Comfortable footwear fashion at WSA!

24 Jul '07

4 min read

Increased consumer demand for comfort footwear with a fashion flair is evidenced by the growth in new collections for spring/summer'08 at the upcoming WSA Show,July 30–August 1.

Established comfort companies such as Crocs, Clarks, ECCO, Dansko, and Mephisto are using their well-accepted comfort technologies as platforms for new designs that match consumers' desires for fashion-forward products.

“Consumers want fashion and they don't want to sacrifice comfort to get it,” said Diane Stone, chief operating officer of The WSA Show.

“Exhibitor demand in the comfort category has been outstanding the category is sold to capacity. This is clearly because the companies merchandised on the show floor in this category are developing larger and more exciting collections that meet consumer demand for style without pain.”

According to NPD Group analyst Marshal Cohen, comfort has become the number one factor after style that people consider when buying shoes. To bring fashion looks to the comfort category, industry magazine WSA reports that artisan touches, as well as distressed and embossed leathers are prevalent for spring/summer 2008.

Additional styles that bring fashion flare are cut-out wedges, ballerina flats, thongs, and new espadrilles in woven bamboo with fabric covers instead of traditional rope.

Popular colors include khakis, silver-mirrored grey, distressed metallics, greens, and icy blues. It's clear that styling andcolor treatments are broadening from brands that have not always been as fashion and style focused.

Embracing the latest trends with a new fashion footwear line is Crocs with YOU by Crocs, a comfortable yet chic high-heeled women's collection. Offerings will combine Crocs' comfort technology with luxurious materials such as lambs wool, leather and suede.

Crocs will also debut its fall '07 fashion-focused line of clogs and Mary Janes that will integrate leather, canvas and suede bringing stylish features to traditional Crocs' comfort.

Clarks Companies, N. A. takes flats to a new level at The WSA Show with The Clarks Artisan Collection for spring '08. The collection features built in comfort technology in silver and bronze metallics and colored patent leathers.

Mephisto expands its fall '07 line with The Gazelle Collection, using Sacchetto comfort construction for flexible wedge heels and flats. Dansko will launch a spring '08 Sausalito collection, a modern interpretation of the clog in nubuck and pull-up leathers.

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