Although overall sales remained stable in 2025, performance within the fashion sector was mixed, with clothing outperforming the far more volatile footwear segment. At the same time, weakening consumer sentiment persisted despite easing monetary policy, signalling growing uncertainty. This is particularly evident in footwear imports, which reversed sharply after a strong start to the year and declined alongside retail sales, even as import prices continued to rise. The combination of falling volumes and higher costs points to a sector increasingly squeezed by soft demand and ongoing supply-side issues   

The WorldFootwear.com is asking all experts within the footwear industry to share their views on the current business situation. Join the new edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey. WE WANT TO HEAR YOU!   

The France-based luxury group has reported a mixed first quarter, with resilient demand across key markets being partially offset by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East   

The Portuguese safety footwear brand has launched CleanStep, a reusable overshoe that enables users to move between environments without leaving marks or dirt on floors   

The France-based luxury group reported solid growth in the first quarter of 2026. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and uneven regional trends had a negative impact on performance