Footwear Insight

18 • Footwear Insight ~ January/February 2025 footwearinsight.com WHAT ARE CONSUMERS SEEKING IN AN INSOLE CURRENTLY? "Many consumers need help identifying those products that can help relieve their foot pain. Skilled footwear retailers and practitioners that offer in-person service and that stock a variety of quality products are still the most effective operators at matching consumers with appropriate products." Marc Goldberg Owner, Bonapeda Enterprises (Saluber) "More than anything consumers want value from the product they buy, especially as prices will not come down. Pedag has several value priced products to allow consumers experience German made quality and performance at affordable prices." Ivan Komashinskiy President, Pedag USA "Consumers are demanding a high level of quality and better performance in their footwear; and also expect that durability will be part of the equation as well in the footwear they purchase. Sustainability continues to be important, but step-in comfort and durability will lead the way. Consumers expect more value and expect that their shoes will perform." CB Tuite Chief Sales Officer, OrthoLite "I believe quality, durability, function, choice and value will remain top consumer priorities and this will certainly remain a focus for us as well." John Hinds Founder, Cadence "Consumers are looking for orthotic customizations to help support their unique feet. For Aetrex, the process all starts with a 3D foot scan, which allows us to collect 16 unique measurements of each foot. We then use the data from the consumers' foot scan to match him/her to a specific orthotic that is best suited for their unique foot type. Our orthotics are designed based on data and learnings from our database of over 50M global 3D foot scans, creating anatomically correct products." Larry Schwartz, CEO, Aetrex "rough recent insight studies, we see a growing trend of consumers wanting personalized underfoot experiences that go beyond basic comfort. is includes a desire for products that both feel good and deliver uncompromising performance, whether that means optimizing movement, minimizing injury risk or navigating the demands of a busy workday more efficiently." Matt Gooch VP of product and innovation, Superfeet "Active participants continually ask for a way to add lightweight performance and cushioning and put comfort back into their runs or workouts. Running, walking, playing pickleball or standing — consumers are looking for support and comfort." David Church president, Sorbothane PEDAG/VIVA Viva is a vegetable- tanned leather orthotic with arch support. is insole's natural materials and activated carbon odor control work in tandem to eliminate stink and promote a healthy foot environment. Designed to fit snugly into any shoe or boot, this comfort footbed supports the foot and helps to alleviate arch and back pain. Viva is also available in High, Low, Outdoor and Sport styles MSRP $40. SOLD ON INSOLES What Retailers Expect from Insole Brands Brands that help bring customers into the store. Styles that are easy to sell. Offerings that produce good profit margins. Products that "stay sold." Comfort in sharing ideas with brands. Brand partners that accept helpful feedback. Offering a service that isn't available online. Responsive customer service. Alignment with a retailer's values. Upholding MAP (minimum advertised price) policies. Flexibility, consistent quality, innovation and sustainability. Timely delivery.

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