Footwear professionals launch new innovation foundation
A new non-profit organisation, the Footwear Innovation Foundation, has been launched in the US to support innovation in footwear design, manufacturing and sustainability.
Founded by senior figures from across the industry, the organisation will run accelerator programmes and collaborate with inventors, academics and brands to advance new concepts and technologies. It will also support the development of projects that aim to improve sustainability, regulatory alignment and production efficiency.
An open innovation campaign is due to launch in spring 2025, inviting innovators to submit new ideas for development support.
Board members include:
Executive director – Andy Polk, senior vice president at the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA)
Chairman – Andy Gilbert, former president of Genesco Brands Group
Brooke Beshai, vice president of sustainability and compliance at Deckers Brands
D’Wayne Edwards, founder of PENSOLE Lewis College
Sara Irvani, board member at Okabashi Brands
Matt Priest, president and CEO of FDRA
Jung Yoon, senior vice president of production and sourcing at Michael Kors
More information is available at footwearinnovation.com.
