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AI has not yet matured sufficiently to meet the specific needs of the industry
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
As regards the use of AI in the footwear industry, the leading challenge, cited by 34.9% of experts, is that AI technology has not yet matured sufficiently to meet the specific needs of the industry.
Limited clear use cases for AI in current footwear operations rank second at 20.8%, indicating uncertainty about where and how AI can deliver tangible value.
High implementation and maintenance costs present a barrier for 19.8% of respondents, highlighting the financial challenge of AI adoption.
Integration difficulties with existing manufacturing infrastructure concern 15.1% of experts.
Notably, ethical concerns regarding AI use in design and production register lowest at 9.4%, suggesting these considerations are secondary to more immediate practical and economic challenges facing the industry.
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Contents
Executive SummaryBusiness Context
Health of the Business
Employment Level
Prices
Quantity
Difficulties
Retail Channels
Footwear Consumption in 2025
AI in the Footwear Industry
Trends in Footwear Materials
About Survey
About the Survey
In 2019, World Footwear established the World Footwear Experts Panel and has since conducted a Business Conditions Survey every semester. The objective of the survey is to gather information on current business conditions within global footwear markets and to disseminate an accurate overview of the industry’s situation.
The thirteenth edition of this online survey was conducted during October and November 2025. We have obtained 106 valid answers, 39% from Asia, 35% from Africa, 12% from Europe, 8% from North America, 5% from Oceania, and 1% from South America. More than half of respondents (56%) are involved in footwear manufacturing (manufacturers) or footwear trade and distribution (traders) and the remainder in other footwear-related activities, including consultancy (7%), education and research (7%), trade associations (6%), and other activities (25%).
Previous Editions of this Bulletin can be found HERE
