More than 60 brands from around the world presented their collections during last week’s Footwear Show New York Expo (FSNYE) at the Park Lane New York Hotel. FSNYE President Phyllis Rein reports the show was “by far” the most well-attended show post-Covid, and that’s despite the Big Apple being cast in a choking orange haze from Canadian wildfires.

“We had a remarkable 40 percent exhibitor growth compared to our June 2022 expo and a 10 percent increase from December 2023,” Rein says. “Buyer traffic—which spanned major department stores, independents, chains, boutiques, and ecommerce—was extremely good despite the smoke. Attendance has increased 32 percent since our return to in-person trade shows from December 2021. Our industry is resilient, and footwear is tactile, so face-to-face networking is just part of our DNA.”

Show buzz words were comfort, lifestyle, functionality, and sustainability, according to Rein. “Buyers were interested in freshness, functionality, and sustainability,” she says, noting that Spring ’24 assortments were filled with whimsical details and vibrant colors. “The return of high-heels and luxury shoes was also on their must-see list.”

Marty Rose, distributor for All Black Footwear, reported a solid show. “FSNYE continues to be the best show for All Black to preview upcoming seasons, as our larger customers want to have early deliveries,” he says. “One large customer detailed 17 early spring styles and four new holiday styles, another large customer confirmed five additional styles for holiday while detailing 10 early spring deliveries, and one of our larger boutique customers detailed seven early spring styles in multiple colors and requested three custom styles.”

“We had an amazing time at FSNYE,” reports Madison Kristoff, account manager for Elizée, noting it was the luxury brand’s first time at the show. “We connected with new buyers and had the chance to network with different brands. We’re excited for future editions of FSNYE!” Gene Berkowitz, president of Katy Perry Collection, was equally enthused by the show. “FSNYE is the perfect venue to showcase our collection,” he says. “Located in the beautiful Parklane Hotel, we were able to offer our buyers a central destination to work with us in New York City.”

Nerisha Jairaj, executive director of the South African Footwear and Leather Export Council (SAFLEC), notes the quality of buyer traffic at FSNYE as reason the organization will be returning for the next edition (Nov. 28-30, 2023). “This show has been most rewarding to SAFLEC with quality deals and distributers signed,” she reports.

Elizée

All Black Footwear