September/October
2024
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Putting Healthy Feet at the Forefront.
Everyday Wellness
VIONIC/COVE: Cove is the newest addition to the VRX Recovery Series, which debuted in 2024. The collection is engineered with Vionic’s advanced recovery system. The shoe is a lightweight slide which balances cushioning, support and stability. It features a massaging footbed and dual-density cushioning. MSRP $85.
Footwear begins with support, according to Mike Walker, head of marketing at täōs. “Our feet are not flat; they possess unique curves and contours that connect us to the earth below,” the exec explained. At his company, shoes are designed from the ground up, prioritizing arch support, cushioning and stability as the foundation for long-term health and comfort. In essence, look good, feel good. Easy on/off footwear is a vibrant trend. At OOFOS, all styles offer these capabilities for improved convenience. “It saves time and effort, making it ideal for quick transitions from training to recovery or just getting ready during a busy morning,” said Dan Hobson, head of design for OOFOS, adding, “It can also provide a more comfortable experience for those who struggle with bending or maneuvering.” Alegria Design Director Megan Gold added that easy on/off footwear is great for customers with joint issues. “We have always done very well with slip-on styles, but this has really become a big piece of the comfort category,” she said. We asked execs what traits make a shoe good for everyday wellness. Here’s what they told us.

Q: What footwear features are important in maintaining foot and overall body health?

“Arcopedico’s core values focus on a nice, supportive sole and non-binding uppers. This allows for increased circulation in lower extremities, keeping the foot stable and balanced. Our uppers are made from vegan materials which won’t bind or pinch the feet, leaving lots of flexibility for foot ailments such as bunions or hammertoes.”

Sydney Simas, VP of sales and marketing, Simco Imported Shoes

“Foot health is the foundation inside Xelero footwear. Xelero technology was developed to off-load bottom pressures and keeping the foot in alignment, which reduces stress on in the foot, ankle and knee joints.”
Dan Werremeyer, president,
Instride Shoes

“At VELOUS we have isolated three main features recovery footwear must have: First is a stable and soft heel impact area where feet initially contact the ground. Second is the perfect amount of arch support (too much can be painful and too little can cause arches to strain and fail). Third is forefoot flexibility that allows our metatarsal heads and the tendons under our feet to gently stretch with each step to promote blood flow and healing.”
Brad Bischel, co-founder, VELOUS

“Consumers are looking for footwear that can truly help with workout recovery and provide relief from everyday soreness, aches and pains. OOfoam reduces stress on joints and more evenly distributes pressure, which can help people of any activity level and allow them to be more active in their day-to-day lives, from walkers to marathoners, to nurses and chefs who are on their feet all day.”
Dan Hobson, head of design, OOFOS

“Our design starts with an exclusive orthotic footbed, integrating arch support, cushioning and stability to ensure long-term comfort and wellness. Our styles offer exceptional lateral support, improving stability and comfortably securing the foot to reduce slipping and overpronation. True function is fashion. When footwear is easy to wear and doesn’t cause discomfort, it can contribute to a positive mood and overall well-being.”
Mike Walker, head of marketing, täōs

“Great arch support is critical to foot health maintenance. The other very important feature that helps to preserve overall body health and wellness are rocker outsoles, which put far less pressure on the flex point and arch of the foot, as well as help to alleviate lower back pain.”
Megan Gold, design director, Alegria

“It all starts with the last. Proper fit is crucial to overall foot health and how the foot feels throughout the day. Materials under foot are crucial to long term performance. We use advanced polyurethane midsoles and insoles that are proven to have cushion and support that lasts wear after wear. Support in both the heel and under the arch help promote proper body alignment and keep the foot performing at its best.”
Matt Dieckhaus, VP of sales and marketing, Latitudes

“We are committed to fit as the building block for foot health and wellness. We achieve that not only with our extensive size and width offering but also by emphasizing: 1. Extra depth footbeds and spacer insoles to customize fit. 2. Adjustable closures like hook and loop, lace and zip combinations and uppers with variable stretch. We also have several styles that offer an elastic lace and a single hook and loop to secure the fit.”
Jennifer Sokso, director of marketing, Propét

“Proper fit and letting the foot circulate are most important to wellness. Insole, outsole and material components factor into the overall comfort. With the market strength in the lifestyle and sneaker categories, ease of wear is a priority. Slip-on features enhance the consumer experience.”
Rich Rask, president, Rieker

“To start, it’s critical that you’re wearing properly fitted shoes, good cushioning for shock absorption and responsiveness, a supportive arch and temperature-relevant upper materials—textiles that are breathable and have stretch for the spring/summer weather or leather for cooler or rainier conditions. A consumer should aim for a wide toe box to be able to splay their feet and toes. Texture on the footbed can promote blood circulation for faster recovery.” Estelle Maranan, director of innovation, sustainability and biomechanics, Vionic

“A feature like a wider toe box is important for a recovery shoe. Our shoe is crafted with a breathable, seamless upper that shapes to the foot while adding gentle flexible support. Our lightweight EVA is highly durable and shock absorbing to reduce stress on feet, joints, and back—which is ideal for recovery. Sweat-wicking and special yarns that help ensure an optimal body temperature while preventing the buildup of perspiration.”
Sarah Humphries, marketing director, Zensah

Find Your Fit, Feel Fantastic

TAOS/ADVANCE

Reimagined in a retro multi colorway, the Advance is the brand’s newest addition to the Active/Outdoor Collection. A durable multi-color outsole, lightweight Super-Energy Return midsole and Curves Pods removable footbed offer support and a dose of fun for hitting the trails or hanging out around town. This style is orthotic-friendly. MSRP $160.

KLOGS/AUSTIN

All KLOGS styles are effortless to slide on and off, including Austin. Fit to be dressed up or down, Austin is tough, yet comfortable (and inspired by the Lone Star state!) thanks to shock-absorbing TRUBase outsoles and soft leather uppers. TRUComfort insoles cradle and cushion the foot, helping to reduce foot, back and leg pain. MSRP $144.95.

ARCOPEDICO/LANIN

Lanin is positioned as the ideal travel shoe featuring recycled materials. Dual arch support, a flexible Lytech upper and adjustable laces provide comfort. Machine washability makes for easy care. Arcopedico VP Simas said of this shoe, “I haven’t tried on a shoe that has made my feet feel this happy in a long time!” MSRP $125.

XELERO/HEIDI

Designed for walking and everyday casual wear, Heidi offers support and comfort (plus extra toe room!). An internal rocker provides enhanced forward motion and stability, while a control plate offloads bottom pressure so that walking is easier. A removable cork EVA footbed gives extra support under the foot. MSRP $179.99.

HOKA/SKYWARD X

This everyday trainer takes it to the extreme with cushioning. Hoka Skyward X features a novel suspension system with a convex carbon fiber plate allowing the wearer to feel spring in their step. The knit upper molds to the foot for a sock-like fit. A deep active foot frame cradles and secures the heel. MSRP $225.

OOFOS/OOmy STRIDE

Built on a foundation of OOfoam technology, the OOmy Stride offers a breathable four-way stretch upper for mobility along with a pillowed heel that cushions the Achilles. An engineered knit collar and lacing system makes for a refined fit. Deep flex grooves increase traction and longevity. MSRP $159.95.

ALEGRIA/AVERIE

Averie offers style + versatility in a casual sneaker with a soft nappa and suede upper alongside a removable footbed offering support when you need it. A lightweight EVA outsole is slip-resistant. Adjustable laces and a side zipper help perfect the fit. MSRP $130.

ZENSAH/REPOSAH

This shoe is laceless and moldable for easy transitions while on the go or for switching from recovery to training. A stretch ribbing upper offers room for swollen, recovering feet. The seamless upper is crafted with 90% recycled nylon for smooth sliding on and off. A structured heel keeps it from collapsing down. MSRP $160.

PROPET/TOUR KNIT FX

This new women’s style for Spring 2025 is sure to please with a soft mesh upper and extra depth footbed. It also features a removable Ortholite insole and FX closure (an elastic lace and a single hook and loop to secure the fit).  Coral makes a colorful statement. MSRP $104.95.

VELOUS/ACTIVE ADJUSTABLE SLIDE

The Active Adjustable Slide features Tri-Motion Technology for cushioning and stability. It has the ideal amount of arch support and finishes each step with gentle forefoot stretching provided by built-in flex grooves. Additionally, the slide is customizable with an adjustable top strap – perfect with socks or without.  MSRP $69.95.

RIEKER/BRUCE

Rieker’s ready2go slip-on lifestyle product was introduced for Fall 2024 and continues to be integrated throughout all men’s and women’s categories for Spring 2025. Ready2go product features optimum fit on the shaft and special heel construction. Bruce also offers a removable Rieker soft insole and stretch elastic laces. MSRP $145.

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