Footwear Insight

footwearinsight.com November/December 2024 ~ Footwear Insight • 13 "Shoppers are looking for multi-function shoes they can wear to work and comfortable for walking the dog or longer distance. Xelero's technology provides the foundation and function, keeping foot alignment and helping to reduce foot, ankle, and knee pain." - Erica Werremeyer, president, Instride Shoes (Xelero) "We're seeing a slight uptick in dressier silhouettes. However, consumers have become accustomed to comfort. For us, Fall 2025 is all about incorporating dressier, more luxurious details into the lifestyle sneaker so that it feels like all the comfort of a sneaker but also appropriate for more elegant, sophisticated dressing." – Megan Gold, design director, Alegria "Consumers are increasingly seeking lifestyle sneakers that seamlessly blend style with functionality and comfort. For decades, every style we design has been developed with style, innovation, comfort and quality in mind. Additionally, by designing and producing shoes that are machine washable, we're giving consumers more value." – Kathy Kartalis, SVP of global product, Skechers "While performance sneakers are gaining traction and popularity, consumers are buying these without using them for their intended purpose. ey may purchase a running shoe, but what they really want is just something comfortable to walk in. We hope to capitalize on the concept of a comfortable lifestyle shoe that is not necessarily for athletic purposes, but something you can wear in your daily routine." – Sydney Simas, VP of sales and marketing, Simco Imported Shoes (Arcopedico) "More consumers are looking into familiar basics, despite the influence of running, there will be the back to nostalgia – familiar styles and silhouettes that have enhanced comfort and refreshed mix material play and colors. Comfort as in 'familiarity' and also in 'feel.'" – Armie Pasa, lead designer, Propét "We are seeing interest from both our long-time customers and from slightly younger, new customers in an appreciation for repairing and re-soling with authentic Finn Comfort components, and the merging of the quality they get from heritage footwear with fashion from the sneaker world." – Justin Orrell-Jones, president, Finn Comfort USA "As part of the modern uniform, the lifestyle sneaker must first and foremost be comfortable and supportive for daily 'on your feet' and 'on the go' wear. Sneakers must be versatile, ready to tackle a day with the support and comfort of a good walking shoe, the durability of a light hiker and style that goes from boardroom to boardwalk without a second thought." – Michael Walker, head of marketing and ecommerce, täōs "We are making sure that all our outsoles this season offer a more platform silhouette for a more modern style that can offer maximum underfoot cushioning. Samuel Hubbard is focusing on offering men and women sneakers that can be dressed-up during the week and casualized on the weekends." – Kiely Mee, marketing manager, Samuel Hubbard ARCOPEDICO LANIN Fit for your daily routine, Lanin by Arcopedico features fun and colorful patterns, is vegan and machine washable. An ultrasoft and flexible Lytech upper hugs the foot, while the polyurethane sole provides the brand's patented twin-Arch support. MSRP $125. REVERE LOS ANGELES An ode to the city of angels, Los Angeles dials into its fresh, sunshiny vibe. This everyday luxury offering includes dye cut panels the enrich the silhouette. The outsole adds some flair, with discreet color pops and a modest height. MSRP $169.95.

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