Shoe-In

In this captivating episode of Shoe-In Show, hosts Matt and Sandi sit down with the esteemed Kelly Helfman, President of Informa Markets Fashion, to explore the ever-changing landscape of the footwear trade shows. With her wealth of knowledge and experience, Kelly dives deep into the exciting trends and innovations shaping the future of these essential events with a key focus on Informa's successf...

In this episode of Shoe-In Show, our Matt and Andy welcome Mike Piza, Senior Vice President at Apex Logistics International, to delve into the fascinating world of supply chain management. As an industry expert, Mike shares valuable insights on the current state of the logistics landscape, including the impact of container rates, emerging air freight trends, and strategies for optimizing supply ch...

The shoe marketplace is as dynamic and changing as ever. Hear how companies are adjusting strategy to find the right level of inventory and price to pair with consumers who continue to spend but are becoming more picky thanks to a lighter purse/wallet. With special guests: Team FDRA

Listen in as Matt and Thomas sit down with Cesar Sanchez of the Port of Long Beach. Together, they delve into the current state of trade at the port, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities faced by one of the busiest ports in the world. The conversation touches upon the ongoing labor contract negotiations between port workers and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and explores the...

This week, Matt and Thomas dive into the complexities of supply chain visibility and mapping within the footwear industry. Joined by Suzanne van Huijgevoort, Associate Director, Advisory, and Myrna Grief, Director Supplier Market Development from Elevate, an LRQ Company, the experts shed light on the pressing issue of forced labor considerations and discuss the significant impact of the UFLPA. Add...

In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt and Sandi sit down with Pat Mooney, the President and CEO of Footwear Unlimited, for a lifetime's worth of footwear insights. From his start in the warehouse to sourcing in Taiwan and India to back to St. Louis, Pat has a wealth of experience navigating the global footwear industry. Listen in as we discuss Pat's iconic brands like Frye and Spyder and the amazi...

In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt and Sandi sit down with Dave Schoengart, CEO of Shoe Sensation, to discuss his unorthodox journey from fire fighter to the helm of one of America's best family footwear chains. Dave shares his insights on everything from customer service and store placement to his love of horse racing and bourbon. With special guest: Dave Schoengart, Chief Executive Officer at...

Shoe foam is going  through a transformation as more recycled content is added, as well as bio-content, to make them more green. The trick is making sure the performance and costs are within range. Katie from Dynamic foam shares how the math can work for your brand! With special guest: Katie O'Hara, Director of Account Management, Dynamic Foam

Companies can no longer operate like its 2019 thanks to continued consumer shifts and new and growing risks across supply chains. A former Crocs PD manager joins us to share the headaches everyone using old systems are facing and what they need to do to update strategy and systems. He explains what better operations look like - smarter, easier, faster, less risk and more cost controlled - through...

With shoe retailers placing new RFID requirements on brands in the coming year, we wanted to bring in an expert to help our industry navigate this technology. That's why Josh Macy of Maxim Label & Packaging stopped by to educate Matt and Thomas on all things RFID and footwear. With special guest: Josh Macy, Strategic Business Development, Maxim Label & Packaging

New customer rules and state regulations are causing companies to rethink and revise their sustainability strategies. Dr. Andrew Hudson shares what is happening and how to think and structure sustainability strategy, step by step, that will succeed! With special guests: Dr. Andrew Hudson, Managing Director at Eurofins | BLC Leather Technology Centre Ltd

Prasad Reddy, CEO of Twisted X discusses how Sustainability is one of the core competencies of the company and how the boot business is positioned for growth. With special guest: Prasad Reddy, CEO, Twisted X

In the era of elevated supply chain, warehousing, and labor costs, Farrow Logistics' own Steven Crerar drops in Shoe-In to discuss creative solutions that drive savings. Strong ties with your supply chain partners is a must as Steven guides Matt and Thomas on ways in which the shoe industry can take advantage of their current and potential partnerships. With special guests: Steven Crerar, Director...

Imaging and scanning innovator Franz Tschimben drops in to discuss new scanning and technology innovations driving digital product engagement. Sandi and Matt explore the ways in which Covision is helping footwear brands drive high resolution, interactive imaging to the industry and its consumers. Franz also helps articulate the future AI applications available to brands using his company's solutio...

We love new shoe brands and their stories! This great episodes goes into why QUADSis was founded for "tweens." The Co-founders, and our friend Caroline de Baere who helped them get started, share their journey and lessons learned from designing and manufacturing their shoes - with an eye on style and health for girls - to their public launch and now efforts to grow. With special guests: Janet Ward...

This is not another CNN war report, though our guest is a regular on CNN! This episode is a serious discussion with a leading warfare and geopolitics expert on how shoe companies can better understand the War in Ukraine, and its broader impact on footwear (sales, sourcing, supply chains). A must listen! With special guest: Ryan Evans, CEO, War on the Rocks & Bedrock Learning

Footwear exec extraordinaire Cliff Sifford stops by Shoe-In Show for his fourth appearance on the program...a record! Sandi and Matt discuss the latest footwear retail landscape with Cliff and dive into what makes him such an effective and universally loved leader. Access the 2023 Q1 Shoe Executive Business Outlook Survey here Learn more about our upcoming executive summit here With special guest:...

Matt and Thomas explore the latest developments in IP protection for footwear through various legislative proposals, the Special 301 comment process, and the infamous actions of MSCHF harming our industry. With special guests: Matt and Thomas

So much has been said about AI transforming internet search, but it also has the power to transform and optimize our industry in many different ways. On this episode, the first of many on this topic, we discuss how we see AI starting to change different departments and jobs...but also where it currently fails [it cannot classify shoes!] With special guests: Team FDRA

Matt and Thomas break down President Biden's 2023 State of the Union address, unpacking all that was included in the speech and analyzing some of the industry's key initiatives that didn't make the president's list. With special guest: Thomas Crockett

Pensole Lewis College's own Dion Walcott joins Sabria and Matt as they explore the exciting 2023 plans for the all-important Black Footwear Forum. With a new podcast, regional meet-ups, and another national event in Detroit in-store, Dion, Sabria and Matt have their work cut out for them this year. Rest assured, they're up for the challenge. With special guest: Dion Walcott, Director of Partnershi...

Everyone is making carbon reduction goals, but how do you actually reduce your carbon emissions? Well, glad you asked! Caroline Ledl joins us from Austria to share how Lenzing - you may know them by their product Tencel - set ambitious goals of "True Carbon Zero" AND how they are achieving them! With special guest: Caroline Ledl, Product Manager & Innovator, Lenzing (Tencel)

Matt, Andy, and Thomas gather on this week's episode to preview the congressional year ahead and how it will impact the footwear industry and the broader economy. With special guest: Thomas Crockett, Vice President, Government Affairs, FDRA

FDRA's own Gary Raines stops by Shoe-In Show to discuss the depth and breadth of the anticipated American recession with Matt and Andy. Listen-in as the guys forecast anticipated shoe sales, inflation trends, and consumer spending power in 2023. With special guest: Gary Raines, Chief Economist, FDRA

Footwear supply chain extraordinaire Mary McNelly of Crocs and industry innovator Gordon Downes of NYSHEX stop by the show to wax poetic about the current state of the shoe supply chain heading into 2023. As you'll hear from our conversation, now is the time to strengthen partnerships, think creatively, and execute efficiently. With special guests: Mary McNelly, Vice President, Global Distribution...