Xero Shoes taps Altra leader as barefoot sales climb
Minimalist footwear brand Xero Shoes has made a former director at running shoe company Altra, John Wadley (pictured), its vice-president of product development, effective this month.
Mr Wadley was previously director of product innovation and sustainability at VF-owned Altra, where he worked for just over a decade after starting out as a senior footwear developer.
The appointee has extensive knowledge and experience in performance running, trail running and hiking shoe construction, Xero Shoes said. Its own barefoot-inspired footwear is designed for a “natural” fit, feel and motion when walking, running or during other athletic activities. The company’s designs thus incorporate zero-drop heels, wide toe boxes and flexible, FeelTrue soles, which protect the wearer while allowing them to feel more of the ground underfoot.
Altra’s spacious FootShape toe box technology, meanwhile, keeps the big toes straight to provide greater comfort, stability and a more powerful toe-off.
“I’m excited to inject fresh, innovative ideas and solutions to capture new and retain existing customers who love natural movement,” Mr Wadley commented. “Xero Shoes has so much potential and I’m looking forward to using my expertise in product development and innovation to elevate their classic and new footwear styles.”
Xero Shoes reported three-year revenue growth of 282.5% back in August.
Image: Xero Shoes.
