperDope

[@ericlonzo2247]

Always enjoy the energy and content.

[@Mrchrishenri]

I sold my soul for some yeezys Jae tips has come a long way

[@illumineddiie]

Ohhhhh “Flop Ten” I definitely like the sound of that! Please do that at the end of the year!!!

[@_soles7681]

The BIGBRONX episode!!! 🔥🔥

[@londonwooldridge1607]

I’m so stoked that they came with season 16 for Full Size Run. FSRMY!!

[@Shah1m]

@45:00 it shows the Saucony Courageous as being released in 2015 and the Saucony Jazz in 1981 but the Courageous was also from the same period as the Jazz. Respect to Jae Tips really resonated with his Organized Chaos theme that he mentions which is something I have been aware of in art for a while. Respect to the gentlemen as well Mr.LaPuma, Mr.Welty & Mr.Dunne!

[@traviszenk4616]

Shoes fire. In the flowers fantastic

[@asianjoekicks]

ACG apparently stands for Air Conditioning Gear for JLP😆

[@adrianzuniga8145]

Joe I had to share a clip of your shoes on feet, I really like those. Also, love the vibe in the proper shoe name response! Fire! Welty drips hard & B diddy bok boyz

[@ldnhrs7375]

great episode!!

[@Sneakahead555]

Couldn’t wait for you guys to come back ! Started off right into it ! Infrared 90’s are definitely the correct answer. Such a cool dude man ! Really love the Saucony’s, arguably top 3 of the year ! Amazing path he has been on for real Beautiful episode guys !

[@ryanrobicheaux3896]

Great show. Jae was awesome.

[@cmn225]

dope episode

[@AsapWave]

“Who put these muthafuckin shoes in this muthafuckin store‼️⁉️” -Agent Neville Flynn voice 😭

[@tonybpena]

regarding the conversation around the running shoe technology that nike is providing, i believe that if nike wanted to invest more money into advertising their invincible run line, it would skyrocket. if they gave it the same amount of attention as their air jordans and air max’s, the invincible run could be nike’s biggest line. and while they have been running out of models to retro, i could see them going in this direction as their predecessors new balance and adidas have already begun this shift in direction for their sales. the shoe contains a flyknit upper and a full length zoom x uni. they have been the most comfortable nike shoe line the past 3 years for a reason. the only reason why i dont think they’re pushing them out more is because they know in regards to their running shoes everyone wants a leather or mesh upper paired with a chunky sole: a vomero, an air max 95, and other models you guys listed.

[@shady2493]

I’m happy Unbreakable got his own kicks, that’s pretty cool

[@BookerT69]

Preciate the shoes mustache boy 👨🏻‍🦱

[@Nulljpg]

👨🏼*

[@BookerT69]

@@Nulljpg well played

[@ohiorichkidbeats]

He has a good story, I wish him much success

[@dre061201]

I feel like the nike react presto is the one Nike shoe for that comfort shoe, I loved em, or maybe the react line in general

[@peterrossini6345]

welty the rotation post was legandary

[@justinnevarez2567]

Now that I leaned the meaning behinds saucony I like that I have a shoe that’s has more meaning/history

[@Macn360]

Sometimes Welty just doesn’t know zoom fly and invincible zoom 3 are hella comfy. I’m on my feet sometimes 17 hrs a day on a factory floor and my feet don’t hurt. I’m also a heavier person too. The Zoom Invincible 3 would be equivalent of the hoka and on.

[@tomrobinson2410]

Welty is exactly right about the age demographic.

[@jamesrubino5159]

Still love the Nike react element 87. One of the better silhouettes Nike has released in years imo.

[@christophersheldon7088]

Federer shoes worth purchasing?

[@xaviermerritt7479]

What are those colourful air forces called that are always in the back ?

[@nikejordan]

Colette x Busy P

[@adisonwells955]

Brendan can hate on the Tiffany Air Force all he wants 😂, but the shoe sold out, AND it sells for 1,000 plus on the market; that is factually NOT a flop 😂😂😂

[@dagwoodchat6350]

I can't even get GRs most of the time were I live, especially SB dunks. So.. If I want any of them, usually I have to across the waters. I don't feel like I have to have them though.

[@chaachocino]

🔥🙌🏿🔥

[@maloillest]

Jae tips 📈😎

[@ericlonzo2247]

You can put together some great rotations with non hype sneakers or shoes. If you like them that's all that matters.

[@hulisespelayo8990]

Ha-Ri-toes 😂😂😂😂😂 jarritos !!!

[@mrodmiguel56]

Nike joyride was actually a pretty great workout shoe not gonna lie

[@jacobw2389]

Welty on the Prime hype.

[@smsrepper1]

Why did y’all stop giving away shoes?

[@WilsonLiesik]

Any pair of Jordan 4’s

[@donttrip6219]

Don’t forget he designs fitted hats aswell

[@gunniellottjr483]

These Saucony looks like it was inspired by the Jeremy Scott streetball zebra.

[@dqwatts]

Black 🦅🖤

[@zanemontego8090]

Congrats to Jae Tips! I hope he remember who’s inspired.

[@2nuts4cars]

I only want Mars Yards because I love the design of the shoe. I did make a similar pair on Nike Creator but they are not the same. I don't have $30K, I don't have brand allegiance to Nike or Tom Sachs, and I don't need validation, I just want a pair of Mars Yards...

[@jaemccaskill1422]

Neon 95s are not cheap

[@jvsting531]

It’s true. Nike really be stale they need new tech but hey look at what’s coming back the Roshe Run 🥲

[@subibosa8243]

haaaaland

[@kodymeade1]

Who has the best sneaker collection out of Joe, Welty and Brendan?

[@sebastienc.2257]

I feel that there are a lot more middle aged adults wearing Jordan’s and Airmax sneakers in Urban Areas.

[@harrydeez7216]

@dun the same thing happened to me with UPS. it was a odd name on the sign. i was so mad. i got my money back. i have a camara set up in front and sent over a video of the time it said it showed up.

[@tomrobinson2410]

Show ur individual collections.

[@emmanuelabor]

I think there's Nike fatigue. We've all been into this brand for the better part of 40 years. We just need to try other brands. We're burned out on Nike

[@chrisgee4015]

Sams club has a 12 pack of prime for 19.99 Welty

[@Stickyfingers12]

The reason why you don’t see Nike as much is because the hot shoes that come out are so limited and It feels like it’s the same people winning the raffles Everytime besides that your sneakers are beat you can’t wait to enter a raffle for some fire you just go and grab whatever is on the shelf. Price availability and convenience not to mention malls and a lot of stores are going out of business everybody is gonna buy stuff from Amazon writhin the next decade.

[@anonymoose42]

Is anyone else hearing weird echos randomly from Dunn's mic in the edit? Lol

[@rickeysantos]

16:45 - while i agree with welty that ppl can be sneakerheads by not having hyped shoes, (air max 95, infrared 90, etc) usually that relates to the age group who is 25 years old and up (im 29 years old). the new kids who are into shoes are used to seeing hyped styles due to the social media age. i dont think they're seeing am 95 volts or am 90 infrared or uptempos on their ig feed in the way that sneakerdave (dave whitehead) is.

[@Checkz_over_Stripez]

R.I.P. Virgil 😞 🙏 🕊

[@gabrielveloro]

I worked at Vans in high school and have 30+ pair of Vans. Do you guys consider Vans sneakers? Is my Vans collection a sneaker collection? Would you guys consider me a sneaker head?

[@carlosguzmanaja5852]

Yes and yes bro, vans has very nice collabs and designs.

[@cmn225]

Vans clearly are sneakers but having a Vans collection doesn't make you a sneakerhead just a Vans collector (same goes for any other brand)...without brand diversity you're not a sneakerhead imo

[@SuperWhofan1]

Nike is McDonalds. Massive in size but lower quality. All these micro shoe brands or mid size companies are offering superior product and design

[@MrPukestick]

If you have to ask how do you become a Sneaker head? You're a Hypebeast.

[@dredredringoproject]

Got the azura grids in green and blue. I want Venus also. Might get these if I can find for a reasonable price.

[@alexphillips4472]

So Brendan got the package then cause he had the 95's on in FSR

[@MFSHECKS]

People confuse the terms hypebeast and sneakerhead a little to much these days. And even they say im a sneakerhead but deep inside they know that aint true

[@RUY2323]

Man up Joe

[@BWen3]

Stop the “season” stuff for KZbin shows 😂

[@vincenttyler4667]

Nike roshi run

[@Mrtoosavvy]

Just cause it’s still available don’t mean we want it bro

[@vincenttyler4667]

Jordan's are sitting and new balance is going crazy so any one can be a so called sneaker head

[@24underground7]

50 = vomero 5

[@Orch456]

Why wear fake sneakers when like Matt say there are lots of sneakers out there what is not the hype and you we stand out of the crowd more I think.

[@phillipparedes6444]

Exactly. Its like when guys say they want to look different but get the same haircut as everyone else. Lol

[@JoelJ79]

Companies could produce more of those shoes that people wants and keep a fair price, but they let the price go insanely overpriced, so they are contributing to the creation of good quality reps market.

[@Kjbeenya]

10:40 there is no desire to cultivate a personal sneaker style anymore. Everyone is just here to be a part of whatever current sneaker moment is going on. Unfortunately, platforms like this contribute to that ideology.

[@ericlonzo2247]

I'm not a Cortez fan myself. They look narrow on feet and they don't fit right in my opinion. They are cool to look at but on my feet I don't like them.

[@TheRedRevival_]

Why the into music like that lol

[@godwearsgucciii]

Welty, I don't buy sneakers to impress other people or to be a "sneakerhead". I get sneakers because I like the shoes themselves for the artistic expression. Obviously, it is great to get non-hype, classic shoes, but if I want a hype shoe that I know I can never secure or afford, I'm going to buy fakes without thinking. I just don't hold authentic shoes sacred like some people. Plus, I can afford two or three pairs of fakes to even one pair of retail. It just makes sense to me. I've been collecting for over ten years and have over 150 pairs from ~15 different brands, and about half of them are replicas. Have me on the show! I'd love to provide an alternative perspective on the ethics/validity of replicas in today's age.

[@latneyblunk3643]

Every shoe mentioned as a "top 5 legit rotation" example is a shoe that came out 30 years ago. All you can buy today is replicas, even if Nike makes them. Why do y'all care who gets the money cause your plugs in the industry?

[@Saan-ju1fm]

Making watches are almost a trade, comparing them to rubber and glue is a reach

[@carlosguzmanaja5852]

True, some watches have state of the art machinery, nothing compared to Nikes.

[@BWen3]

HOKA gives me bad sketcher vibes. Don’t get it.

[@bizniz160]

Even the term sneakerhead kinda corny…an og collector and person that wears shoes beyond hype sneakers may fall under that term…but to call urself kinda lame

[@tdawg4867]

Decent fakes are as much as the shoe retail. I would never pay so much for fakes. If I dont hit move on.

[@Resist_Oppression]

What's your definition of *fake?

[@JoshuaElijahC]

@@Resist_Oppression an imitation.

[@Kaotic318.]

Not necessarily, you can use an agent and put together a haul. That makes it way cheaper per pair.

[@RUY2323]

Joe needs to settle down

[@davidfinley8777]

Welty a bible thumper, huh, guess I’m not surprised.

[@kevinsmith-tt3po]

Wellty sounds so far out of touch when it comes to buying sneakers

[@aubriaking6908]

Don’t buy nothing off his site he does not respond or send yah product it’s been a month still haven’t got it or even answer back Jae tips is a no go sad you can’t suppose yah kind

[@carlosguzmanaja5852]

I really like this podcast, but I have the impression that these guys are losing perspective. Comparing rolex collectors to sneakerheads makes no sense, bear with me. Rolex watches are a luxury item from the outset (design, machinery, materials, manufacturing process, handmade assembly) and that reflects in their retail price. Nike sneakers are not, materials are average, manufacturing is in China/Malaysia/Other asian country, and that is reflected in the retail price. The reason why prices go so high is based on market and demand, not on product quality/characteristics. Based on this, among any other counterfeit products, sneakers are the ones where quality is getting really close to real products (not saying its the same), that does not happen with a rolex. The fact that something is expensive does not mean it’s valuable and Nike backs that with their MSRPs. Finally, I don’t endorse reps but it’s very scary to pay +$1K for a shoe in stockx when there’s no guarantee of authenticity, I’m might just as well go directly to the rep and save $900. Think about it.

[@glenngordon2216]

Whats the ugliest shoe nike has ever made?my opinion...nike mayfly woven 🤮🤮🤮❌

[@codyddd3634]

those sauconeys gotta be the worst shoe of the year

[@TheRoastbeef82]

Shoe of the year!? 😂😂😂 Top5!? 😩😩😂 Man gtfoh!