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.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#531 Inside the Western Wear Boom With Dallas Market Center and Rios of Mercedes
3d ago00:34:02Tap 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
Transcribe →#530 From Politics to Footwear: Andy Polk's Journey Into the Industry
1w ago00:30:19Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Shoe In, Andy Polk shares his journey from politics to footwear, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving and a solutions-oriented mindset. Discover how the FDRA team collaborates to tackle industry challenges, the evolving dynamics of consumer behavior, and the critical role of understanding supply chains. Andy's insights into balancing creativity with practical business strategies will inspire anyone interested in the future of footwear. With special guest: Andy Polk, FDRA Hosted by: Christie Horan, FDRA
Transcribe →#529 The Casual Consumer: What Footwear Brands Need to Know Right Now With Bryan Eshelman
2w ago00:27:48Tap to summarizeAre consumers moving away from athletic footwear or simply redefining what "casual" means? On this episode of Shoe In Show, Thomas and Christie sit down with Bryan Eshelman, Americas Leader of Retail, AlixPartners to break down key findings from the latest AlixPartners consumer footwear survey. From price sensitivity and inventory challenges to the growing demand for versatile, durable footwear, the conversation explores how consumer expectations are shifting and what brands and retailers need to do to keep up. With special guest: Bryan Eshelman, Americas Leader of Retail, AlixPartners Hosted by: Thomas Crockett, FDRA and Christie Horan, FDRA FDRA members can email info@fdra.org to gain access to the survey.
Transcribe →#528 Deer Stags Joins Jack Schwartz Shoes: Merging Legacy and Scale
3w ago00:31:14Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Shoe In Show, industry veterans Rick Muskat and David Schwartz join the conversation to discuss the recent integration of Deer Stags into Jack Schwartz Shoes. Together, they explore how shared values, complementary strengths, and decades of family leadership led to a partnership designed to navigate today's challenges—from tariffs and logistics to shifting market dynamics. The conversation highlights how collaboration, operational scale, and strategic alignment can unlock new opportunities in marketing, manufacturing, and long-term growth. With special guests: Rick Muskat, President, COO Deer Stags Concepts, Inc. and David Schwartz, CEO, Jack Schwartz Shoes Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA and Andy Polk, FDRA
Transcribe →#527 FFANY Footwear Trend Watch Spring 2026
Apr 2700:20:05Tap to summarizeWhat footwear trends will define Spring 2027? In this episode, Sandi Mines, Jolie Gracia, and Christie Horan explore the styles shaping the season — from festival-driven looks to the continued influence of moto boots and Western silhouettes. They break down the return of classic ballet flats, the evolution of mules and sandals, and how fresh sneaker designs are balancing comfort with style. From bold colors to playful details, this conversation offers a forward-looking perspective on what's next in footwear and what consumers will be reaching for in the seasons ahead. With special guests: Jolie Gracia, Marketing and Events Coordinator and Christie Horan, Marketing and Media Coordinator Hosted by: Sandi Mines, Vice President, FDRA, Corporate Engagement President, FFANY
Transcribe →#526 Inside Footwear LaunchPad: Where Innovation Meets Opportunity
Apr 2000:26:00Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to turn a footwear idea into a real-world product? In this episode, Andy Polk and Christie Horan break down the Footwear Innovation Foundation's Footwear LaunchPad—a program designed to connect emerging talent with industry leaders. From engineers to entrepreneurs, LaunchPad brings together diverse minds to solve real challenges and shape the future of footwear. Tune in to learn how the program works, who it's for, and how you can get involved. Hosted by: Andy Polk, Senior Vice President Executive Director, Footwear Innovation Foundation, FDRA and Christie Horan, Marketing and Media Coordinator, FDRA
Transcribe →#525 Stepping Up Quality: The Grant Stone Journey With Founder and CEO Wyatt Gilmore
Apr 1300:31:47Tap to summarizeWhat makes a shoe brand truly stand out in a noisy market? In this episode, Matt Priest and Sandi Mines dive deep with Wyatt Gilmore, Founder and CEO of Grant Stone, to explore heritage, craftsmanship, and the intricacies of sourcing footwear globally while maintaining quality. Discover how Wyatt's familial ties to the industry influenced his journey and how he navigates the challenges of global manufacturing today. With attention to unique sizing and exceptional materials, Grant Stone aims to redefine the essence of quality footwear. Don't miss this insightful conversation! With special guest: Wyatt Gilmore, Founder and CEO, Grant Stone Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines
Transcribe →#524 How Global Conflict Is Driving Footwear Costs
Apr 600:29:04Tap to summarizeHow are current geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices reshaping the footwear industry? In this episode of Shoe In Show, Matt Priest, Andy Polk, and Gary Raines delve into how the ongoing war with Iran affects costs throughout the supply chain, from raw materials to retail prices. They explore the urgent implications of behavioral economics, tariff realities, and production challenges facing suppliers. Listeners will gain insights into managing costs and expectations amidst uncertainty, making this a must-listen for anyone in the footwear business. FDRA Members: Reach out to info@fdra.org for a link to the report. With special guest: Gary Raines, Chief Economist, FDRA Hosted by: Matt Priest, President & CEO, FDRA and Andy Polk, Senior Vice President, FDRA
Transcribe →#523 Rethinking Shipping: Brent Barkin on Data, Strategy & Supply Chain Growth
Mar 3000:27:00Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Shoe In Show, Brent Barkin, Executive Vice President of ShipSigma, shares how brands can rethink shipping as more than just a cost. Drawing from his experience launching and scaling ShoeStation.com, along with leadership roles across retail, e-commerce, and logistics, Brent explains how data, carrier strategy, and operational discipline can unlock efficiency, improve margins, and support scalable growth. For footwear brands navigating today's complex supply chain, this conversation offers a practical look at turning logistics into a competitive advantage. With special guest: Brent Barkin, Executive Vice President, ShipSigma Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA and Thomas Crockett, FDRA
Transcribe →#522 Rebuilding a Footwear Icon: Neal Taylor on Leading ECCO Into Its Next Chapter
Mar 2300:23:41Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Shoe In Show, Neal Taylor, CEO of the Americas for ECCO, joins the show to discuss what it takes to guide a heritage footwear brand through reinvention. With a background that includes leadership roles at Reebok, Red Bull, and Hanesbrands, Taylor brings decades of experience across sportswear, retail, and global brand strategy. In this conversation, he shares how ECCO is refocusing on its core strengths—quality craftsmanship, comfort innovation, and authentic brand storytelling—while rebuilding trust with retailers and reconnecting with the modern consumer. From navigating industry disruption to rediscovering what made the brand iconic in the first place, Taylor offers candid insight into leadership, brand turnaround, and the evolving future of footwear. With special guest: Neal Taylor, CEO Americas, ECCO Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA and Sandi Mines, FDRA
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