As U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports climb to 125%, Skechers is stepping away from public markets to rethink its strategy. ...more

On the 28 June 2025 episode of The Energy Blueprint Podcast, Xero Shoes co-founder Steven Sashen made a striking claim: 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.A more natural shoe, as Sashen describes, is desi ...more

American shoemaker New Balance has shipped its first export consignment from its manufacturing hub in Tamil Nadu, marking India’s growing role in global footwear supply chains. At the same time, Japanese giant ASICS is increasing local production in India from 30% to 40% to comply with the country’s new Bur ...more

The state of Uttar Pradesh has approved a new footwear policy aimed at building a smooth chain that goes from design to delivery — covering ideas, production, training, and exports. The plan focuses on traditional hubs like Agra and Kanpur while pushing investment into less-developed regions such as&nbs ...more

Bangkok Airways and Puma are breaking new ground, giving cabin crew and ground staff custom sneakers made from about 30% recycled materials. Sure, it’s a small uniform change — but it’s a big signal. Comfort is no longer a perk; it’s part of a brand’s identity. And when pioneers make the move, other airl ...more

Adidas is under scrutiny in Mexico over its “Oaxaca Slip-On” sandal, which officials say closely resembles the traditional huaraches of the Zapotec people. Cultural appropriation — taking elements from another culture, often without credit or fair compensation — is at the centre of the dispute. While such appropria ...more

Clarks has launched what may be its boldest sale in years — offering up to 60% off across all 326 UK stores and online. But behind the markdowns lies more than just a seasonal promotion. This looks like a brand trying to steady itself in a storm.Founded in 1825 by Cyrus and James Clark in Somerset, Clarks built its reputation over n ...more

When Prada introduced its latest leather sandals at Milan Fashion Week, the visual resemblance was unmistakable: Kolhapuri chappals — iconic handmade footwear from Maharashtra, India. The backlash was swift. Artisans, media, and cultural commentators called out the brand for what they viewed as cultural appropriation, sparking an in ...more

High interest rates. Rising inflation. Changing consumer habits. These forces are squeezing the life out of many retail businesses — and Freebird Shoes is one of the latest to stumble. The once-popular brand, known for its handcrafted leather boots, has closed 14 of its 20 U.S. stores and is reportedly buried under more than $15 mil ...more

Lululemon is taking Costco to court — and it’s not over yoga classes. The premium activewear brand says Costco is selling lookalike versions of its most popular clothes, and they’re not having it. Filed on June 27, 2025, in a California court, the lawsuit claims Costco’s cheaper Kirkland, Spyder, and Danskin items ...more

On 29 April 2025, more than 70 major footwear companies — including Nike, Adidas, Skechers, Puma, and Crocs — signed a joint letter to President Donald Trump, urgently requesting that footwear be removed from the list of products subject to new reciprocal tariffs. These companies warned that the added tariff burden poses a ser ...more

Nike has now reported its fourth straight quarter of declining year-over-year sales. To stop the slide, it’s making two major moves — selling directly on Amazon again and raising prices on select products. These strategies may offer a short-term lift, but deeper challenges remain.Returning to Amazon connects Nike to over 230 m ...more

Walmart and Amazon are exploring the idea of creating their own digital dollars, known as stablecoins. These are cryptocurrencies tied to the U.S. dollar, designed to hold steady value — unlike Bitcoin or other volatile coins. If launched, these corporate coins could let shoppers pay directly on Amazon or at Walmart without using tr ...more

Skechers has announced its acquisition by private equity firm 3G Capital for $63 per share — a 30% premium over its recent stock price — marking its shift from public to private ownership by Q3 2025. Once the deal closes, Skechers will be delisted from the NYSE, and public shareholders will receive a cash payout. CEO Robe ...more

Nike and SKIMS are teaming up to launch NikeSKIMS, a new activewear brand debuting this spring. Nike, a leader in sportswear, brings its athlete-focused innovation, while SKIMS, Kim Kardashian’s brand known for shapewear and body-inclusive designs, adds its style and fit expertise.This partnership promises to combine performanc ...more

 21 January 2025 – In a world increasingly defined by convenience and technology, even footwear reflects profound societal changes. The rise of slip-on shoes, led by innovators like Kizik, and the advent of transformative solutions such as Twirlys’ no-tie shoelaces highlight our collective pursuit of simplicity, efficienc ...more

07 January 2025 – Shein, the Chinese fast-fashion brand, is re-entering the Indian market through a partnership with Reliance’s Ajio platform, as reported by media outlets. The brand had been banned in 2020, alongside other Chinese apps, due to geopolitical tensions. Known for its affordable and trendy fashion delivered at rap ...more

01 January 2025 – Walmart, America’s retail powerhouse, has disrupted the fashion industry with the “Wirkin Bag,” a budget-friendly alternative to Hermès’ iconic Birkin bag. Officially called the Kamugo Genuine Leather Handbag, the Wirkin has captivated social media, offering luxury aesthetic ...more

Osmo’s AI-powered scent authentication machine in action, revolutionizing the fight against counterfeit sneakers by detecting unique chemical profiles with remarkable precision.As the sneaker resale market continues to boom, counterfeit goods remain a persistent concern for both luxury and mass-market brands. Counterfeiters have bec ...more

The French parliament has recently reduced VAT on repairs for shoes, leather goods, textiles, and bicycles from 20% to 5.5%, a move expected to support sustainability, local artisans, and potentially revitalize a declining industry. This decision, reported by World Footwear on November 6, 2024, raises questions about its potenti ...more

Japanese sportswear brand Asics is making notable progress in expanding into India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to meet the rising demand for athleisure outside major metro areas. According to Economic Times, by the end of 2024, Asics plans to operate 120 stores across the country, driven by a surge in e-commerce sales from non-m ...more

Puma’s recent decision to significantly reduce leather usage in its footwear is a clear reflection of the evolving landscape of the fashion industry, driven primarily by the preferences of the younger generation. Gen Y, Z, and Alpha, who collectively make up around 65% of the U.S. population, are increasingly pri ...more

Allbirds, the sustainable footwear brand, has made a strategic move by partnering with Uber Eats, despite facing significant financial struggles. The company continues to prioritize sustainability in every aspect, from its products to logistics, and this collaboration further highlights that commitment. Throu ...more

Initial Exit and Market StrugglesAccording to Livemint, Timberland, famous for its hiking boots and outdoor gear, withdrew from the Indian market in 2015 after struggling to establish a foothold. The primary reason for its exit was fierce competition from Woodland, a Canadian-founded footwear brand that entered India in 1992 and domi ...more

Puma’s recent decision to significantly reduce leather usage in its footwear is a clear reflection of the evolving landscape of the fashion industry, driven primarily by the preferences of the younger generation. Gen Y, Z, and Alpha, who collectively make up around 65% of the U.S. population, are increasingly pri ...more

A report from Yahoo Finance on August 27, 2024, reveals that Clarks, the iconic British footwear brand, is closing its stores in India due to "differences over terms" with its local partner, Reliance Retail.This unexpected development underscores the critical importance of aligning with local partners and effectively m ...more

Expansion AnnouncementOrthoLite, a leading manufacturer of comfort foam insoles, has announced it is expanding its European facility in Almansa, Spain. This strategic move aims to enhance production capacity, innovation, and speed-to-market manufacturing, enabling OrthoLite to better serve its brand partners ...more

Lululemon Athletica Inc. is currently facing a class action lawsuit filed by a shareholder who claims the company misled investors by failing to disclose critical information about its business operations. This lawsuit involves individuals and entities who purchased Lululemon securities between December 7, 2023, and July 24, 2024.The Alle ...more

Rapid Expansion BackfiresDrip Footwear, a once-promising South African sneaker brand, is facing a severe financial crisis that has sparked intense scrutiny and debate. The company’s rapid expansion into shopping malls has backfired spectacularly, leaving it with a R20 million debt, a foreign exchange blunder, and the looming threat ...more

Birkenstock’s recent performance is impressive. Some key financial highlights for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, include:* Revenue of €481.2 million, representing an increase of 23%.* Strong double-digit revenue growth across all segments, including reven ...more

A Story of Growth and TransformationHoka, founded in 2009 in France and acquired by Deckers Brands in 2013, has revolutionized the athletic footwear market with its signature “maximalist” shoes featuring oversized midsoles. Its annual sales for the year ending March 31, 2024, reached $1.807 billion, a 27.9% surge, showcasing i ...more

Under Armour, once a leading athletic apparel brand, has been facing a significant decline in sales and profitability. Despite a healthy turnover of $1.33 billion for the period ending Q4 2024, the company’s sales have dropped by 5% compared to the same period last year. Additionally, its net income has plummeted to $6.6 million fro ...more

Can Nigeria reshape the trajectory of Africa’s footwear industry? The Made in Nigeria Shoe Expo (MINSE) in Lagos may provide insights into this possibility. This biannual event, held in Lagos and Abuja, brings together local and international shoe manufacturers, designers, and dealers. Nigeria’s involvement in such events sugg ...more

Levi Strauss & Co., through its website, has announced its decision to deprioritize footwear in specific regions, likely prompted by its less than stellar financial performance. The company will strategically realign its focus and concentrate on its core competencies — denim apparel. Denim also yields higher margins for Lev ...more

Shoes for Crews, a renowned manufacturer of slip-resistant footwear, has recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company’s financial challenges stem from intense competition from online marketplaces like Temu, operated by a Chinese e-commerce company. Temu offers shoes they advertise as slip-resistant at prices as low as $17, ...more

lululemon, the brand known for its yoga wear and activewear, recently expanded its product offerings to include men’s footwear. In February 2024, the company launched its first men’s shoe, The cityverse sneaker. As lululemon navigates the highly competitive men’s footwear market, it faces a critical decision: s ...more

The Decline of Traditional ShoemakingThe traditional craft of shoemaking, especially in regions such as Africa, Europe, and North America, is facing significant challenges. Once-busy workshops now struggle with fewer orders, primarily due to intense competition from mass-produced shoes manufactured in Asia. This decline has put the liveli ...more

Concerns About the Eco-Friendly Footwear Market and Thesus's Unconventional Approach. The Weekend Boot™, retailing at about $200, has sold over $3M worth in 3 years. Made with 96% renewable materials, its maker, Thesus, now reveals the manufacturing process and intellectual property behind the boot to the world. ...more

Despite gloomy forecasts, research points to brighter prospects for Africa's fashion industry, driven by anticipated population growth. Contrary to what I thought before, it seems the secret does not lie in choosing better leaders but in having more babies :) ...more

This article highlights a legal dispute surrounding Hermès and its iconic Birkin bag. The piece delves into a controversy in California courts, addressing allegations of unfair sales practices and potential antitrust violations. Additionally, I explore the Birkin bag's status as a luxury symbol and investment asset. I am amazed by the outrageously high price of the bag, and even more astonishing is the price of the bag on the second-hand market. I hope the article will provide your readers with insights into a market niche which I never knew existed. ...more

New Balance, the footwear and apparel brand, has expanded its global presence with the opening of four stores in Cambodia. The management of these stores falls under MAP Active Cambodia, a sports and lifestyle brand importer and distributor, as reported by The Phnom Penh Post.Strategic Partnership with MAP Active CambodiaNew Balance& ...more

The latest BMI Report unequivocally positions North America as the largest and most attractive clothing and footwear market globally. Companies in the industry should recognize the immense opportunities awaiting them in this dynamic market.Why North America Is So AttactiveThe North American region’s appeal is grounded in a ...more

Here's a story that speaks of a journey from America, where buffalo hides are tanned, to Portugal, where value is added by transforming the leather into boots. The journey then returns to America, where these boots are sold for a whopping $429! The story touches on topics such as research and development, storytelling marketing, niche marketing and more. Most importantly, I'm hoping the story will illustrate the possibilities that exist in the industry. ...more

To prove a point – that Southern African footwear manufacturers can be part of the global industry, contributor Tinashe Mandirahwe, a former Zimbabwean now writing from Canada, has chosen South African and Zimbabwean examples to illustrate a global trend. “Tactical footwear covers diverse applications,” he writes. “They can be drivers of growth.” ...more

Adidas, a dominating force in the sportswear and footwear sector, has successfully achieved a perfect equilibrium, with an equal split between traditional brick-and-mortar and cutting-edge e-commerce sales, as outlined in a recent report by Retail Brew. The intriguing question arises: what factors could have propelled this surge in o ...more

Pressure group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has unleashed its fury by levelling accusations against Ugg.Through a cease-and-desist letter addressed to Ugg, PETA called out the company for what it claims to be “misleading” clients with “marketing claims” aimed at assuring consumers that its ani ...more

The state of a country’s footwear industry often mirrors its economic health, and the contrast between India and South Africa is stark. India proudly flaunts a thriving footwear sector, while South Africa grapples with an industry in distress, showcasing the profound impact economic conditions have on shaping destinies. ...more

Puma's major breakup with a basketball star is a story of social media stardom, Tesla drive-by drama, courtroom proceedings, and some lessons we can take home. ...more

In the ever-evolving world of fashion and footwear, Birkenstock has emerged as a true titan, boasting a performance that commands attention. The company sold a staggering 30 million units, amassing an impressive €1.243 billion in sales. While these numbers alone are enough to turn heads, the real story lies in the fact that Birkensto ...more

23 August 2023 – TikTok, the popular short-video app owned by China’s ByteDance Ltd., is rapidly growing its TikTok Shop feature in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, where it has found success as a livestreamed marketplace for in-app shopping. The platform’s success in this region is crucial, as it faces potenti ...more

Insights from Australian Study on School Shoes:Footwear plays a pivotal role in our daily lives, impacting not only our style but also our health and comfort. Recently, a groundbreaking study conducted in Australia shed light on the attitudes of secondary school principals, parents, and students towards prescribed school footwear guidelin ...more

UK Schoolgirl’s ‘School Shoes’ Spark Dress Code DebateIn a recent incident that occurred at Grace College in Gateshead, UK and was reported by Sam Elliott-Gibbs in the Mirror UK on September 7, 2023, a schoolgirl’s choice of footwear has ignited a nationwide debate on school dress codes and comfort. This incident c ...more

As the global business landscape evolves, it’s essential for executives in the African footwear industry to stay attuned to emerging trends that could reshape their market dynamics. The recent surge of TikTok’s in-app shopping feature, anticipated to reach a staggering $20 billion in gross merchandise value, underscores the si ...more

In a tragic turn of events, Laura Ann Carleton, a California store owner, was fatally shot amidst a dispute concerning an LGBTQ+ Pride flag displayed outside her shop. According to The Guardian, Carleton, aged 66, lost her life after a confrontation at her clothing store on August 18, 2023.During the altercation, a male suspect repor ...more

Worker exploitation has always been a matter close to my heart. Having spent many years as an industrialist in Africa, I believed then that it was primarily an issue faced by developing nations in Africa, Asia and China. Little did I know that even in the United States, a country known for its affluence, such exploitation would be uncover ...more

Italian luxury fashion company Prada Group is set to expand its workforce and production capacity in response to increasing demand. The company plans to hire over 400 workers, including students from its prestigious Prada Group Academy, with a focus on skills development. Prada Group employs strategic marketing techniques such as advertis ...more

USA Newspapers were abuzz on May 23, 2023, when reports surfaced that Target, a prominent retailer, promptly removed certain LGBTQ merchandise from its stores due to significant customer backlash. Target had previously introduced its Pride Collection, an initiative aimed at celebrating inclusivity. However, confrontations between customer ...more

IMBOX Protection is a footwear protection service that offers a closed-box, plug-and-play solution, which can protect all types of shoes within less than a minute. Since its launch in 2011, the company has expanded to 25 countries in Europe and Japan, and it's now making strides to expand in North America. The device used in the treatment ...more

Skechers has been striving to obtain a significant market share among the African American minority community in the United States. To appeal to this demographic, the brand, it would appear, has adopted a savvy strategy of collaborating with black celebrities. Seemingly by teaming up with popular figures, Skechers aims to attract new cons ...more

Tinashe Mandirahwe, former owner of Cathula Sandals in Harare, Zimbabwe, now a Canadian businessman and retail analyst, writes an occasional article for S&V on some aspect of the footwear business. Here he discusses a subject we know well.The theft problem I used to deal with almost daily when I was running Cathula Sandals in Africa i ...more

Tinashe Mandirahwe, former owner of Cathula Sandals in Harare, Zimbabwe, was part of the brain drain from that country, and now describes himself as a 'Canadian Businessman and Retail Analyst'. He retains an interest in footwear, and sends S&V an occasional article on some aspect of the footwear business. Here he writes about Doc Martens' results. ...more