What does it really take to bring American-made footwear back to life? On this episode of the Shoe-In Show, we’re joined by Alan Guyan, Founder and CEO of Made Plus and former innovation leader at Under Armour, who’s turning heads across the industry. From 3D printing to sustainability to powerful storytelling, Alan breaks down the tools and tactics he's using to transform domestic manufacturing. Discover why global brands are lining up to work with him and what the future of U.S. footwear produ...
Jul 07, 2025•32 min•Ep. 485
What does it take to lead a global brand through rapid change and rising expectations? In this episode of the Footwear Leadership Series powered by OrthoLite, Tara McRae, President and Managing Director of Puma North America, shares how mentorship, networking, and a player-coach leadership style have shaped her path and her approach to building resilient, innovative teams. From navigating uncertain markets to fostering future talent, Tara’s insights are a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership...
Jun 30, 2025•24 min•Ep. 484
What if a simple in-store service could protect shoes, promote sustainability, and keep customers coming back? In this episode of the Shoe-In Show, Oliver Hede, Vice President of Sales at Imbox, reveals how their eco-friendly shoe protection technology is revolutionizing the retail experience. From boosting customer loyalty to empowering store associates, this in-store innovation is creating real value for brands and consumers alike. Tune in as we unpack how Imbox is extending product life, driv...
Jun 23, 2025•25 min•Ep. 483
How does a former heavy metal guitarist end up leading a 175-year-old heritage footwear brand? In this episode of the Shoe-In Show’s Leadership Series powered by OrthoLite, Danny Ewoldsen, President of Johnston & Murphy, shares his unexpected path to the C-suite and how creativity, curiosity, and customer obsession guide his leadership style. Danny opens up about blending tradition with innovation, cultivating a culture of authenticity, and what it really takes to keep a legacy brand relevan...
Jun 16, 2025•30 min•Ep. 482
How are premium consumers shopping—and what’s driving their decisions? In this episode, Mike Keisman, Head of Research and Innovation, MakerSights, dives into the evolving mindset of premium footwear buyers. From intentional purchasing and brand trust to the impact of digital discovery and in-store experience, Mike unpacks the key forces shaping the premium market today. Whether you're a brand strategist, product leader, or retail pro, don’t miss this data-backed discussion on what’s next in con...
Jun 09, 2025•20 min•Ep. 481
How does a mailroom job lead to the CEO suite at one of the most iconic athletic brands in the world? In this episode of the Footwear Leadership Series powered by OrthoLite, Todd Krinsky, President and CEO, Reebok, shares his incredible 33-year journey through the ranks. He opens up about bold career moves, game-changing product innovation, and the leadership philosophies that fuel Reebok’s revival in sport and culture. Tune in to get inspired by the grit, passion, and risk-taking that shaped To...
Jun 02, 2025•33 min•Ep. 480
In this episode of FFANY Trend Watch, host Sandi Mines is joined by Nikara Johns of Footwear News and Kendall Becker of Trendalytics to explore Spring 2026 footwear and fashion trends. From thong sandals and sneakerinas to moto boots and platform sneakers, they break down what’s hot—from Coachella to Copenhagen. The conversation covers key style shifts like personalized sneakers, ballet flats, golfcore, bold color combos, and evolving silhouettes, all influenced by street style, data, and global...
May 26, 2025•23 min•Ep. 479
What drives successful footwear leadership in today's ever-evolving industry? In the debut episode of the Footwear Leadership Series, Wolverine Worldwide's President, Active Brands Group, Susie Kuhn shares global career insights, innovative growth strategies, and her people-first leadership style. Hear how she harnesses trends, AI, and culture to elevate brands like Saucony and Merrell. Powered by OrthoLite—tune in now! With special guest: Susie Kuhn, President, Active Brands Group, Wolverine Wo...
May 19, 2025•26 min•Ep. 478
How are global trade wars reshaping footwear sourcing? In this urgent episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett speak with Steve Reynolds, CEO, Jade Footwear, on navigating shifting tariffs, shipping delays, and factory diversification across Asia. Get insider insight into the real-time chaos impacting 85M pairs yearly. Don’t miss this eye-opening deep dive into the industry’s changing landscape! With special guest: Steve Reynolds, CEO, Jade Footwear Hosted by: Matt Priest and Tho...
May 14, 2025•26 min•Ep. 477
How did Crocs evolve from a simple foam clog to a global footwear icon? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Anne Mehlman, Executive Vice President and Brand President, Crocs, shares her journey from CFO to brand leader and reveals the secrets behind the brand’s unstoppable growth. From bold collaborations and social media buzz to the power of customer feedback, discover how Crocs continues to redefine casual comfort and culture. Tune in for exclusive insights, innovative strategies, and the story b...
May 12, 2025•28 min•Ep. 476
Struggling with rising footwear costs and supply chain chaos? This episode dives into how optimizing packaging can boost efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance transparency. Guest Justin Jaeger, Sales and Marketing Specialist, Trillora Packaging Solutions shares insights on cutting hidden costs, Tetris-style box design, and tackling sustainability regulations. Don’t let packaging be an afterthought—tune in to transform your supply chain game! With special guest: Justin Jaeger, Sales and Marketing...
May 05, 2025•23 min•Ep. 475
How can footwear brands turn supply chain traceability into a competitive advantage? This week on Shoe-In Show, we sit down with Shameek Ghosh, CEO and Co-Founder of TrusTrace, to explore how traceability platforms are transforming how companies manage risk, ensure compliance, and drive product value. From mapping deep-tier suppliers to meeting global sustainability regulations, Shameek breaks down how the right tools—and the right leadership—can turn complexity into clarity. With special guest:...
Apr 28, 2025•26 min•Ep. 474
How can footwear brands better collaborate with startups to spark real innovation? In this episode, Alan Lugo, Founder, alanandres LLC, and Stephanie Downs, CEO, Uncaged Innovations dive into the disconnect between emerging material innovators and established brands. From navigating R&D hurdles to reshaping risk mindsets, they offer practical strategies for building stronger, more sustainable partnerships that drive the future of footwear. With special guests: Alan Lugo, Founder, alanandres ...
Apr 21, 2025•34 min•Ep. 473
This week on Shoe-In Show, Marina Levine, CEO of Highline United, takes us on her journey from crafting handmade shoes in a crooked East Village apartment to leading trend-forward brands on the global stage. Originally from Russia, Marina shares how her unconventional path into the footwear world shaped her leadership style and business perspective. Tune in as she opens up about launching her own brand, weathering the 2008 recession, and now steering Highline United through today's fast-moving i...
Apr 14, 2025•25 min•Ep. 472
Is AI the future of retail? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest and Andy Polk explore cutting-edge retail tech with Shalom Moskowitz and Inbar Mor of ShopX. Discover how AI, automation, and immersive experiences are reshaping the in-store shopping journey—boosting profits and revolutionizing customer engagement. From liquor to footwear, the future is here. ShopX Walkthrough Video With special guests: Shalom Moskowitz, Founder & CEO, Invendiv and Inbar Mor, VP Sales & Business De...
Apr 07, 2025•35 min•Ep. 471
What makes Oofos footwear so uniquely comfortable and recovery-focused? In this episode, Matt Priest and Sandi Mines chat with Chris Peckham, Head of Global Operations at Oofos, to dive into the technology behind their proprietary foam and the brand’s rapid growth. Hear how Oofos is shaking up the recovery footwear market, expanding into new retail channels, and navigating industry challenges—all while delivering game-changing comfort. Tune in for insights, innovation, and a little baseball nost...
Mar 31, 2025•23 min•Ep. 470
What makes a 133-year-old American shoe company thrive today? In this episode, Jeff Burns, President of Weinbrenner Shoe Company also known as Thorogood, shares the brand's rich history, commitment to American-made quality, and innovations in work footwear. Discover how Thorogood balances tradition with cutting-edge production, why they support retail partnerships over direct-to-consumer, and what’s fueling their impressive growth. Plus, hear about their bold investment in U.S. manufacturing! Wi...
Mar 24, 2025•27 min•Ep. 469
What happens when football fandom meets footwear insight? Join host Matt Priest, co-host Thomas Crockett, and special guest Christie Horan as they dive into Christie's journey from FDRA to commanding the sidelines as the Washington Commanders’ dance coach. They discuss game-day energy, sneaker choices for the team's dancers, and the unforgettable moments of an epic season. Get an exclusive peek behind the curtain of sports, style, and motivation! With special guest: Christie Horan, Head Dance Co...
Mar 17, 2025•29 min•Ep. 468
This episode of Shoe-In Show features a discussion with Ryan Hunt, Co-Founder of Shloop, The Shoe Loop, a footwear factory in Meridian, Mississippi. Andy and Thomas talk with Ryan about 3DTI—an innovative process that leverages food packaging techniques to create plant-based shoe components. Discover how thermoforming and industrial baking racks produce low-cost, high-performance soles that rival traditional materials. Don’t miss this blend of science, sustainability, and style! With special gue...
Mar 10, 2025•36 min•Ep. 467
In this episode we chat with Gautham Rao, the Vice President and General Manager of Americas for Timberland. Gautham shares his personal journey into the footwear world, starting with his childhood in Dubai and his early Timberland fandom as a college student in Wisconsin. Gautham discusses his personal views on Timberland's cultural significance, its relationship with other brands, and recent collaborations. Gautham also emphasizes Timberland's commitment to social responsibility and its authen...
Mar 03, 2025•24 min•Ep. 466
Is India the next big footwear sourcing hub? In this episode, Matt and Andy talk with industry veteran Neeraj Narayan who leads SIV Impact and Synergy India Ventures. Neeraj discusses India's growing importance as a sourcing destination due to its talent, infrastructure, and trade agreements. Neeraj shares insights from his journey with Nike and beyond, tackling sourcing complexities, material innovations, and regulatory trends shaping the future. Don’t miss this deep dive into what’s next for t...
Feb 24, 2025•31 min•Ep. 465
In this rebroadcast of *OSD Obsessive Sneaker Disorder*, hosts Dee Wells and Sean “Paperchaser” Williams continue their conversation with FDRA CEO Matt Priest. They explore how supply chains, sustainability, and Gen Z are reshaping the sneaker industry, along with the lasting impacts of COVID-era inventory challenges and shifting global manufacturing trends. Plus, Matt shares his all-time favorite sneakers! With special guests: Dee Wells and Sean Williams, Obsessive Sneaker Disorder (OSD) Hosted...
Feb 17, 2025•37 min•Ep. 464
On this rebroadcast of an episode of *OSD Obsessive Sneaker Disorder*, hosts Dee Wells and Sean “Paperchaser” Williams dive into the intersection of sneaker culture, tariffs, and retail with Matt Priest, CEO of the FDRA. From childhood memories of swapping iconic Jordans for Converse Weapons to today’s battles against tariffs driving up sneaker prices, this conversation weaves nostalgic storytelling with urgent retail realities. Learn how global trade policies impact your favorite sneakers and w...
Feb 10, 2025•32 min•Ep. 463
In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Marshall, Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Social Impact at PUMA, to explore her dynamic career journey. Michelle shares her experiences and offers valuable insights into creating environments where everyone feels empowered and valued, highlighting why staying committed to fostering belonging is essential for brands. With special guest: Michelle Marshall, Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Impact, PUMA Hosted by: Matt Priest an...
Feb 03, 2025•21 min•Ep. 462
Matt, Andy, and Thomas unpack the opening trade actions by President Trump and his team at the start of his second administration. In this episode, the guys dive into the flurry of executive orders, tariff announcements, and the administration's calculated moves on trade, energy, and immigration. This episode will help you stay informed, engaged, and ready for what’s ahead in U.S. trade strategy. Access President Trump's executive order on trade here. Please note that this episode was taped befo...
Jan 27, 2025•32 min•Ep. 461
This week on Shoe-In, Bernice VanBuhler, head of the Chicago Shoe Market, joins Matt and Sandi to share the latest updates and highlights about this prominent regional shoe show based in the Windy City. The trio delves into the importance of regional trade shows, the triumphs and challenges faced by the industry during the COVID era, and emerging trends for 2025. Tune in to hear Bernice’s unique journey in footwear, her insights into running a successful trade show, and her passionate dedication...
Jan 20, 2025•17 min•Ep. 460
This episode looks at footwear inventory levels and discusses the various issues of footwear inventory management from supply chain disruptions to possible tariffs. An important discussion on how our industry must balance supply, demand and innovation! With special guest: Gary Raines, Economist, FDRA Hosted by: Andy Polk and Matt Priest
Jan 13, 2025•20 min•Ep. 459
The entire FDRA Team is back to share their 2025 predictions, resolutions, and thoughts on the upcoming New Year. Listen in as Matt, Andy, Thomas, Sandi, Sabria, Jolie, Gary, and Ashley all join in on the fun of predicting what will definitely be an exciting and impactful year. With special guests: Team FDRA
Jan 06, 2025•21 min•Ep. 458
Checking In With Footwear Product Pro JP Trudeau With Wolverine Worldwide!!! In the most downloaded episode of Shoe-In in 2024, Matt and Andy welcome Jon Paul Trudeau, the Vice President of Product Operations at Wolverine Worldwide. Checking in from Hong Kong, JP discusses his journey from rock star drummer to footwear design and development pro, and the importance of focusing on product and innovation. The guys also dive into topics such as the future of sourcing in Asia, the shift away from Ch...
Dec 30, 2024•25 min•Ep. 457
Fresh off the heels of Team FDRA’s year-end meetings, listen in as all eight team members gather to review the highs and lows of the organization’s 81st year. For the first time in the nine-year history of the Shoe-In Show, the entire team joins together to unpack the many wins and few losses in what has been FDRA’s most relevant and impactful year yet. With special guests: Team FDRA
Dec 23, 2024•23 min•Ep. 456
