Footwear News Australia magazine was established by publisher Bob Grant in June 1980 as an independent voice for the Australian and New Zealand footwear industry, and with the encouragement and support of the Footwear Retailers Association of Victoria which later became a national organisation.

In the years since then, Footwear News has maintained strong ties within the footwear and associated industries, both in Australia and New Zealand, particularly through suppliers and independent footwear retailers as well as majors and chains.

In the late ‘80s, Footwear News purchased the Australian Shoe and Leather Journal which had been an influential trade journal of its time.

In the early ‘90s, Bob’s journalist/editor daughter Vicki Hatton brought her well-honed professional knowledge and personal skills to the magazine at a time when the footwear industry, like many others, was undergoing massive changes (ie  the move to offshore production and vertical integration) .

As the current editor/publisher, Vicki is continuing the magazine’s strong commitment to giving all within the industry a voice while also working tirelessly to create and support events to promote interaction among all areas of the industry.