Shoe-In

Latest Episodes:

#468 Sideline Sneakers: A Dance Coach's Journey From Footwear to Football Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

What happens when football fandom meets footwear insight? Join host Matt Priest, co-host Thomas Crockett, and special guest Christie Horan as they dive into Christie's journey from FDRA to commanding the sidelines as the Washington Commanders' dance coach. They discuss game-day energy, sneaker choices for the team's dancers, and the unforgettable moments of an epic season. Get an exclusive peek behind the curtain of sports, style, and motivation!

With special guest:

Christie Horan, Head Dance Coach, Washington Commanders, and Marketing and Media Coordinator, FDRA

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett

#467 Reshoring Shoe Manufacturing in the USA With Ryan Hunt, Co-Founder of Shloop, The Shoe Loop Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

This episode of Shoe-In Show features a discussion with Ryan Hunt, Co-Founder of Shloop, The Shoe Loop, a footwear factory in Meridian, Mississippi. Andy and Thomas talk with Ryan about 3DTI—an innovative process that leverages food packaging techniques to create plant-based shoe components. Discover how thermoforming and industrial baking racks produce low-cost, high-performance soles that rival traditional materials. Don't miss this blend of science, sustainability, and style!

With special guest:

Ryan Hunt, Co-Founder, Shloop, The Shoe Loop

Hosted by:

Andy Polk and Thomas Crockett

#466 Culture, Community, and Iconic Style With Gautham Rao, VP/GM, of Timberland Americas Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode we chat with Gautham Rao, the Vice President and General Manager of Americas for Timberland. Gautham shares his personal journey into the footwear world, starting with his childhood in Dubai and his early Timberland fandom as a college student in Wisconsin. Gautham discusses his personal views on Timberland's cultural significance, its relationship with other brands, and recent collaborations. Gautham also emphasizes Timberland's commitment to social responsibility and its authentic connection to its New Hampshire roots. Looking ahead, he discusses the brand's plans for 2025 and 2026, highlighting both opportunities and potential challenges in the industry.

With special guest:

Gautham Rao, Vice President and General Manager, Timberland Americas

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

#465 India's Rising Role in Global Footwear Sourcing With Neeraj Narayan, CEO of SIV Impact and Co-Founder of Synergy India Ventures Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

Is India the next big footwear sourcing hub? In this episode, Matt and Andy talk with industry veteran Neeraj Narayan who leads SIV Impact and Synergy India Ventures. Neeraj discusses India's growing importance as a sourcing destination due to its talent, infrastructure, and trade agreements. Neeraj shares insights from his journey with Nike and beyond, tackling sourcing complexities, material innovations, and regulatory trends shaping the future. Don't miss this deep dive into what's next for the shoe industry!

With special guest:

Neeraj Narayan, CEO SIV Impact, Co-Founder Synergy India Ventures

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Andy Polk

#464 OSD X Shoe-In Crossover With Matt, Dee, and Sean Part 2 Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

In this rebroadcast of *OSD Obsessive Sneaker Disorder*, hosts Dee Wells and Sean "Paperchaser" Williams continue their conversation with FDRA CEO Matt Priest. They explore how supply chains, sustainability, and Gen Z are reshaping the sneaker industry, along with the lasting impacts of COVID-era inventory challenges and shifting global manufacturing trends. Plus, Matt shares his all-time favorite sneakers!

With special guests:

Dee Wells and Sean Williams, Obsessive Sneaker Disorder (OSD)

Hosted by:

Matt Priest

#463 OSD X Shoe-In Crossover With Matt, Dee, and Sean Part 1 Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

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

#462 A Shoe Journey Conversation With PUMA's Michelle Marshall Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

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

#461 Unpacking Trump's Early Actions on Trade Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

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

#460 Checking In With Bernice VanBuhler of the Chicago Shoe Market Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

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

#459 Footwear Inventory Data and Analysis Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected