How Good Are Travis' 'Mocha' Jordan 1s? Are 'Panda' Dunks That Bad? | The Complex Sneakers Podcast

The Complex Sneakers Podcast is co-hosted by Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty. This week, the trio discuss Travis Scott’s latest Cactus Jack sneaker, the Air Jordan 1 Low, and where it ranks in his work. They also break down the hate around the “Panda” Nike Dunk Low and discuss whether it’s really justified. Later, Welty questions Donald Glover’s New Balance campaign and also the newfound interest in suede Adidas models. Also, Brendan gives up on the Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 and Joe La Puma relives an episode of “borrowing” from his parents to get Air Jordan 17s.
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EPISODE CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - 06:10 - Intro / Welty's controversial solo trip to Emilio's
06:10 - 09:55 - Welty's latest adventures as a building super / weekend recap
09:55 - 17:10 - Reminiscing on childhood sugary drinks / what's on feet
17:10 - 23:15 - eBay giveaway of the week: first sneaker you saved up for?
23:15 - 31:55 - Joe reflects on taking money back from his parents for sneakers
31:55 - 34:55 - Buying sneakers for their parents / "Dad shoes" trend
34:55 - 39:42 - Discussing Travis Scott's new "Rev Mocha" AJ 1 low
39:42 - 43:29 - How Travis' Air Jordan 4 differs from the rest of his sneakers
43:29 - 50:55 - Why is there so much hate towards the "panda" dunk?
50:55 - 54:50 - Controversial actions in the world of journalism
54:50 - 01:03:00 - Donald Glover's New Balance deal and paparazzi frustrations
01:03:00 - 01:07:25 - Updates on Dunne's search for LV Air Force 1s
01:07:25 - 01:13:28 - Welty's tweet and fiery vindication over suede Gazelles
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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]

What was the first sneaker you saved up money for?

[@lucavalencia4835]

Air Force ones

[@AyyRios]

09 space jams, still got em in the closet

[@jassielhernandez4912]

Phat farms with the wide laces

[@409tre4]

Last shot 14s

[@noCAPtenPLANET]

Jordan Retro 8 "Aqua" back when they released I'm the stores only because online shopping didn't exist

[@Flemo2140]

I literally brust out laughing when JLP said "not all heroes wear suede gazelles". They need to put that on a t-sirt and give it to Welty.

[@user-dm3vb1qg8k]

Matty Welty is the only one on the panel that spits facts every episode. Week in, week out. His commentary on the panda dunks being the suburban white girl shoe being rinsed to the ground is absolutely spot on. No cap. Welty's also the only one that speaks from as much of a neutral standpoint as possible, and as a sneaker culture analyst. While I feel like Joe and Brendan bring their own personal interest/taste bias into it too much.

[@walterroux291]

You're totally right BUT saying that, I could not watch a show with three Weltys, Joe and Brendan's bias make things fun.

[@theacmilanfan123]

And that’s exactly why this show works perfectly

[@GingerVisionHouse]

Sneaker culture is opinion based. I'd hope they would bring their personal bias.

[@ej7308]

I feel like Welty is fun to listen to because i think his biases *are* so strong. He likes what he likes, so when he does like something hype it makes me look at it from a different angle and appreciate it more.

[@filipzaitsov4730]

You are so right! I was just thinking the same thing. Feel sorry for him when JLP and Brendan laugh him off and interupt his perfectly reasonable commentary.

[@7lilao]

Nike making the panda dunk and also the J1 High accessible to their customers is a good thing. I hope they keep flooding the market so the resell hype behinds it dies and it becomes easier to touch a shoe you want instead entering every release and ending up with something you didnt really want.

[@seize3]

Resell has died down, I remember when they first came out they were selling for $300 now barely $170. Hype is at an all time high since EVERYONE has them and it's still talked about

[@7lilao]

@@seize3 Yeah I love that the price keeps tanking. I’ve been able to buy my kid this shoe about twice now for retail with no problem as his foot grows lol. Its his easy goto now

[@GG.510]

@@7lilao yea because he’s wearing kid size just wait til it’s men 9-12 it’s still not easy to touch good dunks

[@Hewgooden]

Well said

[@mvil]

I just want these dunks to be like the chucks/old skools. I can beat em up and replace em easily.

[@joseaguilera6355]

Welty has more great looking ASICS then most people have actual shoes

[@noCAPtenPLANET]

Brendan Dunne looks like he should've starred in one of those London Comedies like, "Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead, or The World's End" 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheSnkrPimp]

The Welty suede Adidas rant is worth the wait! 😂

[@kenneyraikkonen]

Great show. This and FSR are the highlight of the KZbin week

[@dalilbaby4238]

If I can get $1 every time Welty says "Shoutout to our good friend" and "Friend of the show" I would be able to buy some Panda Dunks

[@brutus8123]

This episode was great! Love the chemistry and shows without guest are just as good as ones with guest

[@DS-Pair]

This episode is further evidence on why it’s the BEST sneaker podcast/show out. Welty’s unbiased opinion on sneakers is absolutely gold! Good work Matt!

[@ax23xr]

Welty is the type of guy that gives hot takes on subjects but only goes half in on. Like bro, just state your opinion as it is, quit retracting your statements halfway through your arguments, let it fly, and quit being insecure

[@XavierPatterson15]

I love how passionate Welty is 😂

[@rawsanity27]

When I was 16yrs old I took My Mom’s Credit Card & paid $150 for a Flying Coffin Pyramid New Era Hat. Extremely rare. Only 1 left in My size & I knew it was gonna sell out. I ended up paying My Mom back. Still have that hat to this day. It’s worth $300+ now & impossible to find as well. A Grail for Hat Collectors. I’m glad I did it in the end. Sometimes You gotta do what ya can. I can totally relate to Joe’s Story. Lol

[@Papa_O.A.M]

It is such a pleasure watching the three of you in these videos! I cant wait to Friday mornings to watch another episode, and of course Im checking out FSR and Sneaker Shopping, which is always full of some sort of knowledge and life happenings as well. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@erimartinez1120]

Weltys take on the panda was on point but joe has some interesting takes too

[@kidcudi908]

Welty’s rant was gold 😆 he’s the gazelle gambit

[@samleejessop]

I see what Welty is saying, someone who is into shoes as deep as these guys, I think I’d expect something different than the basic panda’s who anyone could recommend or buy.

[@kidcudi908]

Welty won me as a fan with this pod lol

[@unknowntosociety01]

😂

[@jellybeansneakers8060]

Seems like this was a much needed group therapy session episode… never change peeps lol the podcast is gold

[@dplunk13]

Really wish Nike would put more decent materials on jordan 1 lows like they do with the Travis stuff. As for the reverse mochas themselves, I think this might be his best shoe. Blue is my favorite color so I really like the fragment lows. But something about this color blocking and the suede really make these pop. And since jordan 1 lows are usually such low quality it really makes them feel special.

[@nl5h]

that will never happen. the aj1 would have to stay stocked in retail and in the outlets with no sales for a few cycles before they reinvent it or can it altogether. if you want changes stop supporting the shoe.

[@THEBEN364]

Every episode is always an amazing watch/listen, look forward to it every week. Doesn't matter if its just the boys or if there's a top tier guest, the episodes don't stop hitting 🤝🔥

[@puzonvlogs]

This and bad friends. Best pods. No doubt

[@tylerlopez4225]

I get the feeling sometimes these dudes don’t actually like each other very much. There’s always these slight undertone jabs, the uncomfortable moments, the body language etc… I know I know. Someone gonna come at me saying I’m over evaluating it. But the vibes come through the videos.

[@patricedhaiti6737]

I wore my Panda dunks everyday when my son was born in the hospital last winter, he had a knitted version that we took his first photos with. Will forever be a classic for me

[@denniszuckerman8846]

U guys keeping us informed, intrigued, and entertained…Keep up the good work😎🔥

[@SpicySpudMedia]

Panda Dunks are a go to colorway. They go with everything. So people can't be mad about that. It's a great shoe to just throw on and rock.

[@clvn9ja]

Been looking to buy the stage haze Jordan 1 instead of the panda dunks. I’m not buying any shoe over retail though.

[@garyzhong1489]

I think a pair of vans looks way better and more affordable

[@seanzooky]

I don’t usually agree with Welty on matters, but I totally agree with him about gifting dunks and NOT going with pandas. There are so many good dunks that exude all types of different personalities and come in all kinds of colors. Getting a pair of panda dunks for someone would be a very thoughtless gesture to me

[@eyes2338]

Exactly.

[@davidgallegos3561]

I’ve been pretty luck with the Nike/SNKRS app, copped the black crimson red 4’s, white cement cardinal red, Jordan 1 black red Patton leather, and lately the Travis Scott reverse mocha, not to mention other lower level releases. Loved this episode hearing people who know the industry just talking. New sub, can’t wait for more content.

[@ethanroush2527]

Welty spitting facts. As a kid wearing sambas as a seventh grader in 2016 I feel his pain

[@nu3432]

Welty the type of guy to say “ I told you so” 🤣

[@Papa_O.A.M]

Great Video, like always. All these old drinks have me thinking about Ecto-Cooler, with Slimer on it. Man that stuff was sooooo good!

[@leroylanda8106]

Great episode again. First sneaker was a pair of JD exclusive navy and sky blue dunks absolutely loved them, also S/O to Welty for getting that off his chest

[@metronome4152]

Great episode as always. Thank you.

[@BizzyBethany]

Welty gets best take for explaining panda take so well

[@R33MAN02]

Love the podcast guys keep it up and really like the story’s y’all got

[@jarrodjob]

1:10:25 is such a hidden gem. 🎺🎺🎺🎺 // the speed of Dunne’s “can we clear that” is everything. I’m dead. 😂 ☠️ you have to watch the whole segment tho. I’m dead.

[@jarrodjob]

I’ve watched that 45 second clip 8 times. 😂

[@ants9776]

I like the Panda Dunk because it exposes the hypocrisy of sneakerheads. They hate when shoes are too exclusive but also hate when it seems everyone is able to get a pair

[@user-hn8eo7sh4m]

Yup. Yeezys are much more accessible than the past and they aren’t as hype as they use to be because of all the restocks.

[@joegeoghan]

Exactly. Like you're mad that a lot of people like a very neutral looking shoe and can buy it? Please reconsider your life.

[@BizzyBethany]

I think it’s just because it’s an obvious sheep minded shoe. It’s not actually easy to get a pair which is why resale is still decently high for such a mass produced shoe. I think they are overrated but it’s not like it’s just because they are “Easy to get”

[@orienrein]

Thats your mindset. Sneakerheads dislikes the Panda because Nike is milking the hype for profits and the masses just blindly follow it. There are other sneakers either from Nike or other brands that are better with richer history and good quality which people do not want to learn, buy and be true sneakerheads.

[@johndonnelly6407]

Correct, the hate for Pandas shows why the majority of people find sneaker heads cringe. Let people buy whatever shoe they like, ain't hurting you

[@Wombology101]

Matt "Pepperidge Farms" Welty remembers

[@b.shaffer2580]

Anyone else clicking not for some jank TS shoes, but to see what the crew is wearing? 😃 And the Jerry Rice Ubiquitous air max. They need to bring those back. They were $200 '98(?). Nobody else in my school had them....understandably so.

[@eladsinay6914]

i feel exactly what you were saying about the pandas which is why i got the jordan 1 low se diamond instead. super cool. almost like a reverse panda and the white isnt white like you see in pictures, its a shimmery diamond white. wish you would talk about that one in future videos

[@tobigruenthaler]

What throws me off about the panda Dunks or most recent GR Dunks (not SB) in general is the attitude, how some people wear these or gaslight them how „hot“ or „special“ they are. Idk but it feels like a Vans or Converse Situation to me, which is cool if you wear them like a everyday shoe to the ground, but don‘t make a scene out of it 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@raymondmetzger1899]

“Fisher Price first dunk” took me out. 😂😂😂 love that Welty was honest about where the jokes and hate come from.

[@modogg-kingofthestreets9843]

Welty is thee most purist of sneaker enthusiasts. Only the realist of OGs in the sneaker game know that.

[@SwavorVIDEOS]

Matt Welty wrote the first major article about my brand. (Swavor) in 2013. Never forgot. Its been up ever since. Thanks Welty

[@krob41]

Joe with the drip flip and skipped it had me absolutely dying! I look forward to this pod every week thank you complex!

[@toneriggz]

RIP Ray Liotta, James Caan, Tony Sirico and Paul Sorvino. Mob Film Royalty.

[@dgoody84]

Panda dunks are the new Ed Hardy t shirt.

[@illumineddiie]

Apart from the great color on the Reverse Mocha, I think the fact that the materials are so nice is what’s also making them so popular.

[@eduardosaavedra9300]

I snagged a pair of the RM but the suede on my powerphase quiet greys feel like way better quality

[@illumineddiie]

@@eduardosaavedra9300 sorry, meant the leather on it is really nice and tumbled. Yeah the suede looks pretty basic on them.

[@modogg-kingofthestreets9843]

When Dunne asked Welty if he had the hammer 🔨 🔫 on him whilst they were talking about the Tommy Jean's. Everyone missed that.......

[@benzero7928]

First one I saved up for, early 90s, Reebok blacktop pumps with the forest green.

[@briannavarro5860]

I hope this podcast goes on till the day I die🫶🏽best podcast to listen to on a Friday

[@gerardoacosta5695]

great episode brendan was talking spicy for a second 😭

[@xdepredatex]

Ahhh the green Tokyo taxi’s!!! I skated my pair to death, they were amazing.

[@ange225]

Panda Dunks are the best! Love em! You're so right about it- you don't have to put too much thought into wearing em

[@SheldonPage]

Who hurt Welty today ? 😂 love the energy

[@jamesewu]

Great episode. Can we turn the audio level up on iTunes? Thx.

[@josereynoso3008]

The scope of Lipton ice tea was something I use to do all the time also

[@ShaggyJ1000]

I just sold my black and white dunk lows a week or so ago…now I don’t regret it lol

[@scarface1tuga]

Hehheheh had a big laugh today Hehheheh thanks for that…. Matt suede adidas where/are always 🔥🔥🔥🔥 can’t beat a classic.. trends come and go , but class always stays….lol

[@santanapastores6147]

Brendan gets props for naming two redeeming qualities about spokane wa. Im from Washington and I couldn’t think of any

[@daddydeluxe8125]

Caught my first ever sneakers W on the travis lows 🙏🏻

[@weazy5.719]

I had pair of those tommy jeans

[@dustinwhiles8428]

Nothing better then Matthew “the gatekeeper” Welty gatekeeping lol. Love u guys 🫡

[@hecna408]

The non sneaker talk is soo dope to have frfr! Keep up the good work fellas

[@grdhanani9605]

If you had to get rid of your whole collection except one pair which pair would you keep?

[@Phamousillday]

Thank you welty for speaking your mind.

[@edwardmanson5507]

I love these guys

[@bloodshot6]

Keep speakings FACT Matt Welty. The sneaker scene needs to hear a side of truth that people don't hear often. The best bar from Joe "Not all heroes wear suede Gazelles".

[@johnaldwin0726]

Lol at “it was your ankles”

[@Resist_Oppression]

The non-sneaker banter this epi is CLASSIC. Helps me get through my days while making this epic game. Thanks guys.

[@YTwoKay]

Love the NB RC30s btw

[@Defenser56]

Anytime Welty says “people are saying” or “a lot of of people say” .. he’s talking about himself. Welty is they. Welty is saying these things lol

[@misternelson61]

Welty is so "One Day in Band Camp" when he speaks...why does he look up in the air when he's trying to get a thought out? 😂😂😂

[@scottc2276]

Seems like he gets panicky. Either way it good to see people who aren't super self confident can still be seen.

[@misternelson61]

@@scottc2276 you think he lacks confidence? I never get that from him...but ok

[@scottc2276]

@@misternelson61 Not completely self confident like the others, always seems to get a bit red on edge etc.

[@dubras1]

Welty is a trend setter

[@jeffreysantos3159]

I used to dry scoop the iced tea too 😅

[@DartelJ]

Man, I've only just realised that the big mics are props

[@ERSQ001]

I think dunks deserve a place of their own right next to the AF1. There you go Welty I said what you couldn't say. It'll be cool if you could cop an all-black or white pair of dunks all year round. Make it $80 too.

[@dfu7474]

there was a time people around me crazy bout the J1 low trend, 1s low SBB x3 price, after that we got the panda dunks but theyr fine now

[@gfeast4518]

“Scratch it” Scratch offs 😂😂

[@afawsta91]

More superintendent Welty talk please😂😂

[@joseespinosa6413]

Matt caring the podcast this week 😂

[@drewhenni2277]

Nigel Sylvester get credit for the “sail distressed” wave.

[@TONYCONCRETE]

welty is king

[@bobbyb69]

No guest shows are the best shows!

[@rodrecusadams]

580 new balance is one of my favorites

[@dereksterling5973]

JLP’s watch game is low key fire. Is that a Batman GMT I see on the wrist?

[@roccobonifacio4289]

Must give it to Welty in the Panda dunks discussion

[@ayekaloji]

Welty the fact-master ‼️

[@kyleelliott512]

Any chance Welty can get his own spin off series?

[@671oneblood]

What would it be called? White Elitist Sneakerhead?

[@nl5h]

Weltys kick game is 5 years ahead of its time.

[@maxswp]

Shout out to Welty I got 6 pairs of NB miu because of you

[@aname206]

Welty is goated

[@mvil]

I’m gonna say what Welty can’t say: just bc u have a panda dunk doesn’t mean u r a “sneakerhead” the hate about it stems from despite a million restocks, ppl still can’t really cop em

[@cmn225]

i think the hate comes from the poser part more than not being able to cop...from what i can tell they're pretty easy to get your hands on

[@mvil]

@@cmn225 depends from where u r tho. From where i am, only a few ppl can get em retail.

[@cmn225]

@@mvil oh nahh retail ain't a cakewalk (it's possible but they sell out quick) but people in my city don't care they'll gladly spend $200+

[@mvil]

@@cmn225 oh well, thats unfortunate. I still advocate “retail or nothing” mindset lol. Anw yea the poser most def affects how the pandas are being perceived rn. I’ve had 2 already and traded em both just bc i like wearing stuff nobody else likes/has. 🌝

[@cmn225]

@@mvil i just can't do regular Dunks SBs are the only ones that ever mattered to me...i'll pay over retail for a shoe depending on what it is & the price but i'll never willingly get robbed

[@laziosta]

Welty the goat

[@ericfleming347]

I live my Pandas 🐼 clean shoe that goes with everything and could care less what anyone thinks I wear what I like !

[@doztacos8913]

Sobe coconut 🥥 was my joint in the late 90s

[@onlymelo_]

idk why people are mad about it restocking so much it’s good that they are doing that cuz if they didn’t the shoe would be expensive like every other dunk

[@mr.chocolaterobot]

Shout Out to Bobbito Garcia...The Sneaker King...This Show Does Not Happen without Bobbito....

[@cmn225]

lowkey they should bring him on the show again now that it's on YT

[@alexstokes7283]

Am with welty , I'm a spezial guy from the UK 🇬🇧 so the gucci addidas collab is a joke ... I saw some hype beast kids one with the brown pair and 2 others had gum gazzels on 🤷‍♂️ the more people who get into vintage originals I'm down for but it's already full of scalpers now 😅 LG spezials re sell for £300 before the release date