Ath-leisure to add value to sports footwear

26 Jul '07

4 min read

Athletic footwear, an industry that grossed nearly $20 billion in 2006 sales, isn't just about technology and performance. The growth of the ath-leisure shoe (an athletic shoe with comfort and fashion stylings) is a trend that has been building for the past few years and will be highly visible at the upcoming WSA Show.

The WSA Show, the largest global footwear and accessories trade show in the world, will take place in Las Vegas from July 30 to August 1, 2007, at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).

“Retailers will have an opportunity to see a full range of casual athletic footwear, as more and more brands recognize the market value of ath-leisure products", “said Diane Stone, chief operating officer of The WSA Show."

“Fashion athletic stylings will be evident in a number of untraditional categories at the show ranging from comfort and children's to women's and juniors. Buyers are assured to find something appealing to consumers of all ages and in every geographic market.”

According to consultants at the NPD Group, ath-leisure and running shoes are the top two sellers in athletic footwear. “Consumers are telling us that style and comfort, not performance, are the keys here,” reported NPD analyst Marshal Cohen.

Industry trade WSA concurred, reporting that as consumers continue to demand comfortable casual sport shoes, fashion athletic footwear will continue to expand.

For spring/summer '08 stripes, stitching, mixedfabrics and color especially metallics and bright colors such as hot pink, yellow, mandarin orange and royal blue will continue to be prevalent at the show.

Returning with chic ath-leisure footwear that reflects these trends for spring '08 is Baby Phat. The new women's collection will feature detailed intricate jewelry, futuristic shimmer, metallic skins, transparent fabrics and bright colors that provide women with footwear that looks athletic but offers the latest fashion elements.

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