Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1515018
KEEPING UP WITH COMFORT "Transitional footwear, lug style boots and wedge sandals." – Dave Astobiza, Biza "Utilitarian styles, styles that offer fashion and function (not necessarily dress shoes), pops of color, fun materials." – Sydney Simas, Arcopedico "Customers love the effortless slip-on of a clog and how it pairs with wider leg and cropped hem-lines." – Victoria Feldman, Latitudes "Mary Janes, flats and platforms." – Rusty Hall, Mephisto USA "Ballet Flats! Ballet flats are a wardrobe essential, but they've tortured women's feet for years. Our solution - hidden support, a heel raise, adjustable fitting and designs that are kind to the heels and so on the toes." – Caroline McCulloch, FRANKIE4 "Our new styles focus on outdoor, travel, versatility and promoting movement." – Glen Barad, täōs "Running styles will continue to be important with more casual upper treatments and materials." – Dan Werremeyer, Instride Shoes "Sneakers are still dominating for Spring. For Fall, the women's loafer is emerging in interpretations including heeled, mules and a classic penny loafer." -Brandy LaPlante, ECCO "We see chunkier bottoms coming back around, as well as a big return to dressier styles," – Ayelet Lax Levy, Naot "Dress shoes and Y2K-influenced sneakers." – Megan Gold, Alegria 30 • Footwear Insight ~ January/February 2024 footwearinsight.com WHAT SPECIFIC SILHOUETTES ARE TRENDING IN COMFORT FOR 2024? ECCO / Gruuv ECCO reintroduces the Gruuv for men and women after a small test of the style in Spring 2023. The outsole is made using a dynamic two-way flex rubber sole that offers grip and flexibility. The shoe features the Dual Width insole system and a cushioned polyurethane midsole. Elastic laces make it easy to slip on and off. MSRP $220. Klogs / Grenada The mule takes on a new feel for 2024. Unlike a traditional mule, this deep heel cup holds the foot in place and reduces slipping. Supple oiled leathers and rivets along the counter make Grenada a seasonless style. A removable TRU-Comfort insole and wide toe box help provide cushion and comfort. MSRP $149.95.