What does the 2026 back-to-school season tell us about where the footwear industry is headed? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest and Andy Polk sit down with Bryan Eshelman, Americas Leader of Retail at AlixPartners, to unpack the findings from the latest FDRA x AlixPartners Back-to-School Footwear Survey. With operating costs at a 14-quarter high, landed costs rising, and consumers making sharper trade-offs than ever before, the data tells a nuanced story about resilience, shifting brand loyalty, and the widening gap between income segments. Bryan breaks down what the numbers actually mean for footwear brands and retailers — from sourcing strategy and inventory management to how consumers are deciding where, when, and how much to spend on shoes this season.

Email info@fdra.org to request access to the report.

With special guest:
Bryan Eshelman, Americas Leader of Retail, AlixPartners

Hosted by:
Matt Priest, FDRA and Andy Polk, FDRA

What defines sneaker culture in a world where individualism has replaced brand loyalty? In part two of this special Shoe-In Show conversation, recorded live at the Library of Congress, Matt Priest continues the discussion with D'Wayne Edwards, President of PLC Detroit, and Sean Williams, Co-Founder of SOLEcial Studies, diving deeper into how younger generations are reshaping their relationship with sneakers. From the shifting balance between comfort and fashion to sneakers as a medium of personal identity, this conversation explores what the next chapter of sneaker culture looks like in America. D'Wayne and Sean also reflect on the power of mentorship and innovation in keeping the sneaker industry connected to the communities that gave it meaning in the first place. A compelling continuation of one of Shoe-In Show's most culturally rich conversations.

With special guests:
D'Wayne Edwards, President, PLC Detroit and Sean Williams, Co-Founder, SOLEcial Studies

Hosted by:
Matt Priest, President, FDRA

In this special episode of Shoe-In Show, recorded live at the Library of Congress in partnership with the Congressional Sneaker Caucus, Matt Priest joins Representative Jared Moskowitz, footwear designer and educator D'Wayne Edwards, and Sean Williams, Co-Founder of SOLEcial Studies, to explore one of the most powerful cultural forces in American fashion history. From the courts to the classroom and Capitol Hill to the streets, sneakers have transcended politics and socio-economic backgrounds to become symbols of creativity, community, and self-expression. This conversation dives into the historical significance of sneakers, the personal journeys of the people who design and champion them, and what they continue to mean to American culture today. Part of the "Fashion at the Library" initiative, this episode makes the case that what's on your feet has always been about far more than footwear.

With special guests:
D'Wayne Edwards, President, PLC Detroit and and Sean Williams, Co-Founder, SOLEcial Studies

Hosted by:
Matt Priest, President, FDRA