World Footwear

Footwear

British Footwear Association announces CEO departure

Jan 16, 2026 / United Kingdom
The British Footwear Association (BFA) has announced that Richard Shetliffe will step down from his role as Chief Executive Officer in early June 2026. The search for his successor is underway

Genesco lifts full year adjusted earnings outlook on strong holiday sales

Jan 15, 2026 / United States
The Nashville-based footwear company has increased its full-year adjusted earnings forecast after achieving strong comparable sales during the holiday season

Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags attendance stable at 8,000

Jan 15, 2026 / Italy
The Italian trade fair specialising in footwear, bags and accessories, which took place from the 10th to the 13th of January, attracted almost 8,000 visitors, which is comparable to the previous June edition

Birkenstock forecasts strong first quarter sales despite external headwinds

Jan 14, 2026 / Germany
Despite the impact of a weaker US dollar, the Germany-based footwear company has reported strong preliminary sales figures for the final months of 2025

AI has not yet matured sufficiently to meet the specific needs of the industry

Premium ContentJan 13, 2026 / Business Conditions Survey
This is one of the key findings from the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey, conducted in October and November 2025. We asked our panel of experts to share their views on the impact of AI in the footwear industry. Here’s what they told us

FAIST Voices: meet Atlanta and JPM

Jan 12, 2026 / Portugal
Atlanta is a family-owned business specialising in the production of footwear soles. Its main partner, JPM, focuses on providing technology solutions. Together under the FAIST consortium, they are exploring how to replace labour-intensive processes in the footwear sector with technology

Marubeni strengthens lifestyle brand platform with Jacobson acquisition

Jan 9, 2026 / United States
As part of a strategic push to develop its scalable lifestyle brand business platform, the Japanese conglomerate Marubeni has acquired the multi-brand footwear owner Jacobson Group Limited

Signs of stabilisation emerge in the Italian footwear industry

Jan 6, 2026 / Italy
According to Assocalzaturifici, the Italian footwear industry is beginning to stabilise following a challenging start to the year. However, activity remains below 2024 levels

New Generation: Edgar Ferro from Fernando Ferro & Irmão

Jan 6, 2026 / Portugal
Edgar Ferro, who has a degree in Business Management, is the second generation to take the helm at the family-owned technology company founded by his father and uncle 25 years ago

European footwear and apparel industries face reindustrialisation challenges

Dec 31, 2025 / Portugal
With production still concentrated in Asia, the European footwear and apparel industries are navigating reindustrialisation, with value-added manufacturing, regulation and sustainability emerging as key factors

AI gains ground across the footwear industry

Dec 30, 2025 / Portugal
Artificial intelligence is being increasingly adopted across the footwear industry, with applications ranging from optimising design and production to managing the supply chain and creating smart footwear

Rethinking business models in a changing footwear market

Dec 29, 2025 / Portugal
In response to evolving market conditions, footwear companies are reshaping their business models through customisation, digitalisation and the use of artificial intelligence

Arklyz closes deal to acquire Gabor Shoes

Dec 29, 2025 / Switzerland
The Switzerland-based sports and lifestyle group has announced the completion of its acquisition of Gabor Shoes. No financial details of the transaction have been released

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

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
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