Four Parsons The New School For Design students are each pitching an idea for a new mens’ shoe to Allen Edmonds and the world via a social media contest this month. I vote for this entry by Michelle Brown, which would feature a combination of both cow and salmon leathers to create a dress boot with a nod to Alaskan heritage.

Brand Eddie Bauer plans to compete for your outdoorsy shoe bucks this summer by offering their own line of outdoorsy trainers. Reebok went Gundam style. Nike did some Kevin Durant MVPs. Crocs hired a new president, but is still looking for a CEO if any readers are interested.

Strong opinions continued to pour out in the press about the recent Vibram FiveFingers legal settlement. The debate about wearing toe-shoes has somewhat evolved into a tiered discussion, with the requisite edgy fringes, and even a piece by the Onion to put a smiley bow on the story.