Footwear Insight

footwearinsight.com September/October 2024 ~ Footwear Insight • 21 "Arcopedico's core values focus on a nice, supportive sole and non-binding uppers. is allows for increased circulation in lower extremities, keeping the foot stable and balanced. Our uppers are made from vegan materials which won't bind or pinch the feet, leaving lots of flexibility for foot ailments such as bunions or hammertoes." Sydney Simas, VP of sales and marketing, Simco Imported Shoes "Foot health is the foundation inside Xelero footwear. Xelero technology was developed to off-load bottom pressures and keeping the foot in alignment, which reduces stress on in the foot, ankle and knee joints." Dan Werremeyer, president, Instride Shoes "At VELOUS we have isolated three main features recovery footwear must have: First is a stable and so heel impact area where feet initially contact the ground. Second is the perfect amount of arch support (too much can be painful and too little can cause arches to strain and fail). ird is forefoot flexibility that allows our metatarsal heads and the tendons under our feet to gently stretch with each step to promote blood flow and healing." Brad Bischel, co-founder, VELOUS "Consumers are looking for footwear that can truly help with workout recovery and provide relief from everyday soreness, aches and pains. OOfoam reduces stress on joints and more evenly distributes pressure, which can help people of any activity level and allow them to be more active in their day-to-day lives, from walkers to marathoners, to nurses and chefs who are on their feet all day." Dan Hobson, head of design, OOFOS "Our design starts with an exclusive orthotic footbed, integrating arch support, cushioning and stability to ensure long- term comfort and wellness. Our styles offer exceptional lateral support, improving stability and comfortably securing the foot to reduce slipping and overpronation. True function is fashion. When footwear is easy to wear and doesn't cause discomfort, it can contribute to a positive mood and overall well-being." Mike Walker, head of marketing, täōs EVERYDAY WELLNESS PUTTING HEALTHY FEET AT THE FOREFRONT. BY SUZANNE BLECHER VIONIC/COVE: Cove is the newest addition to the VRX Recovery Series, which debuted in 2024. The collection is engineered with Vionic's advanced recovery system. The shoe is a lightweight slide which balances cushioning, support and stability. It features a massaging footbed and dual-density cushioning. MSRP $85. F ootwear begins with support, according to Mike Walker, head of marketing at täōs. "Our feet are not flat; they possess unique curves and contours that connect us to the earth below," the exec explained. At his company, shoes are de- signed from the ground up, prioritizing arch support, cushioning and stability as the foundation for long-term health and comfort. In essence, look good, feel good. Easy on/off footwear is a vibrant trend. At OOFOS, all styles offer these capabilities for improved convenience. "It saves time and effort, making it ideal for quick transitions from training to recovery or just getting ready during a busy morning," said Dan Hobson, head of design for OOFOS, adding, "It can also provide a more comfortable experience for those who struggle with bending or maneuvering." Alegria Design Director Megan Gold added that easy on/off footwear is great for customers with joint issues. "We have always done very well with slip-on styles, but this has really become a big piece of the comfort category," she said. We asked execs what traits make a shoe good for everyday well- ness. Here's what they told us. Q: What footwear features are important in maintaining foot and overall body health?

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