AEGIS LARGE SIZES


W V e r Cheryl Taylor, Editor talks to Dennis McNeil, Managing Director of Aegis Shoes Ltd.


The Pod XL Collection Since 1976, British footwear brand Pod, have upheld their reputation as a quality footwear provider, successfully establishing themselves as a trusted household name. Known for creating uniquely understated designs ahead of the curve, the brand initially gained acclaim for creating the ‘original jean shoe’, combining their complex Veldtshoen construction with soft colourful leather uppers.


Four decades on and Pod remains resilient within the marketplace,


offering a comprehensive yet concise collection of men’s, ladies’, children’s and specialist footwear. Since licensees Aegis Shoes Ltd acquired the brand in 2008, serious product development has been injected into the brand in a bid to tackle the increasingly competitive footwear market. Whilst growth has been experienced across the entire brand, the most significant development has been that of the extra large shoe range.


Director of Aegis Shoes, Dennis McNeill comments, “As a product


development company, we always strive to respond to the demands of both consumer and retailer. Surprisingly, what started out as a relatively niche and therefore limited product range, has become a comprehensive collection in its own right. Over the last ten years we have witnessed a steady increase in sales to retail and online customers specialising in large sizes. We are also now seeing growth with many stockists who in the past have only taken regular sizes now taking our larger sizes as standard”


Creating the specialist collection has not been without risk. Much speculation has been placed on this seemingly growing market with significant investment allocated by the brand in terms of meticulous design adaptation, premium material sourcing and specialist mould and equipment development.


“As with every range that we produce, we are determined to offer a quality


product with exceptional value that will stand the test of time. By following this ethos, we are confident in the longevity of our extra large brand.”


Around 80% of the men’s collection include large sizes up to 50 (UK15) with some styles available up to size 52 (UK17).


NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • 21


The Paul O’Donnell collection As a light humoured expansion of Pod by name, the Paul O’Donnell collection offers high-end quality at a competitive price point. Mastering the balance between classic and contemporary styling, the concise collection holds host to sleek formals, low-cut Chukkas and Chelsea boots all using premium natural leathers with contrasting and textured finishes.


The County collection Due to its timeless design and versatile wear, the County collection has become a firm favourite of both brand and customer. Beyond its uncomplicated aesthetic appeal, the careful selection of considered materials combined with the brand’s manufacturing expertise create a reliable footwear staple, well placed as an introduction to their formal shoe collection.


The Featherlite collection By name and by nature, the Featherlite design focus is to create the ultimate comfort casual shoe to support and protect the larger foot. The combination of premium waxed and oiled leathers, soft textile linings and lightweight flex EVA soles, produce a practical yet well balanced collection.


Feedback from both retailer and consumer suggests that this particular sector


will continue to grow, therefore, the brand remains committed to strengthening their extra large collection and SS18 will see the introduction of two new styles in this collection alone. Looking ahead, Pod are keen to consolidate their position in the market as a specialist footwear brand, recognised for offering a comprehensive footwear range of both style and substance.


Contact details for the Trade: E: sales@aegisshoes.co.uk Tel: 01234 240 440 www.pod-footwear.com


hP o e


t es w k


n i


s e


x


x


m


o n H a


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40