S&V Footwear & Leather Goods Magazine Vol. 92 No. 01 January 2026
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IN THIS ISSUE:
03 Upfront
- Geopolitical uncertainty ‘may provide opportunities for local manufacturing’, says NCRF director Michael Lawrence.
- ‘Improbable’ shoe sterilizing device ‘has merit’, says podiatrist Anette Thompson.
- Zambia and Sierra Leone update trademark regulations.
- Richemont maintained strong momentum with sales up 11% for its 3rd quarter.
08 Shoe Technology
- Running shoes: For every ‘technological breakthrough, there are feet that just aren’t suitable, writes Richard Kushlick.
13 Insights with Tinashe Mandirahwe
- Retail’s future depends on hospitality – the Franklin & Poe story.
- The 3D awakening – how Fibbl is changing the way shoes are sold.
15 Noticeboard
- Obituary: Berrick Salmond, one of those for whom shoemaking was a passion.
17 Statistics
- Preliminary trade statistics November 2025.
Advertisers in this Issue
Arena Trims (02), East Asian Import & Export (04), Footwear Education (11), Freestyle Genuine Handcrafted Leather (OFC), Haesloop Agencies (16), iSync Solutions (05), Kaytex Belts (06), Leather Finishing Products (10), Saddler Belts (08), SAFLEC (14), S&V Calendar (01), S&V Directory (06), Shotland Packaging (18), Vandan Engineering (12).
The Next Issue:
- Out on 20 February 2025. Deadline for submissions 13 February.
- ‘Improbable’ shoe sterilising device, nominated for IgNobel Awards, ‘has merit’
A tongue-in-cheek article appeared in multiple outlets last September about 2 academics at Shiv Nadar University outside Delhi, India, who’s prototype antimicrobial shoe rack was among the winners in last year’s ‘Ig Nobel Awards’ organised by the journal Annals of Improbable Research. They designed a UVC light-equi ...moreRunning shoes: For every ‘technological breakthrough’ there are feet that just aren’t suitable
In the October 2025 issue of S&V Footwear & Leather Goods, columnist Tinashe Mandirahwe quoted and commented on a podcast in which Xero Shoes co-founder Steven Sashen claimed that a major sports brand secretly tested a more natural shoe that cut injury rates by half compared to their top-selling model — and then shelved it. That prompted Richard Kushlick, ‘master footwear fitter, educator and podocalceist’, to investigate and respond. The central claim of the podcast – that brands knowingly withhold styles which could improve foot health – is wrong, he says, but what IS true is that the multiple running shoe technologies available all suit SOME people. ...moreThe 3D awakening - How Fibbl is changing the way shoes are sold
Footwear brands are starting to change how they show products online, and the Nov 4, 2025 episode of Inside the Shift with Fibbl explains why. Fibbl helps companies replace old photo-heavy workflows with one detailed 3D model that can be used for almost everything — website images, videos, ads, social m ...moreOne of those for whom shoemaking was a passion
Obituary: Berrick Patrick Salmond – Bata Shoes, Cameo Components, Bernelli Footwear, Dr Rae Shoe Manufacturers, NR Footwear (18/08/1950-06/12/2025) ...moreGeopolitical uncertainty ‘may provide opportunities for local manufacturing’Cape Town, W. Cape, SA – International geopolitical uncertainty “may provide new opportunities for local sourcing of footwear”, National Clothing Retail Federation of SA (NCRF) executive director Michael Lawrence said this week.Referring to the CTFL Masterplan set up to encourage the growth of local manufacturing through ...moreZambia and Sierra Leone update trademark regulationsSupplied by Adams & Adams. See https://www.adams.africa/ for the full articles.On 31 December 2025, Zambia ushered in a new era for trademark protection with the enactment of Trade Marks Act No. 11 of 2023 (the Act), following the signing of Statutory Instrument No. 86 of 2025. The Act repeals the long-standing Trade Marks Act of ...moreRichemont maintained strong momentum with sales up 11% at constant rates for its third quarter ended 31 December 2025Geneva, Switzerland (15 January 2026) – Compagnie Financière Richemont SA is a Swiss/South African luxury goods manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer listed on SIX Swiss Exchange with a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Richemont operates in three business areas: Jewellery Maisons with Buccellati, Ca ...moreRetail’s future depends on hospitality - the Franklin & Poe storyIn a recent Stitchdown Shoecast conversation, this YouTube interview captures Franklin & Poe co-founder Andrew Li reflecting on what it takes to build a modern specialty retail business rooted in heritage footwear, denim, and genuine community. Speaking shortly after relocating the Philadelphia store just five bloc ...more
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Footwear Industry Articles
- Obituary: Joe McGinley, Conshu (14/04/1936-20/05/2026) He ran an empire, but kept a human touch
Somerset West, W. Cape, SA – Joseph Pascal McGinley, the former Conshu director who died in May, a month after his 90th birthday, was a larger-than-life character who was renowned during his career in SA for his kindness, and who lived life to the full.Born in Letterkenny, Donegal, Ireland, to Joseph and Madeline McGinley, both doct ...moreWayne's Phambili range: Practical boots from non-safety to full protection
Roodepoort, Gauteng, SA – Wayne's Phambili range combines everyday comfort, dependable durability and clearly defined levels of protection in a practical range of PVC work boots. Developed for demanding working environments, the 3-boot lineup makes it easy to choose the protection best suited to the job while delivering the comfort ...moreSAFLEC AGM 2026: A year marked by resilience
On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my pleasure to welcome all our members and stakeholders to the 24th Annual General Meeting of the South African Leather & Footwear Export Council (SAFLEC).The Annual General Meeting provides us with an opportunity not only to reflect on the performance of the Council over the past financial y ...more
Leather Industry Articles
- Sam Setter's 'Pills': You have to be very clever to understand this document, but hopefully it will do some goodIn June, UNIDO launched an impressive document called “Guideline”. It is a very detailed, environment oriented, technical and scientific document where the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCP) play a prominent role. The document, peer reviewed, has been developed for UNIDO with the main contributor ...moreFifteen million sheep in the UK to share among shearersAccording to the UK government, its sheep population decreased over the past year by 1.7% but that still leaves a flock of over 30 million. For comparison, the domestic flock in South Africa numbers about 21 million and New Zealand has some 23 million. Australia, with more than 70 million, has a wool clip of approximately 325,000 tonnes. ...moreWhen communication moves faster than truth: Why credible, evidence-based information matters more than ever.We have never had more information at our fingertips. We have also never had to work quite so hard to determine which information we should trust. Communication today moves at extraordinary speed. Social media platforms, digital news, corporate communications, industry reports and, increasingly, artificial intelligence allow information t ...more
PPE Industry Articles
- SAPEMA demands action against retailer Curve Gear over selling noncompliant safety footwearThe Southern African Protective Equipment Marketing Association (SAPEMA) has reported retailer Curve Gear to the National Regulator for Compulsory Standards (NRCS) for selling “possibly noncompliant” safety footwear.The allegation is because Curve Gear’s safety footwear doesn’t carry mandatory marking: Its NRCS app ...morePremier Workwear: Engineered protection for Africa’s industrial workforce
In high-risk industrial environments, protective clothing is far more than a uniform requirement — it is a critical component of workplace safety, operational reliability and regulatory compliance. For procurement professionals, safety managers and operational leaders, selecting the right supplier means finding a partner capable of ...moreObituary: Colin Battle, agent (17/04/1957-27/07/2026): Our sales trips were a whole life experience
Dearest Lee, Greg & Sammy,I send my sincerest condolences & wishes of long and healthy lives to all of you, after the passing of your beloved Colin. I’ve no doubt that once the pain of losing an adored husband and father starts to subside, you will be left the glorious memories of your lives together with a most wonderful an ...more
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