The 2026 FIFA World Cup isn't just the biggest soccer tournament on the planet — it's happening right here, and the energy is unlike anything America has seen before. In this special episode of Shoe-In Show, hosts Matt Priest, Andy Polk, and Jolie Gracia take a step back from the business of footwear to celebrate the moment. Fresh from experiencing matches firsthand, they share what it felt like inside the stadiums, the unexpected joy of cultural exchange, and what the explosion of soccer culture in America means for fans, brands, and the industry at large. From the global atmosphere to the growing footprint of the beautiful game on American soil, this is a conversation about more than soccer.

With special guests:
Andy Polk, FDRA and Jolie Gracia, FDRA

Hosted by:
Matt Priest, FDRA

What happens in Washington doesn't stay in Washington — especially if you're in footwear. In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Christie sits down with Thomas Crockett, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at FDRA, to pull back the curtain on one of the most consequential forces shaping the industry today. Before joining FDRA, Thomas served as Legislative Counsel on Capitol Hill, where he handled trade, foreign relations, and government reform. That experience now drives his advocacy for the footwear industry on tariffs, trade policy, customs, and product safety. Thomas breaks down what government relations actually means for footwear brands, why trade policy has never been more relevant, and what every business in this industry needs to understand about how Washington impacts their bottom line.

With special guest:
Thomas Crockett, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, FDRA

Hosted by:
Christie Horan, FDRA

What does it look like to spend a career at the top of the footwear industry and then dedicate yourself to making sure others can follow? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest and Sabria Butler sit down with Portia Blunt, Board Chair of the Black Footwear Forum, for a candid conversation about her remarkable journey through footwear — from the Marine Corps to New Balance and Reebok to founding Bee Blunt. Portia shares what she saw as she rose through the ranks of major sportswear brands, and how that shaped her commitment to the Black Footwear Forum and its mission to build community, representation, and real pathways for BIPOC professionals in footwear. This is a conversation about craft, culture, and what it truly means to open doors for the next generation.

With special guest:
Portia Blunt, Board Chair, Black Footwear Forum and CEO and Founder, Bee Blunt

Hosted by:
Matt Priest, FDRA and Sabria Butler, FDRA

How did Crocs evolve from a simple foam clog to a global footwear icon? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Anne Mehlman, Executive Vice President and Brand President, Crocs, shares her journey from CFO to brand leader and reveals the secrets behind the brand's unstoppable growth. From bold collaborations and social media buzz to the power of customer feedback, discover how Crocs continues to redefine casual comfort and culture. Tune in for exclusive insights, innovative strategies, and the story behind building an iconic brand—one Jibbitz at a time!

With special guest:

Anne Mehlman, Executive Vice President and Brand President, Crocs

Hosted by:

Matt Priest, President, FDRA and Sandi Mines, Vice President, FDRA

Meet Jolie Gracia, Marketing and Events Coordinator at FDRA, who went from marketing graduate at UNC Greensboro to managing all four annual FFANY Market Week cycles, supporting the FFANY Pop-Up Showroom, and helping drive social media for both Shoes for a Cure and the Black Footwear Forum. In this episode, Jolie shares how she found her way into the footwear industry, what her day-to-day really looks like, and what she loves most about the community she serves. A fun, candid conversation about the people and energy that keep this industry moving forward.

With special guest:
Jolie Gracia, Marketing and Events Coordinator, FDRA

Hosted by:
Christie Horan, FDRA

What makes handcrafted Western boots a symbol of culture and craftsmanship? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest dives into the rich heritage of Texas boot-making with Cindy Morris of the Dallas Market Center and Ryan Vaughan of Rios of Mercedes. They explore the synergy between family-owned brands, the resurgence of Western wear, and how cultural trends are reshaping the industry. Discover the stories behind stunning craftsmanship and the exciting future of Western fashion that's capturing the hearts of a new generation.

With special guests:
Cindy Morris, President and CEO, Dallas Market Center and Ryan Vaughan, President and CEO, Rios of Mercedes

Hosted by:
Matt Priest, FDRA

In this episode of Shoe In, Andy Polk shares his journey from politics to footwear, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving and a solutions-oriented mindset. Discover how the FDRA team collaborates to tackle industry challenges, the evolving dynamics of consumer behavior, and the critical role of understanding supply chains. Andy's insights into balancing creativity with practical business strategies will inspire anyone interested in the future of footwear.

With special guest:
Andy Polk, FDRA

Hosted by:
Christie Horan, FDRA

Are consumers moving away from athletic footwear or simply redefining what "casual" means? On this episode of Shoe In Show, Thomas and Christie sit down with Bryan Eshelman, Americas Leader of Retail, AlixPartners to break down key findings from the latest AlixPartners consumer footwear survey. From price sensitivity and inventory challenges to the growing demand for versatile, durable footwear, the conversation explores how consumer expectations are shifting and what brands and retailers need to do to keep up.

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

Hosted by:
Thomas Crockett, FDRA and Christie Horan, FDRA

FDRA members can email info@fdra.org to gain access to the survey.