Brand execs weigh in on the key outdoor and work boot trends to watch for in 2021. "Versatility in footwear continues to be extremely important to consumers. More shoes for the outdoors are being purchased than ever before, as consumers continue to spend significant time there...

Versatility in footwear continues to be extremely important to consumers. More shoes for the outdoors are being purchased than ever before, as consumers continue to spend significant time there. Footwear that combines functionality and style is integral to be able to...

Wrangler and Twisted X have entered a licensing agreement that will see Twisted X design and distribute Wrangler Footwear for men’s, women’s and children across the western, casual/modern, outdoor, work, and work/casual categories beginning with distribution this spring.

We spoke to independent footwear retailers across the country about the challenges they have faced this year, the strategies they’ve implemented, and how they envision the year ahead. Each of the stores featured on these pages is a past winner of our Gold Medal Service Award...

Chuck Schuyler, president of the National Shoe Retailers Association, will retire on Jan. 1, 2021 after 15 years with the Tucson, AZ trade organization. During his NSRA tenure, the former president and owner of the Drew Shoe Corp., has led a number of initiatives for the trade group that...

Opportunities in the running market extend far beyond footwear. “New runners who leaned into running during COVID for the first time will be looking for safe training group options in spring, and later seeking events like 5K, 10K, fun runs, marathons and...

As we head deeper into the crucial Holiday retail season, here are 12 facts and figures to keep in mind. 1. Shoppers Appear to Be Trading Up. More than 50 percent of surveyed consumers expect to trade up to better quality products this year. 2. 41 percent of shoppers are “very likely” to...

When the topic of stellar service at retail comes up, most often the focus is on the service that retailers offer customers. But for retailers, service also comes in the form of the relationships they have with their vendor and brand partners.

Under Armour is launching its first women’s-specific basketball shoe, the UA HOVR Breakthru, on September 17. Available in seven colorways, the $110 HOVR Breakthru will exclusively be sold at Dick’s Sporting Goods, UA.com, and UA Brand Houses.

As many in the industry navigate virtual and digital trade shows for the first time this summer, the learnings from the experience will surely impact what in-person trade shows look like in the future.

Innovation in anti-viral textiles in response to the COVID-19 crisis is taking off with ingredient suppliers around the world contributing new treatments to help protect from coronavirus. It will be a technology to watch in performance products in the upcoming seasons.

The industry saw an unprecedented growth trend for U.S. cycling sales in March and April, according to The NPD Group. April sales for traditional bikes, indoor bikes, parts, helmets, and other...

In Spring 2021, performance sock brand Darn Tough Vermont will release an entirely redesigned Run collection. In development for two years, the new Run socks have been reconstructed with technical features that include targeted ultra-lightweight cushioning in the footbed and toe for...

As brands look ahead to Spring ’21, they’re planning for a season of opposites. In the wake of the unprecedented disruption the COVID-19 shutdowns caused this Spring, comfort labels are planning for fresh new looks for retailers who want to add vibrancy to their core offering — as well as...

These standouts, available now, are designed to honor the LGBTQ+ community and raise money for a variety of charitable organizations during Pride Month this June.

The COVID-19 crisis created seismic change across almost every aspect of the footwear industry — and that included the traditional buying cycle. Faced with retail shutdowns, travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders and product shortages, the ways, hows and whens of...

Oofos DF OOlala: To mark the one-year anniversary of the passing of Oofos employee and industry force Duncan Finigan, recovery brand Oofos has released the DF OOlala sandal featuring her initials in an eye-catching black, pink and green version of the popular women’s style.

As stores face challenges during the coronavirus pandemic, brands have been tasked with building partnerships that help their independent retail network adapt.

Seattle-based Brooks Running is gearing up for a second shoe giveback to healthcare workers. After a 10,000-pair giveaway on April 2 evaporated in 45 minutes, the athletic brand is expanding: For every purchase of a pair of select Brooks models, including the Glycerin 18 and...

The Running Industry Association (RIA) will defer member dues for all new retailers and offer current members an option to defer until January 2021 as well. The move is part of the RIA’s “Keep You Running” initiative that is designed to help retailers survive the mandated closures and...

Ferndale, WA-based Superfeet is debuting new options to support its retail partners as they remain shut under stay-at-home orders. The firm says it is offering drop-ship capabilities to consumers free of charge for stores who don’t want or are unable to ship inventory...

REI Co-op president and CEO Eric Artz will forgo his salary for the next 6 months as well as his incentives for 2020 as the retail co-op will put the majority of its retail and field employees on unpaid 90-day furlough starting April 15 as it...

Industry brands continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic with assistance in a variety of ways.‍

The days of baseball being the exclusive domain of males are in the past. Every year, more females are playing baseball with passion and enthusiasm, according to Baseball For All (BFA) founder Justine Siegal, whose organization was founded in 2010 and now provides support for girls by providing...

Strong professional leagues, expanding college programs and strong and steady high school participation underpin the steady growth and success of women’s basketball. And because this is an Olympic year, there is lots of potential for substantial growth opportunities, particularly due to the...