PPB August 2018

| AUGUST 2018 | 17 INNOVATE Treat Your Feet With The Latest In Promotional Footwear shoes becoming the largest category in athletic footwear. According to market research company The NPD Group, the sport leisure footwear market grew 17 percent last year, and in the U.S., 75 percent of sneakers are currently purchased for aesthetics, not athletics. This trend is bound to impact the entire footwear market, projects The NPD Group, as consumers demand increased comfort in all shoes—not just sneakers. Those who want to pay Fifth Avenue prices to flash hipster chic have options, too, with price tags on luxury styles ranging from hundreds of dollars to up to $10,000 for limited edition sneakers. Business of Fashion magazine reports that sales of premium sneakers increased 10 percent last year, as sneakers continued to make the leap from utilitarian necessities to statement pieces. So far, this market has been primarily driven by Millennials and men in all age groups. Another shoe that has benefited from streetwear’s laid-back vibe is the flip-flop. According to marketplace.org, Americans spent $2.6 billion in 2015 on these summertime favorites. The fashion industry has had a contentious relationship with flip-flops over the years, but that hasn’t stopped designers like Rihanna from introducing embellished, high-heeled interpretations. In the promotional market, shoes and shoelaces are in demand by schools, universities, clubs, airlines, sports teams, business retreats, employee incentives, conference grab bags, charity runs and marathons, according to Brandon Brown, vice president of marketing for supplier SnugZ USA (PPAI 112982). The sock market has also gotten a boost as all things practical and historically unstylish are being celebrated as part of the anti-fashion trend. Fun socks are an opportunity to show a sliver of personality and whimsy, and they have been embraced by all demographics. Cropped pants or rolled- up jeans allow socks to take center stage, and The Wall Street Journal reports that luxury brands have introduced swanky socks priced as high as $210 per pair. “Footwear is an up-and-coming product category for the promotional products industry,” says Bob Strem, executive vice president of supplier Neet Feet (PPAI 112755). “The idea is to use a product that puts a smile on your face. In today’s fast-paced business atmosphere with its constant stress, flip-flops and sliders literally have that effect on people’s everyday lives. Even going to work in flip-flops relaxes the anticipation of stress.” Strut your stuff by designing unique custom kicks with SoulKix by SnugZ USA. This popular retail style sports a polyester canvas upper that can accommodate a full-color imprint with edge- to-edge printing. SnugZ USA / PPAI 112982 / www.snugzusa.com Fashion Fuzzy Feet are soft and warm socks with wide appeal across a number of industries, including health care, hospitality, travel, spa and education. Available in three versatile patterns and one size. Suntex Industries / PPAI 113094 www.suntexindustries.com This stylish, dual-fabric nylon shoe bag allows travelers to pack their shoes with ease. The 17-inch by nine-inch bag features a drawstring closure to ensure that shoes and clothes stay separated, and a company logo can be screen printed on the front zippered pocket. Ball Pro Promotional Group / PPAI 112763 www.ballpro.com