The Los Angeles-based sneaker brand PSUDO, founded in 2020 by industry veterans Michael and Kortney Rich, is developing positive buzz with retailers and consumers thanks to its eye-catching styles, as well as its ethical, small-batch, and on-demand sneaker manufacturing process.

In our annual feature, we shine a light on brands committed to partnerships with independent retailers. Execs talk strategy, product, relationships (& more).

Winnipeg-based footwear brand Manitobah announced it has been certified as a B Corporation (B Corp), an assessment that evaluates a company's lasting impact on employees, communities, suppliers, customers, governance, and the environment.

With an eye on brand expansion and product evolution, Altra, the running footwear brand known for its zero-drop, natural motion shoes, will launch its first low-drop style, the AltraFWD Experience road shoe, next week.

Jogology, the new sock brand founded by industry veterans Tanya and Bert Pictor and Luke Rowe, has officially launched at retail. Over the coming weeks, Jogology will roll out exclusively in more than 60 run specialty retail doors across the U.S., with an initial focus on the Southeast.

Foot Solutions has opened a new store in Delray Beach, Florida. Located in Delray Marketplace on Atlantic Avenue, it is the fifth Foot Solutions store in Florida, giving the retailer more than 50 stores nationwide.

Vasque Footwear is launching the Re:connect Collection, featuring lightweight, versatile styles that blur the line between outdoor performance and outdoor lifestyle.

Caleres has promoted Natelle Baddeley to the position of chief design and product officer. In this new role, Baddeley has creative oversight for the majority of the Caleres brand portfolio...

Industry veteran Chris Brewer has joined the leadership team at Mizuno USA as senior director of running. Brewer brings a wealth of experience in the footwear sector to his new role, having held key positions over the past 25 years at brands such as Adidas, Under Armour, and Fila.

K-Swiss announced a multi-year apparel and footwear partnership with professional pickleball player, commentator and “Coach to the Stars” Matt Manasse as the brand continues to invest in pickleball. K-Swiss currently has three pickleball-specific shoes in its line, available online and at retail. 

Merrell has launched a limited run footwear collection called Scrap that is built partially using excess materials from the production line. The Scrap product line includes three styles: Jungle Moc Scrap ($125), Moab 3 Scrap ($130) and Moab Speed Scrap ($150).

There is a change at the top at Dansko, which last week announced the promotion of Kitty Bolinger to president. Current CEO Jim Fox will transition to the newly established role of executive chairman. The move becomes effective on Sept. 5.

Saucony announced a major step in its sustainability journey — a goal that 90% of its products will contain organic, recycled or renewable materials by 2025, with 100% by 2030.

Steve Gallo has left his role as president of Oofos, the company announced. Additionally, Dave Mischler has been promoted to the role of Chief Operating Officer.

Australian footwear brand Frankie4 is expanding its presence in the U.S. Founded in 2010 by podiatrist Caroline McCulloch, the brand, whose footwear offerings combine customized comfort with style, landed in the U.S. two years ago with an ecommerce push. Now the brand is ramping up at retail.

The team behind the Darn Tough Vermont sock brand is aiming to disrupt the sock industry with the launch of a new sock brand called Wide Open – The Wide Width Sock.

Altra has launched a special version of its Paradigm 7 shoe in collaboration with two-time Olympian Kara Goucher, with five dollars from every pair sold of the limited edition colorway benefitting the Bachmann-Strauss Fellowship in Dystonia Research...

It’s sandal time. Kick back with these four new styles. It’s sandal time. Kick back with these four new styles, ranging from surf style, to outdoor to a comfort wedge — from KLLY, Oboz, KAVU and Tidewater Sandals.

As product development manager at Polartec, Aimee LaValley works within a technical team that consists of engineers and scientists trained in the creation of textiles from yarn and knitting to dyeing and finishing.

Pickleball has hit the mainstream. Participation in the sport continues to grow. And the social aspect of the sport, as well as its “fun” and “easy to play” nature, are big reasons why, according to our latest consumer survey.

Diadora recently launched its first trail run shoe, the $170 Equipe Sestriere. Designed to perform on all natural terrains, from grass to rocks, the shoe has an aggressive design and is inspired by the animal world in its sole design.

Authentic Brands Group announced today that the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware has officially approved the sale transaction of Rockport to Authentic. In late June, news had emerged that Authentic was the “stalking horse” bidder for bankrupt Rockport.

WHP Global, the parent of the Italian footwear and sportswear brand Lotto, has struck a distribution deal with Dick’s Sporting Goods for its soccer and tennis products.

Athletic, outdoorsy, and casual footwear trends remain strong with shoppers, according to our most recent consumer survey.

The Running Event (TRE) is leaning into the outdoors. Following last year’s introduction of Switchback, an outdoor-focused section of its exhibit space and programming, TRE, a specialty retail conference and trade show known for its focus on run specialty...