REEF HANGING SHOES 2025 PREVIEW

Retail Buyers Guide: Hanging Shoes 2025 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Reef
Interviewee: Jenny Cooper, Marketing Manager, Unify Brand Partnerships

How was 2024 for the hanging shoes market?
2024 was a challenging year weather-wise for the hanging shoes market. However, we saw strong performance in the Men’s Fanning collection, with seven of the top ten bestsellers being a Fanning style. Additionally, the Norte, a new release for 2024, made its way into the top 10. On the women’s side, the Vista collection and Cushion Cloud proved successful. Therefore, whilst sandal sales faced difficulties, we remain optimistic about 2025.

What are the current trends in hanging shoes?
The outdoor silhouette continues to gain popularity, extending beyond outdoor activities and into everyday wear. This trend has influenced not only apparel but also footwear, with rugged, adventure-ready styles becoming a staple. Additionally, slides are making a strong comeback, particularly recovery slides, a relatively new category that has emerged as part of the wellness movement. With their comfort-driven design, recovery slides are proving to have lasting appeal. Another emerging trend is the use of crepe, which is being incorporated into both updated bestsellers and entirely new brand concepts. This natural, premium aesthetic aligns seamlessly with our brand DNA. In terms of colour and materials, key shades like soft banana, frosty green, and cameo pink are trending in womenswear. Materials are also evolving, with updates including raffia, metallic finishes, and refined buckle and strap details.

What new styles and shapes are you offering in 2025?
For 2025, we’re introducing a range of new styles and silhouettes across menswear, blending comfort, function, and contemporary design. The Montauk is a modern slide with a crepe-textured rubber outsole, offering superior comfort and adjustable straps for a customisable fit—perfect for pairing with socks. The Cross-Shore is designed for those who live in sports mode. This bold take on a 5-point cage sandal delivers exceptional comfort and support, while maintaining top-tier functionality. Expanding the Cruiser family, the new Cruiser Slide features our anatomical footbed made from nitrogen-infused EVA, providing plush cushioning and rebound comfort, ideal for post-sport recovery. The iconic Fanning collection introduces the Pregame Sandal, designed for all-day wear. With signature Fanning comfort and all-terrain traction, it’s built to take you from tailgate to stadium with ease. The Aura collection debuts two new silhouettes, combining ergonomic design with premium comfort for effortless everyday wear. Lastly, the Vista collection evolves with fresh colorways and new elevated styles, featuring higher silhouettes, multi-strap designs, buckle details, vegan leathers, and cork soles.

What materials and construction techniques are you using in your 2025 collection?
Vegan leather can be found in more of our styles for 2025, while nitrgoen-infused EVA continues to be a key construction offering cushioning like no other, making it incredibly supportive while remaining unbelievably lightweight. The Fanning Pregame has a multidirectional lug, offering the infamous bottle opener as well as a built in airbag under the footbed for added comfort.

What colours and prints are you offering in 2025?
For 2025, we’re introducing over 150 new colorways across the range. In menswear, we’re moving beyond the traditional black and brown palette with a fresh selection of lighter, brighter tones. Shades of grey, blue, and tan bring a modern update while adding depth and versatility. For womenswear, spring/summer 2025 embraces soft, elegant hues, including pastel yellows, soft pinks, rose gold, and metallics. Textural elements play a key role, with woven, crochet, raffia, and braided materials incorporated across various styles to add a rich, tactile dimension to the collection.

Anything new in terms of sustainability?
We have made significant strides towards sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly materials and responsible manufacturing processes into many of its sandals. From using eco-friendly materials like sugarcane EVA midsoles and recyclied PET straps, to better manufacturing practices and sustainable packaging. While not all Reef sandals are fully sustainable, the brand is actively working towards greater environmental responsibility.

Please tell us about your key marketing stories for hanging shoes for 2025
For 2025, our key marketing stories for hanging shoes will focus on celebrating milestones and highlighting the versatility of our collections. First, we’re thrilled to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Fanning Sandal, one of Reef’s most iconic designs. The Fanning has long been recognised for its innovative features, including the built-in bottle opener and airbag, along with its exceptional comfort, durability, and performance. This anniversary will be a major highlight, emphasising the sandal’s lasting appeal and versatility across various outdoor and casual settings. In womenswear, we’ll be shining a spotlight on the Vista Collection, particularly the elevated styles that embody sophistication and versatility. We’ll showcase how these sandals seamlessly transition from day to night, taking you effortlessly from the beach to the bar. The Vista collection’s modern designs and fashionable updates make it the perfect choice for women seeking both style and practicality.

How are you helping retailers sell this category?
To help our retailers sell this category, we’re providing comprehensive support both in-store and digitally. We will supply brand campaign assets and launch social media campaigns to drive awareness and engagement. Additionally, we’ll collaborate with select retailers to create eye-catching window displays, and provide point-of-sale materials, fixtures, and branded POP to enhance visibility. Our goal is to boost brand awareness and ensure smooth product sell-through, empowering retailers with the tools they need to succeed.

Key Products:

VISTA HIGHER GIA – NATURAL CORK: