Upcoming Trade Shows in Italy for Shoes

When you think of Italian-made shoes, there are a couple of things that come to mind. There’s the strong design point of view, the durability and quality, and certainly not least, innovation on top of traditional manufacturing methods. Even if on the production side Italy’s shoe industry has a modest share compared to other countries (not even 1%), Italy remains ranked as Europe’s number one footwear manufacturer. In 2019, the industry employed approximately 75,000 people, highlighting its importance as a source of jobs and craftsmanship. Retail activity remains strong within the domestic market with Geox leading the way as the largest retailer by number of shops in Italy. Other major brands such as Footlocker, Tod’s, Deichmann, and Desigual maintain a strong retail presence. Italian shoes have long enjoyed worldwide acclaim, and international demand remains strong. Exports totaled over eight billion euros in recent years, with leather footwear alone accounting for more than six billion euros in value. While export volumes have seen a slight dip, the overall value has continued to rise, which signals that Italy’s shoes industry shows no signs of losing its relevance on the global stage. So, how does a country with a small production base dominate the world? For one, you have to think beyond quantity, because Italian shoemakers shine brightest in specific-to-the-country manufacturing techniques. Most shoemaker companies are family-owned and know-how is passed down generations. Pair that with high-quality materials and you have an undeniable product. The industry benefits from flexible production capabilities due to a concentration of small and medium-sized enterprises in regional clusters, which enables quick adaptation to market trends and customer needs. Coupled with impeccable customer service and the powerful appeal of the Made in Italy label, the country’s footwear sector remains a global benchmark for excellence in fashion and function.