There is no shortage of creativity in the footwear world these days, especially when it comes to new materials and digitalization methods.

The recovery footwear category is reaching a new level. As recovery becomes a more significant part of daily life, brands are focusing on modern styling as well as advanced innovation.

Innovative designs take these standout styles from New Balance, Altra, Vasque and Adidas Terrex to new heights.

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.

Office style is-a-changing. Some days call for a dressed-up look, while others are cooler and more casual. Bottom line, the shoes you choose for work are about comfort and that is non-negotiable. A heel is pretty much always office-appropriate and a laid-back loafer can work well too.

This season footwear takes a walk on the wild side as brands explore new materials for active outdoorists. A spirited attitude about performance footwear is emerging that is ushering in technical advances, eco-innovation, color selection and overall shoe aesthetic.

Footwear brands are on the move this season leveling up product with the latest material developments. There are two main drivers influencing the direction forward in the footwear market.

Innovation abounds in the newest performance running shoes, from max-cushion road shoes, to lightweight trail performers to speed demons and super shoes. Take a look at what’s new and what’s next.

Shoes are a relatively new category to feature in the Performance Forum, a prime section of the Functional Fabric Fair, where the latest, must-see fabrications are displayed. But based on attendee interest and textile innovation during the New York City trade event this summer...

With established daily routines of commuting to an office and making a bee-line to the gym disrupted during the pandemic — to the point of no return for many — the difference between the footwear we wear to work and what we wear to workout is shrinking in size.

The latest material innovations elevate not only how footwear functions but also how it feels. This is achieved in a few different ways: Some suppliers prefer materials that are hard, while others lean into materials that are soft, with both camps looking for a product that is “just right.”

A grab bag of market trends set the pace for this season’s footwear collections. Sustainability, vegan, plant-based, and performance all come into play in styles that feature material innovations developed for a modern eco-active, value-driven consumer lifestyle. In other words, shoes launched...

Momentum to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curb environmental impacts is gaining traction as shoe brands re-evaluate processes and materials. Carbon is a key talking point this season with carbon offsets, carbon neutrality and carbon negative labeling all coming into play...

Every year outsole abrasion contributes 8.5 billion metric tons of micro-plastics directly from our shoes and tires, into the ecosystem, with toxic residue ending up in the soil and the waterways from storm runoff, impacting plants and animals.

Shoe brands are working wonders when it comes to sustainability by using natural and recyclable materials. We take a closer look at sustainability stories from brands such as Twisted X, Timberland, Vionic, Sanuk, Kodiak, Simple and more.

In February 2021, Aetrex Worldwide is launching the next generation of its 3D foot scanning technology, known as Albert. Aetrex sees Albert 2 as not only being revolutionary in 3D foot scanning, but also as a profit center for retailers.

A sneak peek at a few outdoor styles to watch for next spring: Ecco's Exowrap Sandal, the Oboz Sypes collection and the eco-friendly Merrell Cloud Knit.

Spotlighting the coolest gear, footwear, apparel & accessories for Fall ’20 and Spring ’21.

July 4 didn’t bring the usual array of community events and fireworks extravaganzas to the U.S. this year, but even as COVID concerns played out across the country, the active lifestyle industry saw some bright spots.

As Americans increasingly explore local neighborhood trails, parks and wild spaces, they’re looking for versatile, rugged styles that hold up to whatever adventures they find. These spring ’21 styles fit the bill.

Whether it’s tackling the neighborhood on foot or running sprints on the track, more and more consumers are lacing up for a run. Longtime runners or new recruits are sure to find what they’re looking for in spring ’21’s crop of shoes to watch.

Boston-based Oofos has signed a strategic partnership with NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. The former defensive back and return specialist will serve on Oofos’ advisory panel and will introduce the brand to other athletes. Oofos will be Sanders’ exclusive provider of recovery products.

High-end men’s dress shoe brand Alden Shoes has filed a civil suit against its former chief financial officer and director Richard Hajjar. The Middleboro, MA-based firm, which has operated in the town since 1848, alleges Hajjar embezzled $27 million from the family-owned business over...

Seattle-based Brooks Running has pledged $100,000 to the Equal Justice Initiative for Global Running Day on June 3, and has pledged to donate an additional $1 for every runner who has already signed up to run or walk and for every runner who signs up through June 7, up to $250,000.

Informa Markets Fashion, producer of the MICAM Americas, MAGIC and Project trade shows, is partnering with e-commerce wholesale platform NuORDER for a digital tradeshow that will launch in conjunction with Informa’s physical shows for fall.

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.

Market momentum for the Hoka One One brand, whose global revenues rose 58 percent in FY20 to $353 million, is forecast to continue this fiscal year but at a slower rate. Senior executives at parent firm Deckers last week told analysts that Hoka’s projected sales increase for...

The Big Gear Show has canceled its inaugural event, originally slated for July 22-25 in Salt Lake City. Set to serve the paddling, cycling, climbing and camping markets with a retailer-minded, low-cost trade show, BGS is postponing its first show to Aug. 3-5, 2021.

Chip Coe has been named the new global brand president of Cat Footwear.Coe, the former president and CEO of Smartwool, joined Wolverine Worldwide in 2010 and has had several positions over the last decade. Most recently, he served as SVP of Strategy.

The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America is asking for the duty deferment on certain goods, including some footwear, put in place in April to be extended through the rest of the year. “Today, we called on the Trump Administration to extend its current duty deferment plan for...

A study on industry impacts from the COVID-19 crisis by Confindustria Moda with participation by 88 members of the Italian trade organization, Assocalzaturifici Italiani, found that footwear companies averaged a 38.4 percent drop in first-quarter sales with...

The brand with a “Forever Faster” slogan has a new one for 2020: Stronger Together. Vowing to avoid layoffs and maintain brand relationships with both factories and global retail partners, Puma SE CEO Bjorn Gulden says the company’s primary...

The current buying and retailing schedule is broken, and the unprecedented changes in the industry brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic make changes urgent, according to an open letter from major fashion industry players released on Tuesday.

While senior executives at Nelsonville, OH-based Rocky Brands admit it’s difficult to forecast what the final three quarters will be like for the company and its stable of footwear brands, Rocky’s own manufacturing plants in the...

Despite a 9 percent constant-currency decline in first-quarter footwear sales to $116.0 million, Columbia Sportswear senior management says the segment will remain an important focus for the remainder of FY20.

Global footwear consumption is projected to decline by 4 billion pairs in 2020, including a 696 million pair drop in North America, according to the most recent Business Conditions Survey by World Footwear.

Citing research from its scans of two million U.S. footwear customers at more than 600 retail stores over more than four years, Volumental suggests a lack of data-driven design and manufacturing is hurting most footwear brands today.

When Jaclyn Jones wanted to launch her namesake brand in 2015, finding a factory in the U.S. that would take her on was no easy feat. Now, not only does Jones manufacture her Jaclyn Jones USA product line of shoes, she owns the factory that makes it.

What to wear to the office? Anything you want. When it comes to workday footwear, the only rules are what looks good — and keep you comfortable for a day doing it all. These fall ’20 styles run the gamut: sleek boots and booties, animal prints of all species, sneakers, loafers...

A sneak peek at standout new trail running and hiking footwear to watch for in Fall/Winter 20/21

Swiss performance brand On has made a big splash in the running market since its introduction in 2010 and the brand is continuing to ramp up its innovative offerings heading into Fall 2019 and beyond.

Outdoor footwear Brands are exploring new terrain in the seasons ahead. Technology is impacting every category from top-tier hiking shoes to everyday lifestyle sandals. Perhaps nowhere is the innovation more apparent than in the light hike and trail run categories.

These shoes are all about fit and feel on the trail. Brands are fine-tuning the design of their footwear uppers to hug the foot, combining with midsole and outsole innovation that creates a smooth and protected ride on the toughest terrain. Here’s a peek at some new styles ready to blaze the trail.

Just because folks work in the medical industry it doesn’t mean that their shoes need to look orthopedic. The same goes for service industry employees who would appreciate footwear that is serviceable yet stylish.

Last year closed with two eye-popping feats in the running world, logged back to back in October. On Oct. 12, Eliud Kipchoge broke the two-hour marathon barrier, long thought an impossible feat, with a time of 1:59:40 during a specially tailored event in Vienna, Austria.

So what does “green” mean in terms of footwear today? The products shown here illustrate the latest ways brands are expanding eco options to satisfy shopper desire for shoes that feature a lighter environmental footprint. Performance and aesthetics remain front and center but earth-friendly...

The desire to make shoes faster, lighter, more durable, more cushioned or just plain more comfortable has driven some of the biggest franchises in the footwear world. (After all, where would Nike be without Air?)

The shoes we want right now? They’re the ones that do it all. Boots that keep up on the trail and look at home on a night out. Trail runners that bring you up the mountain and through town. Shoes that make life easier, more comfortable and more fun no matter what the day has in store.

When Jim Fox stepped into the CEO position at Dansko on the first of the year, he knew he was filling big shoes.

What to wear when the spring weather is a question mark? Forget early-season strappy sandals: closed-up styles that work as well in March as they do in July are the go-to pieces for shoulder season.

Online? In store? As far as Foot Locker’s Dick Johnson is concerned, it’s immaterial. Almost 18 months after integrating its digital and in-store operations, and a year into an intensive back-end overhaul to speed up its site, Foot Locker has reaped the rewards of a unified strategy that makes...

L’Artiste This colorful, creative, hand-painted style from L’Artiste is named Enticing. The brand aims to deliver “works of art for your feet” fused with the feel of European comfort.

Whether it’s Coachella or Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza or Mo Pop, shoes put the exclamation point on a killer festival outfit. But the perfect street-to-stage style needs more than good looks. Festival footwear also needs to feel good for a full day and night of shows in every kind of weather...

Footwear Insight editor-in-chief Jennifer Ernst Beaudry and Formula 4 Media Editorial Director Cara Griffin join Sports Insight Extra editor Bob McGee for a chat about trends seen at the FFANY Shoe Show and at The Running Event trade show.

Textured leathers, cozy teddy-bear linings and lots of sparkle and shine are on tap at FFANY, going on this week in New York City. The FFANY Shoe Expo is taking place at Warwick Hotel and Academy Mansion, with FFANY Market Week also spreading out across brand showrooms throughout Manhattan.

Caleres, the Famous Footwear parent, which acquired Vionic for $360 million in mid-October, believes Vionic possesses significant growth potential in the premium comfort segment for men and women.

Altra has hired Todd Dalhausser as brand president, effective immediately. Dalhausser joins the VF Corp.-owned Altra from Wolverine World Wide, where he served as SVP of sales for Saucony North America.

3D is old news. Adidas is going 4D with the launch of its new Alphaedge 4D shoe, engineered with the Adidas 4D midsole, for “controlled energy return” and “breathable cushioning.”

A new Online Holiday Shoe Sales Survey, commissioned by the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America and conducted by the research center at Emerson College, finds that 31 percent of the U.S. adult population intends to purchase footwear online this holiday season.

With the Grassroots Connect show happening right now in Denver, and Outdoor Retailer’s inaugural November show set to kick off later this week, outdoor brands are pulling out the stops for Fall ’19 with fashion-forward product designed to fit seamlessly into the consumer’s day to day.

VF Corp.-owned Vans is targeting $5 billion in revenues by 2023. The topline objective represents a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10-12 percent. In Q2 ended Sep. 30, Vans’ revenues rose 26 percent with “strong growth” across regions, channels and product categories.

Brooks just closed a stellar third quarter, one that saw global revenues rise 29 percent, driven by a 32 percent increase in footwear. The Seattle-based company continued to thrive in the challenged U.S performance running market, taking share to hit the second market position in the category.

R&D, advanced manufacturing techniques and 3-D printing will be the primary focus of New Balance’s sixth New England factory when the 80,000-sq.-ft. building in Methuen, MA opens next year with 60 new NB employees, according to the Boston Globe.

Too much is never enough when it comes to the latest kids styles. Over-the-top embellishments, glitter, shine and color for days make footwear fun and steal the spotlight.