Footwear
European footwear and apparel industries face reindustrialisation challenges
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
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
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
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
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
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
Automation and robotics as a growth engine for the footwear industry
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
New Generation: meet Mariana Monteiro from a.li.ás
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
Birkenstock delivers a strong fiscal year 2025
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
Brazilian footwear exports decline in November amid rising imports
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
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
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
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
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
Caleres softens year-end outlook amid margin pressures
The US-based company reported better-than-expected third-quarter sales. However, margin pressures and dilution from Stuart Weitzman have led Caleres to forecast a fourth-quarter loss-
-
Footwear Consumer 2030
A study reflecting on the main global consumer trends and the key changes for the footwear industry.
-
World Footwear Public Calendar
Click here to subscribe an updated version of the calendar displaying the footwear trade shows.
-
-
-
Media Partners
Media Partners
-
Fotoshoe
Shoe Intelligence
UNIT Publishing House
SERMA