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Portuguese footwear industry gears up for defence investment

Jul 21, 2025 Portugal

In light of the anticipated increase in defence spending by NATO countries, the Portuguese footwear industry is gearing up to increase its production of technical footwear

The Portuguese footwear industry is committed to doubling its exports of technical footwear to 100 million euros by the end of the decade. The FAIST project, which is bringing together 45 partners to develop cutting-edge technology and provide companies with the best technical solutions on the market, will be crucial in achieving this. “We are paying close attention to the anticipated increase in defence spending”, reveals Luís Onofre.

The President of APICCAPS recalls that “there is a tradition in Portugal of supplying the main European security and military forces” and therefore believes that “the anticipated increase in defence spending by NATO countries may present an opportunity for our industry”.

According to Florbela Silva, FAIST’s coordinator, “the reindustrialisation and the adoption of high-productivity processes are enabling companies to produce more quickly and at more competitive prices, allowing them to enter major supply chains, particularly in technical sectors”. The person responsible for this mobilising project says that “FAIST is repositioning the Portuguese footwear industry at an international level”.

The Portuguese industry has indeed been investing in the production of high-value technical footwear and evens supply the main international security forces through public procurement. This is a reality that will be reinforced by the ongoing investments. “We have the knowledge and installed capacity, and we are prepared to expand our offering, even into the military segment”, said Reinaldo Teixeira, President of the Footwear Technology Centre.

“Portugal already has all the conditions to establish itself as a benchmark in the development of technical footwear. Given the current context of increased investment in defence, I’m confident that the Portuguese industry will be the obvious choice”, he added.

Expectant companies

“Over the past 20 years, the Portuguese professional segment has evolved significantly in response to changes in global trends, regulatory requirements and customer needs”, argues Albano Fernandes, CEO of AMF. He highlights that, “as the demands of workers and companies have evolved, the sector has undergone a significant transformation. Security regulations became stricter, leading to increased investment in material and technological innovation in footwear production. Today, there is a growing demand for this type of product”.

Teófilo Leite emphasises that “the Portuguese production of professional footwear is on par with the best”. According to the leading responsible of ICC, owner of Lavoro, “Portugal distinguishes itself through its competitiveness and willingness to embrace disruptive projects”.

From a technical standpoint, Teófilo Leite recalls that “professional footwear production is very demanding”, as every model requires certification for several parameters. “It’s a highly regulated sector with different standards from market to market”, he says, adding that “there’s no room for improvisation in this segment”.

He thinks that “rigour and patience are the main requirements. It’s vital to select the best materials, have the best teams working in production, invest in cutting-edge technology, have the installed capacity to test materials and products daily, build a brand, not be dependent on price, establish strategic partnerships, and have an effective sales team, even before designing the models”.

Overall, Luís Onofre, the President of APICCAPS, believes that “the forecast of doubling exports of technical footwear to 100 million euros by 2030 could be revised upwards”.

Source and Image Credits: portugueseshoes.pt

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