Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1537724
10 • Footwear Insight ~ July/August 2025 footwearinsight.com C rocs, Inc. recently published its 2024 Comfort Report, highlighting updates and activations surrounding the compa- ny's commitment to Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability through its Crocs and HEYDUDE brands. In 2024, Crocs, Inc. says it achieved 25% bio-circular content in its proprietary Croslite material—which accounts for more than 80% of the enterprise's total materials across its portfolio, including the Classic Clog—on a mass balance basis. e increased use of bio-circular content in Croslite material lowered emissions per pair of Crocs Classic Clogs by nearly 5% in 2024 compared to 2023 and approximately 10% from its 2021 baseline year, demonstrating the tangible impact that lower-carbon materials have had on Crocs' emissions footprint. Additionally, Crocs expanded its Old Crocs. New Life. consumer takeback program from its 2023 pilot to all 183 stores in the continental U.S. and Canada and a no-cost mail-in option in 2024. As of June 2025, Old Crocs. New Life. is now available in all Crocs-owned stores across Europe. n I ndustry veteran Gareth Hosford is the new Chief Executive Ocer at Kizik, the hands-free footwear brand owned by parent company HandsFree Labs. Hosford brings more than two decades of experience scaling global brands to his new role. He has held executive roles at Nike and Converse, as well as performance apparel start-up Omorpho. As Kizik looks to its next chapter of growth, the company believes Hosford's expertise in omni-channel strategy, licensing, and direct-to-consumer (DTC) business models positions him to steer Kizik and HandsFree Labs through the next phase of expansion. As Kizik continues to evolve from a DTC disruptor to an omni-channel brand, Hosford will focus on scaling innovation, expanding global reach, and unlocking new licensing opportunities through HandsFree Labs' extensive IP portfolio. Monte Deere, who had led the company since 2019, will continue to serve on the board of Kizik and HandsFree Labs where he'll advise on the company's licensing arm of the business. n CORPORATE NEWS EXEC NEWS THE FOOTWEAR EYE CROCS HIGHLIGHTS SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS IN REPORT NEW CEO IN CHARGE AT KIZIK Gareth Hosford