Shoe-in

So much has been said about AI transforming internet search, but it also has the power to transform and optimize our industry in many different ways. On this episode, the first of many on this topic, we discuss how we see AI starting to change different departments and jobs...but also where it currently fails [it cannot classify shoes!] With special guests: Team FDRA

Matt and Thomas break down President Biden's 2023 State of the Union address, unpacking all that was included in the speech and analyzing some of the industry's key initiatives that didn't make the president's list. With special guest: Thomas Crockett

Pensole Lewis College's own Dion Walcott joins Sabria and Matt as they explore the exciting 2023 plans for the all-important Black Footwear Forum. With a new podcast, regional meet-ups, and another national event in Detroit in-store, Dion, Sabria and Matt have their work cut out for them this year. Rest assured, they're up for the challenge. With special guest: Dion Walcott, Director of Partnerships, Pensole Lewis College

Everyone is making carbon reduction goals, but how do you actually reduce your carbon emissions? Well, glad you asked! Caroline Ledl joins us from Austria to share how Lenzing - you may know them by their product Tencel - set ambitious goals of "True Carbon Zero" AND how they are achieving them! With special guest: Caroline Ledl, Product Manager & Innovator, Lenzing (Tencel)

Matt, Andy, and Thomas gather on this week's episode to preview the congressional year ahead and how it will impact the footwear industry and the broader economy. With special guest: Thomas Crockett, Vice President, Government Affairs, FDRA

FDRA's own Gary Raines stops by Shoe-In Show to discuss the depth and breadth of the anticipated American recession with Matt and Andy. Listen-in as the guys forecast anticipated shoe sales, inflation trends, and consumer spending power in 2023. With special guest: Gary Raines, Chief Economist, FDRA

Footwear supply chain extraordinaire Mary McNelly of Crocs and industry innovator Gordon Downes of NYSHEX stop by the show to wax poetic about the current state of the shoe supply chain heading into 2023. As you'll hear from our conversation, now is the time to strengthen partnerships, think creatively, and execute efficiently. With special guests: Mary McNelly, Vice President, Global Distribution & Logistics, Crocs and Gordon Downes, Chief Executive Officer, NYSHEX

Great conversation with Jan Deding and Oliver Hede from IMBOX focused on how they offer retailers and customers a quick and easy shoe protection service delivered in-store at check out. With special guests: Jan Deding, CEO & President, North America, IMBOX and Oliver Hede, Country Manager, North America, IMBOX

FDRA Staff get on to talk about the big stories and issues of 2022 and what they hope and expect for 2023! With special guests: Team FDRA

Explore Milan's Technology Fair for the latest innovations and sustainable solutions within the footwear industry. With special guest: Alice Vago, Secretary General and Project Manager at PISIE, The International Polytechnic for Industrial and Economic Development

We surveyed footwear professionals across the industry on their sustainability efforts and opinions. We found some great insights and some somber facts as well. Join us as we review where we are at and what we need to do to get better!

Laws now require companies to map their supply chains. But how do we ensure we can map out multiple factories and material suppliers to comply? Glad you asked - this episode features one of the leading minds to help us understand what's happening and strategy to comply! With special guest: Rick Horwitch, Chief of Supply Chain & Sustainability Strategy - Bureau Veritas

As FFANY Market Week kicks off, Wolverine Worldwide Lifestyle Brands Group President Katherine Cousins stops by the show to discuss her new role overseeing Sperry, Keds, and Hush Puppies. Charting a course for these iconic footwear heritage brands is top of mind for Katherine as she explores her plans for product, purpose, and creative collabs for each brand in the coming year. With special guest: Katherine Cousins, Group President, Lifestyle brands: Sperry, Keds, Hush Puppies

Matt and Andy are back with the results of FDRA’s 2022 Holiday Shoe Sales Forecast. Listen in as they unpack consumer sentiment for footwear this holiday season. Hosted by: Matt Priest, President & CEO, FDRA and Andy Polk, Senior Vice President, FDRA

Footwear retail execs extraordinaire Marisa Kinney of Red Wing and Alper Aydemir of Volumental stop by Shoe-In to explore Red Wing's wholistic approach to the ultimate fit experience. With a hyper focus on the customer experience, reducing returns, and driving more sustainability, Marisa and Alper have partnered to provide Volumental's FitTech solution to Red Wing shoppers across the country. Learn all about it on this episode. With special guests: Marisa Kinney, Sr. Director, Global Retail, Red Wing Brands of America, Inc. and Alper Aydemir, CEO & Co-Founder, Volumental

Designer, educator, critical thinker, advocate, entrepreneur, leader, author, and all around great guy Jason Mayden joins Shoe-In Show to explain what drove him into sneaker design at such a young age. Fresh from the amazing Black Footwear Forum in Detroit, Jason also drops his wisdom on how to empower more black creatives across all industries and unveils which critical comic book character inspired him to greatness. Pick-up a copy of Jason's design book for kids here.  With special guest: Jason Mayden, CEO + Founder, Trillicon Valley, LLC

Nicole Porpiglia, Senior Manager in the Trade & Customs Practice at KPMG joins Matt and Thomas this week to discuss critical tools and partners trade compliance professionals need to navigate such challenging times. Get up out of the fetal position, off the floor, and empower yourself to tackle issues head-on, all the while listening to this great episode. With special guest: Nicole Porpiglia, Senior Manager in the Trade & Customs Practice, KPMG

Sneaker historian, podcaster, trailblazer, teacher, curator, host, father (you get the picture, Renaissance man) Sean Williams joins Matt and Sandi to explore his love of all things sneaker culture. From his start in Brooklyn to his days now helping support the amazing work of Pensole Lewis College, Sean is working all angles in support of this industry we love. Oh, and he launched a shoe podcast (Obsessive Sneaker Disorder) way back in 2007, so you have Sean to thank for inspiring Shoe-In. With special guest: Sean Williams, Engagement Manager, Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design

FDRA's newest amazing employee Jolie Gracia stops by Shoe-In to discuss with Matt and Sabria her recent arrival to the organization and to share some key insights into her background. As you can imagine, we're all excited Jolie is here! With special guest: Jolie Gracia, Marketing and Events Assistant, FDRA

Industry veteran Greg Tunney is back, this time at the helm of the iconic Canadian brand Manitobah Mukluks. Joining Greg is Daman Morissette, Director of Social Impact, as they explore the rich and proud history of their brand's partnership with indigenous artisans and peoples making amazing footwear. With special guests: Greg Tunney, Chief Executive Officer, President and Member of the Board of Directors at Manitobah Mukluks and Daman Morissette, Director of Social Impact at Manitobah Mukluks