Blog
Fashion sneakers driving athletic footwear sales.
Love ’em or hate ’em, you can’t deny the versatility of a good pair of sneakers. Make no mistake: We’re not talking about your dad’s old white New Balance runners. We mean sick kicks that can be dressed up for work and down for an easy night out. And we’re not the only fans. Global information company NPD Group reports that athletic footwear sales increased 1 percent from January to August 2013, compared to the year-ago period.
Adidas Originals is celebrating Derrick Rose’s 25th birthday with a limited edition shoe.
Some of us are lucky to get a card and some cake on our birthdays. But when you’re Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose, Adidas Originals goes all out and releases a sneaker in your honor. Inspired by Rose’s style and personality, the limited-edition D Rose Superstar 80s drops October 4 ($100). The sneaker comes in Rose’s favorite colors (black and blue) and other personal touches include his birth year (1988) on the heel tab while the gold foil tongue logo has an outline of his face. Happy freakin’ birthday. www.adidas.com/originals
Timberland celebrates the 40th anniversary of its iconic yellow boot.
Last night in Williamsburg, Timberland celebrated the 40th anniversary of its original yellow boot and unveiled the Fall 2013 Earthkeepers Heritage Collection at The Workshop, a modern day remake of the brand’s original factory. Dozens of boots hung from the ceiling as attendees danced to indie rock band Wild Nothing and sipped Veev cocktails and Brooklyn Beer.
Nearly 100 percent of footwear retailers now have an advocate in Washington.
Earlier this month the National Shoe Retailers Association (NSRA) and the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) announced the establishment of a strategic partnership designed to enhance the voice of independent footwear retailers in Washington. As part of the partnership, FDRA will become the main advocacy arm for NSRA members and the more than 8,000 independent footwear retailers nationwide.
New York DJ Operator Emz talks sneaker obsession, hip-hop culture and his very own Pro Model design for Adidas.
By Brittany Leitner
Not many people have their life-defining moment in the second grade, but for Operator Emz, that’s when his passion for sneakers took on a life of its own. Born and bred in New York City, Emz recalls showing up to school one day and getting teased for his generic kicks. He went home and asked his parents for new shoes, picking out a pair of red on white Nike Oceana trainers and burgundy lo-top 69ers by Pro Keds the very next day. “That was the start of my obsession,” he says.
Ugg for Men launches its Fall ’13 “For Gamechangers” campaign.
Ugg for Men hosted a gathering of influencers last night at New York City hotspot The Lion to celebrate the launch of its Fall 2013 “For Gamechangers” campaign, featuring NFL Quarterback Tom Brady, and to officially kick off the new #UggMenofCharacter Tumblr contest, which allows people worldwide to recognize and celebrate a friend for their accomplishments.
Unifold explores way to construct footwear with a one-piece die cut pattern.
Dreamed up by Pratt Institute students Haratio Yuxin Han and Kevin Crowley, Unifold is an experimental project that explores ways to construct footwear with a one-piece die cut pattern. Made of EVA material, the simple design reduces complicated procedures required in footwear productions, such as molding, lacing, sewing and gluing, making it easier to manufacture, while dramatically lowering costs.
A history of Adi Dassler’s first track and field shoes.
DesignBoom Magazine has put together a history of Adidas featuring some of its very first track and field shoes. The series of photographs captures the company’s early innovations, ranging from sprint to long jump cleats from the 1920s, some of which were even worn in gold medal performances at various Olympic Games.
Marcia Cross joined fellow L.A. moms to celebrate back-to-school with DSW to benefit OPCC.
Actress and mother of two Marcia Cross teamed up with DSW to host a back-to-school picnic for L.A. moms last Thursday to benefit OPCC, the largest provider of housing and social services on the Westside of Los Angeles County and one of Cross’ personal charities. Each attending mom walked away with a pair of white Converse sneakers to personalize for their children at the picnic’s custom graffiti station and a VIP goodie bag stuffed with cosmetics and accessories.
Join Our Mailing List!
Sign up to receive the digital edition of Footwear Plus, fashion news, and more.
