Suzanne Blecher

LAtest

Keeping Up with Comfort

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Forward Motion

Planning for the future of outdoor footwear in 2023 means considering climate, sustainability and crossover appeal.

Hustle Heroes

If you’re holding out for a hero product in the hosiery, insole or laces realm for 2023, we’ve got some top picks that are sure to make a splash. Here, brands reveal their best of the best, and give us a peek at some 2023 standouts.

Gear Gets Green

When it comes to sustainability in certain categories, the small things can sometimes be overlooked. We’ve burrowed into the nooks and crevasses of the outdoor and athletic industries to find what eco-advances are being made in gear and accessories today.

Red Hot Recovery

The recovery category is expanding and evolving. We spotlight new products and ask execs “what makes a ‘recovery shoe’ to you and who needs to own one?”

Dressed up Comfort

Consumers have decided that now is the time to refresh their wardrobes and purchase new shoes for weddings, parties, excursions and work. The best new styles fuse fashion and comfort as customers seek more formal options.

Red Hot Recovery

The recovery category is expanding and evolving. We spotlight new products and ask execs “what makes a ‘recovery shoe’ to you and who needs to own one?”

Dressed Up Comfort

Consumers have decided that now is the time to refresh their wardrobes and purchase new shoes for weddings, parties, excursions and work. The best new styles fuse fashion and comfort as customers seek more formal options.

Trend Tracking In House

Using trend forecasting firms is nothing new for apparel and footwear companies. But often before those thought-provoking presentation decks are prepared, fabric and technology suppliers/marketers already know what’s next.

Peak Performers

Built to outlast the everchanging outdoor elements, the Kari Traa Voss Hiking Jacket features a water-repellent treatment, partial mesh lining and ventilation zips for extra breathability. A long cut dropped back hem, weather-sealed construction seams and adjustable hood keep rain out...

In the Studio

If you have an innovative product idea, now is the time to take advantage of industry opportunities. Cities including Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, Brooklyn and Austin all have fashion incubators.

24/7 Mountain Lifestyle

Combining the support of a hiking boot with the agility of a trail running shoe, the TX Hike Mid GTX is designed for off-road terrain.

Incubator Innovators

If you have an innovative product idea, now is the time to take advantage of industry opportunities. Cities including Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, Brooklyn and Austin all have fashion incubators.

Perfect Combo

Today’s hybrid lifestyles have consumers looking for performance in their comfort shoes and comfort in their performance shoes. Need a shoe that works for everything from the trail to the office? No problem.

24/7 Mountain Lifestyle

From lightweight hikers to sturdy sandals, these footwear styles reach new heights.

Walk This Way

Since the onset of the pandemic, walking during free/leisure time has become the most important outdoor activity for consumers. With the world opening up, it looks to continue. Recent data shows that not only are people walking for fitness, they are also walking for longer amounts of time, too.

Outdoor Style

Do-everything performance apparel for anything from the trail to town, and beyond.

Walk This Way

Since the onset of the pandemic, walking during free/leisure time has become the most important outdoor activity for consumers. With the world opening up, it looks to continue.

We Can Do It!

When production workers needed some positive reinforcement during WWII, Rosie the Riveter reminded employees to give it their all. In today’s volatile society, it feels like we can all use a similar morale boost.

The ABC's of Brand Strategy

In the life of a brand, companies make many attempts to meet specific, long-term goals. While the road may wind, the ultimate endpoint is to sell, sell, sell. We’ve chatted up some top industry executives to see what they are doing now...

A New Path

Backpacks – and the materials that anchor them – are getting an upgrade. Textiles are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the latest pack offerings, for both casual adventurers and hardcore outdoorists — they are high performance, lightweight and sustainable.

The Boot Book: Sure Footed

New Boots for 2022 Boast an Increased Focus on Sustainability, Along with a Continued Focus on Hybrid Styles and Innovation in Comfort and Performance.

Leading the Pack

With more consumers diving into outdoor activities, packs – and the materials that anchor them – are getting an upgrade. Textiles are increasingly sophisticated in terms of lighter weight, higher performance and overall sustainability. We tap 5 brands featuring new packs that elevate the category.

The Boot Book: Sure Footed

What has become clear, as we navigate through trying times, is that communication will be key in the footwear industry for 2022. Here is what we have heard from industry executives regarding challenges, opportunities and trends for 2022.

Performing in Style

Not your average running apparel offerings — these new products all have unique stories to tell. And they are on trend for 2022 with elements ranging from advanced technical fabrics, inclusive sizing and eco-conscious materials to stylish design.

Undercover Heroes

Footwear often gets the glory, but the amount of innovation going into performance socks right now cannot be overlooked. Comfort, temperature regulation, injury prevention and construction for a perfect fit are just a few of the key trends driving the category forward.