Shoe-In

Latest Episodes:

#498 Shaping Sneaker Culture With Ronnie Wright: Storytelling, Empathy, and Bold Ideas Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

What does it take to shape sneaker culture from the inside out? In this episode of the Shoe-In Show, industry legend Ronnie Wright, Founder of Papa Samone and former Jordan Brand leader, joins the conversation with Matt and Andy. Ronnie shares powerful insights from his time building one of the most iconic brands in footwear, dives into the role of storytelling and empathy in design, and explains why bold ideas and collaboration matter more than ever. With decades of experience influencing culture, design, and community, Ronnie offers a rare perspective on what it takes to leave a lasting impact on the sneaker world.

With special guest:

Ronnie Wright, Founder, Papa Samone LLC

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Andy Polk

#497 Holiday Footwear Shopping Trends: Early Buyers, Inflation, and Tariffs Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

Are holiday shoppers really starting earlier than ever? In this episode of the Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest and Andy Polk break down FDRA's 2025 Holiday Footwear Survey, uncovering surprising shifts in consumer behavior. They explore the balance of online vs. in-store shopping, how inflation and tariffs are reshaping spending, and what brands should watch as the season unfolds. Along the way, they make bold predictions, share fresh insights, and have a few laughs.

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Andy Polk

#496 Tariffs on Trial: Supreme Court Case Could Reshape U.S. Trade Policy Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

Can trillions in tariffs be refunded? In this episode of the Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett dive into a landmark Supreme Court case that could reshape U.S. trade policy. They unpack the stakes of the case, explore the possible outcomes, and explain what it could mean for presidential power, economic strategy, and the footwear industry. Most importantly, they share what companies should be doing now to prepare. Tune in for insights into how this decision could ripple across global trade and directly impact your bottom line.

Hosted by:

Matt Priest, President & CEO, FDRA and Thomas Crockett, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, FDRA

#495 Holiday Footwear Logistics: Air vs. Ocean, Tariffs & Supply Chain Strategy With Apex Logistics Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

How are global logistics and shifting tariffs reshaping holiday footwear shipments? In this episode of the Shoe-In Show, FDRA's Matt Priest sits down with Apex Logistics' Mike Piza and Jeff Yu to break down the state of supply chains heading into peak season. From air vs. ocean freight and the impact of inflation on consumer demand to navigating tariffs and supply chain uncertainty, the conversation offers insider tips, emerging trends, and expert insights from two longtime leaders in logistics. A must-listen for brands preparing to move product efficiently and strategically this holiday season.

With special guests:

Mike Piza, Senior Vice President, Corporate Business Development, Apex Logistics International and Jeff Yu, Business Development Manager, Apex Logistics International

Hosted by:

Matt Priest, FDRA

#494 Europe's New Sustainability Rules: What U.S. Footwear Brands Must Know Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

What's really happening with Europe's new sustainability rules, and how will they impact U.S. footwear brands? In this episode, Lenzing's Dr. Danijela Cafuta Korn joins host Andy Polk to break down the latest developments in EU sustainability policy. Tune in to learn why the details matter for global footwear brands, what U.S. companies must do now to stay compliant and competitive, and how they can future-proof their strategies. Don't miss this must-listen conversation on the future of sustainable footwear.

With special guest:

Dr. Danijela Cafuta Korn, Sustainability Manager, Business Unit Textiles, Lenzing

Hosted by:

Andy Polk, FDRA

#493 AI in Retail: Google's Paul Tepfenhart on Personalization, Data & The Future Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

How will AI reshape the future of retail? In this episode of the Shoe-In Show, Google's Paul Tepfenhart, Global Director of Retail & Consumer Strategy & Solutions, joins hosts Matt Priest and Andy Polk to break down how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing everything from customer personalization to store operations. From practical AI use cases and the biggest data challenges facing retailers to what's next in 2025 and beyond, this conversation is equal parts smart, witty, and forward-looking. Tune in for a high-tech deep dive into retail's transformation you won't want to miss.

With special guest:

Paul Tepfenhart, Global Director, Retail & Consumer Strategy & Solutions, Google

Hosted by:

Matt Priest, FDRA and Andy Polk, FDRA

#492 Slam-Dunk Success: Natalie White's Game-Changing Leap in Women's Basketball Footwear Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

What happens when passion meets performance in women's basketball? In this final episode of the Shoe-In Show Leadership Series, Moolah Kicks founder Natalie White shares her dynamic journey from college startup to game-changing footwear brand. Discover how she's driving innovation, breaking barriers and scaling rapidly amid a surge in WNBA popularity. A must-listen for anyone inspired by bold leadership. Powered by Ortholite.

With special guest:

Natalie White, Founder, Moolah Kicks

Hosted by:

Matt Priest, FDRA and Sandi Mines, FDRA

#491 Mr. Smith Goes to Washington With Legendary Nike Designer Wilson Smith III Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

What happens when sneaker design meets Capitol Hill? In this episode of the Shoe-In Show, iconic Nike designer Wilson Smith III shares insider stories from "Sneaker Day" in Washington, D.C., reflects on his unexpected path from architect to footwear legend, and reveals how faith, art, and improvisation shaped his work with Michael Jordan. Don't miss this powerful blend of passion, purpose and design.

With special guest:

Wilson Smith III, Footwear Design Director

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett

#490 From White Pages to Jordan Brand: The Resilient Rise of Kris Wright, Vice President of Jordan Footwear Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

How did cold calls and Harlem hustle lead to the top of Jordan Brand? In this Shoe-In Show Leadership Series episode, Kris Wright, VP of Jordan Footwear, shares his inspiring journey—from finding his first internship in the White Pages to leading one of the most iconic brands in the world. Hear how resilience, culture, and mentorship shaped his career and leadership style. Powered by OrthoLite.

With special guest:

Kris Wright, Vice President, Jordan Footwear

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Christie Horan

#489 Strategic Moves & Brand Momentum in Footwear With Jonathan Frankel, President, ALDO Product Services Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

What drives innovation and resilience in today's ever-changing footwear industry? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Aldo Product Services President Jonathan Frankel shares his journey from the world of action sports to leading global footwear brands like Sperry. With decades of experience scaling brands through licensing, digital leadership, and strategic retail partnerships, Jonathan offers sharp insights into what it takes to stay relevant in a crowded, constantly shifting market.

With special guest:

Jonathan Frankel, President, ALDO Product Services

Hosted by:

Matt Priest, FDRA and Thomas Crockett, FDRA

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