#541 Back-to-School 2026: Consumer Shifts, Cost Pressure & What's Next for Footwear

What if a simple pair of glasses could transform your factory floor? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Andy Polk sits down with Ramona Bajema, PhD, Senior Advisor of VisionSpring to talk about the Clear Vision Workplace program and why providing eyeglasses to factory workers is one of the most powerful and underutilized tools in footwear manufacturing today. The data is compelling: clear vision doesn't just improve worker wellbeing, it drives measurable gains in productivity, quality control, and sustainability outcomes across the supply chain. From Vietnam factories to global sourcing operations, Ramona shares real-world impact and makes the case for why every footwear brand should be paying attention. If you manage sourcing, supply chain, or sustainability for a footwear brand, this episode is a must-listen. How a $1.50 Pair of Glasses Can Change a Garment Factory's Bottom Line. With special guest: Ramona Bajema, PhD, Senior Advisor, VisionSpring Hosted by: Andy Polk, FDRA

What happens when a sneaker obsessive spots a gap nobody else is filling? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest sits down with Devonn Vidal, Founder and CEO of Sneakky Klean, to talk about one of the most unexpected and exciting entrepreneurial journeys in footwear today. Starting in Miami in 2019, Devonn built a premium sneaker cleaning and restoration business from the ground up — creating a professional care category that essentially didn't exist at scale. From free pickup and delivery to locations in New York, Zurich, and the brand's first franchise in Canada, Sneakky Klean is proving that what's on your feet deserves the same care you put into buying them. A conversation about sneaker culture, entrepreneurship, and what it means to build a brand around the idea that you should restore over replace. With special guest: Devonn Vidal, Founder and CEO, Sneakky Klean Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA

What does it take to build a technology-forward footwear company from the ground up? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest and Sandi Mines sit down with Jennet Chow and Mike Chen, Co-CEOs of Evolution Design Lab, to talk about one of the most innovative stories in footwear today. From humble beginnings selling shoes at swap meets to building proprietary software that manages the entire shoe manufacturing supply chain, Jennet and Mike have built EDL into a company that sits at the intersection of fashion, technology, and design. They share how they've adapted to market shifts, fostered a collaborative culture where 80% of employees are women, and leveraged AI to transform product development for their clients and their own brand, Jellypop. A conversation about what the future of footwear design actually looks like — and the people building it. With special guests: Jennet Chow, Co-CEO, Head of Design, Evolution Design Lab and Mike Chen, Co-CEO, Evolution Design Lab Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA and Sandi Mines, FDRA

What happens when centuries of tradition meet the demands of a modern footwear industry? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest and Christie Horan sit down with Jane Wilson, Chair of the British Footwear Association and Master of the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers — one of the City of London's most ancient Livery Companies with roots stretching back hundreds of years. Jane shares her remarkable journey through the footwear industry, what it means to lead two of Britain's most storied footwear institutions, and how the industry is navigating today's biggest challenges from both sides of the Atlantic. From royal events to retail headwinds, this is a rare and fascinating window into the history, culture, and future of global footwear. With special guest: Jane Wilson, Chair, British Footwear Association & Master, Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA and Christie Horan, FDRA

AI is everywhere right now, but how do you know what's actually worth your time? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett sit down with Christopher Padilla, Senior Advisor at Brunswick Group and former Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, for a conversation about what AI means for business leaders today. Drawing on decades of experience in government policy, global corporate affairs, and supply chain operations, Chris cuts through the noise to talk about practical AI applications, how to select the right tools for your workflows, and how to navigate an evolving regulatory landscape. Connect with Christopher Padilla on Substack  Connect with Christopher Padilla on LinkedIn  With special guest: Christopher Padilla, Senior Advisor, Brunswick Group   Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA and Thomas Crockett, FDRA

What does the 2026 back-to-school season tell us about where the footwear industry is headed? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest and Andy Polk sit down with Bryan Eshelman, Americas Leader of Retail at AlixPartners, to unpack the findings from the latest FDRA x AlixPartners Back-to-School Footwear Survey. With operating costs at a 14-quarter high, landed costs rising, and consumers making sharper trade-offs than ever before, the data tells a nuanced story about resilience, shifting brand loyalty, and the widening gap between income segments. Bryan breaks down what the numbers actually mean for footwear brands and retailers — from sourcing strategy and inventory management to how consumers are deciding where, when, and how much to spend on shoes this season. Email [email protected] to request access to the report. With special guest: Bryan Eshelman, Americas Leader of Retail, AlixPartners Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA and Andy Polk, FDRA

What defines sneaker culture in a world where individualism has replaced brand loyalty? In part two of this special Shoe-In Show conversation, recorded live at the Library of Congress, Matt Priest continues the discussion with D'Wayne Edwards, President of PLC Detroit, and Sean Williams, Co-Founder of SOLEcial Studies, diving deeper into how younger generations are reshaping their relationship with sneakers. From the shifting balance between comfort and fashion to sneakers as a medium of personal identity, this conversation explores what the next chapter of sneaker culture looks like in America. D'Wayne and Sean also reflect on the power of mentorship and innovation in keeping the sneaker industry connected to the communities that gave it meaning in the first place. A compelling continuation of one of Shoe-In Show's most culturally rich conversations. With special guests: D'Wayne Edwards, President, PLC Detroit and Sean Williams, Co-Founder, SOLEcial Studies Hosted by: Matt Priest, President, FDRA

In this special episode of Shoe-In Show, recorded live at the Library of Congress in partnership with the Congressional Sneaker Caucus, Matt Priest joins Representative Jared Moskowitz, footwear designer and educator D'Wayne Edwards, and Sean Williams, Co-Founder of SOLEcial Studies, to explore one of the most powerful cultural forces in American fashion history. From the courts to the classroom and Capitol Hill to the streets, sneakers have transcended politics and socio-economic backgrounds to become symbols of creativity, community, and self-expression. This conversation dives into the historical significance of sneakers, the personal journeys of the people who design and champion them, and what they continue to mean to American culture today. Part of the "Fashion at the Library" initiative, this episode makes the case that what's on your feet has always been about far more than footwear. With special guests: D'Wayne Edwards, President, PLC Detroit and and Sean Williams, Co-Founder, SOLEcial Studies Hosted by: Matt Priest, President, FDRA

What does it take to build lasting brands in one of footwear's most competitive categories? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Sandi and Christie sit down with Peter Roccamo, President at Falc USA, to talk legacy, relationships, and what's next for premium children's footwear. Peter's career spans iconic licensing deals for Michael Kors, Stuart Weitzman, and Tommy Hilfiger. Now at Falc USA, he is leading the landmark partnership bringing Stuart Weitzman back to kids' footwear for the first time in over a decade. Tune in for a conversation about craft, licensing, and the next generation of footwear consumers. With special guest: Peter Roccamo, President, Falc USA Hosted by: Sandi Mines, FDRA and Christie Horan, FDRA

On this episode of Shoe-In Show, Logan Bird, President and CEO of Mephisto USA, shares his vision for leading one of footwear's most respected heritage brands. From stepping into the CEO role to preserving Mephisto's legacy of European craftsmanship and exceptional comfort, Logan discusses how the company is evolving for a new generation of consumers through thoughtful innovation, strategic collaborations, and a steadfast commitment to quality. The conversation explores what it takes to modernize a 60-year-old brand while staying true to the values that have earned Mephisto one of the industry's most loyal customer bases. With special guest: Logan Bird, President and CEO, Mephisto USA   Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA and Christie Horan, FDRA