#472 From East Village to Industry Leader: Marina Levine’s Journey to Highline United CEO

What drives successful footwear leadership in today's ever-evolving industry? In the debut episode of the Footwear Leadership Series, Wolverine Worldwide's President, Active Brands Group, Susie Kuhn shares global career insights, innovative growth strategies, and her people-first leadership style. Hear how she harnesses trends, AI, and culture to elevate brands like Saucony and Merrell. Powered by OrthoLite—tune in now! With special guest: Susie Kuhn, President, Active Brands Group, Wolverine Worldwide Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

How are global trade wars reshaping footwear sourcing? In this urgent episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett speak with Steve Reynolds, CEO, Jade Footwear, on navigating shifting tariffs, shipping delays, and factory diversification across Asia. Get insider insight into the real-time chaos impacting 85M pairs yearly. Don’t miss this eye-opening deep dive into the industry’s changing landscape! With special guest: Steve Reynolds, CEO, Jade Footwear Hosted by: Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett

How did Crocs evolve from a simple foam clog to a global footwear icon? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Anne Mehlman, Executive Vice President and Brand President, Crocs, shares her journey from CFO to brand leader and reveals the secrets behind the brand’s unstoppable growth. From bold collaborations and social media buzz to the power of customer feedback, discover how Crocs continues to redefine casual comfort and culture. Tune in for exclusive insights, innovative strategies, and the story behind building an iconic brand—one Jibbitz at a time! With special guest: Anne Mehlman, Executive Vice President and Brand President, Crocs Hosted by: Matt Priest, President, FDRA and Sandi Mines, Vice President, FDRA

Struggling with rising footwear costs and supply chain chaos? This episode dives into how optimizing packaging can boost efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance transparency. Guest Justin Jaeger, Sales and Marketing Specialist, Trillora Packaging Solutions shares insights on cutting hidden costs, Tetris-style box design, and tackling sustainability regulations. Don’t let packaging be an afterthought—tune in to transform your supply chain game! With special guest: Justin Jaeger, Sales and Marketing Specialist, Trillora Packaging Solutions Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

How can footwear brands turn supply chain traceability into a competitive advantage? This week on Shoe-In Show, we sit down with Shameek Ghosh, CEO and Co-Founder of TrusTrace, to explore how traceability platforms are transforming how companies manage risk, ensure compliance, and drive product value. From mapping deep-tier suppliers to meeting global sustainability regulations, Shameek breaks down how the right tools—and the right leadership—can turn complexity into clarity. With special guest: Shameek Ghosh, CEO and Co-Founder, TrusTrace Hosted by: Andy Polk

How can footwear brands better collaborate with startups to spark real innovation? In this episode, Alan Lugo, Founder, alanandres LLC, and Stephanie Downs, CEO, Uncaged Innovations dive into the disconnect between emerging material innovators and established brands. From navigating R&D hurdles to reshaping risk mindsets, they offer practical strategies for building stronger, more sustainable partnerships that drive the future of footwear. With special guests: Alan Lugo, Founder, alanandres LLC and Stephanie Downs, CEO and Co-Founder, UNCAGED Innovations Hosted by: Andy Polk, FDRA

This week on Shoe-In Show, Marina Levine, CEO of Highline United, takes us on her journey from crafting handmade shoes in a crooked East Village apartment to leading trend-forward brands on the global stage. Originally from Russia, Marina shares how her unconventional path into the footwear world shaped her leadership style and business perspective. Tune in as she opens up about launching her own brand, weathering the 2008 recession, and now steering Highline United through today's fast-moving industry landscape. With special guest: Marina Levine, CEO, Highline United Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

Is AI the future of retail? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest and Andy Polk explore cutting-edge retail tech with Shalom Moskowitz and Inbar Mor of ShopX. Discover how AI, automation, and immersive experiences are reshaping the in-store shopping journey—boosting profits and revolutionizing customer engagement. From liquor to footwear, the future is here. ShopX Walkthrough Video With special guests: Shalom Moskowitz, Founder & CEO, Invendiv and Inbar Mor, VP Sales & Business Development, Invendiv Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

What makes Oofos footwear so uniquely comfortable and recovery-focused? In this episode, Matt Priest and Sandi Mines chat with Chris Peckham, Head of Global Operations at Oofos, to dive into the technology behind their proprietary foam and the brand’s rapid growth. Hear how Oofos is shaking up the recovery footwear market, expanding into new retail channels, and navigating industry challenges—all while delivering game-changing comfort. Tune in for insights, innovation, and a little baseball nostalgia! With special guest: Chris Peckham, Head of Global Operations, Oofos Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

What makes a 133-year-old American shoe company thrive today? In this episode, Jeff Burns, President of Weinbrenner Shoe Company also known as Thorogood, shares the brand's rich history, commitment to American-made quality, and innovations in work footwear. Discover how Thorogood balances tradition with cutting-edge production, why they support retail partnerships over direct-to-consumer, and what’s fueling their impressive growth. Plus, hear about their bold investment in U.S. manufacturing! With special guest: Jeff Burns, President, Weinbrenner Shoe Company Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk