Footwear News

Amid a hectic travel season, some U.S. airports are reportedly abandoning their no-shoe policy at TSA security screening checkpoints, which was introduced in 2006. After rumors began circulating on social media last week, a source has confirmed to The New York Times that passengers at airports, including New York’s LaGuardia Airport, will no longer need to take off their shoes as the Transportation Security Administration will now allow people to keep their shoes on nearly 20 years after the rule was put in place. The new policy is expected to take effect this week. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ewA38vTB

Rack Room Shoes is elevating two key executives as the retailer realigns its merchandising and digital strategies. Brian Burnett has been promoted to senior vice president, chief merchandise officer. He was senior vice president, general merchandise officer. In his expanded role, Burnett will lead the shoe retailer’s product and merchandising strategies, while driving innovation and ensuring alignment across vendor relations, inventory management and product sourcing. Molly Hartney, meanwhile, was promoted to chief digital officer, a newly created role. She joined the company in 2021 as chief marketing officer, and drove a 40 percent increase in customer retention under her leadership as well as a 36 percent improvement in company productivity. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e3F-ZTFt

Nike has unveiled the next model in WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) star Sabrina Ionescu’s signature line. “The Sabrina 3 builds on the consistency we’ve established with Sabrina’s first two signature silhouettes while evolving the look and feel of the shoe to match her needs on the court and further reflect her personal story and style,” Benjamin Nethongkome, lead designer for Nike Sabrina footwear, said. “The Sabrina 1 and 2 made her signature line a go-to choice for hoopers around the world, and we wanted to keep that standout performance and consistency while helping make Sabrina, and the athletes who wear her shoe, even faster, stronger and more confident in every step.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/efmCVYTf

 Steven Madden Ltd. no longer has a chief merchant. Karla Frieders, the former chief merchandising officer, voluntarily resigned her position, effective June 30. “Ms. Frieders has indicated her resignation is for personal reasons and not the result of any disagreement with the company on any matter relating to the company’s operations, policies or practices,” Madden said in a regulatory filing on Thursday with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Madden said in the filing that it doesn’t plan to appoint a new chief merchant “at this time,” and that certain of Frieders’ responsibilities are being “assumed by other members of the company’s management.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/ePW3Hk-T

Air Jordan is seeing red. Just days after word surfaced on the first-ever return of the Air Jordan 4 Toro Bravo, news has now emerged for the boldest colorway to date for the iconic model’s remastering. The Air Jordan 4 RM Varsity Red sees its namesake colorway take over nearly the entirety of the sneaker. The only deviations from the color on the suede, leather and mesh sneaker are found on the tongue and heel branding, formed by the Jumpman and Nike Air logos, respectively, as well as icy blue translucent outsole segments at the toe and heel. Red is otherwise applied uniformly, setting it up for comparisons to the Nike Air Yeezy 2 Red October as all other red-dominant sneakers tend to garner. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e8Zr-4Fp

Tiger Woods’ Sun Day Red brand is expanding its retail presence once again. After operating almost exclusively direct-to-consumer since its launch last year, with only a Pebble Beach pop-up offering customers the opportunity to experience the brand in-person, the star golfer’s line can now be seen in more locations. Now, Sun Day Red’s complete collection – from premium polos and cashmere layers to technical outerwear – is available at select ultra-high-end courses and premier resort destinations. Brad Blankinship, president of Sun Day Red, added that this expansion marks “a massive milestone” for Sun Day Red. “We’ve intentionally maintained our direct-to-consumer approach to ensure we could deliver the premium experience our customers deserve,” Blankinship noted. “Now we’re ready to bring that same level of meticulousness to carefully selected partners who share our commitment to the game and understand the golfer we serve.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/eDdC8mPv

Nike is reviving a collaboration that’s been dormant for more than 15 years as it brings one of the most highly regarded fabrics in the world to the Dunk Low. The Harris Tweed Authority x Nike Dunk Low sees the staple sneaker get two colorways with uppers made out of Scotland’s famed woolen fabrics. The Harris Tweed Authority, aka the Guradians of the Orb, was established by parliament to safeguard the quality and reputation of Harris Tweed. Its label denotes that a fabric lives up to the standards required to be considered Harris Tweed. The company actually responsible for the collaboration is Harris Tweed Hebides, which has been in the business since 2007. Margaret Ann Macleod, chief executive officer of Harris Tweed Hebrides, said in a press release: “This collection highlights how our island’s most famous export Harris Tweed continues to deliver the modernity and sustainability credentials to attract global design led businesses, like Nike.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/eR-4D5hj

adidas has lined up some major star power for latest campaign for its iconic Superstar franchise. The German sports brand is featuring rapper, songwriter and producer Missy Elliott, skateboarder Mark Gonzales, NBA star Anthony Edwards, rapper GloRilla, singer and songwriter Teezo Touchdown, musician Jennie and model and actress Gabbriette in a film that is narrated by actor Samuel L. Jackson. “The Superstar has always been more than just a sneaker — it’s a symbol of originality and a spark for cultural change,” said Annie Barrett, vice president of marketing for Adidas Originals. “From street corners to global stages, it’s been worn by those who don’t wait for permission to lead. This campaign isn’t about looking back — it’s about spotlighting a new generation of Originals who are building what’s next, unapologetically.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/eEUeU2qj

Japanese shoe brand Onitsuka Tiger is stepping into its next era with confidence, following the opening of a new flagship on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Paris holds historical significance for the brand. It was Onitsuka Tiger’s first international retail location outside of Japan following the brand’s revival in 2002. Due to this history, “Paris is really close to our heart,” Ryoji Shoda, head of Onitsuka Tiger, told WWD. After celebrating its 75th birthday last year with an activation titled “Onitsuka Tiger Hotel” in the same building, the brand is now expanding its retail presence and looking toward category expansion. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ePwU8qxc

Zellerfeld Shoe Company Inc. customers can now explore, engage with, and order 3D-printed, custom fit footwear in-store.