#478 Navigating Footwear Leadership With Susie Kuhn, President, Active Brands Group, Wolverine Worldwide

What does it take to lead a global brand through rapid change and rising expectations? In this episode of the Footwear Leadership Series powered by OrthoLite, Tara McRae, President and Managing Director of Puma North America, shares how mentorship, networking, and a player-coach leadership style have shaped her path and her approach to building resilient, innovative teams. From navigating uncertain markets to fostering future talent, Tara’s insights are a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership. With special guest: Tara McRae, President and Managing Director North America, Puma Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

What if a simple in-store service could protect shoes, promote sustainability, and keep customers coming back? In this episode of the Shoe-In Show, Oliver Hede, Vice President of Sales at Imbox, reveals how their eco-friendly shoe protection technology is revolutionizing the retail experience. From boosting customer loyalty to empowering store associates, this in-store innovation is creating real value for brands and consumers alike. Tune in as we unpack how Imbox is extending product life, driving repeat traffic, and redefining what great service looks like in the modern footwear store. With special guest: Oliver Hede, Vice President of Sales, Imbox Protection Hosted by: Andy Polk, FDRA

How does a former heavy metal guitarist end up leading a 175-year-old heritage footwear brand? In this episode of the Shoe-In Show’s Leadership Series powered by OrthoLite, Danny Ewoldsen, President of Johnston & Murphy, shares his unexpected path to the C-suite and how creativity, curiosity, and customer obsession guide his leadership style. Danny opens up about blending tradition with innovation, cultivating a culture of authenticity, and what it really takes to keep a legacy brand relevant in today’s fast-paced retail landscape. Tune in for fresh insights from one of the industry’s most dynamic leaders. With special guest: Danny Ewoldsen, President, Johnston & Murphy Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

How are premium consumers shopping—and what’s driving their decisions? In this episode, Mike Keisman, Head of Research and Innovation, MakerSights, dives into the evolving mindset of premium footwear buyers. From intentional purchasing and brand trust to the impact of digital discovery and in-store experience, Mike unpacks the key forces shaping the premium market today. Whether you're a brand strategist, product leader, or retail pro, don’t miss this data-backed discussion on what’s next in consumer behavior and footwear retail. With special guest: Mike Keisman, Head of Research and Innovation, MakerSights Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

How does a mailroom job lead to the CEO suite at one of the most iconic athletic brands in the world? In this episode of the Footwear Leadership Series powered by OrthoLite, Todd Krinsky, President and CEO, Reebok, shares his incredible 33-year journey through the ranks. He opens up about bold career moves, game-changing product innovation, and the leadership philosophies that fuel Reebok’s revival in sport and culture. Tune in to get inspired by the grit, passion, and risk-taking that shaped Todd’s path—and the future of Reebok. With special guest: Todd Krinsky, President and CEO, Reebok Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

In this episode of FFANY Trend Watch, host Sandi Mines is joined by Nikara Johns of Footwear News and Kendall Becker of Trendalytics to explore Spring 2026 footwear and fashion trends. From thong sandals and sneakerinas to moto boots and platform sneakers, they break down what’s hot—from Coachella to Copenhagen. The conversation covers key style shifts like personalized sneakers, ballet flats, golfcore, bold color combos, and evolving silhouettes, all influenced by street style, data, and global fashion weeks. Tune in for a fast-paced look at what’s trending now and what’s coming next in footwear. With special guests: Nikara Johns, Senior Editor, Footwear News and Kendall Becker, Fashion Director, Trendalytics Hosted by: Sandi Mines

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