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W hen it comes to casual sneakers for wearing at work or around town, consumers are "looking for sneaker footwear that is comfortable and transitional," says Sydney Simas, VP, Simco Imported Shoes. She adds, "We are seeing more and more executives wearing their suits with sneakers, and that trend doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon." e rules for workplace footwear have changed "dramatically" in recent years, asserts Dan Leonardi ECCO's head of sales; Americas. "Dress or lifestyle sneakers are now widely accepted—so long as they're styled in a clean, professional way. 'Clean' is the keyword here: minimal logos, neutral tones, and free from visible wear and tear." Execs at active lifestyle brand Mykos state that "today's consumers are looking for sneakers that can seamlessly transition from casual outings to more polished settings like the office." Key features con- sumers care about include: minimalist, versatile design; breathable, flexible materials; protection and durability; and tech details such as comfort details or water-resistance. At H.H. Brown, parent company of brands such as Align and So, the company reports seeing consumers become more intentional with their purchases, and buying "fewer pairs of shoes overall but expecting more from each one — more comfort, more versatility and greater longevity." Materials matter. Shoppers are drawn to premium leathers and high-quality textiles that look refined and are built to last. Clean, modern silhouettes and timeless colors are in demand, with consumers seeking designs that transition seamlessly from work to weekend. e white leather sneaker continues to be a core closet essential, notes Liam Bourke, EVP/GM, revere, but he adds, "consumers are upgrading to premium materials and quiet luxury styling. Minimal stitching, off-white tones, and comfort-first construction are driving purchasing decisions." At Finn Comfort USA, health and wellness is a key focus, notes Justin Orrell-Jones, the company's president and CEO. "All of the components in our footwear are designed to enhance comfortable and healthy walking, so our customer clearly appreciates that we have incorporated those components into a sneaker style that makes them look on-trend and feel comfortable!" THE SNEAKER CATEGORY CONTINUES TO THRIVE WITH ALL-DAY WEARABILITY. sportstylemag.com • sportstyle July/August 2025 • 31 FOOTWEAR MAKING A STATEMENT

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