Stride Rite has launched two new sneakers, Sprout and Fern, that are made with renewable and recycled materials. Available in little kids' sizes 3-10, the $50 sneakers have twill uppers made of 30% seaweed fiber and 70% organic cotton; recycled flexible, slip-resistant outsoles made with 10% recycled rubber; chrome-free suede; and recycled twill linings and hook-and-loop closures.

Running shoe startup Vimazi opened its most recent funding round for $1M in preferred stock this week. The brand’s initial product line of six pace-tuned road running shoes utilize patent-pending tech designed to deliver optimized cushioning on impact and maximized propulsion efficiency during push-off for every runner. Vimazi will begin shipping its products to U.S. retailers and consumers this week from its Detroit distribution center. Scott Tucker, CEO of Vimazi, said the new funding round would “enable the company to continue the development and production of the product line which includes trail running and walking models.” The current Vimazi funding round is open to accredited investors with a $50K minimum. Inquiries may be sent to invest@vimazi.com. 

National Retail Federation chief economist Jack Kleinhenz last week said a U.S. recession is unlikely and the economy is expected to experience slight growth. He admitted that the U.S. households will probably feel recession-like conditions in 2023 but added that downturn “will not be severe enough to become an official recession.”