Cool Kicks Footwear is an unsung hero of the branded merchandise industry. Discover some stylish and practical options to inspire your next project. By Hanna Brookshire SHOES AREN’T ONE of the first branded merchandise items that come to mind, but they certainly make a statement. After all, they’ll be worn more often than other apparel items, making them a particularly impactful piece of merch. Sneakers have been around for almost 200 years, with iconic branded styles like Keds or Converse around since the early 1900s. Sandals have been around since antiquity. History lesson aside: Shoes aren’t going anywhere. When picking shoes or socks, it’s important to consider comfort, practicality and style. Depending on the client or occasion, different levels of comfort might be needed. For people who work on their feet all day, a pair of supportive and comfortable sneakers is a better choice than a pair of slides or sandals. Practicality can be dependent on someone’s lifestyle, the time of year or other factors. Offering flip-flops for a summer event or slippers for a winter event is a great way to create a themed and useful gift. One of the most important factors is style. Knowing your target audience can help you decide what they will perceive as stylish. An example is the millennial vs. Gen Z sock debate: Millennials tend to gravitate toward ankle socks, while Gen Z has embraced the crew sock. Additionally, picking timeless and classic styles can help increase the longevity of a gift and appeal to a wider audience. Here are some cool kicks and fun socks to inspire your next foray into footwear: 14 • OCTOBER 2026 • Essentials | In Style
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