Shoe-In

Latest Episodes:

#528 Deer Stags Joins Jack Schwartz Shoes: Merging Legacy and Scale May 04, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Shoe In Show, industry veterans Rick Muskat and David Schwartz join the conversation to discuss the recent integration of Deer Stags into Jack Schwartz Shoes. Together, they explore how shared values, complementary strengths, and decades of family leadership led to a partnership designed to navigate today's challenges—from tariffs and logistics to shifting market dynamics. The conversation highlights how collaboration, operational scale, and strategic alignment can unlock new opportunities in marketing, manufacturing, and long-term growth. With special guests: Rick Muskat, President, COO Deer Stags Concepts, Inc. and David Schwartz, CEO, Jack Schwartz Shoes

Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA and Andy Polk, FDRA

#527 FFANY Footwear Trend Watch Spring 2026 Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

What footwear trends will define Spring 2027? In this episode, Sandi Mines, Jolie Gracia, and Christie Horan explore the styles shaping the season — from festival-driven looks to the continued influence of moto boots and Western silhouettes. They break down the return of classic ballet flats, the evolution of mules and sandals, and how fresh sneaker designs are balancing comfort with style. From bold colors to playful details, this conversation offers a forward-looking perspective on what's next in footwear and what consumers will be reaching for in the seasons ahead. With special guests: Jolie Gracia, Marketing and Events Coordinator and Christie Horan, Marketing and Media Coordinator

Hosted by: Sandi Mines, Vice President, FDRA, Corporate Engagement President, FFANY

#526 Inside Footwear LaunchPad: Where Innovation Meets Opportunity Apr 20, 2026

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What does it take to turn a footwear idea into a real-world product? In this episode, Andy Polk and Christie Horan break down the Footwear Innovation Foundation's Footwear LaunchPad—a program designed to connect emerging talent with industry leaders. From engineers to entrepreneurs, LaunchPad brings together diverse minds to solve real challenges and shape the future of footwear. Tune in to learn how the program works, who it's for, and how you can get involved. Hosted by: Andy Polk, Senior Vice President Executive Director, Footwear Innovation Foundation, FDRA and Christie Horan, Marketing and Media Coordinator, FDRA

#525 Stepping Up Quality: The Grant Stone Journey With Founder and CEO Wyatt Gilmore Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

What makes a shoe brand truly stand out in a noisy market? In this episode, Matt Priest and Sandi Mines dive deep with Wyatt Gilmore, Founder and CEO of Grant Stone, to explore heritage, craftsmanship, and the intricacies of sourcing footwear globally while maintaining quality. Discover how Wyatt's familial ties to the industry influenced his journey and how he navigates the challenges of global manufacturing today. With attention to unique sizing and exceptional materials, Grant Stone aims to redefine the essence of quality footwear. Don't miss this insightful conversation!

With special guest: Wyatt Gilmore, Founder and CEO, Grant Stone Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

#524 How Global Conflict Is Driving Footwear Costs Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

How are current geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices reshaping the footwear industry? In this episode of Shoe In Show, Matt Priest, Andy Polk, and Gary Raines delve into how the ongoing war with Iran affects costs throughout the supply chain, from raw materials to retail prices. They explore the urgent implications of behavioral economics, tariff realities, and production challenges facing suppliers. Listeners will gain insights into managing costs and expectations amidst uncertainty, making this a must-listen for anyone in the footwear business.

FDRA Members: Reach out to info@fdra.org for a link to the report.

With special guest: Gary Raines, Chief Economist, FDRA Hosted by: Matt Priest, President & CEO, FDRA and Andy Polk, Senior Vice President, FDRA

#523 Rethinking Shipping: Brent Barkin on Data, Strategy & Supply Chain Growth Mar 30, 2026

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On this episode of Shoe In Show, Brent Barkin, Executive Vice President of ShipSigma, shares how brands can rethink shipping as more than just a cost. Drawing from his experience launching and scaling ShoeStation.com, along with leadership roles across retail, e-commerce, and logistics, Brent explains how data, carrier strategy, and operational discipline can unlock efficiency, improve margins, and support scalable growth. For footwear brands navigating today's complex supply chain, this conversation offers a practical look at turning logistics into a competitive advantage.

With special guest: Brent Barkin, Executive Vice President, ShipSigma Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA and Thomas Crockett, FDRA

#522 Rebuilding a Footwear Icon: Neal Taylor on Leading ECCO Into Its Next Chapter Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Shoe In Show, Neal Taylor, CEO of the Americas for ECCO, joins the show to discuss what it takes to guide a heritage footwear brand through reinvention. With a background that includes leadership roles at Reebok, Red Bull, and Hanesbrands, Taylor brings decades of experience across sportswear, retail, and global brand strategy.

In this conversation, he shares how ECCO is refocusing on its core strengths—quality craftsmanship, comfort innovation, and authentic brand storytelling—while rebuilding trust with retailers and reconnecting with the modern consumer.

From navigating industry disruption to rediscovering what made the brand iconic in the first place, Taylor offers candid insight into leadership, brand turnaround, and the evolving future of footwear.

With special guest: Neal Taylor, CEO Americas, ECCO Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA and Sandi Mines, FDRA

#521 Daniel Rubin on Entrepreneurship, Dune Footwear, and the Lessons of Sole Survivor Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Shoe In Show, Daniel Rubin, Founder of Dune Footwear and author of Sole Survivor, shares the entrepreneurial journey behind building one of the UK's most recognizable footwear brands.

Daniel reflects on the highs and challenges of scaling a global fashion business, navigating retail disruption, and the lessons that shaped his leadership philosophy. Drawing from the experiences chronicled in Sole Survivor, he offers candid insight into resilience, brand building, and what it truly takes to survive—and succeed—in the footwear industry.

This episode explores the realities of entrepreneurship, the evolution of retail, and the mindset required to build lasting brands.

With special guest: Daniel Rubin, Founder, Dune Footwear Hosted by: Andy Polk, FDRA

#520 Mark Lardie on Growth, Strategy & the Future of Footwear Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Shoe In Show, Mark Lardie, President and CEO of Rack Room Shoes, shares insights on leadership, transformation, and navigating growth in today's footwear landscape. Drawing from decades of industry experience, Mark reflects on what it takes to guide teams through change, balance operational discipline with long-term strategy, and build brands that remain resilient in a fast-moving retail environment. This conversation offers a practical look at leadership in action — and the mindset required to shape what's next in footwear.

With special guest: Mark Lardie, President and CEO, Rack Room Shoes Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

#519 From Finance to Footwear: Scott Gabrielson on Building Oliver Cabell & Redefining Comfort Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

What happens when finance meets fashion—with comfort at the center? On this episode of Shoe In Show, Scott Gabrielson, Founder of Oliver Cabell, shares how his brand is challenging traditional footwear models through tech-driven design, a direct-to-consumer foundation, and a disciplined no-funding approach. Scott reflects on his journey from finance to fashion, Oliver Cabell's evolution from DTC to retail, and how comfort, craftsmanship, and transparency are reshaping what modern consumers expect from premium sneakers.

With special guest: Scott Gabrielson, Founder, Oliver Cabell Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

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