The ath-leisure shoe—athletic footwear focusing on comfort and style—will be a prominent feature at the footwear and accessories trade event WSA Show, which is being held in Las Vegas, ending August 1.

According to consultants at US market research firm the NPD Group, ath-leisure and running shoes are the top two sellers in athletic footwear. “Consumers are telling us that style and comfort, not performance, are the keys here,” reported NPD analyst Marshal Cohen.

For spring/summer 2008 stripes, stitching, mixed fabrics and colour—especially metallics and bright colours such as hot pink, yellow, mandarin orange and royal blue—continue to be prevalent at the show.

Companies exhibiting in this category include Baby Phat, Hush Puppies, Skins Pop 72, PF Flyers and Bical.