Comparison: Chaco And WGSN Website

The North Face was founded in 1966 in San Francisco, California by two hiking enthusiasts taking a chance on a dream. Douglas Tompkins and his then-wife, Susie Tompkins, sold their small, climber targeted, clothing brand to Kenneth “Hap” Klopp two years later. From a single storefront to a global brand, The North Face has enjoyed incredible success in their 50 years of existence. They produce high quality outdoor apparel, gear and footwear in countries all across the globe. The North Face is a market leader when it comes to technology and performance. It’s clothing and equipment lines are catered towards college students, climbers,

Athletic footwear cannot be designed to cater to a large group as in general. It has to produceits products with a distinct difference keeping in mind the age groups or usage groups it isintending to target.

Crocs shoes were comfortable and the material moulded to the shape of the wearer’s foot. They were light weight, odour-resistant, skid-resistant and could be washed easily. Moreover, Crocs could well adjust its production and launch newer designs and varieties in order to meet the current market

Sportsman Shoes has been a leader in the shoe industry for more than thirty years. Sportsman manufactures and sells athletic shoes for all types of sports. The company has pursued a low-cost strategy in order to sustain their success. They sell a limited number of shoe designs and have held costs low through manufacturing efficiency and standardized operations. However, the past five years have been a struggle at Sportsman. The shoe market has seen a rise in the availability of low-cost imported shoes that has threatened Sportsman’s competitive position. As a result, company executives have decided it is time for a strategy shift.

Feet are not perfectly straight they have a degree of curve. Straight shape is found in motion control shoes. The straighter a shoe is the more stability you have. Semi-Curved shape is found in stability shoes. The curved shape is found in lightweight neutral shoes. The upper shoe holds your foot in place. The upper shoe contains three materials. Synthetic leather that is used for durability. Mesh is used to make the shoe breathable. Reflective material is used to make the shoe more safe. The midsole is the most important part of the shoe. The midsole contains three materials. EVA is a lightweight foam-based cushioning. Dual-Density EVA material gives the shoe double the density Polyurethane material is a very durable cushioning. The outsole is made up of two materials. The carbon rubber material is the most durable part of the outsole. The blown rubber material is lighter and has more flexibility and cushion. Insoles may or may not help with running, but can help if feet are uncomfortable and provide extra cushioning. Waterproof running shoes are packed with sheaths of Gore-tex. Running shoes with Gore-tex will help drain the water faster and will keep your feet dry longer. Waterproof shoes resist sweat to get out. When the feet are immersed in water or sweat can develop which can cause athlete’s foot and swelling.

In this chapter of Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell, he talks about rumors, sneakers and the power of translation. Throughout the chapter he kept with the theme of change and the way that things can change over time. The concept of change and shoes throughout this chapter is evident. Gladwell writes, “They expanded their focus to include not just skateboarding but also surfing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and bicycle racing, sponsoring riders in all of those sports and making Arwalk synonymous with active, alternative lifestyle”( Gladwell 194). Many people ask why do they have to produce so much more to compliment everyone in every sport or just for everyday wear? Gladwell explains how companies expanded their mind to appeal to everyone's

You might even check out some of the GORE-TEX® SURROUND® casual shoes as a great post-hike option for comfort and

Christian Louboutin once said “a shoe has so much more to offer than just to walk”. Similarly, author Diane Riva discusses this idea in her essay “Exposed Toes”. Riva takes a compelling approach to her argument believing that shoes are not just part of your wardrobe rather they are your identity. For Riva, her black sneakers represent her career life as they are the shoes she wears to work, her boat shoes resemble her connection with nature, her high-heel dress shoes speak for her elegance, her sandals represent her spontaneous self and lastly her “shoes of choice” are her natural feet as they represent everything about Riva’s world and go with her everywhere. Overall, Riva express that her shoes are her identity and each pair resemble apart of her character.

Sneakers have been a part of human society for many decades. They are used on a daily bases by ordinary citizens, industrial workers, and athletes. One of the key parts of a shoe is the outsole, the layer that is in direct contact with surfaces. Ancient civilizations adapted the outsoles of their “sneakers” to their environment. Modern day sneaker companies determine the material and texture of their outsoles by examining the way their target consumers will use the product and by using the science of friction.

The company’s logo is also embedded artistically along the top portion of the tongue that sticks out wittingly behind the bright blue of the lace locks. To cap off the beautiful design, the back of the shoes contains subtle jumpmans in full flight above a classy imprint that reads just one word: AIR. The “UNC” might seem ordinary and subtle; however, make no mistake about it, it is a true work of art.

There are other footwear’s that provide the same level of comfort and satisfaction such as the shoes designed by Nike, Adidas, Bata etc. as well as sell at a competitive price.

The primary target market of TOMS is males and females between the age of 19-24 that want to combine the creativity of being a trend-setter with the satisfaction of being socially responsible. This age range is a part of what is known as Generation Y, or the Millennials. Generation Y has brought a trend of social awareness and activity. From 2002 to 2005 the number of people volunteering went up 25%. This generation is all about giving back to the people, so Toms allows this group to give back by purchasing their shoes. TOMS has also done its homework on this group as well. Utilizing social media, TOMS reaches out to over 488,000 twitter followers, 280,000 Facebook fans, and several thousands of YouTube users. TOMS understands that generation Y prefers hands on involvement. In order to make that happen, TOMS fans are allowed to take part in a yearly One Day Without Shoes movement to understand what it is like to be shoe-less. In addition to the giving back and the social movements, TOMS shoes let young adults be expressive in their style. The plain shoe design makes way for creative minds to manipulate the shoe as anyone may please. TOMS is mainly focused in the U.S., but the shoes are available in over 30 countries globally

Gary Warnett is the most credible source that can dwindled to a handful of blogs that come correct expert advice on how and what to wear, influential product knowledge and a general sense for knowing what's popping with his audience. He is a living streetwear encyclopedia. It seems almost impossible that one man would have this much spirit on what seems to be every facet of sneaker and streetwear culture, perpetuated by his love for hip-hop, but he does. When he shares old magazine clippings and scans, it can give even the most jaded men's style enthusiast the chills from sheer giddiness and excitement to go back to a real special

“Why does she always pick Nike?” asked Adidas. “He has that sticky, black, week old gum on him. His sole is contaminated,” stated Chaco.

Differentiation was achieved by creating a completely new type of fashionable and functional shoe that was extremely comfortable to wear and fun because of its bright colors. in addition, because of Crocs’ innovative inventory replenishment system, which allowed retailers to order what they needed and get new stock in a couple of weeks, retailers did not need to