Ronnie Fieg on the State of the Sneaker Industry | The Complex Sneakers Show

Kith founder Ronnie Fieg is back, returning to the podcast to celebrate the launch of his X-Men-themed Asics Gel Lyte 3 collaboration with Marvel, but also to survey the state of the industry. Fieg talks about the Y2K trend in sneakers, how preordering might become more common in the future, and the recent dominance of the Adidas Samba. He responds to the critique about the “Kith Filter” look to his rollouts and gives his take on the ascension of Teddy Santis and Aime Leon Dore. At the top, cohosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty talk about Nike’s lack of good collaborators and why a Spiridon retro is needed. This historic episode marks the 100th video episode of the show and also a slight shift in the naming: the Complex Sneakers Podcast will be henceforth known as the Complex Sneakers Show.
0:00 - 5:19: Celebrating the 100th Episode + New Show Name
5:20 - 9:02: Nike Air Zoom Spiridon
9:03 - 11:37: StockX Authentication
11:38 - 12:59: Brendan’s END. x Adidas Torsion Super Campaign
13:00 - 22:58: Travis Scott x Jordan Cut the Check
22:59 -24:13: Ronnie Fieg Joins the Show
24:14 -27:14: Ronnie’s Sneaker Rotation
27:15 - 29:00: Gel Asics Kayano
29:01 - 34:22: What’s on Feet?
34:23 - 46:56: Kith x Marvel x Asics Gel-Lyte 3 Collab
46:57 - 52:51: Ronnie Talks Y2k Trend
52:52 -55:00: Ronnie’s Relationship w/ Sneaker Brands
55:01 - 59:28: The State of the Sneaker Industry
59:29 - 1:03:07: Recent Dominance of Adidas Samba
1:03:08 - : Is Preordering the Future of Sneaker Releases?
1:05:46 - 1:06:33: The Ascension of Teddy Santis and ALD
1:06:34 - 1:08:15: Kith x New Balance 993 “Spring 101”
1:08:16 - 1:15:28: The “Kith Effect”
1:15:29 -1:16:21 : 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]

Do you think the sneaker industry is in a good place right now?

[@christopervizcaino2900]

Even better .. you can actually get whatever you want now in the stores and online

[@perc9-4]

Yes and no

[@FRMN8R90]

We need a kith x street fighter collab asap!

[@cameishenderson1978]

After taking 5 losses on the ebay give away an noone winning from Kansas I'm done with this show.

[@madterps]

No it's absolutely garbage right now. The only way to fix this is what Ronnie mention, pre-orders all the time.

[@terrelltomlin6415]

Man the episodes with Ronnie are God-tier podcasting. The levels that footwear and culture are discussed epitomize what sneakers are for everyone. It's something for everyone in this conversation. Congrats team on 100 episodes. Here's to 100 more! You're appreciated

[@evinsims5869]

A pre-order model keeps me from impulse buying and it keeps the shoes available and affordable for the true fans of that particular shoe/sneaker. Great video.

[@beardfamous5614]

Could listen to Ronnie talk about the industry all day. Well done all! Great show.

[@maxgamburo4390]

Literally every time Ronnie comes to the show and talks about sneakers it just makes me appreciate my job more. I'm the store manager of a concept store in Italy and sometimes it's very difficult to deal with young kids who all ask for the same stuff...but when Ronnie talks about what we are all passionate about it just gives me that feeling that i first had when i started working in this world at 16 years old. So much love for this thing.

[@impact_220]

What a genuine brainstormer and intellect Ronnie is in the industry! Trading shoes like we traded cards and comics back when we were kids is such a fresh and awesome idea. Fantastic start to the “new” Complex Sneakers Show. More CSS please!

[@frankrodriguez7255]

Magneto Asic was straight 🔥. Ronnie is on another level. The X-men collaboration was done perfect. Of course Dunne gets the limited Wolverine pair. Would of been nice to see a Sabretooth pair. Congrats on the 100th to the best 👟 show around. No one comes close.

[@docbeef79]

Yeah I wanted to hear why he didn’t put that one too but they sidetracked

[@pinkyy1989]

Ronnie was low key triggered when dunne said the gel lyte III’s could pass as GR’s 😂😂

[@mmkutsu]

Sheesh, this episode is one for the history books. Not that other episodes aren't, but this one is really on another level. Congrats on a big release for KITH and congrats on the 100th episode.

[@rby575]

I can just listen to Ronnie Fieg for hours non stop. So muxh passion and genuineness. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Ceejeyeff]

Petition to have Ronnie on the show every quarter

[@zakmudrow2160]

Man, I wish Ronnie was just on the show every week. I know when he is on, it’s gonna be an amazing show.

[@afawsta91]

Shoutout Welty. Larry June deserves credit. Scroll back, he’s had those Spiridons in rotation for a while now. I didn’t see much Salomon activity prior to his FSR appearance either. Good job Larry

[@kevincollins8620]

Just saw Larry in Orlando not long ago

[@armando1611]

That fsr episode among other things definitely snowballed into me getting a pair of xt 6 last year, still want an xt 4

[@theicemankk]

Always a “Treat” when Ronnie is on the show. Great episode.

[@ssbbrandon1654]

Next Kith Asics collab has to be Street Fighter. Maybe even X-Men vs Street Fighter

[@jessgranger4405]

This has now become my favorite episode! Arthur Kar, and this Ronnie episode, are the two best to me. I love this show, keep it up!

[@WrongWayJ]

I could listen to these guys talk shoes for days man, love it

[@aniketfrancis6770]

Always a treat to listen Ronnie talk on the show!!

[@Carlos-nx4gr]

Great episode! Ronnie as a guest for the 100th was awesome. Side note, I was just thinking about the Spiridons and how I'd like a release of some again. Great Sneakerhead minds think alike lol

[@metronome4152]

Congrats to Joe, Brendan, and Welty on the 100th!! Congrats to Ronnie and the Marcel x Asics x KITH collab.

[@notitleproductions]

The 🐐 plain and simple. Brilliant episode fellas, and congrats on all the success Ronnie, literally a hero of mine 🫡

[@Wubenji]

I don’t even watch any more of these KZbin sneak shows you guys hit different Iv been sneaker head since I was 8 yrs old pushing 40 and seeing you guys and the knowledge and the game y’all spit makes me think different hits different these other you tubers I’m sorry they’re dead I enjoy your guys content and been a fan for a long time keep going don’t ever stop and let’s make this JLP moment prime time let’s go love the grind ☝️

[@joelthomas4255]

Shout out these guys. Matt, dunne, JLP appreciate u guys making this. 100 eps!

[@DomPeezyTVZ]

When you doing things with a purpose and passion this is how it sounds, dope episode for the 100th vid! Complex Sneaker Show

[@Sneakahead555]

Kick game properrrrr ! Got straight into it ! I love it. Shout out to Ronnie man ! Gel Lyte III’s have always been one of my favorite ASICS. Proud owner of a few pairs. It’s always a great time just listening to Ronnie go into such detail Amazing episode guys !

[@amirimranz]

I can listen to Ronnie talks about the sneakers industry all day. He's a legend in the game

[@Luzuko_Tato]

Thought I knew much about sneakers. FSR, Sneaker Shopping, and the Complex Sneaker Show got me mad informed. Why less discussion on Converse Cons, and Vans Ultra/Vault? South Africa, with love.

[@cuso511]

Hands down best collab of the year. So happy I was able to snag a pair!

[@WingZero1]

The END x Adidas Colab is 🔥🔥🔥 Brendan, I coped the Off White pair, and I’m not even a Fan of Adidas Shoes, but had to show some love to Mr.Dunn

[@yokokurama2702]

Perfect timing for this episode, my kayano 14s just arrived. Got the cream/black color

[@FreeTheColonized]

I never thought this was a podcast really cause i have to see the visuals of them showing the shoe they’re talking about to get the most out of it

[@cmn225]

congrats on 100 episodes great guest

[@dgoody84]

Just copped every pair of x-men kith asics. Cant wait!

[@FyrFytr998]

I fully endorse Nike going to a preorder business model for premium sneakers. It ensures everyone getting what they want for retail. I have zero issue waiting a little longer to get them if it means avoiding reseller price gouging.

[@Ac-lv1ot]

No like nike. Great adididas.

[@Bigherc187]

This was a phenomenal episode!!!!

[@hiruys]

I’m very sad that I struck out on the KITH raffle but, I loved hearing Ronnie’s thought process behind the drop.

[@ThisxFate]

Resell prices have gotten close to retail! Can still possibly get what you want!

[@ryno3turn2]

The spiridon is in my top 5 of all time

[@dimerioustownsend2167]

S/O Larry June. Welty brought him up, now we gotta have him back on the show.

[@cmn225]

word...FSR guests need to be CSS guests too

[@wikedwun]

Thank U Ronnie for making collecting shoes fun again!

[@BryceKicks]

Congrats on 100 💫

[@frankchan5547]

Getting into the mind of the creator himself made this a memorable 100th ed of The Show

[@GoodfellaNell]

I've been collecting for years. I just reach in my closet and pull out some Nike sock darts and be on my way. I think the sock darts would go well with this new generation...the sock and sandals wave shows that. If they don't release it feels good rocking Nike sock darts and not too many people have them anymore.

[@kevincollins8620]

You aren't alone. I own a pair of blue and white sock darts. One of my favorite Nike sneakers next to the presto.

[@saltywaltPDX]

As a big fan of Kith I approve of this episode 🔥🙏🏼

[@benwhalley4861]

The stash spiridons are so underrated! Spiridon as a silhouette is also underrated!

[@marcogin]

I prob rewatched this episode 3x now. ❤

[@boptalks]

Great episode

[@Secretnamenojutsu]

Just ordered my Kith X-men Asics 🔥

[@bern717]

Legendary episode

[@joewimmer9005]

Great episode, congrats on a hundj of them. Ronnie is just great

[@shannongethers7514]

Watching this during release 🔥🔥🔥

[@willmaglisceau1275]

Ronnie with the entourage comic con call back, I’ve been wishing for a Kith x entourage collab forever😭

[@dagwoodchat6350]

I bought those Sakai×kawsxblazers and they are one of my favorite shoes now.

[@nigelbates5726]

Anyone know the shades Ronnie is wearing? Not that I'd be able to afford them but they're clean.

[@peterrossini6345]

yes been waiting for ronnie to cone on again

[@axelperez659]

Lit 🔥 100th episode

[@phatballs9834]

Great show this week

[@jleftyart5]

Another great episode with the perfect guest for it. Ronnie separates kith from all other brands in many of the things he says in the end and its definitely the truth. He understands just us … see what I did there at the end

[@rickeysantos]

About mesh runners- I felt like the 3M mesh stussy Spiridons were before it’s time. Everyone loved the sail color but personally thought the 3M mesh were the ones.

[@datharo5]

I think I've been in that trend with Brendan, I've been looking at Air Zoom Spiridon... I ended up getting a pair of Air Zoom Talaria. But I'm still looking for an OG colorway of Spiridon's

[@jaemccaskill1422]

I hit on em today and I’m not gonna trade just gonna be happy for whatever pair I get 🙌🏾

[@topnotch710]

I wanted the ALD preorder but there weren’t any sz14s😢

[@renatorodrigues5016]

Waiting for my pair to arrive Asics Kith x Marvel X-Men Gel

[@florianmiddelkamp414]

Anyone knows what sunglasses RF is wearing?

[@petecastillo8216]

I always have to adjust my volume when Brendan laughs

[@yannickcohall8757]

Can anyone identify the black sweater JLP is wearing in this episode? It is amazing.

[@fullcirclekicks]

I met Ronnie in Miami the day of his opening at the design district

[@gunniellottjr483]

Wish ATL was my go to when they were on Euclid Ave. Circa 05'06' and Walters downtown ATL

[@swappyist]

its a complex sneaker podcast for the old head like me who has watched all 100 episodes atleaset 2-3 times a week every week repeat :)

[@banicksy]

Did Ronnie just give himself an out?! Haha great episode but I’m gonna need that shoe dog talk episode soon guys

[@kevinchang5865]

Welty with the “Nothing in this life happens by coincidence.” God is good! 🙏🏽

[@omarmac1]

25:00 I love how different would be to say that about hand bags 💼 😂

[@BADMANJIG]

So curious to know how the resell market will work on these because to know what shoe you have you have to open the shoe. But at that point you are almost taking away the whole experience. This really does feel like a way to force the trading aspect which I really like because the real comic fans will actually go out to trade and get the pair they want.

[@tomhetrick8426]

I need that blush pair asap

[@PHOENIXXX_.]

Ronnie’s a true goat 🙏🏼

[@justinortiz8838]

13:28 Welty spitting facts here

[@Sircharlesnate111]

I just wanna know when collab sneaker will start coming in plus sizes 13+

[@Papertryl]

Dropping Jewels ❤

[@dcb326]

I need those GL3s Ronnie has on feet!

[@canberkdemirel]

love you guys

[@ThisxFate]

I really love this collaboration. I dont understand why there is so much blue on the magneto shoe. It looks more like mr. Sinister or nightcrawler. Id never look at that and think magneto

[@MetaMan09]

12:29 I’m getting that shoe 💯💯🔥🔥😤😤

[@zanemontego8090]

I swear I was wondering why he didn’t make a Magneto. Or a Nightcrawler.

[@luxurypipeline-tp9ht]

The undefeated Air Force 1’s were in the Foley Outlet in Alabama

[@jaemccaskill1422]

Spiridons are soooo good. Just grabbed the Parra pair. 🔥

[@kevincollins8620]

I love spiridons too. I own the black and gold colorway.

[@jaemccaskill1422]

@@kevincollins8620 those are 🔥

[@mindieta95]

Matt Welty knows his stuff

[@mr_sneaks1381]

man i got the regular GR kayano 14 cream colorway. so stocked on it and comfort is top notch. Ronnie always on the forefront.

[@richardsowards6020]

Love, love what Ronnie did with these and it would be amazing if brands did this with other collaborators who have multiple releases of the same silhouette

[@Resist_Oppression]

Some are okay, some are a miss. The Gambit is a miss. Would have been dope to see a Bobby Drake one.

[@bern717]

There’s something about Ronnie and Kith collabs that really stand out imo. Because I know if Adidas or Vans or another giant shoe company did this (and they have with DC characters, the Avengers, etc.),, it wouldn’t hit the same. They’d be sitting on shelves only to end up on clearance racks. Ronnie jus on another level with presentation, execution, and quality 💯

[@samleejessop]

@@Resist_Oppressionthis is one of the good things about it, the Gambits were actually one of my favourite pairs.

[@vincenttyler4667]

This man preaching 👏 facts. Wish I could tell him jordan 2's ultimate dad shoe.

[@Phamousillday]

3xs Returning Guest!! Ronnie Fieg!!!! LFG!!

[@BookerT69]

The blue jawns Welty got are the best ones

[@MegaMuff420]

This is gonna be one for the books

[@wolfdesk]

The Nike Air Famished would fit into the mesh runner trend I think.

[@inalaboyy]

ASICS quantum’s, Kayanos & Kinseis have always been a staple among sneaker heads in AUSTRALIA aswell as underground figures for years in the same way as Nike TNs

[@kevincollins8620]

I've been a fan of Kayanos for years now. My KZbin uploads don't lie.

[@captainobama1]

CONGRATS ON A HUNDRED.

[@sinethembagwebu1244]

I can safely say I’ve watched all 100 episodes

[@BigFootMty]

How many times are you gonna invite this guy over? Every time he’s got a collab?

[@jcory814]

Welty keeping the gates well guarded!!!

[@hulisespelayo8990]

Just a thought …. Why buy a retro on release day ? Especially if you know it’s going to be a brick , and it will be on sale in less the in a week. Example , the ore wood brown 3s that just came out. It’s been happening pretty much with every retro.

[@Dormonster]

Where apple pie shirt from?

[@shadetree10000]

Welty 991 🔥🏆💰