#514 Built for Real Life: Inside STOKE Shoes With Rick Blackshaw

In this episode of Shoe-In Show, industry veteran Rick Blackshaw introduces STOKE Shoes, a new footwear brand built for real American men. Designed with wider fits, slip-on ease, and humor-driven marketing, Stoke challenges "Big Sneaker" by putting comfort first. Rick shares the inspiration behind the brand and how Stoke is redefining everyday footwear for beer runs, ball games, and beyond. With special guest: Rick Blackshaw, Chief STOKE Officer, STOKE Shoes Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

How is Dearfoams redefining comfort and style in footwear? Shoe-In Show hosts Andy and Sandi chat with Justine Suh, president of Dearfoams at RG Barry Brands, about innovation in slippers, expanding into Gen Z and men's markets, and building brand relevance through humor and heritage. Don't miss her insights on product strategy, customer connection and leading with purpose. With special guest: Justine Suh, President, Dearfoams, RG Barry Brands Hosted by: Andy Polk and Sandi Mines

What does the footwear industry's latest inventory surge reveal about broader economic trends? In this episode of Shoe In Show, hosts Matt Priest and Gary Raines dive deep into inventory strategies amidst evolving consumer behavior and tariffs. With inventory levels hitting a two-year high, they explore how data collection from publicly traded companies is informing industry outlooks. Discover the implications for retailers and consumers in a dynamic market shaped by unexpected events. WSJ Article referenced in the episode With special guest: Gary Raines, Chief Economist, FDRA Hosted by: Matt Priest

What do ski lifts, 90s boots, and flat-earth challenges have in common? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Tim Boyle, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Sportswear, joins the conversation to share stories that span nostalgia, innovation, and leadership. Tim reflects on the legacy and relaunch of the iconic Bugaboot, how Columbia continues to push product innovation forward, and what it's taken to reimagine brands for a new generation. Along the way, he offers a candid look at his leadership philosophy, brand storytelling, and what's next for footwear. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and an inside look at how great brands honor their past while building for the future.   With special guest: Tim Boyle, Chairman & CEO, Columbia Sportswear   Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

Ready to tackle 2026 with purpose? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, the FDRA team shares their personal and professional resolutions—from fitness goals to historical deep dives—while unpacking what's ahead for the footwear industry. From emerging trends and trade dynamics to big-picture planning for the year ahead, this conversation blends insight, humor, and optimism. Tune in for inspiration, a few laughs, and a bold look at what 2026 has in store for footwear. With special guests: Sandi Mines, Thomas Crockett, Gary Raines, and Christie Horan Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

Curious how the footwear industry thrived during a chaotic year? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, the FDRA team looks back on the biggest wins of 2025 — from data breakthroughs and dynamic industry events to record-breaking charitable initiatives. Hear how innovation, connection, and a little shoe trivia helped bring the footwear community together during a year of constant change. With special guests: Thomas Crockett, Sandi Mines, Gary Raines, and Christie Horan Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

Listen and get a front-row look at how a new footwear program delivering fresh thinking is fueling the next chapter of industry growth. In this episode of Shoe-In Show, host Andy Polk is joined by Alan Lugo and Michael Seeley of the Liminal Group, to introduce the Footwear Launchpad — a new initiative designed to surface breakthrough ideas from around the world. They discuss how Liminal Group and the Footwear Innovation Foundation built the new footwear launchpad program and how it is transforming the industry's approach to innovation — expanding access for emerging talent and startups, while shaping the future of footwear design, technology, and collaboration. With special guests: Alan Lugo, Founder, alanandres, LLC and Michael Seeley, Founder and Managing Director, Liminal Group Hosted by: Andy Polk

We're wrapping up 2025 with the best moments from our Footwear Leadership Series powered by Ortholite. This special episode highlights standout insights from top industry leaders — including Todd Krinsky of Reebok, Susie Kuhn of Wolverine Worldwide, Danny Ewoldsen of Johnston & Murphy, Tara McRae of PUMA, Josue Solano of BBC International, Natalie White of Moolah, Kris Wright of Jordan Brand, and Dan Sheridan of Brooks Running — sharing their perspectives on leadership, culture, and what it takes to guide today's major footwear brands. Catch the highlights here, and listen to full episodes at shoeleaders.com. With special guests: Todd Krinsky, President & CEO, Reebok Susie Kuhn, President, Active Group Brands, Wolverine Worldwide Danny Ewoldsen, President, Johnston & Murphy Tara McRae, President & Managing, Director, PUMA Josue Solano, Chief Executive Officer, BBC International Dan Sheridan, Chief Executive Officer, Brooks Running Kris Wright, Vice President, Jordan Footwear Natalie White, Founder, Moolah Kicks Hosted by: Christie Horan, Media and Marketing Coordinator, FDRA, Matt Priest, President & CEO, FDRA, and Andy Polk, Senior Vice President, FDRA

How do footwear brands stay compliant in a world of ever-growing chemical regulations? In this episode of The Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett welcome Eurofins experts Pratik Ichhaporia and Devender Singh to explore Prop 65, chemical testing, and the challenges of recycled materials. Learn how smart testing strategies, supply chain mapping, and proactive compliance help protect both consumers and brands. Learn more: https://www.eurofins.com  With special guests: Pratik Ichhaporia, Vice President of Technical Services, Eurofins Consumer Products North America and Devender Singh, Global Innovations and Technical Director, Eurofins Hosted by: Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett

How does a Liverpool footballer's son become the global brand president of Saucony? In this inspiring episode of the Shoe-In Show, Rob Griffiths joins hosts Matt Priest and Andy Polk to share his journey from elite athlete to footwear executive. Hear how sport shaped his leadership philosophy, how Saucony balances innovation with heritage, and what it takes to keep a legacy running brand ahead in today's competitive market. With special guest: Rob Griffiths, Global Brand President, Saucony Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk