Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1534826
I n recent years, "Keeping Shoes Alive" has emerged as a rallying cry within the footwear industry. Eco-minded businesses in particular have embraced the idea that product longevity is key to sustainability, giving shape to new initiatives and updated strategies de- voted to making shoes wearable longer. Repair services, take back programs and pilot stage recycling efforts are ways that brands, retailers and material suppliers are taking steps to close the loop and advance footwear circularity. Strides are being made, but challenges still abound in today's world of industry overpro- duction and consumer overconsumption. On a positive note, the repair/reuse ethos resonates with Gen Z and younger demographics who are savvy social media users appreciative of online resources to connect with cobblers, retail repair services and resale platforms. However, according to market research, 300 million pairs of shoes are thrown away an- nually in the United States and traditional shoe repair businesses are in decline; with approximately 3,000 shoe repair businesses in the U.S. currently. "It's a paradigm shi to get people to change from a throw-away mindset," comments Sean Naef, VP sales and marketing Industrial Business at Vibram. e company's repair services focus on three main fronts: sustain current cobblers, grow awareness to consum- ers and bring in new talent. "ere is a lot of work to be done, but also a lot of potential," Naef says. Vibram hosts cobbler clinics and workshops, has a mobile repair unit and offers virtual consultation services to its extensive network of shoe repair shops. Modern Makeover "Local shoe repair shops are increasingly rare, yet the demand for quality shoe repair continues. We see significant opportuni- ties in consumer education—many people don't realize how much can be repaired or restored," states Dillon Dardano, VP at Dardano's, a fourth-generation, family-owned footwear destination. Deeply rooted in shoe repair, Dardano's operates two retail stores in Colorado with a dedicated repair and distri- bution center, and three strong e-commerce platforms: EZShoeRepair.com, LiMyShoes. com and Dardanos.com. e repair facility, REPAIR. REPURPOSE. RECYCLE. EXTENDING THE LIFE OF FOOTWEAR SUSTAINABLY, STEP BY STEP. BY EMILY WALZER sportstylemag.com • sportstyle March/April 2025 • 27 CIRCULARITY