Shoe-In

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

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

The entire FDRA Team is back to share their 2025 predictions, resolutions, and thoughts on the upcoming New Year. Listen in as Matt, Andy, Thomas, Sandi, Sabria, Jolie, Gary, and Ashley all join in on the fun of predicting what will definitely be an exciting and impactful year.

With special guests:

Team FDRA

Checking In With Footwear Product Pro JP Trudeau With Wolverine Worldwide!!! In the most downloaded episode of Shoe-In in 2024, Matt and Andy welcome Jon Paul Trudeau, the Vice President of Product Operations at Wolverine Worldwide. Checking in from Hong Kong, JP discusses his journey from rock star drummer to footwear design and development pro, and the importance of focusing on product and innovation. The guys also dive into topics such as the future of sourcing in Asia, the shift away from China, the need for automation in new factories, and the exciting innovations driving material technology. With several decades of shoe experience in Asia, JP brings the knowledge without the noise.

With special guest:

Jon Paul Trudeau, Vice President of Product Operations, Wolverine Worldwide

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Andy Polk

Fresh off the heels of Team FDRA's year-end meetings, listen in as all eight team members gather to review the highs and lows of the organization's 81st year. For the first time in the nine-year history of the Shoe-In Show, the entire team joins together to unpack the many wins and few losses in what has been FDRA's most relevant and impactful year yet.

With special guests:

Team FDRA

The man, the myth, the legend—Dr. D'Wayne Edwards—is back on Shoe-In to discuss his groundbreaking partnership with Target. As the designer of the affordable Unos by SZ shoe, Dr. Edwards highlights the shoe's unique, patented Z-shaped outsole design, which provides adjustable sizing and enhanced comfort. A key advantage of this project is its business-driven design, which addresses inventory and space challenges for retailers while delivering a sustainable and cost-effective product.

We also explore the shoe's development process, from initial concept to manufacturing, as well as its potential for future collaborations and market expansion. Discover these innovative new shoes here: Unos by SZ at Target.

With special guest:

Dr. D'Wayne Edwards, President, Pensole Lewis College

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Andy Polk

This week Matt Priest welcomes Matt Thwaites, Vice President and General Manager of OrthoLite's innovative subsidiary, Cirql™. The innovation company recently unveiled its latest foam innovation for footwear brands called Cirql Zero, which is an industrially compostable, biodegradable foam for midsoles. With a commitment to keeping shoes out of landfills, Cirql now offers footwear brands comprehensive solutions that address both the production and end-of-life phases of footwear materials, emphasizing biodegradability, recyclability, manufacturing adaptability and scalability. Listen to explore how Cirql will help brands and partners to provide sustainable solutions today!

With special guest:

Matt Thwaites, Vice President and General Manager, OrthoLite Cirql

Hosted by:

Matt Priest

Listen in as Matt and Andy review the results of FDRA's 2024 Holiday Shoe Sales Forecast. An annual holiday tradition, FDRA carefully curated the current plans of America's shoe shoppers between now and Christmas Day. Access those plans and plenty of critical insights here.

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Andy Polk

In this episode of the world's greatest shoe business podcast, Matt Priest and Sandi Mines present the upcoming FFANY MARKET TREND WATCH with style influencers, Kendall Becker, a Fashion and Beauty Director, and Nikara Johns, senior editor at Footwear News who delve into the predicted trends for both women's and men's footwear for 2025. Topics include the resurgence of the loafer and Mary Janes, the evolving design of sneakers, the merging of sneakers and pumps, and the continued popularity of shearling and Chelsea boots. Learn about these interesting shifts in footwear as you gear up for FFANY Market Week in New York City.

With special guests:

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

Hosted by:

Sandi Mines and Matt Priest

This week, Matt and Sandi welcome Jerry Breig, Chief Operating Officer of Mykos and LaMO Sheepskin, to Shoe-In. Jerry shares his incredible journey in the footwear industry, which began at a Southern California skate shop in the '90s, and eventually led to a 13-year career at LaMO Sheepskin. He also discusses the launch of Mykos, an exciting new brand focused on travel, adventure, and outfitting customers every step of the way.

With special guest:

Jerry Breig, Chief Operating Officer, Mykos and LaMO Sheepskin

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Sandi Mines