F O OT W E A R N E W S . C O M / O C TO B E R 3 0 , 2 0 1 7 / @ F O OT W E A R N E W S
THE DIGITAL DEBUT
Birkenstock’s clever shearling update on the classic Arizona sandal is a powerful example of the new cool side of comfort.
THE WINNING SEASON
Why comfort is the hottest
thing going
CORE STRENGTH
How new launches and
top tech will drive spring
F O OT W E A R N E W S . C O M / O C TO B E R 3 0 , 2 0 1 7 / @ F O OT W E A R N E W S
THE
the fuzz factor
SCARE TACTICS
Designers on their best
Halloween costumes
F O OT W E A R N E W S . C O M / O C TO B E R 3 0 , 2 0 1 7 / @ F O OT W E A R N E W S
THE DIGITAL DEBUT
Birkenstock’s clever shearling update on the classic Arizona sandal is a powerful example of the new cool side of comfort.
THE WINNING SEASON
Why comfort is the hottest
thing going
CORE STRENGTH
How new launches and
top tech will drive spring
F O OT W E A R N E W S . C O M / O C TO B E R 3 0 , 2 0 1 7 / @ F O OT W E A R N E W S
THE
the fuzz factor
SCARE TACTICS
Designers on their best
Halloween costumes
easyspirit.com
MAKERS OF EASY
FN_Weekly_Full_Page_Bleed.indd 1 10/25/17 9:01 AM
3FO OT W E A R N EWS.CO M
The most-read stories on FootwearNews.com last week.
T R A F F I C R E P O R T
3. REESE WITH-ERSPOON AND
MORE CELEBS AT THE ELLE WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD AWARDS
From black peep-toe sandals
to white block-heel loafers, Reese
Witherspoon, Kristen Stewart,
Nikki Reed and many more wore
a variety of styles for the cocktail
attire soiree.
5. BEYONCÉ ROCKS HEAD-TO-TOE OFF-WHITEQueen Bey repped Virgil Abloh’s
designs this week in a cropped
hoodie, sporty pencil skirt and
pink-soled sandals. The pop
star showed of the look on her
Instagram.
4. RIHANNA WORE AN ALL-PINK LOOK WITH FURRY HEELS YOU WON’T FORGETThe singer and shoe designer
sported a millennial pink
ensemble with fur-embellished
slip-on stilettos.
2. THIS SIMPLE SHOE HACK WILL MAKE YOUR OLD SNEAKERS LOOK BRAND-NEW AGAINTwitter user @saratraceyy
shared how to clean
Converses with a baking
soda and detergent
concoction, topped off with
baby powder, and the internet
went nuts. The images
received over 10,000
likes.
1THONG JEANS AND
DIRTY SNEAKERS HIT THE RUNWAY AT TOKYO
FASHION WEEKThibaut seriously challenged expectations
with daring thong jeans at Tokyo Fashion
Week on Oct. 17. The pants were styled with
an oatmeal-colored long-sleeve bodysuit,
gray sneakers and see-through glasses
on the runway.
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Balenciaga adds height to a Crocs clog for spring ‘18.4
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COMFORT INCore comfort
players are having a major
moment. Why the category
is suddenly at the center of
fashion.
By Barbara Schneider-Levy
MANOLO BLAHNIK LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Stan Smith
PERSON OF THE YEAR
Victor Luis
COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Steven Madden Ltd.
SHOE OF THE YEAR
Air Jordan 1 x Virgil Abloh
DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
Gianvito Rossi
ICON AWARD FOR SOCIAL IMPACT
Diane Sullivan
BRAND OF THE YEAR
Birkenstock
COLLABORATOR OF THE YEAR
Ronnie Fieg
MARKETER OF THE YEAR
Puma
LAUNCHES OF THE YEAR
Alexa Chung, Attico
STYLE INFLUENCER
Hailey Baldwin
VIVIAN INFANTINO EMERGING TALENT AWARD
Malone Souliers
A C H I E V E M E N T A W A R D S
HALL OF FAME
Rick Ausick, Liz Rodbell
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Comfort is in the air — from food to furniture to footwear. ➵ While comfort shoes have typically conjured up images of dowdy orthopedic styles, the category has recently taken a cool turn as brands such as Crocs, Birkenstock and Dansko are getting a nod from high-profile designers and retailers. ➵ For spring ’18, ready-to-wear designers Christopher Kane and Balenciaga put their spin on Crocs styles, while fall ’17 saw sneaker boutique Concepts collaborate with French brand Mephisto on a limited-edition collection. And Birkenstock took center stage with its Barneys New York and Colette collaborations. ➵ “Leave it to Demna Gvasalia [Balenciaga’s artistic director] to take something so pedes-trian and make it a must-have,” said Cleo Davis-Urman, contemporary fashion director for Saks Fifth Avenue, referring to the design house’s blinged-out platform at Paris Fashion Week. “While they certainly aren’t for everyone, they remind us that fashion could be fun and will undoubtedly be worn by the street-style set come spring.”
For Niwot, Colo.-based Crocs, the collaboration opened up new
design opportunities. “When Balenciaga approached us, we were
intrigued by the opportunity to push the boundaries of our design and
molding capabilities to see what we could create together,” said Michelle
Poole, SVP of global product and marketing. “Working with Balenciaga
has been so much fun for our team and once again demonstrates the
relevance of our iconic clog in today’s fashion and design world, as well
as allowing us to tap into the excitement and energy that comes from
unexpected partnerships.”
Crocs isn’t the only comfort brand that has caught the eye of designers.
When New York-based ready-to-wear designer Jonathan Cohen was look-
ing for a clog to complement his spring ’18 runway collection, he found
just the thing in Dansko’s Sonja, a black patent leather style he bought
on Amazon.com. “We thought immediately it would look perfect with the
[collection],” said Cohen of working with his stylist. “We had planned to
use it for one or two looks, but it kept working with all of them. We even
used it with evening gowns.”
Cohen’s Dansko pick was as much about style as wearability. “We see
our customer traveling, working and [valuing] comfort,” he said. “She’s
always looking for that shoe that will be able to transition from the offi ce
to a function. That did it for us.”
According to Cohen, his unexpected footwear choice caught the atten-
tion of the fashion media. “Vogue wrote about it, and a lot of editors were
really into it,” he noted. “Buyers also liked the idea. A lot were wearing
clogs but said they never thought about a Dansko.” While fashion buzz
can be helpful, it’s equally important that the brand is authentic, accord-
ing to Tiss Dahan, VP of marketing at Dansko. “Consumers are seeking
the real deal and know a brand like Dansko is authentic and comfortable.
Whenever they walk into their doctor’s offi ce, there’s a pretty good chance
they’ll see a nurse wearing our shoes. These people are on their feet all
day, so they automatically think there’s something to it.”
Ellen Sideri, founder and CEO of ESP Trendlab, a New York-based
research and consulting fi rm, said the increased excitement around
comfort can be felt in many areas. “It’s growing across all sectors of
fashion and footwear, fueled by the trend toward athleisure, relaxed
work styles as well as living healthier lifestyles,” she said. “Being kind to
your feet and treating them well is a new priority that goes beyond
the pedicure. Therefore, it’s no surprise that alternate choices like fl ats,
Birkies, Dansko and Crocs are carving out new territory in the consum-
er’s closet, taking the place of high heels that kill and shoes that
are worn only for special occasions.”
Few brands understand this market shift better than Birkenstock,
which continues to lead in attracting fashion insiders. In addition to a
BACK TO THE FUTURE
✦ Iconic comfort brands have had other cool moments over the years. In fall ’95, American ready-to-wear designer John Bartlett sent models down the runway in colorful updates of Hush Puppies’ classic Earl, Wayne and Duke styles. And seven years later, Carrie Bradshaw turned on a whole new generation to the Original Exercise sandals from Dr. Scholl’s when she wore them in “Sex and the City.”
According to Kerry Hartman, VP of global product for Hush Puppies in Rockford, Mich., Bartlett came to the company with the updating idea, which resulted in a co-branded collection. Today, the momentum continues with the spring ’18 launch of the Decades collection of limited-edition men’s styles that celebrate the brand’s 60-year heritage inspired by pop culture and trends of the times.
“Decades is about authenticity and heritage, so we picked the most classic reinvention of the Wayne, Earl and Duke using [similar] lasts and bottoms to craft anniversary shoes,” said Hartman. “It’s [about] a new generation getting to see us, not for our old comfort side but our cheeky, colorful, cool side.”
For Dr. Scholl’s, a nod rom Sarah Jessica Parker’s famous TV character was enough to send fashionistas clamoring for the sandal. “It’s our most iconic shoe and has enjoyed various peaks of high consumer interest since it was created,” said Keith Duplain, SVP and GM. Following the TV episode, the brand saw increased sales, and the shoe returned to the forefront of fashion for the fi rst time since the ’70s. “Since then, it has garnered interest with editors and infl uencers alike, most recently due to a 2016 collaboration with J.Crew,” he said.
Like Hush Puppies and Dr. Scholl’s, Clarks has racked up its share of buzz. In 1993, the brand appeared on the Wu-Tang Clan’s debut album, “Enter the 36 Chambers,” each member wearing a pair of the Clarks Originals Wallabee, sparking young consumers to embrace the look. This year, the British brand collaborated with hip-hop artist Drake and his OVO record label on a collection, introducing yet another generation to the classic comfort style.
“Clarks Originals was formed around two main icons, the Desert Boot and Wallabee, but has expanded into sport, dress and casual categories,” said SVP of marketing Tara McRae regarding the Desert Boot, which fi rst appeared at the 1949 Chicago Shoe Fair, and the Wallabee, introduced in the ’60s. “They have both been popular cross-generationally as they are rediscovered and made new for younger consumers.
“Collabs with tastemakers like OVO, Supreme and Kith allow for Clarks Originals to reach another subset altogether — the consumer who wants what’s new and exclusive but understands [both] are icons in their own right. They don’t want a knocko¢ version from another brand; they want the original.”
Original Exercise sandal from Dr. Scholl’s
Hush Puppies’Decades oxford
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range of designer and retail collaborations, this spring the brand
presented its first runway show. “Brands like Birkenstock have
gained a large following with influencers,” said David Kahan, CEO
of Birkenstock Americas in Novato, Calif. “It’s now beyond just a
trend, one of the rare times in industry history when the demand
is growing across multiple channels. It’s the Hollywood elite like
Julianne Moore, Leonardo DiCaprio, yet also teenagers and college
students in Middle America.”
During New York Fashion Week, Barneys partnered with Birken-
stock on “The Box,” a shipping container-turned-pop-up store in the
Meatpacking District featuring exclusive styles from Birkenstock and
other brands.“They are an incredibly talented company and were
willing to do things they hadn’t done before,” CEO Daniella Vitale told
the WWD summit crowd last week. The project attracted both loyal
Barneys shoppers and a host of new consumers.
Getting product in front of consumers often starts with making the
right retail connections. For Santa Monica, Calif.-based retailer and
lifestyle brand Goop, founded by Gwyneth Paltrow, Birkenstock was a
must-have in its shoe offering, according to Meredith Schroeder, design
director of fashion, who added the brand for spring ’17. “There’s been
a migration to having comfort as an important part of the footwear
we wear every day,” she said. “The fact that it also has a cool factor has
been significant. It’s an important shoe to Gwyneth, so we wanted to
make sure we have it in our assortment since our customer gravitates
toward it as well.”
Concepts president Tarek Hassan, who has collaborated with
Birkenstock and Clarks, decided to reach out to Mephisto. “[It’s] not
every comfort brand but the authentic ones where it makes sense,”
he said. “We [wanted] to go to young consumers and explain what
Mephisto is all about. We feel the consumer would understand why
stores such as Barneys New York or Concepts of the world want to
collaborate with them. It’s brands that stay within their lane.”
Hassan worked with the Mephisto team in France on the update
of its classic Match lace-up style. The result was an updated version in
magenta and cool mint that retailed for $375. Available on the Concepts
website as well as its stores in New York and Cambridge, Mass., it sold
out of a few hundred pairs in under an hour, and Hassan noted that a
second collaboration is planned for next year for the Rainbow style.
While trend-driven retailers such as Cambridge-based Concepts are
promoting comfort, the category remains the domain of independent
shoe stores. At independent Soula of Brooklyn, N.Y., owner Rick Lee
noted: “People are looking for shoes that are functional and comfort-
able [after] wearing sneakers,” he said.
John Holden, GM of fashion-comfort chain Benjamin Lovell Shoes
in Philadelphia, agreed there’s room at the table for lesser-known
comfort brands. “A lot of [younger customers] have been seeking
Birkenstock, and we’ve been able to convert them into styles from
comfort brands such as Taos, Earth and Vionic.”
The current democratization of the category is likely to keep the
momentum going. “It’s not the older customer of the past [with] foot
problems,” said Sal Agati, president of Dansko. ❚
❚
“There’s been a migration to having comfort as an important
part of the footwear we wear every day. The fact that it also has a
cool factor has been significant.”Meredith Schroeder, Goop
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Costume Show Designers discuss their favorite Halloween outfits from years past.
By Nikara Johns
JESSICA SIMPSONMy costume this year: “Keeping it a surprise! My husband and I like to do a ‘couples costume’ … I don’t think this year will disappoint.”Best Halloween memory: “That would have to be when I announced my fi rst pregnancy with my daughter Maxwell. I thought it would be fun to make a nontraditional announcement, so I put a mummy costume together, took a picture of myself in it and sent out the photo saying: ‘I’m going to be a mummy!’”My traditions: “I love Halloween, and I love traditions. Since I have had my kids, I’ve hosted a Halloween party for all of my friends and their families. It’s amazing to watch the group multiply as more little
ones are added to the mix each year. And I love seeing them all express themselves through their costumes.”
CHRISTIAN SIRIANOMy costume this year: “I love to dress up for
Halloween, and we usually go all-out. My husband and I are normally the type of couple that complements one another, and this year we are going as a crystallized king and queen.”Best Halloween memory: “Some of the costumes we have come up with are fun to look back on. We have been tons of Disney characters, such as Ariel and Prince Eric [from “The Little Mermaid”], Peter Pan and Tinker Bell, and Lumiere and Babette from [“Beauty and the Beast”]. But I think the best was our Picasso paintings costumes. They were amaz-ing. Also, making Heidi Klum’s Jessica Rabbit gown last year was so fun.” My traditions: “We always throw a big party with friends and try to stop by Heidi Klum’s bash because
it’s amazing to see what she has cooked up. My favorite fall tradition is apple picking Connecticut and carving pumpkins at our house in Danbury.” LOEFFLER RANDALL’S JESSIE RANDALLMy costume this year: “I’m defi nitely more the one coordinating all the other costumes in my house versus dressing up myself. This year we’ve got a panda, ninja and Sia.”Best Halloween memory: “My daughter usu-ally has awesome ideas for costumes. Last year she went as Sophia from ‘The Golden Girls,’ and it was amazing.”My traditions: “We love to go to Hank’s Pumpkintown [Water Mill, N.Y.] with the kids to do all the fall things. They have a Halloween party at their school, and then we trick or treat in Windsor Terrace [Brook-lyn, N.Y.], which is super-fun.”
Closet ConfessionsWhich Kardashi-an-Jenner sister has the best shoe closet? “Hands down, it’s Khloe.
Hers is like a museum,” family matriarch Kris Jenner told Spy backstage at the WWD Summit last week. “Architecturally, it’s gorgeous. And she has the best shoes I’ve ever seen.” Jenner, who sat down with friend Tommy Hilfiger onstage, also talked about how social media has powered her family: “The whole mar-keting budget [my kids] need is the
price of a smartphone.” — Katie Abel
Suitcase ChroniclesUnseasonably warm fall weather on the East Coast has impacted style choices for most — but not Vera Wang. Due to apartment renovations, the designer has resided in a hotel since June, lead-ing to the happy accident of a weather-appropriate wardrobe. “I’m basically living in spring and summer clothes, so I never had to transition. I’ve been living out of a suitcase and a few racks,” she told FN at the WWD Honors last week. Fall-forward shoes still reign, however. “Loafers and booties feel more fall just by the shoe. Whether [you’re wearing] a Charmeuse slip or a sweater, the shoe will change the mood,” Wang said. — Nia Groce
Spy
INSIDER
Plus
h Li
feThe coolest comfort shoes of the holiday season are warm and cozy, with furry accents (real or faux) on slippers, slides and sandals, all of which are meant to be worn in and out of the house.Photography:GEORGE CHINSEEFashion Editor: SHANNON ADDUCCI
10
From top: MIRA MIKATI multicolor faux fur slide. REBECCA MINKOFF color-blocked mink fur Sammi slide sandal.
Caption
This ready-to-wear designer has a footwear fetish. Robert Stock, the founder of men’s and women’s apparel and accessories label Robert Graham, collects shoes like fi ne wines. He boasts an assortment of custom and ready-made styles numbering in the thousands. “I look at shoes as art,” said Stock. “I look at their workmanship and details. To me, they’re like little sculptures.” Starting this fall, he can step into a pair of his own creation, when his men’s shoe line launches under license to LJP International. It retails from $200 to $500. “Men don’t pay as much attention to shoes as the rest of their outfi t,” said the designer, who hopes to lure them into his velvet-trimmed hiking boots or snakeskin tasseled slip-ons. According to Stock, a companion women’s line could follow. “It’s a possibility, but it’s tremendously competitive. It would take a lot of planning and study to top some of [today’s major labels].” Until then, the men’s line retails in high-end department stores, footwear independents and Robert Graham shops. And Stock can be found grilling dinner, collecting cars or keeping in touch with his wife.
Best/Worst Thing About Getting Older:
“Best: You get wiser. Worst: getting out of bed in the morning.”
Best Fashion Advice I Got From My Father:
“You can never own enough good-looking blue shirts”
My Main Household Job Is... “Barbeque. I’m just a
regular barbeque guy. I will cook anything”
Comfi est Chair for Napping: “A leather chair with
ottoman that I bought in North Carolina. I’m always guaranteed to
fall asleep in it”
Number of Cars in My Driveway: “Enough”
Celebrity I’d Like to Sit Next To In-Flight: “Bill Clinton. He’s smart, interesting and
tireless.”
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SUBHEAD XXXXXXBold Brand is the latest designer to hit the bull’s-eye. The designer has teamed up with Target for a fall collec-tion. “I feel more accountable with this project because it’s not reaching a small, niche market — it’s reaching mil-lions of people series, set for a Sept. 15 launch, features more than 100 di� erent products for men and women, includ-ing accessories and shoes. “I focused on the idea of romanced reality,” he said.
SUBHEAD XXXXXXEmail may be an unglamorous calling card for a calligrapher, but for artist Emily Snyder, a quick note of praise to one of her favorite shoe designers — Jerome Rousseau — sparked an exciting coles and “chic eccentric” vibe (according to Rousseau), grabbed the designer’s attention. “She was a multicolored work of pair of Rousseau’s booties with 7,000 beads of coral, freshwajust in time for Jerome to pick them up at 4 a.m. to go to the airport to fl y to New York.” The look retails for $6,495.Pawn Pals
SUBHEAD XXXXXXIf designer Paul Mayer and partner Je� Levy get the urge to go antique-shopping while in Vegas for FN Platform, they certainly have the hookup. The footwear veterans met “Pawn Stars” ago. The three have been friends ever since. In fact, Mayer and Levy attended Harrison’s lavish California wedding to Deanna Burditt earlier this summer. “[Rick] knows about so many
06/ Buzz
The List 24
Name of Shoe
05/GoodTaste
Holiday slippers took a cue from the hygge movement, from a Danish term defined as “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality.”
Clockwise, from top: ACORN suede and Berber fl eece moccasin in bu� popcorn.BEARPAW Tribeca slipper in taupe.UGG Flu� Momma Mongolian sheepskin clog. EMU AUSTRALIA Mayberry slide slippers in Australian sheepskin.
11
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From top: SIMONE ROCHA faux-fur and velvet mule with Perspex heel. SERGIO ROSSI green geometric fur and leather slipper.SUECOMMA BONNIE fur- and faux-pearl-embellished Hug platform sandal.
Block heels and flatforms — tried-and-true comfort details — get a luxe update in fur paired with ornate accents.
Caption
This ready-to-wear designer has a footwear fetish. Robert Stock, the founder of men’s and women’s apparel and accessories label Robert Graham, collects shoes like fi ne wines. He boasts an assortment of custom and ready-made styles numbering in the thousands. “I look at shoes as art,” said Stock. “I look at their workmanship and details. To me, they’re like little sculptures.” Starting this fall, he can step into a pair of his own creation, when his men’s shoe line launches under license to LJP International. It retails from $200 to $500. “Men don’t pay as much attention to shoes as the rest of their outfi t,” said the designer, who hopes to lure them into his velvet-trimmed hiking boots or snakeskin tasseled slip-ons. According to Stock, a companion women’s line could follow. “It’s a possibility, but it’s tremendously competitive. It would take a lot of planning and study to top some of [today’s major labels].” Until then, the men’s line retails in high-end department stores, footwear independents and Robert Graham shops. And Stock can be found grilling dinner, collecting cars or keeping in touch with his wife.
Best/Worst Thing About Getting Older:
“Best: You get wiser. Worst: getting out of bed in the morning.”
Best Fashion Advice I Got From My Father:
“You can never own enough good-looking blue shirts”
My Main Household Job Is... “Barbeque. I’m just a
regular barbeque guy. I will cook anything”
Comfi est Chair for Napping: “A leather chair with
ottoman that I bought in North Carolina. I’m always guaranteed to
fall asleep in it”
Number of Cars in My Driveway: “Enough”
Celebrity I’d Like to Sit Next To In-Flight: “Bill Clinton. He’s smart, interesting and
tireless.”
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The List dek Cepe volupis aliqui ets nimusam, voleceatiis etras mosantium laut
minis sum fuga. Itas pliquatecto etur, quam incit re sandam el excernat aris ma sant alibus in molectusant ad ma sequi ditam voluptam etur si aut ut untio.
SUBHEAD XXXXXXBold Brand is the latest designer to hit the bull’s-eye. The designer has teamed up with Target for a fall collec-tion. “I feel more accountable with this project because it’s not reaching a small, niche market — it’s reaching mil-lions of people series, set for a Sept. 15 launch, features more than 100 di� erent products for men and women, includ-ing accessories and shoes. “I focused on the idea of romanced reality,” he said.
SUBHEAD XXXXXXEmail may be an unglamorous calling card for a calligrapher, but for artist Emily Snyder, a quick note of praise to one of her favorite shoe designers — Jerome Rousseau — sparked an exciting coles and “chic eccentric” vibe (according to Rousseau), grabbed the designer’s attention. “She was a multicolored work of pair of Rousseau’s booties with 7,000 beads of coral, freshwajust in time for Jerome to pick them up at 4 a.m. to go to the airport to fl y to New York.” The look retails for $6,495.Pawn Pals
SUBHEAD XXXXXXIf designer Paul Mayer and partner Je� Levy get the urge to go antique-shopping while in Vegas for FN Platform, they certainly have the hookup. The footwear veterans met “Pawn Stars” ago. The three have been friends ever since. In fact, Mayer and Levy attended Harrison’s lavish California wedding to Deanna Burditt earlier this summer. “[Rick] knows about so many
06/ Buzz
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Name of Shoe
05/GoodTaste
“There is something incredibly gentle about feathers and shearling. For me, and our customer, there is a need to feel enveloped.”Aurora James, founder of Brother Vellies
Clockwise, from top:3.1 PHILLIP LIM shearling Cube mule. BROTHER VELLIES Maribou Lamu sandal in melon. SAM EDELMAN Bianca faux-fur slide sandal.
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W h a t ' s n e w a n d n o t a b l e i n t h e c o m f o r t m a r k e t ? P l e n t y o f t e c h i n n o v a t i o n s , d e s i g n e n h a n c e m e n t s ,
s t o r e o p e n i n g s a n d b u z z - b u i l d i n g c a m p a i g n s .
BY ERIKA FLYNN
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A footbed sandal from Sanosan
Earth’s new Vital athleisure style
The Marnie sneaker from San Antonio Shoemakers
Klogs' everydayAtlantic Collection
THE INTREPID RETAILER: SASIn 2017, San Antonio Shoemakers was in
retail expansion mode. The brand opened
three stores during the year, securing spots in
Chicago, Tucson, Ariz., and Palm Harbor, Fla.
And execs said it continues to be on the lookout
for additional locations. On the product side,
SAS announced launches for spring ’18, includ-
ing the Layla, a versatile wedge sandal retailing
for $150; the Marnie, a lightweight athleisure
look priced at $156; and the Dazzle, a blinged-
out sandal style at $162.
THE DEALMAKER: EUROWALKINGHouston-based Eurowalking has acquired
the exclusive North American distribution
for the Spanish brand Sanosan Foot Comfort.
Made in Spain, the Sanosan line features
its patented Sietelunas technology, which
utilizes the art of reflexology and magnetic
therapy. Through anatomic design using
all-natural cork and rubber footbeds with
HSQ memory foam, the construction
provides perfect harmony for the body,
from the ground up. Sanosan is now
available for orders in the U.S., where
retail prices range from $85 to $140.
THE TEAM BUILDER: EARTHEarth has had a busy 2017. The Waltham, Mass.-
based company hired longtime Clarks veteran
Steven Mahoney this summer as its SVP of sales
and merchandising. Mahoney is now overseeing
all aspects of sales for the brand, from indepen-
dent retailers to key accounts, as well as handling
merchandising duties. The firm also opened an
office in Oakville, Ontario, in April. The office is
headed by Marc Lambert, formerly of Easy Spirit.
And on the product side, for spring ’18, Earth has
developed the new Vital sneaker in an assortment
of lively colors. It features a lightweight, sporty
outsole and a breathable fabric mesh upper, and
will retail for $120.
THE LIFESTYLE INGENUE: KLOGSKlogs, a division of Latitudes Inc., is
garnering positive reviews for its spring ’18
expansion into lifestyle wear with the Atlantic
Collection. Modeled off the Pacific Collection,
which debuted last spring, the Atlantic line
was inspired by the finish of designer bags
and mixed-media accessories, and pairs with
both professional and more-fashionable
apparel looks. Retailing for $110, the
footwear offers the comfort of a work shoe
and the tailored sophistication of a casual
style. It comes in a wide selection of textures,
colors, finishes and sizes, and features
soft leather and a strobel construction for
flexibility and comfort. Klogs’ polyurethane
sole technology helps to redistribute weight
evenly, stabilize the heel and provide comfort
over extended periods of time. Delivery of
the collection is slated for March 1, with
distribution targeted to lifestyle retailers
and hospitality channels.
Propét's updated knit Washable Walker sneaker
The Dani Collection from Alegria
THE LINE BUILDER: ALEGRIAPeppergate Footwear’s Alegria brand is introduc-
ing new styles for spring ’18, including the Anah
and Dani collections. The Anah series, retailing
for $90, is made with a polyurethane platform,
wood grain-patterned footbed and vibrant suede
leather uppers. The styles also boast two adjust-
able hook-and-loop straps for a comfortable fit.
Meanwhile, the Dani Collection, priced at $130,
consists of laceups on a mild rocker bottom. The
shoes feature the company’s Dream Fit technology,
with open-cell neoprene on the upper that adjusts
to accommodate the contours of the feet and
increases comfort and breathability. The lines will
be carried by larger department store accounts,
independent retailers and e-commerce sites such
as Zappos.com.
SNEAKER CENTRAL: PROPÉTThree new ladies’ sneaker designs have been
added to Propét’s spring ’18 line for the service
and medical fields. The Nessie, Nyla and Aris styles
all feature a removable cushioning EVA insole,
an EVA midsole and slip-resistant rubber outsole.
Most are skater sneaker-inspired and follow the
Propét brand’s DNA of offering a range of sizes
and widths, including medium, wide, X-wide
and XX-wide. Retail prices range from $70 to $75.
Additionally, the Kent, Wash.-based company
has updated its popular slip-resistant Washable
Walker sneaker, offering a modern new look with
a breathable engineered-mesh upper.
THE FULL PACKAGE: BARETRAPS Baretraps, a division of Footwear Unlimited
Inc., continues to bank on its patent-pending
Rebound Technology. For spring ’18, the
Rebound Collection will offer its most fashion-
forward styles yet, boasting on-trend details
such as perforated suede uppers, denim mate-
rials, ruching and “undone” bows. Baretraps’
Rebound Technology is a multilayered system
centered around a lightweight molded rubber
outsole with built-in arch support. The multi-
density construction provides a solid base at
the heel for stability, plus flexibility at the ball
of the foot. It’s then finished with a textured,
ultracushioned foam footbed with an antimicro-
bial shield for odor and bacteria control.
Baretraps' Vida slide for spring ’18
E D I T C A L E N D A R
November ISSUE CLOSE FEATURES
11.06 10.25 Sneakerhead, FN Milestone: Extra Butter FN Insights: Technology Distribution: NSRA Leadership Conference Nov.8-9 (TN)
11.20 11.08 FN Legends: Titan Industries’ Joe Ouaknine FFANY Pre-Show Slippers FN Insights: Education Distribution: FFANY - Nov. 29-Dec.1 Two Ten Footwear Annual Dinner-Nov. 29
11.27 11.15 FN Achievement Awards FFANY Show Distribution: FN Achievement Awards -Nov. 28 FFANY-Nov. 29-Dec. 1
December ISSUE CLOSE FEATURES
12.04 11.22 Women’s Comfort FN Insights: Finance
12.18 12.06 International Trade Show Guide: 1st Half 2018 Year In Review FN Insights: Best Innovations Distribution: Agenda (Long Beach) Jan. 4-5
FN_EDITCAL_10.04.indd 1 10/25/17 2:06 PM
THE INNOVATOR: YELLOW BOXIt’s all about the feel for Yellow Box. The Brea,
Calif.-based footwear company has developed a
high-rebound EVA compound that has a higher
resiliency than the soft EVA found in its flip-
flops, giving the wearer a noticeable feeling of
bounce. For spring ’18, it utilized the cushion-
ing for styles such as the Cander, which boasts
a sport-inspired elastic upper and slingback
design, and also for a new collection of unit-
bottom shoes. But Yellow Box’s traditional
soft EVA footbed remains a key component in
the family. The brand introduced a group of
low cork sandals for spring and added the soft
material from the flip-flops to the footbed of
flexible cork-wrapped bottoms.
THE BUZZ MAKER: BEARPAWAfter launching its first TV campaign last fall,
Bearpaw is returning to the airwaves with a
series of national spots that start airing on
Oct. 31. They will appear on cable networks such
as Freeform, HGTV, Lifetime and Hallmark, and
have placements on broadcast shows including
“Live With Kelly & Ryan” and “Access Holly-
wood.” Bearpaw has also secured some product
integrations with the long-running game show
“The Price Is Right.” To help keep the buzz going
into 2018, the California brand has launched
the Weekend Collection for spring ’18, consist-
ing of a mix of boho-chic and clean silhouettes,
including lightweight booties and slip-ons that
feature cushioned EVA footbeds. And its first
Trans-Seasonal Collection will be available in
June. Suitable for any season, the line features a
lightweight and breathable material that adapts
accordingly to temperature and wicks moisture.
THE ENVIRONMENTALIST: EL NATURALISTAThe inspiration for El Naturalista’s newest
collection for spring ’18 comes from its
sustainability platform and caring for planet
Earth. The collection boasts eco-friendly
A style from Bearpaw's spring ’18 Weekend Collection
Yellow Box's Cander wedge
A spring ’18 El Naturalista sandal
technical details, such as a fabric created from
a type of seaweed that is also used for shoe care
products. In addition, seashells were added to
the soles to make them strong and resistant,
durable excess sailcloth was incorporated into
the shoes, and the soles feature a recycled braid
thread made from plastic bottles and clothes.
The collection also has a new vegan and chrome-
free lining.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
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Join more than 77K followers @footwearnews
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18 FO OT W E A R N EWS.CO M
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FN IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF FAIRCHILD PUBLISHING, LLC. COPYRIGHT ©2017 FAIRCHILD PUBLISHING, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. FN (ISSN 0162-914X) is published weekly (except for the first week in January, February, March, May and July, second week in November and December, third week in April and June, fourth week in August, September and December, fifth week in May and October) by Fairchild Publishing, LLC, which is a division of Penske Business Media, LLC. PRINCIPAL OFFICE: 475 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10017. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY and at additional mailing offices. Canada Post: return undeliverable Canadian addresses to P.O. Box 503, RPO West Beaver Cre, Rich-Hill, ON L4B 4R6. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO FOOTWEAR NEWS, P.O. Box 6357, Harlan, IA, 51593. FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS, ADDRESS CHANGES, ADJUSTMENTS, OR BACK ISSUE INQUIRIES: Please write to FOOTWEAR NEWS, P.O. Box 6357, Harlan, IA, 51593, call 866-963-7335, or e-mail customer service at [email protected]. Please include both new and old addresses as printed on most recent label. For New York Hand Delivery Service address changes or inquiries, please contact Mitchell’s NY at 1-800-662-2275, option 7. One-year subscription price: U.S. $72, Canadian $149, foreign $295. Single-copy cost $10. Subscribers: If the Post Office alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year. If during your subscription term or up to one year after the magazine becomes undeliverable, you are ever dissatisfied with your subscription, let us know. You will receive a full refund on all unmailed issues. First copy of a new subscription will be mailed within four weeks after receipt of order. We reserve the right to change the num-ber of print issues in a subscription term, including discontinuing our print format, make substitutions and/or modify the manner in which the subscription is distributed. You have the right to cancel at any time and receive a full refund of any unused portion of your current subscription term. Address all editorial, business, and production correspondence to FOOTWEAR NEWS, 475 5th Ave, 2nd Fl., New York, NY 10017. For permissions and editorial requests, e-mail [email protected]. Visit us online at www.footwearnews.com. To subscribe to other Fairchild Publishing, LLC magazines on the World Wide Web, visit www.wwd.com/subscriptions. FOOTWEAR NEWS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RETURN OR LOSS OF, OR FOR DAMAGE OR ANY OTHER INJURY TO, UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS, UNSOLIC-ITE ART WORK (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DRAWINGS, PHOTOGRAPHS, AND TRANSPARENCIES), OR ANY OTHER UNSOLICITED MATERIALS. THOSE SUBMITTING MANUSCRIPTS, PHOTOGRAPHS, ART WORK, OR OTHER MATERIALS FOR CONSIDERATION SHOULD NOT SEND ORIGINALS, UNLESS SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED TO DO SO BY FOOTWEAR NEWS IN WRITING. MANUSCRIPTS , PHOTOGRAPHS, AND OTHER MATERIALS SUBMITTED MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A SELF-ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE.
Thibaut took comfort to a new level during Tokyo Fashion Week this month. At the Japanese brand’s spring ’18 show, heavily tattered jeans featuring a showstopping thong silhouette were sent down the runway with grungy New Balance 993 sneakers. The risqué look whipped the internet into a frenzy as fashion critics expressed how torn they were on the idea.
SplitDecision
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Create anAdventureISSUE Jan 22CLOSE DATE Jan 10
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT LAUREN SCHOR, ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER AT 212 256 8118 OR [email protected]
Outdoor Retailer Winter Issue
outdoor retail house ad .indd 2 10/19/17 10:39 AM
In 2017, Ccilu unveiled the “Horizon” collection, a major step in the evolution of the fashionable sneaker. Each pair is bottomed-up with 102 independent and highly resilient “dots,” courtesy of the patented CCILUCELL/SKIVE-ON technology.
...and your next step is clear
www.ccilu.com
technology.
@cciluusa
WOD_CCILUAds_Shadow.indd 1 10/25/17 5:34 PM