Atlanta Shoe Market Facilitates Real Business for Footwear Industry

Laura O'Brien, Executive Director, discusses the event's history, role, and relevance for international brands and US retailers.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:00am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a pair of premium leather dress shoes, a leather briefcase, and a tablet computer arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the abstract business of international market access and strategic partnerships in the footwear industry.The Atlanta Shoe Market provides a refined, focused platform for footwear brands to connect with qualified, ready-to-buy US retailers.Atlanta Today

In an interview, Laura O'Brien, the Executive Director of the Atlanta Shoe Market trade fair, discusses the event's 40-year history, its position as the largest and longest-running footwear show in the US, and how it facilitates real business transactions between brands and qualified, ready-to-buy retailers.

Why it matters

The Atlanta Shoe Market is a crucial platform for footwear brands, especially international players, to access a concentrated pool of influential US independent retailers and chains. The event's relationship-based culture and focus on facilitating actual orders, rather than just exploring opportunities, make it a valuable entry point to the lucrative US market.

The details

O'Brien, who has led the Atlanta Shoe Market for over four decades, oversees every aspect of the event, from exhibitor relations to ensuring a productive setting for brands and retailers. The show has evolved from a regional gathering to a national and international destination, remaining focused on bringing together the right brands and retailers in a curated environment to drive real business. Trends highlighted include sustained demand for comfortable, versatile footwear and a more strategic, disciplined approach to buying from retailers.

  • The upcoming Atlanta Shoe Market will occur from August 15-17, 2026.
  • O'Brien has been the Executive Director of the Atlanta Shoe Market for over 40 years.

The players

Laura O'Brien

The Executive Director of the Atlanta Shoe Market trade fair, who has led the event for over four decades.

Atlanta Shoe Market

The largest and longest-running footwear trade show in the United States, which has grown from a regional gathering to a national and international destination for brands and buyers.

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What they’re saying

“The Atlanta Shoe Market is more than just an event, it's a working marketplace and a community”

— Laura O'Brien, Executive Director

“For brands, it provides a focused platform to present collections to qualified, ready-to-buy retailers. For retailers, it is one of the most efficient ways to see a broad range of products and make informed buying decisions over a short period of time”

— Laura O'Brien, Executive Director

What’s next

The upcoming Atlanta Shoe Market will occur from August 15-17, 2026. More information can be found on the trade fair's website.

The takeaway

The Atlanta Shoe Market has established itself as a crucial platform for the US footwear industry, facilitating real business transactions between brands and qualified, ready-to-buy retailers. Its relationship-based culture and focus on productivity make it an attractive entry point for international players looking to access the lucrative American market.