Podcast
Shoe-In
Hosted by Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA) · EN
Covering the ins and outs of all things footwear, from sneakers to heels, loafers to slippers and every type of shoe in between. Brought to you by the FDRA and FFANY, the footwear industry's associations focused on retail, trade, politics and fashion…helping create and enhance conversations on all things footwear.
22episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#540 Library of Congress: Sneaker Culture and the American Story (Part 2)
1w ago00:30:01Tap to summarizeWhat defines sneaker culture in a world where individualism has replaced brand loyalty? In part two of this special Shoe-In Show conversation, recorded live at the Library of Congress, Matt Priest continues the discussion with D'Wayne Edwards, President of PLC Detroit, and Sean Williams, Co-Founder of SOLEcial Studies, diving deeper into how younger generations are reshaping their relationship with sneakers. From the shifting balance between comfort and fashion to sneakers as a medium of personal identity, this conversation explores what the next chapter of sneaker culture looks like in America. D'Wayne and Sean also reflect on the power of mentorship and innovation in keeping the sneaker industry connected to the communities that gave it meaning in the first place. A compelling continuation of one of Shoe-In Show's most culturally rich conversations. With special guests: D'Wayne Edwards, President, PLC Detroit and Sean Williams, Co-Founder, SOLEcial Studies Hosted by: Matt Priest, President, FDRA
Transcribe →#539 Library of Congress: Sneaker Culture and the American Story (Part 1)
2w ago00:31:56Tap to summarizeIn this special episode of Shoe-In Show, recorded live at the Library of Congress in partnership with the Congressional Sneaker Caucus, Matt Priest joins Representative Jared Moskowitz, footwear designer and educator D'Wayne Edwards, and Sean Williams, Co-Founder of SOLEcial Studies, to explore one of the most powerful cultural forces in American fashion history. From the courts to the classroom and Capitol Hill to the streets, sneakers have transcended politics and socio-economic backgrounds to become symbols of creativity, community, and self-expression. This conversation dives into the historical significance of sneakers, the personal journeys of the people who design and champion them, and what they continue to mean to American culture today. Part of the "Fashion at the Library" initiative, this episode makes the case that what's on your feet has always been about far more than footwear. With special guests: D'Wayne Edwards, President, PLC Detroit and and Sean Williams, Co-Founder, SOLEcial Studies Hosted by: Matt Priest, President, FDRA
Transcribe →#538 Premium Kids' Footwear & the Art of Licensing With Peter Roccamo of Falc USA
3w ago00:16:43Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to build lasting brands in one of footwear's most competitive categories? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Sandi and Christie sit down with Peter Roccamo, President at Falc USA, to talk legacy, relationships, and what's next for premium children's footwear. Peter's career spans iconic licensing deals for Michael Kors, Stuart Weitzman, and Tommy Hilfiger. Now at Falc USA, he is leading the landmark partnership bringing Stuart Weitzman back to kids' footwear for the first time in over a decade. Tune in for a conversation about craft, licensing, and the next generation of footwear consumers. With special guest: Peter Roccamo, President, Falc USA Hosted by: Sandi Mines, FDRA and Christie Horan, FDRA
Transcribe →#537 Leading a Heritage Brand: Logan Bird on the Future of Mephisto
Jul 600:28:17Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Shoe-In Show, Logan Bird, President and CEO of Mephisto USA, shares his vision for leading one of footwear's most respected heritage brands. From stepping into the CEO role to preserving Mephisto's legacy of European craftsmanship and exceptional comfort, Logan discusses how the company is evolving for a new generation of consumers through thoughtful innovation, strategic collaborations, and a steadfast commitment to quality. The conversation explores what it takes to modernize a 60-year-old brand while staying true to the values that have earned Mephisto one of the industry's most loyal customer bases. With special guest: Logan Bird, President and CEO, Mephisto USA Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA and Christie Horan, FDRA
Transcribe →#536 The World Cup Effect: Soccer, Culture & the American Spirit
Jun 2900:29:22Tap to summarizeThe 2026 FIFA World Cup isn't just the biggest soccer tournament on the planet — it's happening right here, and the energy is unlike anything America has seen before. In this special episode of Shoe-In Show, hosts Matt Priest, Andy Polk, and Jolie Gracia take a step back from the business of footwear to celebrate the moment. Fresh from experiencing matches firsthand, they share what it felt like inside the stadiums, the unexpected joy of cultural exchange, and what the explosion of soccer culture in America means for fans, brands, and the industry at large. From the global atmosphere to the growing footprint of the beautiful game on American soil, this is a conversation about more than soccer. With special guests: Andy Polk, FDRA and Jolie Gracia, FDRA Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA
Transcribe →#535 From Capitol Hill to the Footwear Industry: Thomas Crockett on Trade, Tariffs & Advocacy
Jun 2200:33:17Tap to summarizeWhat happens in Washington doesn't stay in Washington — especially if you're in footwear. In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Christie sits down with Thomas Crockett, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at FDRA, to pull back the curtain on one of the most consequential forces shaping the industry today. Before joining FDRA, Thomas served as Legislative Counsel on Capitol Hill, where he handled trade, foreign relations, and government reform. That experience now drives his advocacy for the footwear industry on tariffs, trade policy, customs, and product safety. Thomas breaks down what government relations actually means for footwear brands, why trade policy has never been more relevant, and what every business in this industry needs to understand about how Washington impacts their bottom line. With special guest: Thomas Crockett, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, FDRA Hosted by: Christie Horan, FDRA
Transcribe →#534 Portia Blunt on the Black Footwear Forum, Legacy, and Bee Blunt
Jun 1500:34:59Tap to summarizeWhat does it look like to spend a career at the top of the footwear industry and then dedicate yourself to making sure others can follow? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest and Sabria Butler sit down with Portia Blunt, Board Chair of the Black Footwear Forum, for a candid conversation about her remarkable journey through footwear — from the Marine Corps to New Balance and Reebok to founding Bee Blunt. Portia shares what she saw as she rose through the ranks of major sportswear brands, and how that shaped her commitment to the Black Footwear Forum and its mission to build community, representation, and real pathways for BIPOC professionals in footwear. This is a conversation about craft, culture, and what it truly means to open doors for the next generation. With special guest: Portia Blunt, Board Chair, Black Footwear Forum and CEO and Founder, Bee Blunt Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA and Sabria Butler, FDRA
Transcribe →#533 How Crocs Walk in the Shoes of Their Fans and Drive Global Trends With Anne Mehlman, Executive Vice President and Brand President, Crocs
Jun 800:27:38Tap to summarizeHow did Crocs evolve from a simple foam clog to a global footwear icon? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Anne Mehlman, Executive Vice President and Brand President, Crocs, shares her journey from CFO to brand leader and reveals the secrets behind the brand's unstoppable growth. From bold collaborations and social media buzz to the power of customer feedback, discover how Crocs continues to redefine casual comfort and culture. Tune in for exclusive insights, innovative strategies, and the story behind building an iconic brand—one Jibbitz at a time! With special guest: Anne Mehlman, Executive Vice President and Brand President, Crocs Hosted by: Matt Priest, President, FDRA and Sandi Mines, Vice President, FDRA
Transcribe →#532 Behind the Events: Inside FDRA With Jolie Gracia
Jun 100:20:36Tap to summarizeMeet Jolie Gracia, Marketing and Events Coordinator at FDRA, who went from marketing graduate at UNC Greensboro to managing all four annual FFANY Market Week cycles, supporting the FFANY Pop-Up Showroom, and helping drive social media for both Shoes for a Cure and the Black Footwear Forum. In this episode, Jolie shares how she found her way into the footwear industry, what her day-to-day really looks like, and what she loves most about the community she serves. A fun, candid conversation about the people and energy that keep this industry moving forward. With special guest: Jolie Gracia, Marketing and Events Coordinator, FDRA Hosted by: Christie Horan, FDRA
Transcribe →#531 Inside the Western Wear Boom With Dallas Market Center and Rios of Mercedes
May 2500:34:02Tap to summarizeWhat makes handcrafted Western boots a symbol of culture and craftsmanship? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest dives into the rich heritage of Texas boot-making with Cindy Morris of the Dallas Market Center and Ryan Vaughan of Rios of Mercedes. They explore the synergy between family-owned brands, the resurgence of Western wear, and how cultural trends are reshaping the industry. Discover the stories behind stunning craftsmanship and the exciting future of Western fashion that's capturing the hearts of a new generation. With special guests: Cindy Morris, President and CEO, Dallas Market Center and Ryan Vaughan, President and CEO, Rios of Mercedes Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA
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