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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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

Listen in as Team FDRA kicks back and recalls their recent white elephant gift exchange and unveils some of their holiday family traditions. On behalf of our entire team at FDRA and Shoe-In, we wish you a happy holiday and Happy New Year! With special guests: Team FDRA Hosted by: Team FDRA

Join this important episode - sponsored by Centric Software - where we discuss how shoe companies can best map their supply chains, collect and centralized their impact data to report and comply with new regulations in Cali and Europe. With special guests: Matt Nakari, Centric Software and Apurva Bhargava, TrusTrace Hosted by: Andy Polk

FDRA's own Matt Priest, Andy Polk, and Sandi Mines review key takeaways from the just completed Fashion Footwear Association of New York's (FFANY) Market Week. Listen in to hear all the key themes, side conversations, and industry analysis gleaned from this season's critical footwear trade show. Hosted by: Matt Priest, Sandi Mines and Andy Polk

Thomas Bogle, the founder and CEO of Solum, joins us on the show this week to explore biomaterials for the outsole and how it can revolutionize the industry. Solum is a biomaterials company re-engineering outsoles with plant-based alternatives compared to traditional synthetics and plastics. This is very important as new regulations come forth addressing microplastic abrasion from the soles of shoes. With special guest: Thomas Bogle, Founder and CEO of Solum Hosted by: Andy Polk and Matt...

Join us to hear Marc's shoe story and how the D'Amelio family is creating a sustainable business model with their brand, D'Amelio Footwear. Marc will discuss their pop-up experience in LA, their design process, their presence at FFANY in New York this week, and much more. With special guest: Marc D'Amelio, CEO, D'Amelio Footwear Hosted by: Sandi Mines and Matt Priest

Matt, Andy, and Thomas provide their hot takes on the Biden-Xi meeting in San Francisco last week. They also break down the struggling Chinese economy, the positive China pivot towards the U.S., and how the Biden Administration and Capitol Hill might react to the elimination of 301 footwear duties. Hosted by: Matt Priest, Andy Polk and Thomas Crockett