Fresh Fashion Styles and ‘Great Start’ to Back-to-School Spur Optimism at August FFANY

Optimism for the new fashion-driven footwear cycle continues to reign high at FFANY Market Week, which ended today in New York. Interest in loafers, flats and slides continues to grow as consumers head back to their offices and plan for upcoming fall events. And while men's footwear trends have been led by loafers, in women's shoes, both dress and casual categories have seen success. Standouts include ballet flats, Mary Janes, thong sandals, and jellies, as well as split-toe shoes that have been around for a few seasons but are now seeing exceptional demand. But that doesn't mean consumers putting their sneaker collection to the wayside. If anything, the health and wellness trend has more people outside participating in athletic activities. That's paving the way for sales of athletic performance shoes that meet the technical performance needs of trail hikers, runners and walking enthusiasts. The upbeat mood was first evident during December 2025's FFANY Market Week when retailers and brands focused on fall/winter lines and some spring fill-in product for intermediate deliveries. Even six months later during FFANY Market Week this past June, the excitement for newness didn't abate. If anything, retailers and brands were more enthusiastic about the novelty and freshness available in

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