Footwear Insight

Sneaker Style

One trend is clear in 2024, sneaker style is here to stay. Dressed up kicks are a fit for the office. And they can be worn for a night out on the town, too. And sneaker silhouettes are becoming the footwear of choice for those in the medical and hospitality fields as well, where comfort and tech innovation are driving trends. Athleisure and streetwear style are keeping sneaker designers on their toes as consumers continue to look to make a fashion statement with their everyday footwear. Also of note: All white is still trending in 2024 and looks to be a versatile sneaker staple for the spring and summer seasons.

Brands & Retail

Retailers Take on the Brand Business

Navigating the specialty retail business is a challenge in and of itself for store owners. Issues such as how and where to sell the product, out-of-stocks, inflation, high freight costs, and competition from the Direct-To-Consumer businesses of key vendors test the mettle of specialty footwear retailers every day.

Business Insight

Harnessing AI for Growth

To enhance their profitability, independent shoe retailers must improve their operational efficiency. The utilization of today’s emerging technologies should lead to a higher return on investment. The most successful retailers understand the importance of collecting and analyzing information in order to make better decisions in the future. They already train their staff to effectively use accounting systems, merchandising management systems, email marketing programs, customer facing websites, and social media platforms. A wise owner/operator aims to increase efficiencies, control costs, and explore new markets and services.

Recovery For All

Elite and everyday athletes can both benefit from footwear that enhances overall wellness. As more and more people have become aware and interested in the recovery category, and fallen in love with the products, some elements of the category have naturally evolved, as well. So, how has the recovery footwear category adapted to everyday athletes? And what are the differences between what an ordinary consumer is looking for in a recovery shoe as opposed to what an elite athlete might be looking for? Here, brand execs share their views on these questions regarding recovery footwear.

Sustainability

Step Lightly

Faced with the question of, ‘if not now, when’ concerning the footwear industry’s hefty carbon footprint, recent developments in next-gen materials and new age technologies are compelling examples of how footwear brands are answering the call to action. Companies are going beyond established sustainability practices by escalating decarbonization efforts, resulting in innovative research and modern manufacturing methods that lighten the eco impact of shoes and help combat climate change.

Trend Insight

Consumers Talk Sneakers... And More

In our latest Trend Insight survey, we asked 322 male and female adult consumers about their footwear buying habits — with a specific focus on sneakers, as well as the recovery category and sustainability.

Letter from the Publisher

Looking Good. Feeling Good. And keeping An Eye On AI.

The era of AI has already begun, major retailers are already using it, and it is time for the independent shoe retailers to take on the challenge of employing it in their businesses.

PAST MAGAZINE FEATURES

Looking Good. Feeling Good. And keeping An Eye On AI.

March 2024

Jeff Nott

Issues to Watch: The Year of the Dragon Roars

February 2024

Bob McGee

The Next Step

February 2024

Cara Griffin

Customer Attrition, What to Do About It

February 2024

Alan Miklofsky

Takeaways from NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show.

February 2024

Tom Ryan

Consumer Insights on Boots & More

February 2024

Cara Griffin

Positive Energy

February 2024

Bob McGee & Cara Griffin

Keeping up with Comfort

February 2024

Suzanne Blecher

Read The Latest Issue

Read The Q1 2024 Issue

Waste Not

While circularity is a global initiative, groundwork is being laid domestically. Campbell Hall, NY-based Accelerating Circularity announced an effort to expand circular textile-to-textile systems to reduce both greenhouse gas impact ...

FOOTWEAR INSIGHT

Look Good & Feel Good

One trend is clear in 2024, sneaker style is here to stay. Dressed up kicks are a fit for the office. And they can be worn for a night out on the town, too.

SPORTSTYLE

Look Good & Feel Good

One trend is clear in 2024, sneaker style is here to stay. Dressed up kicks are a fit for the office. And they can be worn for a night out on the town, too.

RUNSTYLE

Bringing Beginners In

At the run specialty retail level, offering a welcoming environment to newer runners is something shops each take different approaches with.