Shoe-in

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 storytelling with urgent retail realities. Learn how global trade policies impact your favorite sneakers and why consumer behavior shifts are reshaping the game. Don't miss this lively discussion packed with personal anecdotes, insider knowledge, and a dash of hip hop history. With special guests: Dee Wells and Sean Williams, Obsessive Sneaker Disorder (OSD) Hosted by: Matt Priest

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: Michelle Marshall, Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Impact, PUMA Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sabria Butler

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. Access President Trump's executive order on trade here. Please note that this episode was taped before President Trump announced the potential for an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods starting on February 1, 2025. With special guest: Thomas Crockett Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

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 journey in footwear, her insights into running a successful trade show, and her passionate dedication to the footwear industry. Learn more about the Chicago Shoe Market at www.ChicagoShoeMarket.com. With special guest: Bernice VanBuhler, Executive Director, Chicago Shoe Market Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

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 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 material technology. With several decades of shoe experience in Asia, JP brings the knowledge without the noise. With special guest: Jon Paul Trudeau, Vice President of Product Operations, Wolverine Worldwide Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

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 space challenges for retailers while delivering a sustainable and cost-effective product. We also explore the shoe’s development process, from initial concept to manufacturing, as well as its potential for future collaborations and market expansion. Discover these innovative new shoes here: Unos by SZ at Target.  With special guest: Dr. D'Wayne Edwards, President, Pensole Lewis College Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

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 comprehensive solutions that address both the production and end-of-life phases of footwear materials, emphasizing biodegradability, recyclability, manufacturing adaptability and scalability. Listen to explore how Cirql will help brands and partners to provide sustainable solutions today! With special guest: Matt Thwaites, Vice President and General Manager, OrthoLite Cirql Hosted by: Matt Priest

Listen in as Matt and Andy review the results of FDRA's 2024 Holiday Shoe Sales Forecast. An annual holiday tradition, FDRA carefully curated the current plans of America's shoe shoppers between now and Christmas Day. Access those plans and plenty of critical insights here. Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

In this episode of the world's greatest shoe business podcast, Matt Priest and Sandi Mines present the upcoming FFANY MARKET TREND WATCH with style influencers, Kendall Becker, a Fashion and Beauty Director, and Nikara Johns, senior editor at Footwear News who delve into the predicted trends for both women's and men's footwear for 2025. Topics include the resurgence of the loafer and Mary Janes, the evolving design of sneakers, the merging of sneakers and pumps, and the continued popularity of shearling and Chelsea boots. Learn about these interesting shifts in footwear as you gear up for FFANY Market Week in New York City. With special guests: Kendall Becker, Fashion and Beauty Director and Nikara Johns, Senior Editor, Footwear News Hosted by: Sandi Mines and Matt Priest

This week, Matt and Sandi welcome Jerry Breig, Chief Operating Officer of Mykos and LaMO Sheepskin, to Shoe-In. Jerry shares his incredible journey in the footwear industry, which began at a Southern California skate shop in the '90s, and eventually led to a 13-year career at LaMO Sheepskin. He also discusses the launch of Mykos, an exciting new brand focused on travel, adventure, and outfitting customers every step of the way. With special guest: Jerry Breig, Chief Operating Officer, Mykos and LaMO Sheepskin Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

Shawn Osborne, President & CEO of the Two Ten Footwear Foundation, joins Matt for a conversation between friends about the legacy and impact of the 85 year old charitable foundation. Two Ten provides resources and support to those in need in the footwear industry. From hurricane relief to academic scholarships to support to those displaced, Two Ten is a unique and impactful organization serving shoe people in need. Throw in Two Ten's Women in Footwear Industry (WIFI) movement and their work in HR management, and you have a mission critical footwear industry organization. If you're in need of help or want to give to those in need, visit Two Ten. With special guest: Shawn Osborne, President & CEO, Two Ten Footwear Foundation Hosted by: Matt Priest

Jason Robinson, CEO and founder of Evoco, and Liz Rogers, former VP of sustainable product at Nike, join us for a discussion on the transformation of the footwear industry as new innovative materials are finding their way into shoes. We cover the realities brands are facing with economic constraints on innovation, but the need to keep moving forward due to regulations. We also talk about sustainability strategy and consumer value as new bio-based materials are outperforming traditional materials. With special guests: Jason Robinson, CEO and founder of Evoco and Liz Rogers, former VP of sustainable product at Nike Hosted by: Andy Polk

In this week's Shoe-In Show Matt Field, Co-Founder and President of MakerSights, stops by to discuss realtime trends in the running shoe space with Matt Priest. Did you know 20% of runners laced up for the first time to run in the last six months? Fresh off the press is a critical market report from MakerSights unpacking the mind of the runner. Tune in to hear Matt's insights and access the MakerSights reports via the links below: Links to Running Reports part 1-3 on MakerSights.com 1. Part 1: Understanding Runners 2. Part 2: Running Retail Behavior 3. Part 3: Running Sneaker Preferences Matt's info: • Email: Matt@MakerSights.com • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fieldmatthew/ With special guest: Matt Field, Co-Founder and President, MakerSights Hosted by: Matt Priest

It's Shoes for a Cure Charity Shoe Sale week in New York and Sandi and Matt are here to give you all the details you need to make a difference. Our goal is to raise $1M for critical breast cancer research and we need your help to make that happen. Go to shoesforacure.org or join us for the sale at Chelsea Market! Details below: CHELSEA MARKET - 75 9TH AVENUE - NYC WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23 • 11 am – 6 pm THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24 • 11 am – 6 pm FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 • 11 am – 6 pm SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 • 11 am – 6 pm SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 • 11 am – 5 pm With special guest: Sandi Mines, Vice President, Corporate Engagement, FDRA Hosted by: Matt Priest

Shikha Jain, Partner at Simon-Kucher, joins us to shed some light on footwear marketplace issues and consumer trends as we start to head into the holidays and 2025. She recently published a study showing shoe consumers have an increasing price sensitivity due to the current economic climate, leading to fewer and more budget-conscious purchases. We also discuss 2 other major trends that will impact brands in the coming months - making this a must listen episode! With special guest: Shikha Jain, Partner, Simon-Kucher Hosted by: Andy Polk

We went back in our catalogue and found a gem featuring Jean-Luc Diard, founder of now mega-brand Hoka One One. Worth a listen again or for the first time - you'll learn a lot about innovation and hear the exclusive story behind how Hoka was created! With special guest: Jean-Luc Diard, Hoka/Deckers Brands Hosted by: Andy Polk and Matt Priest

Matt and Andy welcome FDRA Chief Economist Gary Raines to Shoe-In to discuss the latest on the Shoeconomy. Gary breaks down the impact the Federal Reserve's recent rate cut will have on shoe companies and footwear consumers alike. With special guest: Gary Raines, Chief Economist, FDRA Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk