While many of the participants at the FFANY show held last week in New York City focus on the dressier market, a few reach into the athletic retail channels, Here, a review of a few:


Crocs showcased its Prepair 2.0, an update from its first recovery shoe introduced in 2009, that will launch in April; as well as extensions of its sneaker collections; and its recently-launched toning line. For Fall 2011, bolder canvas looks are coming out to reach the tween consumer that hasn’t embraced the brand. Other details include faux fur and cobbler looks with leather-stitching details.


Aetrex showcased its Berries collection for women, incorporating breathable memory foams, four-way stretch fabrics, and Aegis Anti-Bacterial Technology embedded in the linings to keep feet healthy and clean. Introduced in 2010 with a mary jane, a clog and a slip-on, the collection will be extended in 2011 with a zip-up model and three SKUs of boots.


Dansko's Rio wooden bottom clog collection is “blowing out” and will be updated with more stylish looks. More patent leather looks will be infused into the Stapled clogs collection, including brown tortoise shell, black scribbled and cherry red takes. Other unexpected turns coming from Dansko include its new vulcanized collection and rain boots. Kids and a vegan collection have also been selling well.


Earth launched its Earth Origins collection for Fall 2011. The stylish leather collection with soft-supple uppers, breathable linings, anatomical molded footbeds and cushioned footbeds also feature a heavy eco-friendly emphasis. That includes the use of recyclable materials, 100% water-based adhesives, recycled box content and bio-degradable outsoles.


Bearpaw continues to infuse more fashion into its collections with python suede looks as well as the use of rabbit and coyote as it moves beyond its shearling boot heritage. Stingray leather boots are also seeing more demand.