Innovation

Reverse engineering: opportunities and challenges for more digitised footwear businesses

Jul 8, 2025 World Footwear Reports

JUST RELEASED! The latest World Footwear Innovation Paper highlights the opportunities and major challenges of using reverse engineering processes in the context of the digital and green transition currently being undertaken by the footwear industry

The reverse engineering process, which involves analysing an existing product to understand its structure, manufacturing process and operation, with the aim of replicating or improving it, has received attention from various industries, footwear included.

In the context of the digital and green transition that it is currently undertaking, this process offers several benefits, including product innovation, improved process efficiency, cost savings and a competitive advantage. However, there are also risks, particularly regarding infringing intellectual and industrial property rights.

Therefore, in this latest World Footwear Innovation paper, we provide an overview of the basic concepts behind reverse engineering, focusing on its benefits and challenges, with practical examples.

Our aim is to offer insights into how footwear businesses can evolve to meet the demands of today’s competitive, digital world.

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DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE INNOVATION PAPER HERE

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Contents

Summary
Introduction
Basic concepts
Opportunities and challenges
Applications
Case Studies
Final Remarks
References

Innovation World Footwear Reports Footwear Technology World Footwear Innovation Papers