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Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA)
Covering the ins and outs of all things footwear, from sneakers to heels, loafers to slippers and every type of shoe in between. Brought to you by the FDRA and FFANY, the footwear industry’s associations focused on retail, trade, politics and fashion…helping create and enhance conversations on all things footwear.
#58 Overcoming Your Footwear Trade 'Trumpression'
Using Matt's speech at the 2017 FN CEO Summit as a backdrop, the boys discuss the importance of collective industry engagement in the age of Trump and how to get over one's "Trumpression" when it comes to the Administration's trade policy. Jasmine lightens the mood with some summer celebrity sneaker collaboration suggestions from both Ellen DeGeneres and Kanye West.
27:4203/07/2017
#57 Footwear Customs Updates You Need Now!
The esteemed John Pellegrini, FDRA's customs attorney, drops by to ensure Matt, Andy, Thomas, and Jasmine are up-to-date on all things footwear customs classification. Did you know there are 436 ways to classify shoes when you import them into the US? If not, this episode will educate you! The Shoe-In Crew launches a new segment - "Whatcha Got?! Whatcha Gettin'?!" - as they explore the shoes they are currently wearing and what they plan to buy in the near future.
25:4626/06/2017
#56 Exploring Summer 2017 Footwear Biznaz Trends
As Summer 2017 sets in, the Shoe-In crew downloads and analyzes current footwear business trends in retail sales and pricing, employment levels, and commodity trends. You will know the footwear biznaz better than ever after listening to this episode. Jasmine unveils the most recent footwear retro releases dropping on global footwear consumers including Bella Hadid celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Nike Cortez, the Nike Air Max 97, and the Adidas Iniki Runner.
27:5419/06/2017
#55 Rethinking Footwear Innovation with the SLEM Institute
Matt and Andy welcome Nicoline van Enter and Yassine Salihine from the SLEM Institute as they discuss the latest innovations disrupting traditional footwear design, development, and manufacturing. Nico and Yassine provide a full recap of their most recent SLEMinar with highlights from The NPD Group's Matt Powell, Terna Jibo from Portland Design, Christian Decker from Desma Footwear Automation, and more! Jasmine throws out the reemergence of slides for the summer in her Fashion Footwear in Focus segment.
47:4812/06/2017
#54 Footwear Download with Mike Sorabella, CEO of the New & Improved Shoes.com
Shoes.com CEO Mike Sorabella drops by to update the boys on all the changes taking place in the footwear retail online marketplace. Mike also downloads on all the changes taking place at Shoes.com, from its name change (formerly shoebuy.com) to coming under the ownership of Jet.com and Walmart. This interview is not to be missed! Jasmine comes online during her Fashion Footwear in Focus segment to introduce the new footwear customization floor in Le Bon Marché in Paris known as L’Atelier du Soulier - where female shoe shoppers can personalize their shoes on the spot.
32:0305/06/2017
#53 Footwear Consumer Sentiment in Real Time with the NPD Group
Esteemed footwear consumer expert Lori Monaco drops in to Shoe-In to discuss current American footwear consumer sentiments and the shifts impacting retail. Matt and Andy also explore with Lori the impact politics play on consumers and if footwear buyers really care about "Made in America". In her Fashion Footwear in Focus segment, Jasmine drops her spring shoe picks for women with denim, satin, embroidered sneakers, mules, and lace-up heels all in the mix.
33:5529/05/2017
#52 Beyond Hashtags - How Social Media Influencers Can Boost Your Brand
Socialfly Co-Founder and Co-CEO Courtney Spritzer educates Matt, Andy, and FFANY's Ron Fromm on the strategic use of influencers, bloggers, and social media to boost brand awareness in the online age. Jasmine drops her Fashion Footwear in Focus knowledge as she unveils GQ's Best Sneakers for Summer 2017 list.
29:4122/05/2017
#51 Getting to Know the Next Great Footwear Designer
Joining Matt, Andy, and FFANY's Ron Fromm on Shoe-In this week is Den Ly, winner of The Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY) & ARSUTORIA School 2017Joseph C. Moore Footwear Scholarship. Den Ly takes the Shoe-In team on a journey to Cambodia and back as he discusses his passion for shoe design and the inspirations driving his creativity. Oh, and there's a monkey named Gizmo involved...just sayin'. Jasmine leaves her fashion comfort zone as she explores the emerging trend of wearing socks with heels in her Fashion Footwear in Focus Segment.
29:2615/05/2017
#50 What Makes Keen Footwear So UNEEK?
Andy and Matt are joined by Rory Fuerst, Jr., lead KEEN Designer and Director of Innovation at Fuerst Innovation Labs, as he explores the vision behind UNEEK, from design and prototyping to full commercialization. This cutting-edge shoe has changed the way our industry thinks about footwear construction, production, and fit. Jasmine stops by to explore the return of the use of velcro in all types of shoes in her Fashion Footwear in Focus segment.
29:3208/05/2017
#49 Footwear Factory Compliance in Developing Countries: What You Should Know
Elevate's Ian Spaulding is back to discuss footwear factory compliance trends in emerging markets around the world. Armed with exhaustive internal Elevate data, Ian educates the boys on footwear production market intel in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Bangladesh. Jasmine joins in on the fun as she highlights the need for good "statement" shoes through the recent launch of Katy Perry's line of footwear with the Global Brands Group and Lamborghini Shoes for men.
30:1701/05/2017
#48 Wearing Out Poverty with Buddy Teaster & Soles4Souls
Matt and Andy are joined by Buddy Teaster, President and CEO of Soles4Souls, as they explore the critical mission of distributing shoes worldwide to those in need. After 10 years and 30 million pairs of shoes distributed, Soles4Souls is just getting started. Jasmine rocks the Shoe-In Show world as she unveils the Pizza Hut Pie Tops and the Rihanna Puma Satin Shoe.
36:2124/04/2017
Special: Talking Kick-Ass Kicks with 311's P-Nut
World-renowned 311 bassist P-Nut joins Matt and Andy for some Shoe-In fun as he unveils his go-to shoes for rocking out at 311 shows. Matt explores his undying 22-year devotion to the band, including his recently designed 8:16 am inspired NIKEiD Roshe shoes. Kobes, KDs, SA's eternal Air Force 1 shoes, and time travel are all covered during this 311/Shoe-In Show collaboration. Jasmine joins the fun as she explores the possible return of square-toed shoes in her Fashion Footwear in Focus segment. Make sure you preorder 311's upcoming 17 track album Mosaic here. It includes the new singles "Too Much to Think" and "Too Late." You can also catch them on their 40 date tour this summer. Tickets are available here.
30:2319/04/2017
#47 Specialty Running in Focus with Fleet Feet
Matt and Andy welcome Mike McCauley, owner and operator of Fleet Feet Augusta, as he discusses current and future trends in the specialty running retail space. Not all footwear retail is created equal and Mike is here to explain what makes running retail so special. Jasmine stops by for her Fashion Footwear in Focus segment to discuss the ongoing trend of wearing slippers out and about. She also highlights the recent fringe footwear trend asserting itself this Spring.
31:2917/04/2017
#46 Elevating Global Footwear Factories with Ian Spaulding
Ian Spaulding, President and CEO of Elevate, drops by the Shoe-In Studio to update the Shoe-In team on current compliance trends in footwear factories worldwide and updated strategies brands and retailers are implementing to ensure shoes are produced in good factories. Jasmine joins the conversation as she discusses the brand new Saks Fifth Avenue Men's Store in New York City and the continuation of fall footwear fashion trends into Spring 2017.
30:1010/04/2017
#45 FFANY Fashion Fun with Ron Fromm
Frequent Shoe-In guest and industry icon Ron Fromm stops by to catch up with the boys and take stock of the current fashion retail environment. Footwear philanthropy is also in fashion as Ron gives an early preview of the 2017 FFANY Shoes on Sale benefiting breast cancer research.
26:0603/04/2017
#44 Greasing the Skids for Global Footwear Sales
Matt and Andy welcome back Melissa Irmen, import guru with Integration Point, to discuss global footwear compliance challenges in important markets around the world. Jasmine joins in the fun as she unveils crystal covered Crocs on the runway in her Fashion Footwear in Focus segment.
27:3527/03/2017
#43 Footwear Innovation on the March: Lessons from Deckers' Chris Hillyer
Chris Hillyer, innovation guru at Deckers, stops by Shoe-In to brief Matt and Andy on the current state of footwear materials, design, and production. Nothing is sacred as key challenges and obstacles are also explored. As a bonus, find out what it's like to design shoes for an elephant! Yeah, you heard us right...
29:2020/03/2017
#42 Clowning Around with Shoe Carnival's Cliff Sifford
Shoe Carnival President and CEO Cliff Sifford stops by the Shoe-In Show mobile studio at FN Platform to provide a peek behind the curtains at one of our industry's most creative retail experiences. Learn the methods to the Shoe Carnival in-store madness that drive the family retailer's success.
21:5713/03/2017
#41 South of the Border with Mexican Footwear Production Experts
With a new Administration and NAFTA on everyone's minds, Matt and Andy welcome Javier Plascencia, President of the Mexican Footwear Chamber of Guanajuato, to fully unpack the American/Mexican footwear partnership. Key stats and anecdotal stories provide a clear picture of the importance of our relationship and the vital economic foundation provided by NAFTA.
24:1306/03/2017
Roadisode #18: Talking Boot Trends with Timberland
Tanner gives Andy a rundown on Timberland's new comfort features and upcoming products for Fall 2017. He also gives Andy insights into the sought-after brand's hottest sellers this season.
06:2603/03/2017
Roadisode #17: The Latest and Greatest from Nine West
Andy and Noelle run through Nine West's new innovative features for women's fashion footwear, fall trends, and discuss what women want in a pair of fashionable shoes.
05:1203/03/2017
Roadisode #16: Kickin' it with Keds
Christa and Nicole from Keds discuss footwear marketing and branding in today's digital world, including the unveiling of Keds' new comfort features and their partnership with Kate Spade.
07:3203/03/2017
Roadisode #15: Catching up with Clarks
Steven from Clarks walks Andy through upcoming fall 2017 footwear trends and ways in which this iconic brand engages and supports independent footwear retailers.
08:1803/03/2017
Roadisode #14: Breaking Down Born's Continued Success with John Heron
Andy and John discuss current fashion footwear trends driving changes at retail for footwear companies and their consumers.
06:5403/03/2017
Roadisode #13: Breaking Bread with Blackstone Shoes
Andy catches up with Susan and Peter from Blackstone Shoes as they dive into current style trends in the marketplace today and discuss how they've kept their emerging footwear brand fresh.
05:3003/03/2017
#40 Fashion Footwear in Focus with Chinese Laundry's Tsering Namgyal
Live from the show floor at FN Platform in Las Vegas, Matt and Andy welcome Chinese Laundry President Tsering Namgyal for a taped interview that considers the evolving fashion footwear consumer, and explores strategies to meet her every footwear need. Matt and Andy also discuss Tsering's career as a leading female executive in the footwear industry and her well deserved Women in Footwear Industry (WIFI) Advancement Award at this year's WIFI Impact Awards.
29:5427/02/2017
#39 Import Strategies to Lower Footwear Costs
Melissa Irmen, import guru with Integration Point, joins Matt and Andy in studio to discuss various strategies to lower global trade costs through trade lane analysis. Curious about the impact of ACE, FTZs, and other initiatives on importing footwear? Make sure you listen! Jasmine explores the hot fashion of clear booties with Matt, Andy, and Melissa and bats around the recent release of the Air Jordan I Gotta Shine with an iridescent colorway.
32:2020/02/2017
#38 Footwear Policy Review in Real-time: What is Going on?!
Matt, Andy and Thomas do an exhaustive rundown on all the latest developments in Washington impacting the footwear business. Concerned about trade? Worried about intellectual property protection? Freaking out over border adjustment taxes? We've got you covered. Jasmine joins in on the fun as she discusses the eternal pursuit of comfortable women's fashion shoes in her Fashion Footwear in Focus segment.
38:4915/02/2017
#37 Are We in the Middle of an Athletic Footwear Malaise?
Matt and Andy welcome back athletic industry expert and all things sneaker guru Matt Powell as they explore current challenges facing the athletic footwear marketplace. What's in store in 2017 for this vitally important segment of the footwear industry? Find out when you listen to this episode. FDRA newbie Jasmine Pendergrass takes over the Fashion Footwear in Focus segment as she educates the boys on the advent of sock booties. Matt Powell's latest blog Sock booties Sock sneakers
28:2313/02/2017
#36 You Run a Global Footwear Business, Do You Know the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act?
Sean Reilly, experienced Washington attorney, comes to the studio to educate the boys on all things Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and its impact on the footwear industry. Wardrobe Oxygen's own Alison Gary stops by to discuss embellished shoes, including Koio Collective's Swarvoski crystal sneakers, in the Fashion Footwear in Focus segment.
30:3206/02/2017
#35 Happy Chinese New Year! with Clay Jenkins of Caleres
Matt and Andy are joined by Clay Jenkins, Senior Vice President, Global Sourcing and Compliance at Caleres as they explore Chinese New Year and its impact on footwear sourcing and the global footwear supply chain. Alison Gary of Wardrobe Oxygen explores the reemergence of kitten heels in the Fashion Footwear in Focus segment. Look at kitten heels here and here.
26:4930/01/2017
#34 Adjusting to Border Adjustability
Matt, Andy, and Thomas discuss the proposed border adjustability tax reform initiative being pushed in the House and its potential impact on footwear companies and consumers alike. In the Fashion Footwear in Focus segment Alison Gary of Wardrobe Oxygen discusses all things velvet footwear.
32:4723/01/2017
#33 Seven Significant Footwear Business Trends Entering 2017
Matt and Andy launch 2017 with a bang, exploring key footwear business trends impacting the industry today, including current sales outlooks, footwear material cost trends, and shoe store employment metrics. Alison Gary of Wardrobe Oxygen joins the boys for the Fashion Footwear in Focus segment as she explores the increasing trend of styling hosiery with your footwear.
31:2216/01/2017
#32 Exploring Wolverine Worldwide's Global Footprint with Mike Jeppesen
Matt and Andy welcome industry executive and global footwear expert Mike Jeppesen as they dive into footwear sourcing trends, changing retail and consumer behaviors, and emerging footwear development innovations. Mike serves as President of Global Operations Group and Wolverine Heritage Group for Wolverine Worldwide and its 13 distinguished brands, including Sperry, Keds, Stride Rite, Saucony, Merrell and more. Christie discusses several interchangeable footwear options in her Fashion Footwear in Focus segment including these interchangeable heels -- and interchangeable uppers from Cat Perkins.
23:4409/01/2017
#31 Foster the Footwear People: Catching Up with Cole Haan's Ed Foster
Matt and Andy welcome Ed Foster, Director of Global Logisitics and Customs Compliance at Cole Haan, to explore the intersections between footwear design, classification, logistics, innovation and athleisure. Christie discusses footwear shoppers' willingness to pay full price for athleisure vs. other footwear in her Fashion Footwear in Focus segment. Cole Haan Zerogrand
28:2702/01/2017
#30 Boxing Day Special: The Australian Footwear Market in Focus
Matt and Andy welcome Garry Johnson, CEO of Steel Blue, as they explore the footwear market down under in Australia. Garry also discusses the push to bring a foreign shoe brand to the United States, including some surprises along the way. http://www.steelblue.com Christie reviews this year's Fall boot trends in her Fashion Footwear in Focus segment.
24:2126/12/2016
#29 A Tour of the Italian Footwear Landscape
Matt and Andy welcome Cleto Sagripanti, Founder and Owner of Italian Holding Moda and President of the European Confederation of the Footwear Industry (CEC), as he takes the boys on an in-depth tour on all things Italian footwear -- from brands to manufacturing to fashion, it's all here for you to explore, region by region. Christie educates the boys on the offerings of Italian shoe designer Nicolò Beretta - https://www.giannicoofficial.com Italian Footwear Moda -- http://www.italianholdingmoda.it/en/ IFM Brands: Alberto Fermani - www.albertofermani.it Kalliste - www.kalliste.it
23:1019/12/2016
#28 Cursing Footwear Customs One Classification at a Time
Matt and Andy commiserate over the complex U.S. footwear classification system as they seek solace and insights from FDRA Chief Customs Counsel John Pellegrini. Christie explores the world of Gianvito Rossi and his relentless pursuit to make stilletos comfortable in her Fashion Footwear in Focus segment - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/brands/meet-gianvito-rossi-the-man-making-stilettos-comfortable/
27:4012/12/2016
Roadisode #5: Teva
Christie talks with Julie at Teva Footwear about the lifestyle outdoor brand, and how the brand is evolving to fit and create experiences for their influencers, explorers, and loyalist consumers. We also learn colorful outdoor shoes are trending this upcoming season.
08:0707/12/2016
Roadisode #4: Run, Jump, Plae
Christie learns all about Plae's children's shoes with Olivia Billingsley, Plae's regional sales manager-- how to customize the shoes, the special fit for children's feet, and the importance of velcro.
08:1007/12/2016
Roadisode #3: Crocs
Christie speaks with Jen Spalding of Crocs about the colorful footwear including the classic clog, new styles and patterns, and finds out who is buying and wearing Crocs.
07:0807/12/2016
Roadisode #2: Birkenstock
Christie speaks with Scott Radcliffe, Vice President of Marketing of Birkenstock, about the classic Birkenstock sandal, and the expansion of the Birkenstock line into shoes and boots.
07:3307/12/2016
Roadisode #1: Shoe-In at the Big Reveal
Shoe-In Show travels to FFANY for this special show on the road, appropriately kicking off the show with the Footwear Fashion in Focus segment. Matt, Andy, and Christie meet with Jenn Rogien, curator of FFANY's The Reveal, for her insight on deciding 2017's newest trends and the stories behind the seven installations. Matt and Andy welcome Eric Harrison, Owner and President of J Renee Group, for an in depth look at current footwear trends selling this season and the upcoming trends of Fall and Spring 2017.
18:2907/12/2016
#27 Footwear Executive Insights Into Holiday Sales
Broadcasting from the FFANY Show floor, Matt and Andy discuss the current footwear retail and consumer environment facing footwear companies and brands this holiday season. The boys share interesting insights and key takeaways from leading footwear execs. Christie unveils important winter boot trends, including Gripforce, in her weekly Fashion Footwear in Focus segment.
26:2405/12/2016
#26 Tracking Global Footwear Logistics with an Expert
Selling shoes to a global marketplace is vitally important to your growth but can be quite daunting. Matt and Andy are joined by key footwear logistics executive Greg Pusak from the Global Brands Group to unpack some of the hurdles companies face when selling into markets worldwide. Christie exposes key viral footwear videos making the rounds on social media in her Fashion Footwear in Focus segment. Michael Jordan and "WHAT ARE THOSE?!?!" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpT1XFDjJKA "Damn Daniel!" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfN60IxdbB4 Footwear on Fire - http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/watch-wirral-woman-sets-cheating-12117869
27:5228/11/2016
#25 Slipper Time with the Slipper King, Greg Tunney
Greg Tunney, President and CEO of RG Barry Brands, joins Matt and Andy to discuss all things slippers and slipper fashion just in time for the holidays. Christie discusses Instagram's iniative to add shopping to its social network and online platform in her Fashion Footwear in Focus segment -- http://blog.business.instagram.com/post/152598788716/shopping-coming-to-instagram
27:3921/11/2016
#24 Footwear Millennials in Focus w/ Matt Powell
Matt Powell can't get enough of the Shoe-In Show as he stops by again to discuss millennials and their impact on the footwear industry. You will totally understand the millennial phenomenon after listening to this vitally important episode...we think. Christie educates the boys on all things style product drops, highlighting the buzz driven by Supreme drops during her Fashion Footwear in Focus segment - http://www.supremenewyork.com/
28:0214/11/2016
#23 Unpacking the Unknown Risks in the Footwear Supply Chain
Live from FTDC, Matt and Andy are joined by Tony Pelli from BSI (http://www.bsigroup.com/) as they discuss the various internal and external risks impacting footwear production in key marketplaces around the world. The guys dive into the dynamics of factory protests and key indicators that can predict these changing dynamics. Christie raises the rise of concept shops with the boys, unveiling Cole Haan's recent concept shop in California - http://footwearnews.com/2016/business/retail/cole-haans-south-coast-plaza-store-concept-shop-feels-like-home-costa-mesa-267951/
24:5907/11/2016
#22 The Ins & Outs on All Things Sneakers & Sneaker Culture
Global sneaker expert Matt Powell of the NPD Group is back to discuss all things sneakers and the continued rise of sneaker culture, shoe trading, and athletic brand development. If you're into sneakers, you won't want to miss this discussion -- especially Matt's word association fun! Christie joins in on the fun in her Fashion Footwear in Focus segment as she discusses customized cleats in the NFL and ways in which athletes are expressing themselves through their footwear.
31:1031/10/2016
#21 Ethiopia and Footwear - Tales from FDRA's Recent Trade Mission
Fresh off the FDRA trade mission to Ethiopia, FDRA's own Thomas Crockett stops in to discuss the prospects of sourcing footwear from Ethiopia with Matt and Andy. Thomas takes us on a journey through this emerging footwear manufacturing hub as he reminisces about his trip. Christie highlights the growing trend of charitable footwear drives in the Fashion Footwear in Focus segment, showcasing Allison Grady- http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20160927/news/160928861/ and Darrel “Shoe Doctor” Cousin- http://djournal.com/news/shoe-doctor-hopes-deliver-5000-pairs-shoes/ in their efforts to collect shoe donations.
28:4124/10/2016