Shoe-In

On this special Labor Day edition of Shoe-In, JP Stevenson, Head of Market Development, EIQ at LRQA, joins Matt and Thomas to discuss all the latest trends around supply chain visibility and complying with emerging forced labor regulations. Listen in to discover insights from LRQA's comprehensive footwear factory audit data and steps global footwear brands are taking to ensure compliant supply chains and shoe factory operations.

With special guest:

JP Stevenson, Head of Market Development, EiQ, LRQA

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett

Straight from the Netherlands, Peter Erren joins us to share some of the challenges facing the EU marketplace today. We cover how brands and retailers are dealing with extending shipping timelines, and the mold issues it is causing, managing inventories and changing consumers. Peter shares some key insights on solutions provided by his company in mitigating quality issues and adapting to these changes. We also discuss new EU regulations which prohibit the destruction of unsold goods, urging companies to proactively adjust to these changes.

With special guest:

Peter Erren, Owner & Chief Product Saver, Erren Recondition

Hosted by:

Andy Polk and Matt Priest

This week on Shoe-In Show listen in as Dr. Fernando Pena, an orthopedic surgeon and co-founder of Julieta Barcelona, offers his unique approach to designing shoes. Arising from Fernando's wife's struggle to find fashionable yet comfortable shoes, this emerging shoe brand was founded to provide a pain-free option for fashionable and professional women. With Fernando's medical background he has a distinct understanding of foot mechanics crucial in designing truly comfortable shoes. His mantra, everyone deserves to walk pain-free, drives the brand's mission.

With special guest:

Dr. Fernando Pena, Co-Founder, Julieta Barcelona

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

Footwear is a constant battle with consumer expectations around fit. Jones & Vining leaders join us to discuss the central role their company plays with both new and traditional footwear brands to perfect fit and comfort. They share how they are now leveraging consumer trends, and using new technology, to help brands at the start of the process and also in the factory.

With special guests:

Moon Tran, VN Country Manager, Jones & Vining and Tom Iredale, Sr. VP Sales & Marketing, Jones & Vining

Hosted by:

Andy Polk and Matt Priest

In this episode of the world's leading shoe industry podcast, Matt and Sandi welcome Jack Gindi, CEO of Ground Up International. Jack shares his journey from retail to the dress shirt industry, eventually entering footwear through a resort-focused line of flip-flop sandals. Discussing the opportunities and challenges he's faced, Jack emphasizes the importance of innovation, product exclusivity, and understanding consumers' needs as they partner with some of the biggest names in entertainment and pop culture. Tune in to learn more about Jack's unique business model and how they are reshaping the footwear industry one pair at a time.

And make sure you hit up Ground Up by visiting groundupshop.com.

With special guest:

Jack Gindi, CEO, Ground Up International

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

In this week's Shoe-In Show, you'll hear realtime analysis surrounding the historic nature of this year's presidential race and its impact on the footwear industry. Discussing the changing landscape of the presidential race, the impact on Congress, and what this means for the industry, our analysts Matt Priest, Andy Polk, and Thomas Crockett present a fresh perspective on the rapidly evolving political environment. Tune in to hear analysis you won't get anywhere else...we promise.

With special guests:

Matt Priest, President & CEO, FDRA and Thomas Crockett, Vice President, FDRA

Hosted by:

Andy Polk, Senior Vice President, FDRA

What's influencing consumer behavior in the age of inflation? Matt and Sandi welcome economic thought leader Greg Petro to help unpack all the latest footwear consumer and costing trends. As CEO of First Insight, Greg provides analysis around shifts in consumer attitudes, the resilience of footwear companies responding to said attitudes, and his expectations for the economy heading into 2025. Access these valuable insights and more by listening to this timely episode of Shoe-In.

With special guest:

Greg Petro, CEO, First Insight, Inc

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

Katie O'Hara, Director of Account Management at Dynamic Foam, join us for this fun deep dive into sustainable materials and strategy. There are increasing regulations, but also new and large opportunities of integrating sustainable materials into footwear. The success lies in wise strategy! Join us as we have some laughs and deep dive into key topics impacting our industry.

With special guest:

Katie O'Hara, Director of Account Management, Dynamic Foam

Hosted by:

Andy Polk and Matt Priest

Leading sustainable material company Lenzing has been working for years to develop a new material for footwear. On this episode we take a look inside the new pioneering technique to make the material, its properties and how their collaboration with Recyc Leather and GANNI is a blueprint for how our industry can make more sustainable materials come to life.

With special guest:

Nicole Schram, Global Business Development Manager, Lenzing

Hosted by:

Andy Polk and Matt Priest

It's summertime and what better way to celebrate than to listen to Matt and Sandi explore the Southern California footwear scene with John Dickinson, CEO of SeaJack. We explore John's personal history in the footwear industry, learning how his experiences in action sports and Southern California culture shaped his passion for shoes. With so many great brands including Flojos, Sbicca, Volatile, Very Volatile and Kengos in the SeaJack family, John is well positioned to understand consumer shifts and behaviors across the country. Hear how SeaJack grew amidst the pandemic, and their exciting dedication to sustainability with their latest brand, Kengos. Will the path of SeaJack redefine the footwear industry's future? Tune in to find out.

With special guest:

John Dickinson, CEO at SeaJack LLC

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Sandi Mines