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 shearling and Chelsea boots. Learn about these interesting shifts in footwear as you gear up for FFANY Market Week in New York City. With special guests: Kendall Becker, Fashion and Beauty Director and Nikara Johns, Senior Editor, Footwear News Hosted by: Sandi Mines and Matt Priest

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 LaMO Sheepskin Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

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 in HR management, and you have a mission critical footwear industry organization. If you're in need of help or want to give to those in need, visit Two Ten. With special guest: Shawn Osborne, President & CEO, Two Ten Footwear Foundation Hosted by: Matt Priest

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. With special guests: Jason Robinson, CEO and founder of Evoco and Liz Rogers, former VP of sustainable product at Nike Hosted by: Andy Polk

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: Understanding Runners 2. Part 2: Running Retail Behavior 3. Part 3: Running Sneaker Preferences Matt's info: • Email: [email protected] • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fieldmatthew/ With special guest: Matt Field, Co-Founder and President, MakerSights Hosted by: Matt Priest

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 am – 6 pm SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 • 11 am – 5 pm With special guest: Sandi Mines, Vice President, Corporate Engagement, FDRA Hosted by: Matt Priest

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, Partner, Simon-Kucher Hosted by: Andy Polk

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

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

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-develop with Brazilian companies. Tune in to learn about the untapped potential and advantages of sourcing from Brazil. With special guests: Karin Becker, Commercial Manager, Pacto Calçadista and Christian Thomas, CEO, Green Age ACT Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

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

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. Lastly, learn more about the amazing Made in Old Town initiative rising up in Portland as we speak. With special guest: Elias Stahl, CEO & Co-Founder, Hilos Hosted by: Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett

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, LRQA Hosted by: Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett

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 companies to proactively adjust to these changes. With special guest: Peter Erren, Owner & Chief Product Saver, Erren Recondition Hosted by: Andy Polk and Matt Priest

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, everyone deserves to walk pain-free, drives the brand's mission. With special guest: Dr. Fernando Pena, Co-Founder, Julieta Barcelona Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

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 & Vining Hosted by: Andy Polk and Matt Priest

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 pop culture. Tune in to learn more about Jack's unique business model and how they are reshaping the footwear industry one pair at a time. And make sure you hit up Ground Up by visiting groundupshop.com. With special guest: Jack Gindi, CEO, Ground Up International Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

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 guests: Matt Priest, President & CEO, FDRA and Thomas Crockett, Vice President, FDRA Hosted by: Andy Polk, Senior Vice President, FDRA

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 guest: Greg Petro, CEO, First Insight, Inc Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

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

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

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 and behaviors across the country. Hear how SeaJack grew amidst the pandemic, and their exciting dedication to sustainability with their latest brand, Kengos. Will the path of SeaJack redefine the footwear industry's future? Tune in to find out. With special guest: John Dickinson, CEO at SeaJack LLC Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

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 Porpiglia, Senior Manager Trade & Customs, KPMG  Hosted by: Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett

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

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 sales to a wholesale approach, her entrance into high-end resort shops and boutiques, and the importance of maintaining a connection with the Greek family-run businesses that manufacture her shoes. The episode highlights the challenges, successes, and lessons learned in establishing a new brand in a vast market. With special guest: Rebecca Gradler, Founder, Kheloni Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

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, OrthoLite Vietnam  Hosted by: Matt Priest

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 heading into June FFANY Market Week. With special guest: Maureen Duffy-Tan, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, BBC International  Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

Join us as fellow N.C. State Wolfpackers Matt Priest and Gary Raines unpack the latest shoe pricing data and current footwear costing trends. Together, they dissect recent CPI numbers and margin expectations for men's, women's, and children's footwear. There's more to these numbers than meets the eye! With special guest: Gary Raines, Chief Economist, FDRA Hosted by: Matt Priest

Scott Willman, the founder, CEO, and creative director of Freshy, stopped by Shoe-In this week to bring his creativity and California vibes to Matt and Sandi. With a background in architecture and design, Scott is creating a unique, vibrant, and positive shoe brand for the masses. If you want to learn more about what makes Freshy so unique, and shall we say, fresh, make sure you take a listen. With special guest: Scott Willman, Founder, CEO, and Creative Director, Freshy Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

Want to know how to thrive in the 'Artificial Age'? In this episode of Shoe-In, co-hosts reflect on the highlights from the 2024 Shoe Executive Summit, from key takeaways to what we heard from the more than 100 CEOs and Presidents in the room. Hosted by: Team FDRA

In this dynamic episode of Shoe-In, 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 China, the need for automation in new factories, and the exciting innovations driving material technology. With several decades of shoe experience in Asia, JP brings the knowledge without the noise. With special guest: Jon Paul Trudeau, Vice President of Product Operations, Wolverine Worldwide Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

This is a fun episode featuring Matt Nakari, Sales Director at Centric Software, a shoe dog helping companies better manage their data to help them improve operations and decisions. Matt shares how the company is making data collection easy while focusing on sustainability and speed in the footwear industry. We discuss the importance of breaking down departmental silos, the potential of AI in footwear, and the universal challenges faced across different industries while developing a product. Tune into this episode packed with informed perspectives and engaging discussions. With special guest: Matt Nakari, Sales Director at Centric Software Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

In this episode of Shoe-In, Matt shares fresh insights from his recent visit to Vietnam, discussing the changing manufacturing and business landscape. Hear about his experiences at Wolverine Worldwide's Supplier Summit, and uncover insights from his visit to innovative supplier, Ortholite. Discover the rising concerns of factories amidst shifting American consumer behaviors and explore the future of innovative and sustainable operations in the industry. This episode is a goldmine for anyone keen on understanding global sourcing dynamics. Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

Industry vet, Chris Hillyer joins the show to discuss the current state of footwear innovation, sharing insights into what's really moving the dial for brands. We cover innovative approaches to challenges, the future of footwear manufacturing, the dynamics of market changes, and new tools being used to transform brands. We also touch on AI's actually uses for footwear. A show not to be missed! With special guest: Chris Hillyer, Footwear Innovation Consultant Hosted by: Andy Polk

Michael McCauley, owner and operator at Fleet Feet, joins to share key insights into his running shoe store in Augusta, Georgia. We chat about the running brands best connecting consumers, the changing operations of their retail store, which includes extensive training for new employees, and lengthy customer service processes to find the perfect footwear and build a consumer profile. McCauley also shared insights on running retails evolution, noting how their customer base has shifted from 80% runners to 80% comfort and medical referrals. With special guest: Mike McCauley, Owner, Fleet Feet Augusta Hosted by: Andy Polk

Discover how the shoe industry is shifting and adapting in the light of changing economic trends and consumer behaviors in this episode. Special guest John Heron, President of the Born Brands Group at Berkshire Hathaway, shares his journey across the footwear sector, including his time at FFANY and Designer Brands. Gain unique insights into the significance of FFANY's New York market week, the shift towards women-led companies, and the evolution of consumers' tastes and preferences. With special guest: John Heron, President, Born Brands Group Hosted by: Andy Polk

Jon Weber and Laura Brookhiser, from L.E.K. Consulting, join the show to share insights from their 2024 'Heat Index' report. The report explores what brands consumers desire the most by category and why. We discuss not only who's hot but why, and how companies can take key learnings from this report to build stronger brand loyalty. With special guests: Jon Weber, Managing Director at L.E.K. Consulting and Laura Brookhiser, Managing Director at L.E.K. Consulting Hosted by: Andy Polk

In this episode of Shoe-In, Matt and Andy welcome Karl Moehring, CEO of Washington Shoe Company to discuss his journey to footwear having been raised in a shoe family. He also touches on current footwear industry trends, the resilience of consumers in 2024, and fostering a dynamic workplace culture in the hybrid era. With special guest: Karl Moehring, CEO, Washington Shoe Company  Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

Jung Yoon, Senior VP of Production and Sourcing for Accessories and Footwear at the iconic fashion brand Michael Kors, stopped by Shoe-In to discuss her fascinating career journey. From high-tech to apparel to footwear, Jung explores the complexities of shoe manufacturing, highlighting its multifaceted requirements involving comfort, engineering, technology, architecture, quality assurance, and fashion. Ultimately, Jung advocates for a broader understanding and appreciation of these complexities within the industry. With special guest: Jung Yoon, Senior VP of Production and Sourcing for Accessories and Footwear, Michael Kors Hosted by: Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett

On this week's Shoe-In, Caleres' Chief Sourcing Officer, Dan Friedman, stops by to explore the modern complexities of the footwear supply chain and the ways he's guiding Caleres through such an interesting sourcing landscape. Listen in to hear Dan's amazing shoe industry journey and his philosophy on company culture, the importance of agility, and his unique approach to decision-making, rooted in active listening and continuous learning. With special guest: Dan Friedman, Chief Sourcing Officer, Caleres Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

Supply chain expert extraordinaire Pete Mento stops by Shoe-In to discuss the latest developments in the Red Sea crisis and how the crisis is impacting the footwear supply chain. As a former Merchant Marine Officer himself, Pete holds no punches as he explains his expectations for the continuing crisis and what's in store for container pricing in the coming year. If you ship shoes anywhere in the world, you don't want to miss this conversation. With special guest: Pete Mento, Commercial Director, DSV Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

In the latest episode of Shoe-In, Matt and Sandi welcome the return of Sam Poser, an equity analyst with Williams Trading. Holding no punches, Sam discusses the continued dominance of comfort in design and delves into the importance of customer knowledge and proper product distribution in retail. Advocating for a 'less is more' approach, Sam offers insights into successful footwear brands, attributing their achievements to a combination of relevant, consistently refreshed products, and a profound understanding of their customer base. With special guest: Sam Poser, Equity Analyst, Williams Trading Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

Industry icon Susan Itzkowitz, president of Marc Fisher Footwear, stopped by Shoe-In to discuss her collaborative approach to leadership and the importance of empowering your team as a leader and mentor in our industry. Susan also explores her forecast for 2024 and the importance of building a culture that is collaborative, creative, and handles challenges head-on. Make sure you listen to this episode. You won't be disappointed! With special guest: Susan Itzkowitz, Marc Fisher Footwear Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

This week we are joined by Kizik CEO Monte Deere as he discusses the brand's atmospheric rise over the past few years. Monte also shares his journey into the footwear industry and explains how Kizik's revolutionary hands-free shoes are changing the way we think about fit and function. Tune in to hear Monte's key insights and big plans for his rapidly growing shoe brand. With special guest: Monte Deere, CEO, Kizik Hosted by: Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett

On this episode of Shoe-In Show podcast, presented by FDRA, Matt and Thomas head to Capitol Hill to check-in with Congressman Jared Moskowitz of Florida's 23rd Congressional District. As the founder of the Congressional Sneaker Caucus, Congressman Moskowitz shares why he loves sneakers so much and the importance they play in American society and culture. He also explains how the focus of the Congressional Sneaker Caucus is to bring together different people from various backgrounds and generations, promote bipartisanship, and relate to the younger generations. This is an episode you don't want to miss! With special guest: Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) Hosted by: Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett

Join us as we chat with Billy Price, cofounder of BILLY Footwear. Billy shares one of our most inspiring "shoe stories" of all time as he overcame a terrible accident to create an innovative shoe company focused on functional need and stylish designs. Consumers and retailers have responded in a powerful way to the amazing offerings BILLY Footwear provides. Something tells us they're just getting started. With special guest: Billy Price, Co-Founder, BILLY Footwear Hosted by: Andy Polk and Matt Priest

In this great episode Glenn Barrett, founder and CEO of OrthoLite, shares his unique view on current and coming trends, and how brands can navigate continued change. We discuss how transparency, innovation, compliance and supply chain agility are all going to be major factors in 2024. With special guest: Glenn Barrett, Founder and CEO, OrthoLite Hosted by: Andy Polk and Matt Priest

Happy New Year from your friends at Shoe-In! This week we check in with our own Sandi Mines and Shannon Adducci of Footwear News to hear the hottest shoe trends for 2024. From the comfy footbed sandal to the pointed stiletto to Mary Janes and sneakers, we've got you covered on this week's episode. Watch the amazing interview here. With special guest: Shannon Adducci, Style Director, Footwear News Hosted by: Sandi Mines