Shoe-In

What drives successful footwear leadership in today's ever-evolving industry? In the debut episode of the Footwear Leadership Series, Wolverine Worldwide's President, Active Brands Group, Susie Kuhn shares global career insights, innovative growth strategies, and her people-first leadership style. Hear how she harnesses trends, AI, and culture to elevate brands like Saucony and Merrell. Powered by...

How are global trade wars reshaping footwear sourcing? In this urgent episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett speak with Steve Reynolds, CEO, Jade Footwear, on navigating shifting tariffs, shipping delays, and factory diversification across Asia. Get insider insight into the real-time chaos impacting 85M pairs yearly. Don't miss this eye-opening deep dive into the industry's chang...

How did Crocs evolve from a simple foam clog to a global footwear icon? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Anne Mehlman, Executive Vice President and Brand President, Crocs, shares her journey from CFO to brand leader and reveals the secrets behind the brand's unstoppable growth. From bold collaborations and social media buzz to the power of customer feedback, discover how Crocs continues to redefin...

Struggling with rising footwear costs and supply chain chaos? This episode dives into how optimizing packaging can boost efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance transparency. Guest Justin Jaeger, Sales and Marketing Specialist, Trillora Packaging Solutions shares insights on cutting hidden costs, Tetris-style box design, and tackling sustainability regulations. Don't let packaging be an afterthought...

How can footwear brands turn supply chain traceability into a competitive advantage? This week on Shoe-In Show, we sit down with Shameek Ghosh, CEO and Co-Founder of TrusTrace, to explore how traceability platforms are transforming how companies manage risk, ensure compliance, and drive product value. From mapping deep-tier suppliers to meeting global sustainability regulations, Shameek breaks dow...

How can footwear brands better collaborate with startups to spark real innovation? In this episode, Alan Lugo, Founder, alanandres LLC, and Stephanie Downs, CEO, Uncaged Innovations dive into the disconnect between emerging material innovators and established brands. From navigating R&D hurdles to reshaping risk mindsets, they offer practical strategies for building stronger, more sustainable part...

This week on Shoe-In Show, Marina Levine, CEO of Highline United, takes us on her journey from crafting handmade shoes in a crooked East Village apartment to leading trend-forward brands on the global stage. Originally from Russia, Marina shares how her unconventional path into the footwear world shaped her leadership style and business perspective. Tune in as she opens up about launching her own...

Is AI the future of retail? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest and Andy Polk explore cutting-edge retail tech with Shalom Moskowitz and Inbar Mor of ShopX. Discover how AI, automation, and immersive experiences are reshaping the in-store shopping journey—boosting profits and revolutionizing customer engagement. From liquor to footwear, the future is here. ShopX Walkthrough Video With spe...

What makes Oofos footwear so uniquely comfortable and recovery-focused? In this episode, Matt Priest and Sandi Mines chat with Chris Peckham, Head of Global Operations at Oofos, to dive into the technology behind their proprietary foam and the brand's rapid growth. Hear how Oofos is shaking up the recovery footwear market, expanding into new retail channels, and navigating industry challenges—all...

What makes a 133-year-old American shoe company thrive today? In this episode, Jeff Burns, President of Weinbrenner Shoe Company also known as Thorogood, shares the brand's rich history, commitment to American-made quality, and innovations in work footwear. Discover how Thorogood balances tradition with cutting-edge production, why they support retail partnerships over direct-to-consumer, and what...

What happens when football fandom meets footwear insight? Join host Matt Priest, co-host Thomas Crockett, and special guest Christie Horan as they dive into Christie's journey from FDRA to commanding the sidelines as the Washington Commanders' dance coach. They discuss game-day energy, sneaker choices for the team's dancers, and the unforgettable moments of an epic season. Get an exclusive peek be...

This episode of Shoe-In Show features a discussion with Ryan Hunt, Co-Founder of Shloop, The Shoe Loop, a footwear factory in Meridian, Mississippi. Andy and Thomas talk with Ryan about 3DTI—an innovative process that leverages food packaging techniques to create plant-based shoe components. Discover how thermoforming and industrial baking racks produce low-cost, high-performance soles that rival...

In this episode we chat with Gautham Rao, the Vice President and General Manager of Americas for Timberland. Gautham shares his personal journey into the footwear world, starting with his childhood in Dubai and his early Timberland fandom as a college student in Wisconsin. Gautham discusses his personal views on Timberland's cultural significance, its relationship with other brands, and recent col...

Is India the next big footwear sourcing hub? In this episode, Matt and Andy talk with industry veteran Neeraj Narayan who leads SIV Impact and Synergy India Ventures. Neeraj discusses India's growing importance as a sourcing destination due to its talent, infrastructure, and trade agreements. Neeraj shares insights from his journey with Nike and beyond, tackling sourcing complexities, material inn...

In this rebroadcast of *OSD Obsessive Sneaker Disorder*, hosts Dee Wells and Sean "Paperchaser" Williams continue their conversation with FDRA CEO Matt Priest. They explore how supply chains, sustainability, and Gen Z are reshaping the sneaker industry, along with the lasting impacts of COVID-era inventory challenges and shifting global manufacturing trends. Plus, Matt shares his all-time favorite...

On this rebroadcast of an episode of *OSD Obsessive Sneaker Disorder*, hosts Dee Wells and Sean "Paperchaser" Williams dive into the intersection of sneaker culture, tariffs, and retail with Matt Priest, CEO of the FDRA. From childhood memories of swapping iconic Jordans for Converse Weapons to today's battles against tariffs driving up sneaker prices, this conversation weaves nostalgic storytelli...

In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Marshall, Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Social Impact at PUMA, to explore her dynamic career journey. Michelle shares her experiences and offers valuable insights into creating environments where everyone feels empowered and valued, highlighting why staying committed to fostering belonging is essential for brands. With special guest: Michel...

Matt, Andy, and Thomas unpack the opening trade actions by President Trump and his team at the start of his second administration. In this episode, the guys dive into the flurry of executive orders, tariff announcements, and the administration's calculated moves on trade, energy, and immigration. This episode will help you stay informed, engaged, and ready for what's ahead in U.S. trade strategy....

This week on Shoe-In, Bernice VanBuhler, head of the Chicago Shoe Market, joins Matt and Sandi to share the latest updates and highlights about this prominent regional shoe show based in the Windy City. The trio delves into the importance of regional trade shows, the triumphs and challenges faced by the industry during the COVID era, and emerging trends for 2025. Tune in to hear Bernice's unique j...

This episode looks at footwear inventory levels and discusses the various issues of footwear inventory management from supply chain disruptions to possible tariffs. An important discussion on how our industry must balance supply, demand and innovation! With special guest: Gary Raines, Economist, FDRA Hosted by: Andy Polk and Matt Priest

The entire FDRA Team is back to share their 2025 predictions, resolutions, and thoughts on the upcoming New Year. Listen in as Matt, Andy, Thomas, Sandi, Sabria, Jolie, Gary, and Ashley all join in on the fun of predicting what will definitely be an exciting and impactful year. With special guests: Team FDRA

Checking In With Footwear Product Pro JP Trudeau With Wolverine Worldwide!!! In the most downloaded episode of Shoe-In in 2024, 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 innov...

Fresh off the heels of Team FDRA's year-end meetings, listen in as all eight team members gather to review the highs and lows of the organization's 81st year. For the first time in the nine-year history of the Shoe-In Show, the entire team joins together to unpack the many wins and few losses in what has been FDRA's most relevant and impactful year yet. With special guests: Team FDRA

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 s...

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 comprehe...