Shoe-In

Latest Episodes:

#458 Happy New Year With Team FDRA! Jan 06, 2025

Show notes

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

#457 2024 Shoe-In Show Rewind: And the Top Downloaded Episode of 2024 Is… Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

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

#456 Team FDRA 2024 Year in Review! Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

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

#455 Dr. D'Wayne Edwards Delivers Innovation Again Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

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

#454 An Innovative Sustainable Solution With Cirql Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

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

#453 FDRA's Annual Holiday Shopping Survey Review Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

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

#452 FFANY December 2024 Market Trend Watch Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

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

#451 Unveiling the Fresh New Brand Mykos With Jerry Breig Nov 18, 2024

Show notes

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

#450 Shawn Osborne and Two Ten Helping Shoe People Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

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

#449 The State of Sustainability and Innovation in the Footwear Industry Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

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

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