Bill Van Dis was one-of-a-kind, not to mention a loyal customer of Spring Footwear (makers of L’Artiste, Spring Step, Patrizia, Azura, and Flexus) for decades. Owners David and Avi Ben Zikry have honored that relationship by naming a Fall/Winter ’25 Spring Step style after the third generation, Kalamazoo, MI-based, sit-and-fit retailer, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. It’s only fitting (pun intended).
“We enjoyed working with Bill for more than 30 years,” says David Ben Zikry. “He always appreciated our products and quality. We all felt great admiration for him and knew we had to honor him in some way.”
Once all the new styles were received in Spring Footwear’s Pompano Beach, FL, headquarters the team jumped on a Zoom call to debate what shoe would best honor Van Dis. “Bill always had a great eye,” says account manager John D’Hondt, who first met Van Dis in 2009 and served as his Spring Footwear rep since 2022. “For the eponymous style, we knew it had to have longevity, commercial appeal, and the ability to make good margin for retailers.”
The unanimously chosen “Vandis” bootie features butter leather uppers, soft vamp ruching for texture appeal, contrast retro stitching, decorative elastic laces with playful tips, a contrasting leather band for a sleek, modern edge, and an edgy outsole. The team says it’s the perfect blend of comfort and modern flair, and it exudes effortless style—all criteria for such an honor, as Van Dis was renowned for his eye for product, great customer service, community engagement, and Midwest nice demeanor. A savvy businessman, he also knew how to deliver turn and margin with the best of Shoe Dogs.
“Bill knew a good shoe when he saw one!” says Larry Goodman, national sales manager for Spring Footwear. “He had so much knowledge and insight on the business; it was always a pleasure speaking with him. His big smile and warm personality will be missed.” Adds Ben Zikry, “We feel like we’ve lost a family member, but Bill will always remain part of our lives.”
