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- 37:50 min

Interview

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How Larroudé Became a Disruptive Force in Footwear: Insights from Ricardo Larroudé

In a world where many businesses struggled to stay afloat during the pandemic, Ricardo Larroudé dared to launch a new footwear brand in 2020. Fast forward four years, and Larroudé has achieved what few brands dream of—being named “Brand of the Year” in 2024 by Footwear News. During the first episode of the second season of OFFBounds, podcast host Paula Macaggi sat down with Ricardo in São Paulo to explore the story behind this extraordinary rise. Their conversation revealed the bold strategies and innovative thinking that have set Larroudé apart in a crowded market.

From its inception, Larroudé has been laser-focused on filling a gap in the footwear industry. While most shoes sold are either budget-friendly or high-end luxury, Larroudé identified a “missing middle” where stylish, high-quality footwear could be priced affordably. “What if I created something as good as a luxury shoe but at a $300-$350 price point?” Ricardo asked. This vision became the foundation of the brand, achieved by vertically integrating their supply chain and relocating production to Brazil, a decision that significantly lowered costs without compromising quality. The result? Footwear that feels high-end but remains accessible to a broader audience.

Ricardo’s experience as an industry outsider also played a pivotal role in Larroudé’s success. Coming from a background in finance, he approached fashion with fresh eyes, questioning long-standing practices and reimagining how shoes could be designed, produced, and distributed. The brand’s direct-to-consumer model and dynamic supply chain allow them to minimize waste, respond to customer demand in real-time, and maintain competitive pricing. As Ricardo explained, “The cheapest shoe to make is the shoe that’s already sold.” This philosophy not only drives profitability but also aligns with sustainability—a value increasingly important to modern consumers.

Looking ahead, Larroudé is gearing up for an ambitious 2025, with plans for global expansion into markets like Mexico, Spain, and Colombia. They are also bringing more aspects of production in-house to maintain the brand’s agility and quality. Reflecting on his journey, Ricardo offered advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Start sooner, but don’t go it alone. Find partners who share your vision and complement your skills.” His story is a testament to the power of daring ideas, strategic thinking, and the importance of challenging industry norms. As Larroudé continues to grow, it stands as a model for how innovation can thrive, even in the most uncertain times.

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Interview

Inside Westwing’s Turnaround: The Decisions That Changed Everything

At the center of this transformation sits an unusual balance of rigor and creativity. Hoerning often describes it as the tension between data and intuition.

At the center of this transformation sits an unusual balance of rigor and creativity. Hoerning often describes it as the tension between data and intuition.

Interview

At the center of this transformation sits an unusual balance of rigor and creativity. Hoerning often describes it as the tension between data and intuition.

Inside Westwing’s Turnaround: The Decisions That Changed Everything

At the center of this transformation sits an unusual balance of rigor and creativity. Hoerning often describes it as the tension between data and intuition.

Trends

The Rise of Brand Memberships and the Future of Customer Loyalty

Brand memberships are having a moment in retail, and it is not a passing one. Across fashion, beauty, grocery, and home, brands are moving beyond traditional loyalty programs built on points and discounts and instead creating paid or value-based memberships that promise access, belonging, and emotional connection.

Brand memberships are having a moment in retail, and it is not a passing one. Across fashion, beauty, grocery, and home, brands are moving beyond traditional loyalty programs built on points and discounts and instead creating paid or value-based memberships that promise access, belonging, and emotional connection.

Trends

Brand memberships are having a moment in retail, and it is not a passing one. Across fashion, beauty, grocery, and home, brands are moving beyond traditional loyalty programs built on points and discounts and instead creating paid or value-based memberships that promise access, belonging, and emotional connection.

The Rise of Brand Memberships and the Future of Customer Loyalty

Brand memberships are having a moment in retail, and it is not a passing one. Across fashion, beauty, grocery, and home, brands are moving beyond traditional loyalty programs built on points and discounts and instead creating paid or value-based memberships that promise access, belonging, and emotional connection.

Interview

Leading With Craft: Jonathan Adler’s Next Chapter

Eight weeks into her role as President of Jonathan Adler, Mary Beth Sheridan is already clear on what matters. Craftsmanship, customer connection, and emotional resonance are not marketing language for the brand, they are the foundation.

Eight weeks into her role as President of Jonathan Adler, Mary Beth Sheridan is already clear on what matters. Craftsmanship, customer connection, and emotional resonance are not marketing language for the brand, they are the foundation.

Interview

Eight weeks into her role as President of Jonathan Adler, Mary Beth Sheridan is already clear on what matters. Craftsmanship, customer connection, and emotional resonance are not marketing language for the brand, they are the foundation.

Leading With Craft: Jonathan Adler’s Next Chapter

Eight weeks into her role as President of Jonathan Adler, Mary Beth Sheridan is already clear on what matters. Craftsmanship, customer connection, and emotional resonance are not marketing language for the brand, they are the foundation.

Retail Intelligence in Action

Black Friday Performance Data Explained. What Actually Drove Growth This Year

Across Ometria’s client base, Black Friday revenue grew 15 percent year on year, with orders, average order value, and basket size all increasing.

Across Ometria’s client base, Black Friday revenue grew 15 percent year on year, with orders, average order value, and basket size all increasing.

Retail Intelligence in Action

Across Ometria’s client base, Black Friday revenue grew 15 percent year on year, with orders, average order value, and basket size all increasing.

Black Friday Performance Data Explained. What Actually Drove Growth This Year

Across Ometria’s client base, Black Friday revenue grew 15 percent year on year, with orders, average order value, and basket size all increasing.

Interview

Why Retail Media Is Entering Its Most Transformative Phase

For years, retailers operated with managed service models that limited transparency and slowed execution. Now, brands want direct control, real-time measurement, and unified planning across media formats.

For years, retailers operated with managed service models that limited transparency and slowed execution. Now, brands want direct control, real-time measurement, and unified planning across media formats.

Interview

For years, retailers operated with managed service models that limited transparency and slowed execution. Now, brands want direct control, real-time measurement, and unified planning across media formats.

Why Retail Media Is Entering Its Most Transformative Phase

For years, retailers operated with managed service models that limited transparency and slowed execution. Now, brands want direct control, real-time measurement, and unified planning across media formats.

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