Shoe-In

Hosted by Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA)

Business NewsInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

562

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

About the show

Covering the ins and outs of all things footwear, from sneakers to heels, loafers to slippers and every type of shoe in between. Brought to you by the FDRA and FFANY, the footwear industry's associations focused on retail, trade, politics and fashion…helping create and enhance conversations on all things footwear.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 17, 2026Episode 54330 min

#543 800 Years of Footwear History: Jane Wilson on British Footwear & Ancient Tradition

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

August 10, 2026Episode 54229 min

#542 Navigating the AI Landscape: Tools, Trends, and Tips for Success

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

August 3, 2026Episode 54127 min

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

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 info@fdra.org 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

July 27, 2026Episode 54030 min

#540 Library of Congress: Sneaker Culture and the American Story (Part 2)

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

July 20, 2026Episode 53931 min

#539 Library of Congress: Sneaker Culture and the American Story (Part 1)

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

July 13, 2026Episode 53816 min

#538 Premium Kids' Footwear & the Art of Licensing With Peter Roccamo of Falc USA

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

July 6, 2026Episode 53728 min

#537 Leading a Heritage Brand: Logan Bird on the Future of Mephisto

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

June 29, 2026Episode 53629 min

#536 The World Cup Effect: Soccer, Culture & the American Spirit

The 2026 FIFA World Cup isn't just the biggest soccer tournament on the planet — it's happening right here, and the energy is unlike anything America has seen before. In this special episode of Shoe-In Show, hosts Matt Priest, Andy Polk, and Jolie Gracia take a step back from the business of footwear to celebrate the moment. Fresh from experiencing matches firsthand, they share what it felt like inside the stadiums, the unexpected joy of cultural exchange, and what the explosion of soccer culture in America means for fans, brands, and the industry at large. From the global atmosphere to the growing footprint of the beautiful game on American soil, this is a conversation about more than soccer. With special guests: Andy Polk, FDRA and Jolie Gracia, FDRA Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA

June 22, 2026Episode 53533 min

#535 From Capitol Hill to the Footwear Industry: Thomas Crockett on Trade, Tariffs & Advocacy

What happens in Washington doesn't stay in Washington — especially if you're in footwear. In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Christie sits down with Thomas Crockett, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at FDRA, to pull back the curtain on one of the most consequential forces shaping the industry today. Before joining FDRA, Thomas served as Legislative Counsel on Capitol Hill, where he handled trade, foreign relations, and government reform. That experience now drives his advocacy for the footwear industry on tariffs, trade policy, customs, and product safety. Thomas breaks down what government relations actually means for footwear brands, why trade policy has never been more relevant, and what every business in this industry needs to understand about how Washington impacts their bottom line. With special guest: Thomas Crockett, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, FDRA Hosted by: Christie Horan, FDRA

June 15, 2026Episode 53434 min

#534 Portia Blunt on the Black Footwear Forum, Legacy, and Bee Blunt

What does it look like to spend a career at the top of the footwear industry and then dedicate yourself to making sure others can follow? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest and Sabria Butler sit down with Portia Blunt, Board Chair of the Black Footwear Forum, for a candid conversation about her remarkable journey through footwear — from the Marine Corps to New Balance and Reebok to founding Bee Blunt. Portia shares what she saw as she rose through the ranks of major sportswear brands, and how that shaped her commitment to the Black Footwear Forum and its mission to build community, representation, and real pathways for BIPOC professionals in footwear. This is a conversation about craft, culture, and what it truly means to open doors for the next generation. With special guest: Portia Blunt, Board Chair, Black Footwear Forum and CEO and Founder, Bee Blunt Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA and Sabria Butler, FDRA