Shoe-In

Latest Episodes:

#488 From Coach to CEO: Dan Sheridan's Playbook for Leading Brooks Running Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

What happens when a high school teacher and basketball coach becomes the CEO of a top running brand? In this episode of the Shoe-In Show Leadership Series powered by Ortholite, Dan Sheridan, CEO, Brooks Running shares how his background in coaching, commitment to team culture, and passion for innovation have shaped his 27-year journey in the footwear industry. Hear Dan's insights on leadership, brand growth, and developing the next generation of footwear talent — all powered by purpose, humility, and a runner's mindset.

With special guest:

Dan Sheridan, CEO, Brooks Running

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Andy Polk

#487 Back-to-School Breakdown: Consumer Trends, Tariffs & Smart Retail Moves with Bryan Eshelman of AlixPartners Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Bryan Eshelman, Partner & Managing Director, AlixPartners unpacks the results of their latest survey—revealing how shifting consumer habits, earlier shopping timelines, and tariff pressures are reshaping the footwear market. Tune in as Bryan, Matt, and Andy discuss what parents are buying, when they're shopping, and the retail strategies brands must embrace to stay ahead this season.

Read the Report

With special guest:

Bryan Eshelman, Partner & Managing Director, AlixPartners

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Andy Polk

#486 Stepping Up With Purpose: Josue Solano, CEO, BBC International on Leading Through Change in Footwear Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

What does it take to lead through disruption, stay grounded in values, and still move boldly forward? In this powerful episode of the Shoe-In Show Footwear Leadership Series powered by OrthoLite, Josue Solano, CEO, BBC International and Chairman of FDRA, shares his remarkable leadership journey from his early days at Payless to guiding global footwear strategy today. Packed with insights on preserving company culture, forging meaningful partnerships, and making purpose-driven decisions, this conversation is essential listening for anyone navigating change in a fast-moving industry.

With special guest:

Josue Solano, CEO, BBC International and Chairman of FDRA

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Andy Polk

#485 Rebooting American Footwear: Innovation, Storytelling, and Smart Tech With Alan Guyan Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

What does it really take to bring American-made footwear back to life? On this episode of the Shoe-In Show, we're joined by Alan Guyan, Founder and CEO of Made Plus and former innovation leader at Under Armour, who's turning heads across the industry. From 3D printing to sustainability to powerful storytelling, Alan breaks down the tools and tactics he's using to transform domestic manufacturing. Discover why global brands are lining up to work with him and what the future of U.S. footwear production looks like when innovation leads the way.

With special guest:

Alan Guyan, Founder and CEO, Made Plus

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Andy Polk

#484 Leading With Purpose: Tara McRae, President and Managing Director North America, Puma on Mentorship, Market Shifts & Puma's Future Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

What does it take to lead a global brand through rapid change and rising expectations? In this episode of the Footwear Leadership Series powered by OrthoLite, Tara McRae, President and Managing Director of Puma North America, shares how mentorship, networking, and a player-coach leadership style have shaped her path and her approach to building resilient, innovative teams. From navigating uncertain markets to fostering future talent, Tara's insights are a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership.

With special guest:

Tara McRae, President and Managing Director North America, Puma

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

#483 The Future of Footwear Retail: Eco Innovation and Loyalty With Oliver Hede, Vice President of Sales, Imbox Protection Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

What if a simple in-store service could protect shoes, promote sustainability, and keep customers coming back? In this episode of the Shoe-In Show, Oliver Hede, Vice President of Sales at Imbox, reveals how their eco-friendly shoe protection technology is revolutionizing the retail experience. From boosting customer loyalty to empowering store associates, this in-store innovation is creating real value for brands and consumers alike. Tune in as we unpack how Imbox is extending product life, driving repeat traffic, and redefining what great service looks like in the modern footwear store.

With special guest:

Oliver Hede, Vice President of Sales, Imbox Protection

Hosted by:

Andy Polk, FDRA

#482 From Heavy Metal to Heritage: Danny Ewoldsen's Unconventional Road to President of Johnston & Murphy Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

How does a former heavy metal guitarist end up leading a 175-year-old heritage footwear brand? In this episode of the Shoe-In Show's Leadership Series powered by OrthoLite, Danny Ewoldsen, President of Johnston & Murphy, shares his unexpected path to the C-suite and how creativity, curiosity, and customer obsession guide his leadership style. Danny opens up about blending tradition with innovation, cultivating a culture of authenticity, and what it really takes to keep a legacy brand relevant in today's fast-paced retail landscape. Tune in for fresh insights from one of the industry's most dynamic leaders.

With special guest:

Danny Ewoldsen, President, Johnston & Murphy

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Andy Polk

#481 Inside the Premium Consumer Mindset: Insights With Mike Keisman, Head of Research and Innovation, MakerSights Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

How are premium consumers shopping—and what's driving their decisions? In this episode, Mike Keisman, Head of Research and Innovation, MakerSights, dives into the evolving mindset of premium footwear buyers. From intentional purchasing and brand trust to the impact of digital discovery and in-store experience, Mike unpacks the key forces shaping the premium market today. Whether you're a brand strategist, product leader, or retail pro, don't miss this data-backed discussion on what's next in consumer behavior and footwear retail.

With special guest:

Mike Keisman, Head of Research and Innovation, MakerSights

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

#480 From Mailroom to President and CEO: Todd Krinsky's 33-Year Journey at Reebok Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

How does a mailroom job lead to the CEO suite at one of the most iconic athletic brands in the world? In this episode of the Footwear Leadership Series powered by OrthoLite, Todd Krinsky, President and CEO, Reebok, shares his incredible 33-year journey through the ranks. He opens up about bold career moves, game-changing product innovation, and the leadership philosophies that fuel Reebok's revival in sport and culture. Tune in to get inspired by the grit, passion, and risk-taking that shaped Todd's path—and the future of Reebok.

With special guest:

Todd Krinsky, President and CEO, Reebok

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Andy Polk

#479 FFANY Trend Watch May 2025 With Nikara Johns, Senior Editor, Footwear News, and Kendall Becker, Fashion Director, Trendalytics May 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of FFANY Trend Watch, host Sandi Mines is joined by Nikara Johns of Footwear News and Kendall Becker of Trendalytics to explore Spring 2026 footwear and fashion trends. From thong sandals and sneakerinas to moto boots and platform sneakers, they break down what's hot—from Coachella to Copenhagen. The conversation covers key style shifts like personalized sneakers, ballet flats, golfcore, bold color combos, and evolving silhouettes, all influenced by street style, data, and global fashion weeks. Tune in for a fast-paced look at what's trending now and what's coming next in footwear.

With special guests:

Nikara Johns, Senior Editor, Footwear News and Kendall Becker, Fashion Director, Trendalytics

Hosted by:

Sandi Mines

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