Content about Footwear

LONDON — Boots U.K. recently took a page out of Walgreens' playbook with the placement of health guides across the front-end. 

As part of its multi-channel strategy, Boots U.K. is currently testing the use of iPads to support in-store ordering across 30 stores, the London-based drug store retailer recently announced. 

WASHINGTON — CastMedic Designs on Wednesday introduced its line of fashion accessories for medical walking boots.

Company founder Christina Daves developed MediFashions in 2010 after realizing no product like this currently existed. "With at least 1.5 to 2.5 million walking medical boots prescribed annually, why should that many people have to walk around in a big ugly boot? Why not have some fun?"bshe said.


The opportunity across insoles continues to be a direct appeal to that female shopper. Manufacturers have long acknowledged that the female head-of-household historically has been the primary purchaser in this category, even when most of the insole products were skewed decidedly toward fitting within a man’s shoe.


SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Moszkito on Tuesday announced that its collection of over-the-counter insoles, including the Archy Orthotic line, is available for purchase at Shoebuy.com.

At a suggested retail price of $58, Archy Othotic will fit into high heels, boots and loafers. In black and tan Prima leather, they are lightweight, supportive and comfortable, the company stated. 

RACINE, Wis. — SC Johnson has inked a deal to acquire Sara Lee's global shoe care business, which includes the iconic Kiwi brand.

SC Johnson's portfolio of household products, which hosts such brands as Pledge and Windex, now will feature the Kiwi family of brands, including Sara Lee's Bama International, which sells shoe accessories in specialty channels in Europe and Canada, and Kiwi Kleen, a line of household cleaning products sold mainly in Asia Pacific using the Kiwi branding.

The company expects to complete the acquisition by mid-2011.

The opportunity within foot care may be even more skewed toward the female shopper than in years past when insoles and devices designed with the woman in mind were first introduced.

The fact is, men and women are in search of satisfying different needs when considering a foot care product purchase. Men are more utilitarian, preferring high-function products that offer extra-cushioning, support and comfort. Women, meanwhile, shop for products that complement not only their feet and their shoes, but also their busy lifestyles, according to Implus Footcare research.