World Footwear

News

Prada turns Kolhapuri controversy into artisan partnership

Dec 26, 2025 / India
The Italy-based luxury group is collaborating with Indian artisans on a limited-edition sandal collection inspired by the country’s traditional footwear, aiming to turn cultural appropriation backlash into a positive partnership

French Court rejects bid to suspend Shein

Dec 26, 2025 / France
A French court has ruled that suspending the website of the online e-commerce giant over the sale of illicit products was disproportionate. The French government will appeal

Footwear industry looks to technology and innovation to shape its future

Dec 25, 2025 / Portugal
Innovation and technology were at the centre of a discussion on the future of the footwear industry. The speakers of an international conference held under the FAIST Agenda addressed issues such as production shifts, adoption barriers, and workforce transformation

Chinese Group HSG Takes Majority Stake in Golden Goose

Dec 24, 2025 / Italy
Under the new ownership structure, Permira will retain a minority stake, Silvio Campara will remain Chief Executive Officer, and Marco Bizzarri is set to become non-Executive Chairman

Puma secures 608 million euros in new financing

Dec 24, 2025 / Germany
The Germany-based company has secured additional financing in the form of a 500-million-euro bridge loan and confirmed credit lines totalling 108 million euros. The aim is to increase overall flexibility and headroom

Automation and robotics as a growth engine for the footwear industry

Dec 23, 2025 / Portugal
Automation and robotics are shaping the future of footwear manufacturing. Amidst labour shortages and mounting competitive pressures, the sector is transforming the way shoes are produced

Retail Flash: insights from key footwear markets

Premium Content Dec 23, 2025 / World
Explore the main retail dynamics across France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, the UK, the US and Spain based on our latest Retail Flash reports, highlighting that e-commerce expansion and import pressures continue to reshape retail across Europe, while stronger sales growth occurs in Japan and in the US

Birkenstock delivers a strong fiscal year 2025

Dec 22, 2025 / Germany
The Germany-based footwear company has delivered a strong performance in the 2025 fiscal year, achieving double-digit revenue growth across all regions and channels, as well as a sharp increase in profits

New Generation: meet Mariana Monteiro from a.li.ás

Dec 22, 2025 / Portugal
Having initially studied Communication Design, Mariana Monteiro transferred to the School of Arts and Design to pursue a more digitally oriented education. She is now in charge of communication at the sustainable shoe brand a.li.ás

EU to apply a 3-euro customs duty to e-commerce parcels under 150 euros

Dec 19, 2025 / European Union
A 3-euro customs duty is to be introduced on low-value parcels arriving in the European Union. This move is part of a strategy to reduce the influx of cheap e-commerce imports, such as those sold by online retailers Shein and Temu

Nike reports modest gains amid ongoing challenges

Dec 19, 2025 / United States
Nike has reported modest gains in the second quarter, driven by a recovery in the North American market. However, ongoing weakness in Greater China and pressure tariffs continue to weigh on its overall performance

Brazilian footwear exports decline in November amid rising imports

Dec 18, 2025 / Brazil
Brazilian footwear exports fell in November, with shipments to the US, its main market, continuing to decline while imports surged. The trade balance is being pressured by US tariffs and growing inflows from Asia

Skechers President Michael Greenberg joins Footwear News Hall of Fame

Dec 18, 2025 / United States
In recognition of his long-standing contribution to the company’s growth and philanthropic efforts, Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers, has been inducted into the Footwear News Hall of Fame

From demographics to demand: what lies ahead for the footwear industry

Dec 17, 2025 / Portugal
Demographic change, evolving consumer preferences, technological innovation and increasing economic fragmentation are reshaping the global footwear industry, a theme explored at an international conference held under the FAIST Agenda

Mango strengthens US presence with opening of 60th store

Dec 17, 2025 / United States
The Spain-based fashion retailer has opened its 60th store in Chicago, thus strengthening its presence in the US market. The country is one of the top five main markets

Kering Foundation launches research programme on violence against women and children

Dec 16, 2025 / France
In partnership with McGill University and the Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI), the Kering Foundation is launching a research programme that addresses the intersection between violence against women and children

Portuguese tannery exports gain momentum in 2025

Dec 15, 2025 / Portugal
Portuguese tannery exports grew by 5.8% year-on-year up to September 2025, reflecting the recovery in external demand and the ongoing efforts of the sector to modernise production

Matthew Barnes is the new President of Foot Locker International

Dec 15, 2025 / United States
After Dick’s Sporting Goods acquired Foot Locker, Matthew Barnes became President of Foot Locker International, tasked with accelerating business momentum and executing targeted turnaround strategies

US Retail: recovery gains ground amid ongoing pressures

Clothing and footwear sales have improved since January, with the latter already exceeding last year’s figures, but overall retail remains slightly below 2024’s levels. Although holiday forecasts point to moderate growth, rising inflation, falling consumer confidence and shifting interest rates suggest an economically fragile backdrop. Trade pressures are also having an impact on the sector: the value of footwear imports increased, but their volume fell, suggesting that retailers are absorbing higher costs through surgical price increases. A one-year suspension of additional tariffs on Chinese footwear provides temporary relief, but economic uncertainty persists

Designer Brands posts sequential improvements

Dec 12, 2025 / United States
The US-based footwear has posted sequential improvements across key financial metrics in the third quarter, with stronger sales, higher gross profit and increased operating income