The man, the myth, the legend—Dr. D’Wayne Edwards—is back on Shoe-In to discuss his groundbreaking partnership with Target. As the designer of the affordable Unos by SZ shoe, Dr. Edwards highlights the shoe’s unique, patented Z-shaped outsole design, which provides adjustable sizing and enhanced comfort. A key advantage of this project is its business-driven design, which addresses inventory and space challenges for retailers while delivering a sustainable and cost-effective product. We also exp...
Dec 16, 2024•22 min•Ep. 455
This week Matt Priest welcomes Matt Thwaites, Vice President and General Manager of OrthoLite’s innovative subsidiary, Cirql™. The innovation company recently unveiled its latest foam innovation for footwear brands called Cirql Zero, which is an industrially compostable, biodegradable foam for midsoles. With a commitment to keeping shoes out of landfills, Cirql now offers footwear brands comprehensive solutions that address both the production and end-of-life phases of footwear materials, emphas...
Dec 09, 2024•16 min•Ep. 454
Listen in as Matt and Andy review the results of FDRA's 2024 Holiday Shoe Sales Forecast. An annual holiday tradition, FDRA carefully curated the current plans of America's shoe shoppers between now and Christmas Day. Access those plans and plenty of critical insights here . Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk
Dec 02, 2024•25 min•Ep. 453
In this episode of the world's greatest shoe business podcast, Matt Priest and Sandi Mines present the upcoming FFANY MARKET TREND WATCH with style influencers, Kendall Becker, a Fashion and Beauty Director, and Nikara Johns, senior editor at Footwear News who delve into the predicted trends for both women's and men's footwear for 2025. Topics include the resurgence of the loafer and Mary Janes, the evolving design of sneakers, the merging of sneakers and pumps, and the continued popularity of s...
Nov 25, 2024•23 min•Ep. 452
This week, Matt and Sandi welcome Jerry Breig, Chief Operating Officer of Mykos and LaMO Sheepskin, to Shoe-In. Jerry shares his incredible journey in the footwear industry, which began at a Southern California skate shop in the '90s, and eventually led to a 13-year career at LaMO Sheepskin. He also discusses the launch of Mykos, an exciting new brand focused on travel, adventure, and outfitting customers every step of the way. With special guest: Jerry Breig, Chief Operating Officer, Mykos and ...
Nov 18, 2024•21 min•Ep. 451
Shawn Osborne, President & CEO of the Two Ten Footwear Foundation, joins Matt for a conversation between friends about the legacy and impact of the 85 year old charitable foundation. Two Ten provides resources and support to those in need in the footwear industry. From hurricane relief to academic scholarships to support to those displaced, Two Ten is a unique and impactful organization serving shoe people in need. Throw in Two Ten's Women in Footwear Industry (WIFI) movement and their work ...
Nov 11, 2024•30 min•Ep. 450
Jason Robinson, CEO and founder of Evoco, and Liz Rogers, former VP of sustainable product at Nike, join us for a discussion on the transformation of the footwear industry as new innovative materials are finding their way into shoes. We cover the realities brands are facing with economic constraints on innovation, but the need to keep moving forward due to regulations. We also talk about sustainability strategy and consumer value as new bio-based materials are outperforming traditional materials...
Nov 04, 2024•32 min•Ep. 449
In this week's Shoe-In Show Matt Field, Co-Founder and President of MakerSights, stops by to discuss realtime trends in the running shoe space with Matt Priest. Did you know 20% of runners laced up for the first time to run in the last six months? Fresh off the press is a critical market report from MakerSights unpacking the mind of the runner. Tune in to hear Matt's insights and access the MakerSights reports via the links below: Links to Running Reports part 1-3 on MakerSights.com 1. Part 1: U...
Oct 28, 2024•33 min•Ep. 448
It's Shoes for a Cure Charity Shoe Sale week in New York and Sandi and Matt are here to give you all the details you need to make a difference. Our goal is to raise $1M for critical breast cancer research and we need your help to make that happen. Go to shoesforacure.org or join us for the sale at Chelsea Market! Details below: CHELSEA MARKET - 75 9TH AVENUE - NYC WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23 • 11 am – 6 pm THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24 • 11 am – 6 pm FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 • 11 am – 6 pm SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 • 11 ...
Oct 21, 2024•15 min•Ep. 447
Shikha Jain, Partner at Simon-Kucher, joins us to shed some light on footwear marketplace issues and consumer trends as we start to head into the holidays and 2025. She recently published a study showing shoe consumers have an increasing price sensitivity due to the current economic climate, leading to fewer and more budget-conscious purchases. We also discuss 2 other major trends that will impact brands in the coming months - making this a must listen episode! With special guest: Shikha Jain, P...
Oct 14, 2024•31 min•Ep. 446
We went back in our catalogue and found a gem featuring Jean-Luc Diard, founder of now mega-brand Hoka One One. Worth a listen again or for the first time - you'll learn a lot about innovation and hear the exclusive story behind how Hoka was created! With special guest: Jean-Luc Diard, Hoka/Deckers Brands Hosted by: Andy Polk and Matt Priest
Oct 07, 2024•33 min•Ep. 445
Matt and Andy welcome FDRA Chief Economist Gary Raines to Shoe-In to discuss the latest on the Shoeconomy. Gary breaks down the impact the Federal Reserve's recent rate cut will have on shoe companies and footwear consumers alike. With special guest: Gary Raines, Chief Economist, FDRA Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk
Sep 30, 2024•29 min•Ep. 444
In the latest episode of The Shoe-In Show, we explore the changing landscape of the Brazilian footwear industry. Our guests, Karin Becker and Christian Thomas from Pacto Calçadista in Brazil, share insights on how footwear trends are evolving. We discuss how Brazilian footwear companies are repositioning themselves, focusing on quality, innovative designs, and shorter lead times. This refreshing approach offers an alternative to Asian markets, presenting opportunities for American brands to co-d...
Sep 23, 2024•29 min•Ep. 443
Matt, Andy, and Thomas unpack key takeaways from last week's presidential debate, particularly as it relates to trade and tariff policies. Listen in to get exclusive political insights from your resident footwear industry experts on the current dynamics of the race and any impacts the debate may (or may not have) had on voters. With special guests: Matt Priest, President & CEO, FDRA, Andy Polk, Senior Vice President, FDRA, and Thomas Crockett, Vice President, Government Affairs, FDRA...
Sep 16, 2024•31 min•Ep. 442
This week on Shoe-In, Matt and Thomas welcome footwear industry innovator Elias Stahl, CEO and cofounder of Hilos. Exploring his unconventional entrance into the industry via software and supply chain management, Elias reveals his vision for delivering on-demand, zero-waste footwear that both mitigates industry waste and reconnects us to craft. You'll also hear a discussion on how advancements in 3D printing offer a new competitive edge in producing high-quality, performance-driven footwear. Las...
Sep 09, 2024•29 min•Ep. 441
On this special Labor Day edition of Shoe-In, JP Stevenson, Head of Market Development, EIQ at LRQA, joins Matt and Thomas to discuss all the latest trends around supply chain visibility and complying with emerging forced labor regulations. Listen in to discover insights from LRQA's comprehensive footwear factory audit data and steps global footwear brands are taking to ensure compliant supply chains and shoe factory operations. With special guest: JP Stevenson, Head of Market Development, EiQ, ...
Sep 02, 2024•32 min•Ep. 440
Straight from the Netherlands, Peter Erren joins us to share some of the challenges facing the EU marketplace today. We cover how brands and retailers are dealing with extending shipping timelines, and the mold issues it is causing, managing inventories and changing consumers. Peter shares some key insights on solutions provided by his company in mitigating quality issues and adapting to these changes. We also discuss new EU regulations which prohibit the destruction of unsold goods, urging comp...
Aug 26, 2024•30 min•Ep. 439
This week on Shoe-In Show listen in as Dr. Fernando Pena, an orthopedic surgeon and co-founder of Julieta Barcelona, offers his unique approach to designing shoes. Arising from Fernando's wife's struggle to find fashionable yet comfortable shoes, this emerging shoe brand was founded to provide a pain-free option for fashionable and professional women. With Fernando's medical background he has a distinct understanding of foot mechanics crucial in designing truly comfortable shoes. His mantra, eve...
Aug 19, 2024•18 min•Ep. 438
Footwear is a constant battle with consumer expectations around fit. Jones & Vining leaders join us to discuss the central role their company plays with both new and traditional footwear brands to perfect fit and comfort. They share how they are now leveraging consumer trends, and using new technology, to help brands at the start of the process and also in the factory. With special guests: Moon Tran, VN Country Manager, Jones & Vining and Tom Iredale, Sr. VP Sales & Marketing, Jones ...
Aug 12, 2024•27 min•Ep. 437
In this episode of the world's leading shoe industry podcast, Matt and Sandi welcome Jack Gindi, CEO of Ground Up International. Jack shares his journey from retail to the dress shirt industry, eventually entering footwear through a resort-focused line of flip-flop sandals. Discussing the opportunities and challenges he's faced, Jack emphasizes the importance of innovation, product exclusivity, and understanding consumers' needs as they partner with some of the biggest names in entertainment and...
Aug 05, 2024•23 min•Ep. 436
In this week's Shoe-In Show, you'll hear realtime analysis surrounding the historic nature of this year's presidential race and its impact on the footwear industry. Discussing the changing landscape of the presidential race, the impact on Congress, and what this means for the industry, our analysts Matt Priest, Andy Polk, and Thomas Crockett present a fresh perspective on the rapidly evolving political environment. Tune in to hear analysis you won't get anywhere else...we promise. With special g...
Jul 29, 2024•28 min•Ep. 435
What's influencing consumer behavior in the age of inflation? Matt and Sandi welcome economic thought leader Greg Petro to help unpack all the latest footwear consumer and costing trends. As CEO of First Insight, Greg provides analysis around shifts in consumer attitudes, the resilience of footwear companies responding to said attitudes, and his expectations for the economy heading into 2025. Access these valuable insights and more by listening to this timely episode of Shoe-In. With special gue...
Jul 22, 2024•27 min•Ep. 434
Katie O'Hara, Director of Account Management at Dynamic Foam, join us for this fun deep dive into sustainable materials and strategy. There are increasing regulations, but also new and large opportunities of integrating sustainable materials into footwear. The success lies in wise strategy! Join us as we have some laughs and deep dive into key topics impacting our industry. With special guest: Katie O'Hara, Director of Account Management, Dynamic Foam Hosted by: Andy Polk and Matt Priest...
Jul 15, 2024•30 min•Ep. 433
Leading sustainable material company Lenzing has been working for years to develop a new material for footwear. On this episode we take a look inside the new pioneering technique to make the material, its properties and how their collaboration with Recyc Leather and GANNI is a blueprint for how our industry can make more sustainable materials come to life. With special guest: Nicole Schram, Global Business Development Manager, Lenzing Hosted by: Andy Polk and Matt Priest...
Jul 08, 2024•20 min•Ep. 432
It's summertime and what better way to celebrate than to listen to Matt and Sandi explore the Southern California footwear scene with John Dickinson, CEO of SeaJack. We explore John's personal history in the footwear industry, learning how his experiences in action sports and Southern California culture shaped his passion for shoes. With so many great brands including Flojos, Sbicca, Volatile, Very Volatile and Kengos in the SeaJack family, John is well positioned to understand consumer shifts a...
Jul 01, 2024•27 min•Ep. 431
In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt and Thomas delve into mitigating duties and cutting costs with Nicole from KMPG. Learn about the increasing interest in and importance of 'first sale', a strategy for reducing import costs, especially amid an environment of additional tariffs. Listen in to get insights about e-commerce strategies, the role of U.S. Customs in enforcement, and the ripple effect of legislative moves in Congress from a footwear industry perspective. With special guest: Nicole Po...
Jun 24, 2024•19 min•Ep. 430
Matt and Andy welcome Mike Piza, Senior VP at Apex Logistics International, to discuss skyrocketing shipping rates and unexpected tariffs impacting the availability of capacity for footwear companies. If you're in the business of shipping shoes, you don't want to miss this timely conversation. Mike has all the latest info impacting the movement of shoes worldwide. With special guest: Mike Piza, Senior Vice President, Apex Logistics International Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk...
Jun 17, 2024•26 min•Ep. 429
This week, Matt and Sandi are joined by Rebecca Gradler, the founder of the emerging Greek-rooted shoe brand, Kehloni. She shares her childhood experiences in Greece, the inspiration behind Kehloni, and how she leverages her fresh perspective in a millennia-old industry. Rebecca also discusses the challenges of starting a brand in the midst of a global pandemic and showcases the beauty of her handcrafted, unique, and timeless shoe line. The podcast explores her shift from direct-to-consumer sale...
Jun 10, 2024•19 min•Ep. 428
In this edition of Shoe-In Show, Matt sits down with Mark Coffield, Country Manager for OrthoLite Vietnam, as they explore his multi-decade journey through the shoe industry. Mark reflects on his experiences in footwear and the innovative work taking place at OrthoLite's state-of-the-art facility in Vietnam. Matt and Mark also discuss the importance of innovation, customer service, and quality in service to OrthoLite's many iconic customers. With special guest: Mark Coffield, Country Manager, Or...
Jun 03, 2024•33 min•Ep. 427
Sandi and Matt welcome expert kids' shoe industry leader Maureen Duffy-Tan, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at BBC. Maureen shares her journey through the footwear industry and the valuable lessons she learned from her mentor, Bob Campbell. She also taps into recent kids' shoe trends and the unique aspects and challenges of the kids' shoe business. This includes massive size ranges and the changing needs for our industry's littlest customers. You don't want to miss this episode head...
May 27, 2024•23 min•Ep. 426
