11 - 12 March 2025

Innovate your Sole

The Loft at 8th Avenue, Portland

Stride is the product design and development event for footwear brands passionate about innovation and digital change.

Network with like-minded peers, understand how best to benefit from innovations transforming footwear, and spend an illuminating 2 days with your tribe!

Digital Product Creation (DPC)

This theme explores the complexity of 3D design tools; the need for seamless workflows; the role of digital twins in prototyping; the impact of automation and 3D printing; and balancing craftsmanship with digital innovation.

AI-driven Design

This theme explores AI’s role in design, customization, and forecasting, focusing on predicting trends, enhancing customization, rapid prototyping, AI’s integration with digital twins, and adoption challenges.

Maturing Technologies

This theme explores the evolving role of technologies such as AR, VR, additive manufacturing, virtual try-ons, digital customization, material scanning, advanced analytics; and the digital activations such as the Metaverse.

Local Manufacturing & Sustainability

This theme explores local production as a sustainable alternative, highlighting reduced lead times and costs, automation’s role in efficiency, custom footwear, and on-demand business models for growth.

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FEATURED SPEAKERS

Steven Smith
Steven Smith

Legendary Footwear Designer - YEEZY, adidas & Nike and Current Head of Creative Innovation

Crocs

Daniel Lockney
Daniel Lockney

Technology Transfer Program Executive

NASA

Mary Grim
Mary Grim

Head of Global Product Digital Operations

New Balance

Justin Schlothauer
Justin Schlothauer

Director of Digital Product Creation

Under Armour

Mitch Harvey
Mitch Harvey

Senior Manager, Digital Product Operations

Deckers Brands

Bo Lupo
Bo Lupo

ex-Design and Digital Transformation Leader

Nike

Nico van Enter
Nico van Enter

Founder & CEO

Footwearology

Chris McGrath
Chris McGrath

Head of Design - Footwear

The North Face

Stride USA 2025 VENUE

Stride is coming to Portland on 11-12 March 2025, the perfect spot with its deep footwear roots and thriving creative community.

We’ll be hosting at The Loft at 8th Avenue, in the Central Eastside Industrial District. Built in 1965 as a warehouse, it later evolved into an artists' hub. Now, as an events space, it's the perfect setting for Stride, with its mix of industrial charm and Portland’s innovative spirit.

Stride USA 2025 venue

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