World Footwear Interview
Agostino Apolito (Assomac): Robotics and AI are reshaping the footwear and tanning industries
During the last edition of Simac Tanning Tech in September 2025, we spoke with Mr. Agostino Apolito, the Managing Director of the National Association of the Italian Manufacturers of Footwear, Leather Goods, and Tanning Technologies. Watch the interview here
Sergio Dulio (UITIC): AI is an important tool that companies cannot be unware of
The World Footwear attended the 22nd UITIC Congress in Shanghai back in September. We had the opportunity to talk with Sergio Dulio, president of the UITIC, about some of the main conclusions of the congress. Watch the interview below to learn about it
Lu Hua (CLIA): The Chinese domestic market is an opportunity for all brands
During the last edition of the UITIC Congress, we spoke with Lu Hua, Deputy Secretary General of CLIA, the China Leather Industry Association. A nice conversation about the Chinese footwear industry and the UITIC Congress. Watch it here today
Terry Boyle from Trove: regulation is shifting in favour of recommerce
In the second part of his interview, Terry Boyle, CEO at Trove, discussed how regulatory changes in the United States and the European Union are influencing the recommerce business, particularly for fashion and footwear brands
Terry Boyle from Trove: resale as an integrated revenue channel for footwear
As the resale economy continues to gain momentum, brands are increasingly exploring in-house recommerce channels. In this first part of his interview, Terry Boyle, CEO at Trove, shared his view on how footwear businesses can integrate and benefit from resale channels
Daphne Wattiez from AKVO: when people, materials and time are valued, the result is more meaningful
We spoke to Daphne Wattiez, the Founder of AKVO. This unisex footwear brand employs artisanal craftsmanship and bio-sourced materials, inspired by the Mediterranean beauty. Among other topics, we talked about the brand’s challenges and her perspective on the industry
Cristiano Magnoni from Crimagno Earth: we design with purpose
We spoke with Cristiano Magnoni, founder of Crimagno Earth, to learn more about his footwear venture. As his goal is not simply to create footwear, but rather to rethink what shoes can be, we explored his industrial approach to design, use of sustainable materials, local sourcing and his perspective on the sector
Dr. Tatjana Spahiu: digital technologies are reshaping the footwear industry
We spoke to Dr. Tatjana Spahiu, an Associate Professor at the Polytechnic University of Tirana, to understand the current influence of digital technologies and how they will change the future of the footwear industry. Our conversation focused on key areas such as sustainability, skills development and young talent training
Latin American Footwear Forum 2025: regional collaboration is a strategic necessity
Amid a challenging trade environment, the Latin American Footwear Forum is set to return from the 13th to the 15th of August with a more focused and action-driven agenda. We spoke to Horacio Moschetto, head of the Argentine Chamber of the Footwear Industry (CIC), to gain further insight into the event
Andy Polk from the Footwear Innovation Foundation: changing the industry from reactive to visionary
We spoke to Andy Polk, Executive Director of the Footwear Innovation Foundation and Vice President of the FDRA, to learn more about the newly established Foundation and its most recent initiative, the Footwear LaunchPad
Eva Haak from AMI: Polymers in Footwear 2025 spotlights innovation and networking
We spoke to Eva Haak, Conference Production Manager at AMI’s Polymers in Footwear Conference. We learned more about this year’s event, which will happen in Portland on July 16th and 17th
Darla-Jane Gilroy from GFFC: the first anniversary has laid the groundwork, now we are building on it
In this second part of our interview with Darla-Jane Gilroy, Founder of GFFC, we talked about the coalition’s reflections on its first anniversary, the inaugural symposium attended by 150 invited delegates and the organisation's view of the future of the footwear industry
Darla-Jane Gilroy: the Global Footwear Future Coalition (GFFC) is uniting the industry
We spoke to Darla-Jane Gilroy, Founder of GFFC. In the first part of our interview, we talked about the creation of the coalition, its four main areas of action and the necessity of a collaborative, pre-competitive space to address systematic challenges within the footwear industry
Torben Schütz (HDS/L): the Barefoot European Shoe Fair is the beginning of a success story
We spoke to Torben Schütz, Deputy Managing Director at the Federal Association of German Footwear and Leather Goods Industry, to learn more about the upcoming Barefoot European Shoe Fair, the first of its kind in Europe. The preview takes place in the summer in Offenbach, close to Frankfurt
Elizabeth Semmelhack from the Bata Shoe Museum: It has been a remarkable 30 years
We spoke to Elizabeth Semmelhack, Director and Senior Curator at the Bata Shoe Museum, to learn more about the preparations for the museum’s 30th anniversary. Among other topics, we talked about current and upcoming exhibitions-
-
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
-
SERMA
Schuhkurier
UNIT Publishing House
Fotoshoe