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Katie Abel

Executive Editor

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Katie Abel has been Executive Editor at FN since September 2017. In her role, she is responsible for managing the staff and daily operations; overseeing and editing print and digital content for FN and Footwearnews.com; and partnering with sales, marketing and events teams across Fairchild Media Group. Abel has written profiles on Sarah Jessica Parker, Christian Louboutin, Venus Williams, Manolo Blahnik, Nike’s Heidi O’Neill, the Nordstrom family and many others. She launched FN’s annual Women in Power print issue and Women Who Rock event to spotlight female leaders across fashion and footwear. She contributes to WWD and Sourcing Journal. Abel previously held the title of Global News Director at the Penske Media-owned publication. Prior to that, she served in several writing and editing roles at FN under previous parent company Condé Nast. She began her career at The Charlotte Observer, the largest newspaper in North Carolina. Abel received a B.A. in journalism from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

More From Katie Abel

How Tennis Challenger Brands Joma, Vie Artlétique and Yonex Are Serving Up New Energy at the US Open

With the field wide open, lesser-known sponsors have a chance to get more attention this year.

Nike Installs Former Foot Locker Supply Chain Chief as Converse COO

Kristin Bauer will begin work at the struggling brand on Sept. 14.

As Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Launches Third New Balance Collection, Inside the Design Process and How Her ‘Super Creative’ Husband Plays a Role

The New Balance athlete spoke to FN in May about how she develops her signature products.

U.S. Consumers Bought More Running Shoes in the First Half of 2026

Volleyball, cross training and golf shoes saw solid performance.

Sam Edelman on the Two Legends He Admires in the Shoe Business + Where AI Misses the Mark

The founder sounded off on a range of topics in FN's August issue.

Pajar Snaps Up Melissa Parent’s U.S. Subsidiary for $3.6 Million

Grendene Global Brands USA has been sold to the Canadian company.

Sam Edelman’s Next Big Play Is Men’s Shoes + More on the Brand’s Strong Growth

The footwear veteran is in the midst of major expansion in all categories.

Shakira Takes the Barefoot Trend Literally During World Cup Halftime Show — She’s Been Performing Shoeless for Decades

The songstress' first tour in 1996 was aptly called the "Barefoot Tour."

Justin Bieber Takes a Spin in Unreleased Skylrk Sneakers for World Cup Halftime Performance

His fellow headliners included Madonna, Shakira and BTS.

Josh Kerr Sprints to Fastest Mile Ever, Breaks World Record in This Brooks Shoe

The British runner smashed the world record, achieving the feat in 3:42.66.

Linda Nosková Wins Wimbledon Women’s Final in This Unexpected Brand

The Czech champion wasn't wearing Nike, Adidas or On.

Herbert Levine Leaps Into E-commerce, Forges Ahead With International Growth

A year into its relaunch, the New York-based luxury brand is developing its direct-to-consumer strategy.

The Outdoor Business Isn’t Easy Right Now — But Switchback’s Spring Show Offered Reasons for Optimism

The second standalone edition of the event was held in New Orleans last week.

Altra’s Reyna Alishio on Creating Real Paths for Women — At Every Level: Women Who Rock

"It starts at the entry point," the executive said of the brand's empowerment mission.

Women Who Rock: Jackie Young Scored the WNBA’s First Million-Dollar Contract — She Wants the Next Generation to Aim Higher

"This a real tipping point for women in sports," she said of the WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement.