Shoe-in

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.