World Footwear

News

FAIST Voices: meet AMF Safety Shoes

Sep 21, 2026 / Portugal
As part of the FAIST project, Portuguese technical and safety footwear manufacturer AFM Safety Shoes has committed to developing automation-focused solutions that prioritise efficiency and sustainability

Golden Goose posts double-digit growth in the first half

Sep 18, 2026 / Italy
The Italy-based group recorded a 15% year-on-year increase in revenue during the first half of 2026, driven by double-digit growth across all regions and strong DTC performance

JD Sports strengthens leadership team

Sep 18, 2026 / United Kingdom
The UK-based sportswear retailer has appointed John Mersho as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the JD fascia in North America and Mike Grimes as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of the group

MICAM and sister fairs attract 37,000 visitors

Sep 17, 2026 / Italy
The September edition of MICAM Milano, MIPEL, Milano Fashion&Jewels and TheOneMilano, which took place from the 13th to the 15th of June at Fiera Milano Rho, attracted 37,000 professional visitors

Kering promotes Sophie Maddaloni to General Secretary

Sep 17, 2026 / France
The luxury group has appointed Sophie Maddaloni as General Secretary of the Group, placing her on the Executive Committee and giving her oversight of the legal, control, audit and security functions

Brazilian footwear exports remain under pressure

Sep 17, 2026 / Brazil
Brazilian footwear exports continued to decline in August, with falls in both volume and value. Year-to-date figures also remained negative, while imports continued to increase

Dr. Martens appoints former Burberry executive as Global Customer Director

Sep 16, 2026 / United Kingdom
The UK-based footwear company has appointed Katie Morton as its new Global Customer Director. Through this, Dr. Martens aims to strengthen its consumer-centric approach on a global scale

Shoe Station Group cuts full-year outlook amid promotional pressure

Sep 16, 2026 / United States
The US-based footwear retailer has lowered its 2026 outlook as increased promotional activity and inventory liquidation impacted sales and profitability during the second quarter

Designer Brands raises full-year 2026 outlook

Sep 15, 2026 / United States
The US-based company has raised its outlook for the full year of 2026, having reported improved profitability in the second quarter and strong growth in its Brand Portfolio segment, despite a slight overall sales decline

Japan Retail: Higher rates meet an uneven fashion recovery

Premium Content Sep 15, 2026 / Japan
Against a backdrop of renewed price pressures and a weaker yen, the Japanese fashion market has experienced an uneven recovery. Interest rates have continued to rise, and consumer confidence remains subdued. Within the fashion sector, clothing inflation has outpaced that of footwear. Commercial sales also diverged, with textile sales enjoying a strong rebound, whereas apparel and accessories only returned to marginal growth. Meanwhile, despite falling volumes, footwear import value held up, supported by higher average prices

Simac Tanning Tech strengthens international focus

Sep 14, 2026 / Italy
With the sector’s exports under pressure, Simac Tanning Tech is strengthening its international focus by targeting new markets and attracting qualified buyers to its 52nd edition

MICAM to host 758 exhibitors in the upcoming 102nd edition

Sep 11, 2026 / Italy
The leading footwear trade fair is set to bring together 758 brands for its 102nd edition, taking place from the 13th to the 15th of September at Fiera Milano Rho. The event will involve buyers from 130 countries

Inditex posts first-half sales growth

Sep 11, 2026 / Spain
The parent company of brands such as Zara and Pull&Bear, reported a 7.6% increase in sales during the first half of the year, driven by solid demand from customers for its spring/summer collections

FAIST Voices: meet Abílio P. Carneiro & Filhos S.A

Sep 11, 2026 / Portugal
With nearly a century of manufacturing expertise, Abílio P. Carneiro & Filhos S.A is using the FAIST project to further integrate robotics into the traditional footwear assembly process, thereby improving quality and competitiveness

Caleres posts second-quarter sales growth as Brand Portfolio gains momentum

Sep 10, 2026 / United States
The US-based company reported higher sales and earnings in the second quarter of 2026, driven by growth in its brand portfolio. Famous Footwear continued to have a negative impact on performance

US trade associations urge Trump Administration to restore ILO funding

Sep 10, 2026 / United States
US trade associations are urging the Trump administration to restore funding for the International Labour Organization (ILO), warning that reduced involvement could weaken US influence over global labour standards

Azzas 2154 plans split into Arezzo&Co and SOMA

Sep 9, 2026 / Brazil
The Brazilian fashion group Arezzo & Co has announced plans to reorganise its businesses into two independent listed companies, Arezzo & Co and Soma. The former is set to concentrate the group’s Shoes & Bags operations

CHIC Autumn 2026 attracts more than 61,000 visitors to Shanghai

Sep 9, 2026 / China
CHIC Autumn welcomed 61,824 trade visitors and 738 exhibitors from the 25th to the 27th of August of 2026, with international buyers from 17 countries attending the Shanghai fashion trade fair

Dr. Martens strengthens global product team

Sep 8, 2026 / United Kingdom
The UK-based footwear company has appointed Isadora Versiani as Global Product Design Director and Nadia Svensson as Global Merchandising and Product Director

US Retail: Footwear remains under pressure as consumers turn to value

The US footwear market started 2026 under pressure. Footwear inflation accelerated beyond headline inflation, while sales lagged behind those in the wider retail and fashion sectors. Additionally, a rebound in imports in late spring contrasted with weakening consumer confidence. Together, these trends point to a market where rising prices, uneven demand and recovering supply are creating a more challenging environment, with consumers becoming increasingly selective and value-conscious