Footwear News

“To me, an icon is a living person who has accomplished something extraordinary during their lifetime,” Martha Stewart said. “My icons are adventurous, take risks and are forward thinking.”⁠ ⁠ On Dec. 4, she will be honored with the Icon Award at the 38th annual FNAAs. Read more about the trailblazer’s incredible year.⁠ https://lnkd.in/ed3BX8iP

Behind New Balance's strong results in 2024 were a series of product wins, as well as strategic investments in athlete partnerships, retail expansion and a historic deal with the WNBA. Here, New Balance executives discuss six ways the company secured big wins in 2024.

In just under a year, A$AP Rocky has breathed new life into some of PUMA Group’s most exciting silhouettes as the duo continue to push the boundaries. ⁠ ⁠ “When we first started off, it felt like we were the underdogs. We weren’t part of the overall conversation, but I think over the past two-and-a-half years, our mission and our goal was to establish that seat at the table more so than anything," he told FN. “Now, we became that girl at prom who took her braces off and showed up looking like Sandy from ‘Grease.’ So it’s just one of those situations where I’m on my John Travolta sh*t right now and no one can compete with us."⁠ ⁠ On Dec. 4, A$AP Rocky and Puma will be honored with the Collaboration of the Year award at the 38th annual FNAAs. Read more from exclusive interview. https://lnkd.in/e6iQbeVc ⁠

RTFKT, the digital creator of virtual sneakers that Nike Inc. acquired in 2021, revealed Monday that it will shut down operations.

On Dec. 4, Edgardo Osorio will be honored with the Designer of the Year award at the 38th annual FN Achievement Awards. Below is an article from the magazine’s Dec. 2 print issue about how the AQUAZZURA founder and creative director continues to build momentum around the brand with new store openings, collaborations and a constant presence on the red carpet.

On Dec. 4, Skechers will be honored with the Icon Award for Social Impact at the 38th annual FN Achievement Awards. Below is an article from the magazine’s Dec. 2 print issue about the company’s deep commitment to helping others.

When Bjorn Gulden assumed control of adidas in January 2023, the industry veteran inherited a company in turmoil. With determination, grit and seasoned business instincts, the chief executive officer led a remarkable revival that has once again put the Three Stripes at the center of the sneaker conversation. Read more about his part in the company's dramatic turnaround. https://lnkd.in/eyifFw8t On Dec. 4, he will be honored with the Person of the Year award at the 38th annual FN Achievement Awards.

According to a Monday note from Needham analyst Tom Nikic, HOKA and On both saw year-over-year growth in online search trends and strong demand at wholesale over Black Friday. The analyst added that both brands likely saw high levels of full-price sales throughout the holiday weekend as well. At Nike, however, analysts reported that discounts were noticeably deeper this year.

Kenneth Cole has cultivated a company for purpose — on purpose — for over four decades. Take a look back at how he’s done it and read more about his career and impact on the fashion industry. On Dec. 4, he will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 38th annual FNAAs. https://lnkd.in/eq4AqDeF

On Dec. 4, Angel Reese will be honored with the Style Influencer of the Year award at the 38th annual FN Achievement Awards. Below is an article from the magazine’s Dec. 2 print issue about the WNBA star’s bold take on fashion.