The traveling merchant who sells shoes and socks in New Horizons is Kicks. He is a skunk character who visits the player's island and offers footwear, socks, and some bags.
Kicks is a returning Animal Crossing character. In earlier games, he was primarily associated with shining shoes, while New Horizons expands his role into a traveling fashion merchant. His appearance is easy to distinguish: he carries a large backpack and operates a small stall rather than running a permanent island shop.
Players commonly mix up Kicks with Label, another traveling fashion-related visitor. Label focuses on clothing and fashion challenges, while Kicks specializes in shoes, socks, and bags. Saharah sells rugs, wallpapers, and flooring; Redd deals in art; and Leif sells plants and gardening supplies. Kicks's visit is therefore identified by his footwear-focused inventory.