What does the footwear industry's latest inventory surge reveal about broader economic trends? In this episode of Shoe In Show, hosts Matt Priest and Gary Raines dive deep into inventory strategies amidst evolving consumer behavior and tariffs. With inventory levels hitting a two-year high, they explore how data collection from publicly traded companies is informing industry outlooks. Discover the implications for retailers and consumers in a dynamic market shaped by unexpected events.

WSJ Article referenced in the episode

With special guest:
Gary Raines, Chief Economist, FDRA

Hosted by:
Matt Priest

Are consumers pinching pennies or powering through? In this episode of the Shoe-In Show, FDRA Chief Economist Gary Raines joins Andy Polk to break down the latest data on spending, sentiment, and retail behavior. From diluted toothpaste to record credit card debt, Gary reveals what small signals say about a jittery consumer—and how brands can plan smarter amid economic uncertainty and flawed government stats. Tune in for practical insights, market trends, and strategic takeaways to help you navigate 2026 with confidence.

With special guest:

Gary Raines, Chief Economist, FDRA

Hosted by:

Andy Polk, FDRA

Supply chain expert extraordinaire Pete Mento stops by Shoe-In to discuss the latest developments in the Red Sea crisis and how the crisis is impacting the footwear supply chain. As a former Merchant Marine Officer himself, Pete holds no punches as he explains his expectations for the continuing crisis and what's in store for container pricing in the coming year. If you ship shoes anywhere in the world, you don't want to miss this conversation.

With special guest:

Pete Mento, Commercial Director, DSV

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Andy Polk

In the latest episode of Shoe-In, Matt and Sandi welcome the return of Sam Poser, an equity analyst with Williams Trading. Holding no punches, Sam discusses the continued dominance of comfort in design and delves into the importance of customer knowledge and proper product distribution in retail. Advocating for a 'less is more' approach, Sam offers insights into successful footwear brands, attributing their achievements to a combination of relevant, consistently refreshed products, and a profound understanding of their customer base.

With special guest:

Sam Poser, Equity Analyst, Williams Trading

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

Industry icon Susan Itzkowitz, president of Marc Fisher Footwear, stopped by Shoe-In to discuss her collaborative approach to leadership and the importance of empowering your team as a leader and mentor in our industry. Susan also explores her forecast for 2024 and the importance of building a culture that is collaborative, creative, and handles challenges head-on. Make sure you listen to this episode. You won't be disappointed!

With special guest:

Susan Itzkowitz, Marc Fisher Footwear

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

This week we are joined by Kizik CEO Monte Deere as he discusses the brand's atmospheric rise over the past few years. Monte also shares his journey into the footwear industry and explains how Kizik's revolutionary hands-free shoes are changing the way we think about fit and function. Tune in to hear Monte's key insights and big plans for his rapidly growing shoe brand.

With special guest:

Monte Deere, CEO, Kizik

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett

On this episode of Shoe-In Show podcast, presented by FDRA, Matt and Thomas head to Capitol Hill to check-in with Congressman Jared Moskowitz of Florida's 23rd Congressional District. As the founder of the Congressional Sneaker Caucus, Congressman Moskowitz shares why he loves sneakers so much and the importance they play in American society and culture. He also explains how the focus of the Congressional Sneaker Caucus is to bring together different people from various backgrounds and generations, promote bipartisanship, and relate to the younger generations. This is an episode you don't want to miss!

With special guest:

Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL)

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett

Join us as we chat with Billy Price, cofounder of BILLY Footwear. Billy shares one of our most inspiring "shoe stories" of all time as he overcame a terrible accident to create an innovative shoe company focused on functional need and stylish designs. Consumers and retailers have responded in a powerful way to the amazing offerings BILLY Footwear provides. Something tells us they're just getting started.

With special guest:

Billy Price, Co-Founder, BILLY Footwear

Hosted by:

Andy Polk and Matt Priest

In this great episode Glenn Barrett, founder and CEO of OrthoLite, shares his unique view on current and coming trends, and how brands can navigate continued change. We discuss how transparency, innovation, compliance and supply chain agility are all going to be major factors in 2024.

With special guest:

Glenn Barrett, Founder and CEO, OrthoLite

Hosted by:

Andy Polk and Matt Priest

Happy New Year from your friends at Shoe-In! This week we check in with our own Sandi Mines and Shannon Adducci of Footwear News to hear the hottest shoe trends for 2024. From the comfy footbed sandal to the pointed stiletto to Mary Janes and sneakers, we've got you covered on this week's episode.

Watch the amazing interview here.

With special guest:

Shannon Adducci, Style Director, Footwear News

Hosted by:

Sandi Mines

Listen in as Team FDRA kicks back and recalls their recent white elephant gift exchange and unveils some of their holiday family traditions. On behalf of our entire team at FDRA and Shoe-In, we wish you a happy holiday and Happy New Year!

With special guests:

Team FDRA

Hosted by:

Team FDRA

Join this important episode - sponsored by Centric Software - where we discuss how shoe companies can best map their supply chains, collect and centralized their impact data to report and comply with new regulations in Cali and Europe.

With special guests:

Matt Nakari, Centric Software and Apurva Bhargava, TrusTrace

Hosted by:

Andy Polk

Why is Dallas the epicenter of Western footwear and fashion? In this episode of the Shoe-In Show, hosts Matt Priest and Christie Horan sit down with Cindy Morris, President & CEO of the Dallas Market Center, and Sharon Carpenter, VP of Sales at Ariat International, to unpack how the Western industry found its home in Texas. From the pandemic-era migration that brought brands to Dallas to the category's ongoing growth, the conversation explores how culture, community, and commerce have made Western not just a trend, but a lasting lifestyle.

With special guests:

Cindy Morris, President & CEO, Dallas Market Center and Sharon Carpenter, VP of Sales, Ariat International

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Christie Horan

FDRA's own Matt Priest, Andy Polk, and Sandi Mines review key takeaways from the just completed Fashion Footwear Association of New York's (FFANY) Market Week. Listen in to hear all the key themes, side conversations, and industry analysis gleaned from this season's critical footwear trade show.

Hosted by:

Matt Priest, Sandi Mines and Andy Polk

Thomas Bogle, the founder and CEO of Solum, joins us on the show this week to explore biomaterials for the outsole and how it can revolutionize the industry. Solum is a biomaterials company re-engineering outsoles with plant-based alternatives compared to traditional synthetics and plastics. This is very important as new regulations come forth addressing microplastic abrasion from the soles of shoes.

With special guest:

Thomas Bogle, Founder and CEO of Solum

Hosted by:

Andy Polk and Matt Priest

Join us to hear Marc's shoe story and how the D'Amelio family is creating a sustainable business model with their brand, D'Amelio Footwear. Marc will discuss their pop-up experience in LA, their design process, their presence at FFANY in New York this week, and much more.

With special guest:

Marc D'Amelio, CEO, D'Amelio Footwear

Hosted by:

Sandi Mines and Matt Priest

Matt, Andy, and Thomas provide their hot takes on the Biden-Xi meeting in San Francisco last week. They also break down the struggling Chinese economy, the positive China pivot towards the U.S., and how the Biden Administration and Capitol Hill might react to the elimination of 301 footwear duties.

Hosted by:

Matt Priest, Andy Polk and Thomas Crockett

Have you heard of the new mandatory Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive passed in the European Union? Ashton Zeller, Bloom's Chief Scientist, is here to explain what the directive means for companies who do business in Europe and how they can prepare. He offers insight into LCA's, third party auditing schemes, and how the directive requires companies to start gathering sustainability data. Tune in to learn how you can keep your business compliant with the new Directive!

With special guest:

Ashton Zeller, Chief Scientist, Bloom

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Andy Polk

Gary Raines, FDRA's fearless economist, drops by Shoe-In Show to discuss surprise GDP numbers, current shoe inventory levels, and consumer spending heading into 2024. While GDP is up almost 5%, slowing consumer demand is causing concern. Gary explains how credit card debt, Buy Now Pay Later services, and other financial burdens will likely be headwinds for consumers in 2024. Tune in to learn more!

With special guest:

Gary Raines, Chief Economist, FDRA

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Andy Polk

Dansko President Kitty Bolinger joins Matt and Sandi to outline her vision for the iconic shoe brand under her new leadership. As a sustainability trend setter and customer-centric company, Kitty and her team have a long history of creating great products from their innovative headquarters in Pennsylvania. Get the inside scoop on Kitty's shoe story and learn actionable insights from this remarkable female shoe leader!

With special guest:

Kitty Bolinger, President, Dansko

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

Footwear industry veteran and successful entrepreneur Mike Gugat joins Shoe-In this week to discuss his children's shoe brand Jbrds. Mike and his team are developing innovative kids shoes designed by a podiatrist, and his innovative approach is attracting critical investment. Get the lastest on Mike's entrepreneurial journey with Jbrds on this week's episode.

With special guest:

Mike Gugat, Founder, Jbrds

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett

Matt and Thomas break down the latest FDRA Holiday Shoe Sales Forecast as the 2023 holiday shopping season kicks up into full gear. Listen in to better understand key shoe shopper insights in the face of continued inflation and a softening economy. Contact info@fdra.org to gain access to the full report.

Hosted by:

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

Supply chain transparency is all the rage with new and emerging global regulations like the UFLPA and increased environmental standards. Join Matt and Thomas as they welcome supply chain visibility expert Marissa Brock to break down the effective ways in which Sourcemap supports the footwear and apparel industries under increased scrutiny. From an idea born at MIT to a global solutions company, Sourcemap is helping companies navigate emerging supply chain visibility trends today.

With special guest:

Marissa Brock, Sr. Director of Policy and Government Affairs, Sourcemap

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett

In this milestone edition of the Shoe-In Show, hosts Matt Priest, Andy Polk, Thomas Crockett, Christie Horan, and producer Blake Althen look back on the incredible path from humble beginnings to becoming the global voice of the footwear industry.

Join the celebration as the team revisits fan-favorite moments, shares behind-the-scenes stories, and welcomes surprise celebrity shoutouts from friends of the show. After nearly a decade of laughs, insights, and shoe talk, this 500th episode is a heartfelt thank-you to the listeners, leaders, and legends who made it all possible.

With special guests:

Matt Priest, President & CEO, FDRA, Andy Polk, Senior Vice President, FDRA, Thomas Crockett, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, FDRA, Christie Horan, Marketing and Media Coordinator, FDRA, and Blake Althen, Partner, Human Factor

Related links:

• Natalie White Episode
• Josue Solano Episodes
• Bob Campbell Episode
• Mike Piza Episodes
• Andy Gilbert Episodes
• Kris Wright Episode
• Susan Itzkowitz Episode
• Oliver Hede Episode
• Alan Lugo Episode
• Jung Yoon Episode
• Wilson Smith III Episode
• Cliff Sifford Episode
• 311 Episode
• Ambassador Michael Froman Episode
• Chris Hillyer Episode
• Footwear Leadership Series powered by Ortholite

Shoe industry vet and retail leader Matt Lafone drops by Shoe-In to discuss with Matt and Andy his innovative approach to driving growth in the footwear industry and fostering an empowering culture for his coworkers and consumers. As President and GM of The Athlete's Foot, Matt leverages the retailer's franchising model to curate highly localized assortments in underserved markets and thoughtfully connect with customers at a local level. Tune in to learn to learn Matt's secrets to fostering diverse and impactful experiences for the entire Athlete's Foot community.

With special guest:

Matt Lafone, President & GM of Americas, The Athlete's Foot

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Andy Polk

Sneaker Law founder and former Yeezy GC Kenneth Anand stops by Shoe-In to discuss his life-long passion for sneakers and his journey into turning his love of shoes into a successful career in the footwear industry. He also bats around critical intellectual property and legal hot topics with Matt and Thomas and discusses the next frontier in IP protection for brands and creators alike. Oh, and don't forget to buy his book here - https://www.sneakerlaw.com.

With special guest:

Kenneth Anand, Founder, Sneaker Law

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett

Listen in as Frank Lavin, Founder and Chairman of Export Now, stops by Shoe-In to discuss the current state of trade policy amidst the 2024 Republican presidential primary season. As former Under Secretary of International Trade, Ambassador to Singapore, and Reagan White House aid, Frank has tons of experience dealing with the challenging and fraught U.S.-China relationship. Discover his key insights during this enlightening conversation on global politics, trade liberalization, and more!

With special guest:

Frank Lavin, Founder and Chairman, Export Now

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Andy Polk

As you prep your holiday sales plans, make sure you listen to our latest episode on the current economic landscape and its effects on consumer spending. Join Andy and Matt as they analyze the data to uncover the effects of the current economic environment and changes in the supply chain, all while looking at what the future holds for the economy.

Do you want to know how to navigate modern supply chain challenges and protect product from moisture and mold? Join us as we speak with Mike Hanrahan, Senior Vice President of Superdry International Americas, about the company's strategies for increasing efficiency, lowering costs, and making sure products are protected in transit. Discover the tips you need to navigate the ever-changing supply chain landscape!

With special guest:

Mike Hanrahan, Senior Vice President of Superdry International Americas

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Andy Polk

NIKE's very own Chief Sustainability Officer Noel Kinder joins Matt and Andy to explore NIKE's innovative and transparent approach to all things sustainability. Noel shares his personal shoe story and delves into why NIKE has a Chief Sustainability Officer, along with details of his day-to-day responsibilities. He also discusses the evolution of Nike's science based sustainability strategy, which focuses on carbon reduction, waste reduction, reduced water consumption, and innovation around chemicals used in products. Tune in to get a firsthand account of the progress NIKE is making and to learn more about the company's ambitious goals.

With special guest:

Noel Kinder, Chief Sustainability Officer, NIKE

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Andy Polk

American shoe manufacturing is going through a transformation and renaissance. Join us on this episode as we meet Okabashi's new CEO and hear about its new journey towards a new business model and way of doing business more sustainably! Their shoe factory is located in GA, which provides them a unique opportunity to transform.

With special guests:

Sara Irvani, Board of Directors, Okabashi Brands and Pepper Harward, CEO, Okabashi Brands

Hosted by:

Andy Polk and Matt Priest

Industry vet, serial entrepreneur, and FDRA friend Sean Williams drops in for a chat with Matt and Sabria about the newly minted SOLEcial Studies CommUNITY Academy (SSCA) in Brooklyn. With the support of Healing Soles and hip hop legend Ali Shahid Mohammed from A Tribe Called Quest, the sky's the limit for the SSCA. The possibilities have us buggin' out! Make sure you take a listen.

With special guest:

Sean Williams, Program Lead / Consultant / Curator, Obsessive Sneaker Disorder LLC / SOLEcial Studies CommUNITY Academy

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Sabria Butler

Are you looking to make your packaging sustainable and cost-efficient? Look no further! Join us on the Shoe-In Show to hear from Mark Maxwell from Billerud, who will guide us through the process and talk about the importance of packaging in the era of sustainability. From understanding the supplies needed to shipping and right-sizing packaging, Mark will share his experience from working at Kmart and General Motors to help brands make their packaging more effective and efficient. Don't miss out on this exciting discussion of sustainability and packaging!

With special guest:

Mark Maxwell, Manager Global Accounts, Billerud Managed Packaging Division

 Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett

Have you ever wondered what the biggest supply chain issues are in today's global trade market? Pete Mento, the Commercial Director of Customs and International Trade at DSV, joins Shoe-In to discuss the current chaos of the logistics and supply chain industry. Pete explains the challenges posed by evolving supply chains, a lack of free trade agreements, increased regulations, cyber security, and labor unrest. He suggests companies should "consider the worst" when it comes to supply chain resiliency, and suggests corporations use Dungeons & Dragons-style game plans to prepare for any potential worst-case scenarios. (you'll have to listen to the episode to even understand the title)

With special guest:

Pete Mento, Commercial Director of Customs and International Trade, DSV

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett

How do you prove a shoe is truly comfortable? In this episode of the Shoe-In Show, Justin Ter Har of INSITE joins host Andy Polk to reveal how biomechanics, real-life testing, and podiatrist-approved design are reshaping the way shoes are made. From sustainability and lab-driven innovation to building longer-lasting footwear, Justin shares why proven comfort matters more than ever and how science is driving the next wave of industry change. Tune in for fresh insights into how data, design, and innovation come together to make shoes that feel as good as they look.

With special guest:

Justin Ter Har, Director of Research & Design, INSITE

Hosted by:

Andy Polk

Shoes are in the middle of a major transition thanks to new plant based materials that are outperforming traditional materials. Jason Robinson, founder and CEO of Evoco, an innovation company focused on shoe sustainability, reveals how they are changing the shoe game with new bio-chemistry. Jason explains how they are crafting high-performance materials that are 70-80% bio-based, but more importantly why. Hear him explain the importance of sustainability and the innovation process behind it!

With special guest:

Jason Robinson, CEO, Evoco

Hosted by:

Andy Polk and Matt Priest

Listen in as Matt and Sandi connect with Alen Mamrout, CEO of the American Exchange Group, to unpack his recent acquisition of White Mountain. White Mountain's Robert Geller and Dennis Eichin join in on the conversation to explore the history of White Mountain, and why joining forces with Alen and the American Exchange Group is the "perfect marriage". Get the behind-the-scenes story on how the two dynamic companies came together to form a more perfect union.

With special guests:

Alen Mamrout, Chief Executive Officer, American Exchange Group, Robert Geller, Chief Revenue Officer, White Mountain International LLC and Dennis Eichin, Chief Sourcing Officer, White Mountain International LLC

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

Do you want to hear about the current state of footwear retail from an industry expert? Doug Howe, the CEO of Designer Brands, joins Shoe-In Show to talk about the family-oriented and collaborative nature of the footwear industry, the recent acquisition of Keds, the return of NIKE, and his economic expectations for the rest of the year.

With special guest:

Doug Howe, President & CEO, Designer Brands, Inc.

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

Have you heard of the Congressional Sneaker Caucus? It's a bipartisan movement that's bringing people together over a love of shoes! On June 21st, the first ever Sneaker Day was held on Capitol Hill and it was a huge success. Over 75 people, both House and Senate members and congressional staff, got together to show off their shoes, have conversations, and celebrate the impact of sneakers on culture. Representatives Moskowitz and Chavez-DeRemer shared their personal collections and even handed out awards for the "best sneakers". Sneaker Day was a refreshing moment of fun in an era of political partisanship. Don't miss out on this amazing footwear movement!

Hosted by:

Matt Priest, CEO, FDRA and Thomas Crockett, Vice President, Government Affairs, FDRA

In this captivating episode of Shoe-In Show, hosts Matt and Sandi sit down with the esteemed Kelly Helfman, President of Informa Markets Fashion, to explore the ever-changing landscape of the footwear trade shows. With her wealth of knowledge and experience, Kelly dives deep into the exciting trends and innovations shaping the future of these essential events with a key focus on Informa's successful foray into Nashville and longstanding presence in Las Vegas and New York. Get ready to step into the future of footwear trade shows with Kelly on this enlightening episode.

With special guest:

Kelly Helfman, President of Informa Markets Fashion

In this episode of Shoe-In Show, our Matt and Andy welcome Mike Piza, Senior Vice President at Apex Logistics International, to delve into the fascinating world of supply chain management. As an industry expert, Mike shares valuable insights on the current state of the logistics landscape, including the impact of container rates, emerging air freight trends, and strategies for optimizing supply chain operations. Join us as we unravel the complexities of the global logistics industry and uncover the secrets to successful navigation in an ever-evolving market.

With special guest:

Mike Piza, Senior Vice President, Apex Logistics International

The shoe marketplace is as dynamic and changing as ever. Hear how companies are adjusting strategy to find the right level of inventory and price to pair with consumers who continue to spend but are becoming more picky thanks to a lighter purse/wallet.

With special guests:

Team FDRA

Listen in as Matt and Thomas sit down with Cesar Sanchez of the Port of Long Beach. Together, they delve into the current state of trade at the port, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities faced by one of the busiest ports in the world. The conversation touches upon the ongoing labor contract negotiations between port workers and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and explores the impact of these negotiations on the overall efficiency and productivity of the port. Additionally, they delve into the strategic investments being made in the port's supply chain infrastructure to enhance operational capacities and maintain its competitive edge in the global trade landscape. Tune in for an insightful discussion that offers a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the bustling world of international trade and the crucial role played by the Port of Long Beach.

With special guest:

Cesar Sanchez, Business Development Manager, Port of Long Beach

This week, Matt and Thomas dive into the complexities of supply chain visibility and mapping within the footwear industry. Joined by Suzanne van Huijgevoort, Associate Director, Advisory, and Myrna Grief, Director Supplier Market Development from Elevate, an LRQ Company, the experts shed light on the pressing issue of forced labor considerations and discuss the significant impact of the UFLPA. Additionally, they explore FDRA's innovative Shoe Waste program, aimed at reducing environmental impact and waste within the shoe manufacturing process. Tune in to gain valuable insights into ethical practices and innovative solutions driving positive change in the footwear industry.

With special guests:

Suzanne van Huijgevoort, Associate Director, Advisory, Elevate, an LRQ Company and Myrna Grief, Director Supplier Market Development from Elevate, an LRQ Company

In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt and Sandi sit down with Pat Mooney, the President and CEO of Footwear Unlimited, for a lifetime's worth of footwear insights. From his start in the warehouse to sourcing in Taiwan and India to back to St. Louis, Pat has a wealth of experience navigating the global footwear industry. Listen in as we discuss Pat's iconic brands like Frye and Spyder and the amazing team that drives Footwear Unlimited's growth and longevity.

With special guest:

Pat Mooney, President & CEO, Footwear Unlimited

What does it take to shape sneaker culture from the inside out? In this episode of the Shoe-In Show, industry legend Ronnie Wright, Founder of Papa Samone and former Jordan Brand leader, joins the conversation with Matt and Andy.

Ronnie shares powerful insights from his time building one of the most iconic brands in footwear, dives into the role of storytelling and empathy in design, and explains why bold ideas and collaboration matter more than ever. With decades of experience influencing culture, design, and community, Ronnie offers a rare perspective on what it takes to leave a lasting impact on the sneaker world.

With special guest:

Ronnie Wright, Founder, Papa Samone LLC

Hosted by:

Matt Priest and Andy Polk

In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt and Sandi sit down with Dave Schoengart, CEO of Shoe Sensation, to discuss his unorthodox journey from fire fighter to the helm of one of America's best family footwear chains. Dave shares his insights on everything from customer service and store placement to his love of horse racing and bourbon.

With special guest:

Dave Schoengart, Chief Executive Officer at Shoe Sensation, Inc.

Shoe foam is going  through a transformation as more recycled content is added, as well as bio-content, to make them more green. The trick is making sure the performance and costs are within range. Katie from Dynamic foam shares how the math can work for your brand!

With special guest:

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

Companies can no longer operate like its 2019 thanks to continued consumer shifts and new and growing risks across supply chains. A former Crocs PD manager joins us to share the headaches everyone using old systems are facing and what they need to do to update strategy and systems. He explains what better operations look like - smarter, easier, faster, less risk and more cost controlled - through a Centric Software PLM system that organizes teams and data.

With special guest:

Matt Nakari, Sales Director, Centric Software