World Footwear

Footwear

CLIA President points to AI and sustainability as footwear industry drivers

Sep 29, 2025 / UITIC Congress Shanghai 2025
In his speech at the last UITIC Congress, CLIA President Li Yuzhong emphasised the importance of AI and sustainability in reshaping the global footwear industry, presenting China as a key partner

Japan Retail: mixed signs for the footwear sector

Premium ContentSep 26, 2025 / Japan
Sales of apparel and footwear remain sluggish, with monthly declines compared to 2024. However, while clothing prices in Japan have outpaced general inflation (which is higher than usual for the country’s economy), footwear inflation has remained relatively stable, hovering just above the Bank of Japan’s 2% target. This suggests that, while households are reducing discretionary spending, footwear is less susceptible to price volatility. Nevertheless, rising import costs and exchange rate fluctuations could alter this situation

Geox to implement restructuring plan that could affect up to 115 jobs

Sep 25, 2025 / Italy
The Italy-based group Geox has announced a restructuring plan that could result in the loss of up to 115 jobs. These measures form part of the implementation of its Industrial Plan

UITIC 2025 Congress in Shanghai showcased the latest advances in the footwear industry

Sep 24, 2025 / UITIC Congress Shanghai 2025
The last edition of the UITIC Congress took place in Shanghai from the 31st of August to the 3rd of September, combining factory visits with presentations on the latest advances in the footwear industry. President Sergio Dulio closed the event, highlighting the main conclusions of another successful UITIC Congress

All eyes on Simac Tanning Tech

Sep 24, 2025 / Italy
The leading footwear and leather technology fair, Simac Tanning Tech, is now underway in Milan. Highlights of the agenda include sessions on artificial intelligence, digitalisation and sustainability

Newsweek and Time Magazines rank Skechers as a top company

Sep 23, 2025 / United States
The US-based footwear company has received Newsweek’s ‘America’s Best of the Best 2025’ award and has appeared on Time’s ‘World’s Best Companies 2025’ list for the second year in a row

Saudi Lifestyle Week debuts in Riyadh

Sep 23, 2025 / Saudi Arabia
The inaugural fair brings together global brands and local talent, reflecting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambition to diversify its economy and create new opportunities for lifestyle industries

US Retail: fashion retail under pressure despite signs of recovery

Premium ContentSep 22, 2025 / United States
Although overall retail sales increased in the first half of the year, fashion sales fell, weighed down by weak demand in the early months, inflationary pressures and new tariffs. In this context, the online channel remains a bright spot, as consumers increasingly seek convenience and discounts. At the same time, footwear imports in the first seven months of the year recorded higher values but lower volumes, as average prices climbed under tariff pressure. Despite glimpses of improvement, retailers face a challenging road ahead, with fragile consumer sentiment and uncertain trade policy

BioShoes4All took centre stage at MICAM

Sep 19, 2025 / Portugal
BioShoes4All, a project coordinated by the Portuguese Footwear Technology Centre (CTCP) focusing on the development of sustainable footwear, presented its main results at the last edition of MICAM

The best moments of the 22nd UITIC Congress

Sep 19, 2025 / UITIC Congress Shanghai 2025
The World Footwear attended the 22nd edition of the Congress of the International Union of Shoe Industry Technicians (UITIC) in Shanghai at the beginning of this month. Today we bring you a short film with the best moments of the event, which gathered shoe industry technicians from all over the world

Daphne Wattiez from AKVO: when people, materials and time are valued, the result is more meaningful

Premium ContentSep 18, 2025 / France
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

VF Corp announces sale of Dickies to Bluestar Alliance

Sep 18, 2025 / United States
The US-based outdoor and activewear group has entered into a definitive agreement with the management firm Bluestar Alliance to sell the Dickies brand for 600 million US dollars in cash

Brazilian footwear exports decline as Chinese imports surge

Sep 17, 2025 / Brazil
While Brazilian footwear exports declined in August, mainly due to the impact of the 50% tariff imposed by the United States on Brazilian goods, imports from China surged

Kyaia expands portfolio with the acquisition of AsPortuguesas

Sep 16, 2025 / Portugal
The Portuguese group has acquired the eco-friendly footwear brand AsPortuguesas, also from Portugal, for an undisclosed sum. Kyaia already owns the Fly London and Softinos brands

Skechers goes private following 3G Capital acquisition

Sep 16, 2025 / United States
The Brazilian private equity firm 3G Capital has completed its acquisition of Skechers. After almost three decades as a public company, Skechers has gone private
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