Frogella / GoodStudio / Shutterstock.com “The supplier partners that we have are just so good when it comes to design,” Henderson says. “You can send them not much of anything in a logo, and they take it and come up with some really cool concepts. They’re fantastic. To have design partners like that definitely makes our job easier.” Although shoes take a little more effort than socks and even apparel due to the sizing challenge, it can be well worth it, Henderson adds. “People are going to love it, but it is going to be a little more work to make sure that it’s successful in the end,” she says. Promo suppliers have expanded their kicks capabilities well beyond simple printed canvas sneakers in recent years, so there’s something for everyone. “We’re seeing people want something a little bit more unique and different,” says Samantha Fullerton, a Canadian senior account executive with Californiabased distributor BAMKO, No. 4 in the PPAI 100, adding that Ugg-style slippers and Crocs-style clogs (beloved by Gen Z) have been especially popular. “I think that’s probably been the biggest push for shoes and footwear that I’ve seen in our industry in a really long time.” She also suggests trying custom shoe accessories like shoelaces and charms (aka Jibbitz), as well as branded shoe boxes and tissue paper. For a professional yet fun look, Madl says outfitting your team with matching custom sneakers is a great finishing touch for trade shows and other events. “I just think they look really slick,” she says. “Anytime we have regional shows, all the board members have matching shoes, but with their logo.” Here are just a few of the shoe and sock options promo has to offer. Ordering can be as easy as 1-2-3 with Simpler Socks. Choose a templated design and one of nine colorways, then add your client’s logo for a custom look and feel without the complexity of designing from scratch. Add custom presentation elements like hang tags, belly bands/wraps or boxes for added impact. Pop! Promos / PPAI 564497, S1 / poppromos.com PPAI • DECEMBER 2023 • 19 In Style | Essentials
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzU4OQ==