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

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

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

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