Footwear Insight

28 • Footwear Insight ~ July/August 2023 footwearinsight.com WORKPLACE "We're finding that people are still in an in-between phase, between office and home. However, most people are looking forward to dressing up again. You see dresses for women and sports jackets for men selling. However, they want to keep the comfort they had at home so all-day multi-purpose footwear seems to be what they are looking for." — Ayelet Lax Levy, president of US operations, Naot "While athletics remain on top in the workwear market, we are seeing a movement towards dressier, higher silhouettes. In response to this, we have expanded our Career Fashion wedge program. ese new styles feature our cork, memory foam, and polyurethane footbeds that mold to the foot and are on our wedge outsole that is dressy, but not too high, for all-day comfort." — Megan Gold, design director, Alegria "As people transition back to the office, customer demand for Xelero technology in casual styles has increased. Because Xelero shoes help people walk easier, with less pain, and stay on their feet longer, customers who may have first tried Xelero athletic shoes want shoes that not only look good but also provide exceptional comfort and stability under the foot." — Dan Werremeyer, CEO, Instride Footwear (Xelero) "With the rise of WFH, people have become accustomed to more comfy and casual shoes. In shopping for footwear for the office, consumers will be looking for styles that bridge the gap between business and casual with an emphasis on comfort, versatility and, of course, quality and style. Footwear with which they can transition from office settings to aer-work activities." — Andrew Agati, director of merchandising, Ara "e days of suffering for style are long gone. While more casual attire is now acceptable in some workplaces, women still want to look put-together and express their style. From two-inch heels that you can stand at your desk all day, to ballet flats that cushion, cradle and support — it's our mission to make sure our customer doesn't have to sacrifice her style to knock through her to-do list in comfort." — Gabrielle ompson, director of footwear, Frankie4 "At SAS, we are 'all about fit' and this means the most comfortable, correct-fitting and well-made shoes for your busy life. Whether you are back in the office and need to dress a little less relaxed and a little more polished, or you just want a style refresh, we have you covered." — Kelly Dumpson, head of sales – wholesale, San Antonio Shoemakers (SAS) "e new normal is comfort with versatility. Incorporating fashion with comfortable, clean, lifestyle outsoles. Customers can wear our styles to the office and straight to dinner without sacrificing style or comfort. Dressed-up sneakers and loafers are where we are having success in this category." — Rich Rask, president, Rieker Shoe Corp. "We know that the option to dress up a little at work is back and we are excited! Ballet flats are THE versatile option for work and play, flexibility in occasion of wear is paramount. Our much-loved Nairobi has been a seasonal staple in the line for several seasons now. It offers an everyday alternative to heels, making it perfect for a contemporary workwear look that can be dressed up or down." — Annie Truscott, product director, Revere Shoes "Over the last few years many offices have adopted a more relaxed dress code, allowing for employees to embrace comfort — our favorite noun. We've noticed that although many people are migrating back to the workplace, they still have multiple obligations to home and family life." — Victoria Feldman, marketing director, Latitudes Inc. (mōshn) "Dansko benefitted in FW22 from the return to office trend because we had several strong items that met that consumer's needs. We saw that dress styles that had a more casual feel were spot on. Dansko's all-day comfort and support paired with lower heel heights and classic silhouettes resonated with the back to office consumer." — Kitty Bolinger, EVP sales and marketing, Dansko "I think transitional styles are key for the workplace when it comes to footwear. Consumers aren't willing to compromise comfort for fashion, they want a combination of both. We are seeing more relaxed trends, and dressy styles aren't as important as they used to be." — Sydney Simas, VP, Simco Imported Shoes (Arcopedico)

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