Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1149317
Summer is great for a lot of reasons (warm days, tomatoes from the garden, sunshine that lasts into the evening) but for shoe people, it's also show (and show-off time). From June to August, FFANY to the Atlanta Shoe Market to Outdoor Retailer to every last regional must-attend, reps and retailers spend the dog days of summer talking up their coolest looks, their genius new styles and their transformational new technologies. Well we didn't want to be left out, so we've packed the issue with plenty of the best. Our cover shoot celebrates the trend-right sandals that bridge all the different weather patterns spring can bring — and offers a master class on just how much drama a closed-up silhouette can offer. See the shoot on page 38. We also took some time to sit down with Jim Fox, the Dansko CEO who took over the reigns of the comfort stalwart this year. Check out page 32 for his thoughts on connecting with customers and leadership transitions. If fitness footwear is a category you're considering, definitely check out "One For All" on page 50, where Suzanne Blecher tracks down the do-everything fitness styles that consumers are increasingly craving. If boots are more your thing, we've got you covered, too: Page 54 starts our Boot Book rundown of the all-star styles that merge tech and fashion across the use spectrum. We also take an inside look at New York retail institution Eneslow, which has been fitting customers with the right fit and the right style for 110 years. You can learn more on page 66. But I think I speak for everyone at Footwear Insight when I say we're excited to do a little showing off of our own. On Aug. 13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, we'll be kicking off Day 2 of Platform with a celebratory breakfast where we'll be announcing the winners of our fifth Gold Medal Service Awards. Dedicated to the brick-and-mortar independents who elevate the entire channel, the event will recognize and herald the 78 shops who make customer service the centerpiece of everything they do. I hope you'll join us — I can't think of a better way to wrap up the summer of show than by recognizing the retailers who make showcasing the best footwear products look so good. And I can't wait to hear more about all the good work you're showing off too. Showtime TIMEOUT | JENNIFER ERNST BEAUDRY 8 • Footwear Insight ~ July/August 2019 footwearinsight.com