Footwear Insight

Price hasn't been a major issue for shoppers, reports Don Colbert, president, Hoss Boot Company. "Most of what we are seeing is not price driven yet," he tells us. "What we are feeling more from retailers is caution. We are all in a similar boat as far as the uncertainty. Several years ago, we moved western and welted product to India. We are looking at non-China options but seeing the cost sometimes exceeds the perceived value of the shoe. We will cull down our China options and look at other sourcing options for long term relationships." On the trend side, while many still think of safety footwear as heavy and bulky steel-toe work boots, that's not the reality as the category evolves. "We are actually seeing a growing demand for safety footwear that is faster and lighter without sacricing safety," says Kevin Oberle, senior director of global insight and engagement, KEEN Utility. Important features for consumers buying boots, according to Kelly Dumpson, head of sales – wholesale, SAS, include: "Value = versatile (goes with many outts and appropriate for multiple wear occasions), wearable (comfortable and well-tting), functional (supports multiple activities), season-less (okay to wear all year) and well- made (lasts)." Demand for work boots for women is also on the rise. "Studies now prove that women's feet aren't just smaller versions of men's, but have different proportions, and for safety and comfort, require boots engineered to fit the contours of the foot," notes Emily Soloby, founder, Juno Jones. Regarding safety features, Soloby says, "Composite toe has been the most requested safety toe of 2025 and continues to grow in popularity. Customers have also come to expect and appreciate weather-resistant materials in the construction of their safety footwear." 54 • Footwear Insight ~ July/August 2025 footwearinsight.com Footwear execs tell us how consumers are shopping for their boots right now… SKECHERS WORK/SANTORO Skechers Hands Free Slip-Ins have made their way to the job site. e full-grain leather Santoro includes a composite toe, Goodyear rubber outsole and is electrical hazard rated. MSRP $119.99. THOROGOOD/AMERICAN HERITAGE NON-SAFETY BOOT is 6-inch moc toe work boot is made in the USA with full-grain American leather. It has a MAXWear Black Wedge outsole, composite shank, and Goodyear storm welt construction. MSRP $254.95. ROCKY/GRINDSTONE XTR BOA Rocky brings customization to the worksite with the BOA Fit System. BOA provides a micro-adjustable, precise t by securing the foot evenly and eliminating pressure points. Rocky Recycled Waterproof Construction keeps feet dry in wet and muddy environments. MSRP $179.99, $189.99 (composite toe).

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