World Footwear
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Vosk believes charity begins at home
South Africa’s answer to TOMS overcomes setbacks to secure manufacturing in the country, and aims to tackle poverty and foot-borne disease with its buy-one-get-one strategy.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2019
Tod’s takes steps to stand out
High-end Italian footwear group Tod’s is striving to halt a trend of descending revenue figures. Changes in the luxury shoe segment have affected the group but some new initiatives are in place to turn its fortunes around.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2019
Better safe than sorry
Technology, aerospace and engineering group Honeywell, which has been running its own protective footwear business for a decade, claims that the influence of athletic footwear trends has led to lighter safety shoes.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2019
DSW takes control of its own destiny
Now is not an easy time to be a footwear retailer in the US. Designer Brands Inc. (formerly DSW) has put plans in place to ensure it doesn’t suffer a similar fate to former rival Payless ShoeSource, the most high profile victim of a highly challenging ret
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2019
VF’s new London HQ ‘shows commitment’
Timberland, Vans and Altra tell World Footwear about upcoming launches and strategies, as well as how the seven-storey Axtell Soho will boost their standing in Europe.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2019
Positive approach in the face of climate change
By measuring its greenhouse gas emissions and then deliberately overcompensating when offsetting them, Swedish outdoor footwear brand Icebug can now claim to be “climate positive”. It wants other companies to follows its lead and is willing to show them h
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2019
Solutions for filling the shoe skills gap
Digital skills are needed on factory floors if footwear manufacturers in Europe are to enjoy success in the future. Industry figures believe they have identified the skills gaps that need addressing most urgently and the European Commission is offering fu
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2019
Trends in children’s footwear for springsummer 2020
Professional visitors to February’s Micam exhibition were offered insight into what the children’s footwear sector might look like in spring-summer 2020. The Tokyo Olympic Games is among the expected influences.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2019
Stand-out shoes from CES
The self-described “largest and most influential technology event on the planet” is not the first place one typically goes to find the latest trends in footwear, but CES 2019 revealed that some of today’s most innovative ideas do indeed apply to feet.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2019
If the shoe fits
Video calling, virtual reality headsets and autonomous vehicles – Nike’s newest innovation means self-lacing shoes could be the next science fiction prediction that becomes a reality. While this would certainly by an interesting development, the real focu
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2019
Leather project will boost jobs and exports
A start-up venture that aims to build a world-class leather and finished product operation in Nigeria launched in early 2019. The initiative, called the Pan African Leather project, will involve setting up a new tannery, a new shoe factory and other artis
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2019
A new shoe production method
After six years’ hard work, partners Simplicity Works, DESMA and Huntsman Polyurethane have perfected a new footwear construction method. They are convinced the idea can bring about the most meaningful change the footwear industry has seen in four decades
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2019
Home and dry
Footwear group Ecco made a splash at the 2018 World Water Congress in Tokyo when its tanning division, Ecco Leather, announced a breakthrough that promises important savings in chemicals, sludge and, most importantly, water compared to established leather
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2019
Footwear in the time of trade tensions
The writing was on the wall when the US president said at the start of 2018 that his country’s era of “economic surrender” was over. He said he wanted the US’s trade relationship with China to be “fair and reciprocal” and that he would use “strong enforce
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2018
A model for safer safety shoes
A research team has come up with a new model for constructing the soles of safety shoes, claiming the technology can help make shoes safer and prevent accidents.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2018
A perfect partnership
With the help of new machinery from direct soling technology developer Desma, German safety shoe manufacturer Atlas Schuhfabrik is stepping up its efforts to expand its production capacity.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2018
Ethiopia can keep growing
With high levels of new support from the World Bank for its industrial parks, the Ethiopian government is confident it can create millions of new manufacturing jobs. Footwear is one of the key sectors it has identified for helping it achieve this aim.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2018
Two Degrees founders start from scratch
Confusion in the marketplace over the sustainability credentials of leather and its competitor materials is rife. When boating shoe brand Two Degrees launched in June this year following a successful crowdfunding campaign, its founders put special emphasi
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2018
HOVR helps Under Armour bounce back
Shoes with a “zero-gravity feel” have helped sports brand Under Armour make a good start to 2018.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2018
The best of both worlds
With the release of a running shoe that features recycled plastic from the ocean and is being made at one of its Speedfactory advanced manufacturing facilities, adidas has brought together two of its most interesting concepts from recent years.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2018
ISPO 2018: footwear review
Visitors to the ISPO exhibition in Munich earlier this year witnessed an array of new footwear ideas as brands put their commitment to style and sustainability on show.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2018
Graphene gives the gift of grip
A collaboration between technical sportswear brand inov-8 and the UK’s National Graphene Institute could herald the start of a new era for running and fitness footwear.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2018
Turbulent times
Footwear manufacturers and brands have work to do to keep up with changing consumer demand, Stuart Cleaver argues.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2018
One step closer to ‘fit revolution’
FitStation by HP, created with the help of several transatlantic tie-ups, has been touted as a game-changer for customised footwear and could enable shorter lead times and minimal returns.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2018
The gloss comes off
As part of a wide range of discussions and seminars taking place on the show floor at Intertextile Shanghai’s Functional Lab in the autumn of 2017, World Footwear editor, Stephen Tierney, led a debate on athleisure, the phenomenon that has led to athletic
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2018
The power of lightness
Lightweight materials, breathable uppers and flexible soles are among the properties that safety shoe manufacturers are inheriting from sports. Fagus GreCon is making sure they also have access to suitable lasts.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2017
Payless positive for the future
Footwear retail group Payless ShoeSource is working hard to get its business back on track after spending four months in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2017
A changing environment for footwear in Mexico
There are plenty of challenges ahead for Mexico’s footwear industry, ranging from competition for leather from the automotive sector to a fluid environment across the border in the US, which can have an effect on everything from production costs to consum
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2017
Plenty more fish
Adidas, Reebok and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation are among those looking to replace fossil-based materials in an attempt to stem the flow of plastic waste.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2017
By the people, for the people
French brand Salomon has developed a new process for manufacturing customised running footwear that it believes can “transform the shoe sector”.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2017
Joining the dots
Three companies have collaborated to produce what Puma describes as its most technical boot yet.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2017
Italy’s long road to recovery
With better promotion, Italy’s footwear industry leaders believe the country’s manufacturers can recover lost ground in key markets. Italy’s reputation for providing top quality style is at the heart of their optimism.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2017
Shoe groups open to offers
A number of well-known footwear groups are either up for sale or exploring the option. World Footwear examines the reasons why and looks at who is reportedly interested in acquiring them.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2017
Who needs shoes?
Athleisure is killing the US footwear market, according to industry expert Peter Mangione. If it’s socially acceptable to wear casual shoes for every occasion, from a job interview to a wedding, women in particular suddenly have no need to buy shoes and b
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2017
End of the line forGDS
When the curtain came down on the 123rd edition of the GDS footwear exhibition in February, it marked not just the end of the show for another six months but for good. From August 2017, it will be replaced by a new event, Gallery SHOES.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2017
To The Lighthouse
Under Armour opens the doors of its new fast-prototyping and design centre in Baltimore to World Footwear.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2017
The right fit
Caleres has signalled its intention to grow its presence in the men’s footwear market with the acquisition of high-end leather shoemaker Allen Edmonds.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2017
Keep it in the family
Family-run business Horween Leather Company has been tanning leather for over 100 years. It has developed strong relationships with several footwear brands which use its leather to add a touch of luxury to their products.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2017
The EU’s untold antidumping story
Many in the European footwear manufacturing industry supported antidumping measures on imports of shoes from China and Vietnam when the European Union (EU) applied them between 2006 and 2011. It was an open secret that the European Commission took the mea
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2017
More to China than money
There has been a great deal of talk about labour costs in China becoming so high that companies are sourcing elsewhere. Nike, for example, is said to have moved production of shoes from China to Vietnam. World Footwear talked to several manufacturers, bra
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2016
Tyre specialist steps into footwear
French company Michelin has been making high-performance tyres for over 120 years. Through a partnership with Chinese textile manufacturer Jihua Group, it is now channelling its knowledge and experience into developing bespoke technical soles for footwear
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2016
A revamped industry
A senior figure in the industry in Spain has said changes in the footwear supply chain are revolutionising the way the industry works. Five years from now, he warns, the industry will be unrecognisable; the new ways companies make and sell shoes are set t
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2016
Community action close to home
Spanish footwear group Pikolinos, famous for projects that have empowered women in Maasai communities in Kenya and Tanzania, has launched a new social responsibility-inspired collection of sandals and accessories. This time, though, its focus is much clos
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2016
Cheaney twists and turns produce success
The complicated intertwining of the stories of Northampton footwear brands Cheaney and Church’s began in the late nineteenth century. Now two Church cousins own and run Cheaney. By the early part of 2016 they had grown the workforce by 80%, doubled turnov
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2016
RFID helps Ferragamo win counterfeiting war
High-end footwear brand Ferragamo has gone to war against counterfeiters, with tiny RFID tags inserted into the sole of each left shoe a key weapon in the fight.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2016
Bright future for “connected” shoe companies
The nineteenth UITIC Congress took place in India in the early part of 2016. The message it delivered to the industry is one of hope for a positive future for footwear manufacturers, especially if they “think big” and keep investing in innovation.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2016
Sports brands accelerate factory turnarounds
Adidas’ Speed factory programme is gaining momentum and Nike has partnered an automotive expert to drive reshoring programmes.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2016
Domestic growth beyond dispute in China and India
The big news on the financial markets has been the “disappointing” growth in theChinese economy of “only” 6.9% last year. Lower growth than in recent years, buthigher than in most other markets. One exception is India, where growth rates arealmost 7.5%. T
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2016
Vietnam’s victory
The signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership will make the South East Asian country increasingly attractive for sourcing, and the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America estimates it will lead to $450 million in savings for the US in the first year
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2016
Time for testing to have one voice
Testing body SGS wants to bring a new initiative called Tiered Testing to the leather and footwear sector. It insists that suppliers’ necessity to comply with regulations and restricted substance lists (RSLs) is only going to intensify in years to come. A
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2016
Global manufacturing update
There is little evidence as yet that China is being seriously challenged in terms of its export performance as, although its exports to the United States for example fell in 2014, its overall volume increase was still greater than its competitors. The sma
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2016
Shoemaking as a force for peace
A new US brand is using flip flop manufacturing to bring jobs and income to areas affected by conflict under the concept of the ‘unarmed forces’.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2015
Italian shoe firms see some signs of recovery
There are some signs of improvement in the business environment that the Italian footwear industry finds itself in, although it’s clear that further progress will be required before the mood among many manufacturers becomes buoyant again.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2015
A hotbed of innovation
When La Rioja’s centre for footwear technology opened in 2007, the region’s president said he hoped the facility would help the industry in this part of northern Spain not just survive but stand out. More than 150 projects later, the centre is now providi
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2015
New carbon footprint tool works on shoes
A software tool developed by Spanish footwear research organisation Inescop has won certification for its ability to help footwear firms calculate the carbon footprint of their shoes. One manufacturer, Alicante-based work and safety shoe producer Dian, ha
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2015
UK Leather Federation challenges boot claims
When a Friends of the Earth report claimed to have worked out the environmental footprint of a pair of leather boots, it was obvious to us there were glaring errors. A leather expert agrees the figures are ‘ridiculous’ and looks to add some clarity.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2015
A change of terrain
With UK shoe production growing 22% in the last two years, we consider whether brands would take a reshoring risk to join the Made in Britain movement.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2015
For the wet streets of London
With new materials, new ideas, a redesigned flagship store, new investors and experienced industry professionals at the helm, Harrys of London is confident it can provide stylish shoes that function well in all conditions.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2015
Two decades of developments
We look at 20 eye-catching innovations in the last 20 years in athletic and sports footwear that have helped shape the performance industry of today.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2015
Lenzing takes Tencel into shoes
Austrian fibre manufacturer Lenzing has worked with footwear brand Legero to put its renewable Tencel lyocell fibre into shoes for the first time.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2015
Huntsman develops soling material with Indian footwear maker
Polyurethane experts from Huntsman have announced details of an innovative project with India-based footwear manufacturer Franco Leone.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2015
A safe bet for Spanish shoemakers?
Spain’s shoe manufacturers sold a record number of pairs in 2014, partly due to a new focus on export markets.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2015
Rhenoflex is ready to run on its own
After half a century as a non-core subsidiary of different owners, footwear component supplier Rhenoflex believes its new-found status as an independent company will inspire it bring new materials to the global footwear market.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2015
Boot brand identifies with Terracare leather
When high-end Swedish outdoor footwear brand Lundhags heard about Terracare leather from Josef Heinen, it identified immediately with the concept it aims to put across. You can make high-quality leather and care for the environment at the same time, and y
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2015
e-learning lends new life to Tanzanian shoe sector
Last year, UNIDO chose Tanzania as the place to try out and test a new e-learning training programme to help footwear producers develop their technical skills. Now the programme has been expanded and updated and is available to help build up new generatio
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2015
The shoe start-up that links Canada, Bali and Mexico
Coming into the footwear industry from the outside may have helped the two sisters behind Canadian start-up Poppy Barley to rethink custom footwear sales in North America.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2015
Strength will lie in shorter supply chains
Desma sees the footwear manufacturing landscape changing as a ‘decentralisation’ takes place. Managing director Christian Decker also contemplates a retail environment that has fully integrated supply chains at its core.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2015
This time it’s personal
Chattanooga-based Feetz has perfected the technology, sourced the investors, hired the clever employees and is now producing 3D-printed shoes.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2015
The robots are coming
‘The Future of Manufacturing’, adidas’ Speedfactory project, is using the specialist know-how of German robotics and textile engineers to produce a novel framework for making shoes.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2014
All under one roof
“The biggest trade fair in the world” seemed almost an understatement when Penny Leese visited the bi-annual Canton Fair in Guangzhou, China, in early November 2014.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2014
Common cause
Varying audit standards and codes of conduct can lead to confusion at factory level, according to umbrella groups, who say collating best practice will lead to harmonisation across the industry.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2014
Stealing a march
Potential changes to the Berry Amendment, which could lead to the US military buying 100% domestically made athletic shoes, have been touted as a “big win” for certain footwear manufacturers. Could it be the “rebirth of an era of athletic shoe production”
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2014
Maasai Project is the pride of Pikolinos
A chance encounter between a Maasai tribal leader and the founder of a Spanish aid agency led to footwear brand Pikolinios embarking on an inspiring corporate social responsibility project.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2014
Aokang opts for technology as labour costs continue to rise
Major Chinese footwear brand Aokang is stepping back from pursuing cheap labour across China and beyond. It has decided that it will be easier for it to achieve its growth targets by investing in a state-of-the-art supply chain with high levels of
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2014
Expensive Europe attractive again
Footwear manufacturers are making major investments in innovation to automate production. As the example of Ara’s factory in Portugal shows, new technology is transforming operations in high labour cost western Europe, making it attractive again as a manu
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2014
Ethiopia: The next big thing?
It has been described as a “win-win” situation: could the signing of multi-billion dollar contracts to improve infrastructure catapult the African country into the big league of footwear manufacture?
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2014
A fresh approach to athletic footwear
Dow Microbial Control partnered sportswear manufacturer Xtep to find an odour control solution that would work for the Chinese consumer.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2014
On the ground in Asia
Young footwear professional Hilde ter Steege’s first full-time jobs in the industry have been in Surabaya in Indonesia, initially going for a two-month trial in 2010, but now in her fifth year there. Since 2012, she has worked for Dutch children’s brand V
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2014
Brands want cheap shoes but without social strife
A strike by workers at one of Yue Yuen’s factories in China in April 2014 brought widespread condemnation for the outsource footwear manufacturer, including threats from big brands that they would take their business elsewhere. Yue Yuen felt it had done n
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2014
New trade policies: how will they affect us?
A number of major agreements, including the Transpacific Partnership and Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, could alter how footwear is sourced and traded around the globe.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2014
Rocky Brands retains DR commitment
A specialist in work, hunting and western-style footwear, and more recently casual shoes, too, Rocky Brands believes it has garnered great benefit from sourcing a substantial number of its shoes from partner manufacturers in the Dominican Republic, a poli
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2014
Capital gains
A recent spate of footwear brand acquisitions by private equity and investment firms has put the sector under the spotlight. But what is it that these investment groups like and how can the shoe industry benefit?
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2014
Wal-Mart to source more footwear in US
A new footwear factory at Hazelhurst, Georgia, will commence production this year in response to a commitment from retail group Wal-Mart that it wants to source more shoes on home soil. Footwear firm Elan Polo will run the site.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2014
Walk in someone else's shoes
Vintage clothing is more popular than ever, with high-class stores opening in cities all over the world selling second-hand goods that are high quality to stylish people with an eye for a bargain. The trend extends to shoes, but not to the same extent. Fo
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2014
Italy: domestic doom and gloom darkens the footwear landscape
Figures for the first nine months of 2013 showed some export growth for the Italian shoe industry, but on home soil, several years of gloom in the country’s domestic economy are now taking their toll.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2014
History in the making
UK-based footwear production has declined over recent decades but traditional, Goodyear-welted men’s brands have bucked the trend and are reporting increased orders and growing overseas demand.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2013
Chasing spoils from the East
Italian footwear companies, under the guidance of manufacturers’ association Assocalzaturifici, are making a concerted effort to crack China. But as one of the most complex markets, a multitude of barriers stand in their way.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2013
Ecco takes no chances in Russia
Legislation that has come into force regarding the lining of children’s shoes in Russia is lacking in clarity. Danish footwear brand Ecco has decided to err on the side of caution, with knock-on effects for suppliers.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2013
Rocky road to Zero Discharge
A supply chain free from harmful chemicals by 2020 is the ambitious target set by signatories to the Roadmap to Zero Discharge, but the brands know they will need more support if the scheme is to have a substantial and lasting effect.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2013
Reef reaches out
Californian footwear brand Reef has built into its sourcing strategy a series of projects that involve specialist components and materials from small communities of artisans in developing economies in different parts of the world.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2013
One step ahead in the footwear warehouse
Good warehouse management can help footwear companies build success by driving down the cost of distribution while increasing customer service. In this article Jack Rubinger and Don Benson explain how warehouse management technology can play an important
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2013
Why good shoes cost more
Quality manufacturingusing, preserving and passing on traditional skills and craftsmanshipçis an important focus for small, serious footwear firms in Europe and elsewhere. But it looks as though this commitment to making a quality product may not be enoug
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2013
Breaking the mould
No one seems to know whether 3D printing (or additive manufacturing) is the future of technology or an overhyped exercise in gimmickry, but footwear designers are seizing the opportunity to create unusual shapes, faster prototypes and customised component
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2013
Tough message on Mexican water strategy
A new report urges Mexico to give high priority to reforming the way it manages water resources. Traditionally water-intensive industries, such as leather production, are being challenged to become much better at managing their use of water, with knock-on
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2013
The little emperors’ new shoes
2013 marks the 35th anniversary of China’s one-child policy, a strategy that has prevented 300 million to 400 million births, according to the government. But while the jury is out on the long-term social effects of the strategy, Camkids sees it as the re
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2013
Still work to do for León to tie up Loake link
Last year, newspapers based in the Mexican city of León said traditional English footwear brand Loake was set to outsource some of its production to shoe manufacturers there. Loake insisted it had made no such decision, yet.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2013
Crocs bite back
After a long investigation, the footwear brand successfully prosecuted a Chinese gang that had produced $9.5 million-worth of fake goods. But faced with increasingly sophisticated counterfeit operations, are shoe companies fighting a losing battle?
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2013
Italian shoe manufacturers bemoan Brussels labelling decision
A new controversy over product labelling has opened old wounds of division in the footwear sector of the European Union.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2013
School shoes idea moves to Peru
Following the example of El Salvador, the government of Peru has announced that it will hand out new shoes to 2.3 million schoolchildren to help families send their children to school.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2012
Purls of wisdom
Nike’s Flyknit running shoes shone at the 2012 Olympics, but this new method of manufacturing could end up changing more than just a few medal places. Footwear construction experts believe it could have the potential to revolutionise shoe construction the
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2012
Seeking the tools to redraw the landscape
DSW’s ambitious expansion strategy requires careful planning, with the US footwear retailer opening 26 stores in the third quarter of 2012 alone. It hopes next year’s move to a ‘drop ship’ model of stock control will help it grow beyond its physical bound
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2012
Survival strategy
The decline of the Spanish economy has sent shockwaves across Europe. The long-serving president of the national footwear industry federation, Rafael Calvo, has said the industry had to adjust early to the new economic realities, and is strong enough to s
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2012
Lloyd Shoes opts for automation
Work is well under way on a new automated logistics centre that German footwear brand Lloyd Shoes will open in Sulingen, near Bremen, in 2013, coinciding with the company’s 125th anniversary.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2012
Border barriers
Disputes over trade between Brazil and Argentina throughout this year have led to piles of shoes building up at the border.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2012
Shoes on the move
Since the launch of World Footwear 25 years ago, shoe manufacturing has become a truly globalised industry and logistics considerations necessarily play an important role for all manufacturers, brands and retailers. As is the case with most logistics, pac
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2012
The global footprint
A 25th anniversary is the perfect opportunity to take a retrospective look at the world footwear market, a chance to reflect on how far we have come in the past two-and-a-half decades and to make some predictions as to what the footprint might be in the c
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2012
Vietnam: three times cheaper may not be enough
The China Leather Industry Association has calculated that it may be three times cheaper for companies to manufacture their shoes across the border in Vietnam, but there is a danger that infrastructure challenges there may make any advantage short-lived.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2012
School shoes for all
The government in El Salvador has included well made leather shoes in a package of goods it has put together to encourage children to attend school.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2012
The game changes
Wolverine Worldwide has announced a deal to acquire the performance and lifestyle brands of rival footwear group Collective Brands, taking the total number of shoe brands in its portfolio to 16.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2012
A challenge to all partners
Footwear brand Clarks started the year by appointing a new group supply chain director, Nick Cullen (pictured). He reveals that he expects the best manufacturing and logistics partners to challenge the company, to help it grow and to grow themselves.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2012
Thousands of new shoe stores in China
Experts are lowering their forecasts of growth for China’s economy in 2012, but one of the region’s biggest footwear brands is intent on continuing a programme of rapid retail expansion throughout mainland China.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2012
Argentina wants to boost footwear exports
Representatives of Argentina’s footwear industry have met with the country’s minister for external trade, Beatriz Paglieri, to discuss aims for 2012.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2012
A road map going somewhere
One of the most vocal environmental lobbyists is Greenpeace, which has the knack of creating the impression that only it occupies the moral high ground and only through its efforts will the planet be saved and all toxic chemicals be removed. Many might di
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2012
State of the global footwear industry
As footwear manufacturers look ahead to what 2012 might bring, we review the current situation in the industry, examining the varying levels in different parts of the world of footwear production and consumer demand for shoes.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2012
Special team reviews its leather sourcing policy
Footwear experts are working in a special unit at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre to make customised shoes for patients. One of the team’s biggest problems is finding the right leather at the right price.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2010
CPSIA – two not-so-smooth years later
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) is making a difference to the children’s footwear market in the United States but is affecting small, entrepreneurial operators much more than big companies. And things are about to become even m
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2010
China’s shoe requirements to rise
The world’s footwear manufacturers may be about to feel extra pressure on their production capacities if demand for shoes in China doubles.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2010
Shoes top La Rioja export list
Footwear surpassed the Spanish region of La Rioja’s most famous product, wine, in export values in the first four months of 2010.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2010
Tata International renews its ties with Bangladesh
Indian multi-sector group Tata International has joined forces with Bangladeshi partner Nitol-Niloy to set up a new footwear factory in Bangladesh.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2010
Hold-ups and headaches for new footwear industrial park
A proposed new industrial park in Trujillo, Peru, will help local footwear and leather producers to improve their environmental impact and boost their export performance, but not everyone in the city is happy with the decision to go ahead with the project
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2010
Pride of Portugal
Fashion designer Miguel Vieira is a household name in Portugal and his creations are sold internationally. His success comes from discipline and hard work, and his designs are both elegant and sophisticated.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2011
Brave new world for Mexican footwear
Tariffs of 70% on imports of shoes into Mexico from China are about to disappear. Manufacturers in the Mexican market are fearful of how a sharp increase in Chinese imports may affect their businesses.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2011
Global shoe production exceeds 20 billion pairs
A report from Portuguese industry association Apiccaps, the World Footwear Yearbook, states that global shoe production surpassed 20 billion pairs for the first time in 2010. This article explains how Apiccaps arrived at the figure.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2011
Luxury shoe brand takes more control of its traditions
High-end men’s shoe brand J.M. Weston takes great pride in its 120-year-old traditions. When one of the tanneries that supplies it with premium leather got into severe financial difficulty, the footwear firm stepped in to take over. It wants to keep at l
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2011
Sustainable shoe on show at Fimec
Sixty companies contributed materials, machines and know-how to a demonstration area at Fimec 2011 to show off new techniques for footwear manufacture. One of the products on show was, according to the organisers, a wholly sustainable shoe.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2011
Adidas award makes a world of difference to ATP
Success for Reebok with its EasyTone and ZigTech has meant success for key suppliers, including the US company ATP Manufacturing. The insole manufacturer has been able to expand its production base, opening a new manufacturing unit in Ho Chi Minh City, Vi
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2011
The move inland will continue
Major footwear manufacturing group Pou Chen has confirmed that it will make more shoes in China's inland provinces in the future, moving production away from southern and coastal cities, where labour has become increasingly expensive.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2011
Columbia sets its sights on Gore
A storm that has been brewing for years between rival providers of waterproof membrane technology for shoes recently reached new levels of intensity.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2011
Indonesia aims high
The government in Jakarta has confidence in Indonesia’s future as a footwear sourcing destination. It is setting up a new training programme, which it hopes will make 60,000 skilled shoe workers available to footwear manufacturers who are keen to outsourc
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2011
Chrome VI provokes chain reaction
Major European retail group C&A withdrew from sale two models of footwear for small children after a consumer magazine carried out tests on sample shoes and revealed the presence of chromium VI in the leather. The retailer felt it had no choice but to rea
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2011
What goes around comes around
A footwear collection featuring natural materials, innovative lacing and products that fall apart at the end of their life-cycle is the eco-friendly result of a collaboration between Timberland and ecological footwear company Po-Zu.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2011
More or less leather
Fewer cattle going to slaughter means less leather in the footwear supply chain. That’s the situation at the start of 2011, and the leather that is available is likely to go up in price. Industry commentators believe this makes it inevitable that shoe bra
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2011
The end of EU anti-dumping…for now
After nearly five years, anti-dumping duties on imports into the EU of shoes with leather uppers from China and Vietnam end on March 31. Asia and northern Europe are celebrating, but plenty of questions remain unanswered.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2011
Where the action is
Sports and outdoor brand Hi-Tec’s decision to relocate its global headquarters from the UK to the Netherlands is part of a broader push to encourage its employees and customers to be ‘inspired by life’.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2011
Manufacturer believes in Eldorado
New investment from the biggest brands in the business suggests a Brazilian-owned footwear factory in northern Argentina is destined for success.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2011
Origin of the species
Anti-dumping measures against Chinese and Vietnamese leather shoes imported into the European Union expire in March and are unlikely to be renewed. But this is far from the end of the debate about making the origin of footwear clear to consumers.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2011
Movement of the people
The industry in China is in a state of transition, with more and more footwear manufacturers moving out of ‘overheating’ provinces in a bid for lower labour costs and taxes.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2011
Colour comes back to the slopes
The most recent ispo fair, showcasing winter 2010 sportswear and equipment, gave customers a good reason to buy. Styles and colours were fresh looking and there was plenty for all the family.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2010
Geox cuts the ribbon for new logistics hub
Italian footwear brand Geox has built, in record time, what it describes as one of the most modern distribution centres in Europe.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2010
Best foot forward
The footwear sector in South Africa has really suffered in recent years, according to industry representatives. It is hoped the new industrial plan of action (IPAP) introduced by trade and industry minister Rob Davies on February 18 will create new jobs a
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2010
Chain reaction
Since we last wrote about the impact on the footwear industry of the US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act in the November-December 2009 issue of World Footwear, changes have taken place affecting the upstream supply chain partners of big footwear ma
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2010
Onwards and upwards for ESM
The Spanish Footwear Components and Machinery Association (AEC) said at the beginning of January that 2009 had been one of the toughest years ever for the sector, largely because of the harsh global economic conditions. The association’s director general,
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2010
Government backs logistics centre expansion
The Spanish government has agreed to support a project to expand a logistics centre in Elche that is dedicated to the footwear business of Inditex, the parent group of fashion brands including Zara and Massimo Dutti.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2010
Anti-dumping extended for 15 months
The European Union has decided to extend anti-dumping duties on imports of leather shoes from China and Vietnam. The duties have been in place since 2006 because European footwear manufacturers have been able to prove accusations of falsely low export pri
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2010
The rise and fall of labels of origin in the EU
An unexpected turn of events in Brussels has meant the EC might have to backtrack on a decision to allow importers of shoes and other goods to hide country of origin from consumers.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2013
Lighter touch from Vasque
Specialist outdoor footwear brand Vasque has introduced new light hiking and multisports shoes as part of its spring 2011 collection.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2010
Sorel steps into spring
Once a winter-only brand, Sorel has launched its first spring collection for 2011. New sneakers and rain-boots inherit many of the brand’s ruggedly attractive trademark silhouettes and design elements.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2010
Foundations for a good golf swing
Golf has been one of the last major sport categories to come under the scrutiny of footcare professionals and bio mechanics during the explosive, specialised athletic footwear era. Golf shoes were rarely the subject of a kinematic study, let alone biomech
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2010
A Biodegradable Solution
The Fashion & Consumer section of the May/June 2010 issue of World Footwear contained an article on Simple Shoes’ BIO.D range of eco-friendly footwear. It also noted the company’s quest to find ways to reduce the impact of its manufacturing processes and
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2010
Defending Chrome
The third ‘Leather - From Beast to Beauty’ conference, organised by World Leather and specialist training consultancy Leather Wise, took place in London in June. The main focus of the presentations was on producing leather in a more sustainable way. One o
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2010
Made in Indonesia
Rarely can you enter a shoe shop these days without finding a pair of shoes with a ‘Made in China’ label, particularly if it is athletic footwear you are looking for. However, it seems we are likely to see a shift in the coming months, with more pairs of
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2010
Acquisition trail
Demand for new footwear technology and access to new markets has sparked a number of acquisitions in recent weeks.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2010
Tough times for top brands
The challenging economic climate of the last two years has affected the big athletic footwear brands, but they still command an important share of the overall shoe market in the US.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2010
Puma announces sustainable packaging and distribution system
Sports brand Puma announced a new part of its sustainability strategy on April 13, 2010 with an event at the Design Museum in London to unveil a concept called The Clever Little Bag.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2010
DO YOU KNOW YOUR LAST WORDS?
Last manufacturers use four expressions that not everyone may be familiar with and, even those who are, do not necessarily fully appreciate what they mean in terms of a shoe’s performance. They are pitch, spring, range and twist. All help footwear to fit properly and form an essential part of a shoe’s mechanics in walking and running. Although they will vary according to the type of footwear involved, all lasts feature them to some degree.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2010
A NEW SHOE ALLIANCE DESIGNED TO SIMPLIFY PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
ShoeAlliance is the name that has been given to a new integrated concept that combines the services of a group of complementary companies in order to simplify and accelerate the development process for new footwear collections.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2010
Brazilian footwear on the up
Increases in the volume and value of exports, a good average price per pair in key overseas markets, and a rise in employment opportunities at home have combined to give the Brazilian footwear industry a strong start to the year.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2010
Off-season is off the agenda
The footwear industry is an incredibly competitive one, with manufacturers battling for business against other producers in their regions as well as with overseas shoemakers. In recent years, price has been one of the defining market factors, with countries, particularly in Asia, looking to produce the cheapest shoes possible to appeal to the low-end mass market.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2010
Tannery of the Year winner could take on shoe production
A fruitful partnership between the Ethiopian government and Pittards has led to an official request that the UK-based company expand its African operations to include shoe manufacture.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2010
Shoes fall short in lifestyle management
The footwear industry has made too little progress in managing the lifecycle of its components and finished products, shoe designer Galahad Clark has said.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2010
Recycling makes sense
Why Jones & Vining is a great consumer of recycled materials.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2009
US shoe brands walk all over credit crunch
Tales of woe relating to the global credit crunch can be found in newspapers and on news bulletins more or less every day. Retail sales have fallen in many parts of the world and a number of companies have been forced to sell up or simply shut down as a result.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2009
US shoe brands walk all over credit crunch
Tales of woe relating to the global credit crunch can be found in newspapers and on news bulletins more or less every day. Retail sales have fallen in many parts of the world and a number of companies have been forced to sell up or simply shut down as a result.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2009
Here comes the bridal shoe
Awalk through Charlene Clay’s house quickly reveals what’s on her mind these days: her youngest daughter, Karen, is getting married. Hanging in one closet is the billowing ivory wedding gown, zipped carefully into a transparent bag; hanging in another is a row of four small ivory dresses and a tiny black tuxedo – each of her five grandchildren will be in the wedding.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2009
BANGLADESH SEEKS TO IMPROVE PRODUCTION
The footwear industry in Bangladesh is hopeful of a bright future, but it currently suffers from low productivity.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2009
BANGLADESH SEEKS TO IMPROVE PRODUCTION
The footwear industry in Bangladesh is hopeful of a bright future, but it currently suffers from low productivity.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2009
QUESTIONS OVER CUSHIONING: Part two
Biomechanical studies carried out at the German Sport University in Cologne into the use of cushioning in sports shoes have revealed surprising results.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2009
QUESTIONS OVER CUSHIONING: Part one
Biomechanical studies carried out at the German Sport University in Cologne into the use of cushioning in sports shoes have revealed surprising results.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2009
ALTERNATIVES FOR ‘SUSTAINABLE SHOES’ INCREASE
In the first quarter of 2008, shoes made from synthetic materials took over from those with leather uppers as the predominant component of Brazil’s footwear exports. This may be a temporary blip, but it is a worrying sign for the world of leather in any case.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2008
INSOLE SECRET IS OUT
Footwear brands are finding insole technology an effective and affordable way to offer product innovation and win consumer loyalty.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2009
INSOLE SECRET IS OUT
Footwear brands are finding insole technology an effective and affordable way to offer product innovation and win consumer loyalty.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2009
JUTE SUITS DEMAND FOR NATURAL
Asmall footwear components company from Calcutta felt it had hit the big time at the start of this year. APL Polyfab had been in discussion with Texon International—known industry-wide for its insoling, box toe puff and counter materials, non-woven linings, safety toe caps, midsoles and factory consumables—for some time. In February, the two companies announced an agreement under which Texon will take responsibility for developing and bringing to the world market an APL Polyfab product, Renotex.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2008
TPU GOES GREEN
Since its inception in the 19th century, the chemical industry has been using ‘old’ carbon taken from fossil resources, especially oil. It has used it to produce products such as polymers which, after use, are either converted into CO2 by burning or remain unchanged for centuries in landfill sites.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2009
TPU GOES GREEN
Since its inception in the 19th century, the chemical industry has been using ‘old’ carbon taken from fossil resources, especially oil. It has used it to produce products such as polymers which, after use, are either converted into CO2 by burning or remain unchanged for centuries in landfill sites.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2009
CLEVER IDEAS FROM DESMA
The term ‘Wellington’ boot appears to have been first used by the North British Rubber Company sometime in the late 1800s. Boosted by their use in the trenches of the 1914-1918 War they became the essential item of footwear for millions of people wanting a reliable method of keeping their feet dry. Indeed, by the late 1900s, they had become a fashion icon in the form of the green ‘Hunter’ wellie.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2009
WHICH CONSTRUCTION? Part 2
In part one, we looked at the historical development of footwear constructions and dealt specifically with the welted, veldtschoen and cemented methods. These all need lasting machines as part of the process although, in the case of the veldtschoen, variants have appeared where they are no longer needed. This second part includes a number of constructions that also do not use them but are nevertheless used to produce a wide range of footwear types.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2009
School shoe plan lends industry a hand
President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner of Argentina put her full backing behind a plan to put children’s shoes—made by Argentinian footwear manufacturers from leather produced by Argentinian tanners—onto shop shelves for the start of the new school year
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2009
FAT AND FEET
Feet are one of the most underestimated parts of the human body. Each foot’s 26 bones, nearly 100 muscles, hundreds of ligaments plus a complex wiring system of nerves and fuel supplying blood vessels enables their very small contact area with the ground to support and propel all of the body’s mass.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2008
Protection racket
The footwear industry has suffered its fair share of division in recent times over the question of protectionism. This article examines the wider global trade context in which the different points of view on this question have grown up.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2009
South of the border
Mexico’s footwear industry has high hurdles to climb in 2009, but companies that can survive may find they have obvious and powerful advantages over Asian competitors as sourcing and supply chain strategies begin to change in the US.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2009
South of the border
Mexico’s footwear industry has high hurdles to climb in 2009, but companies that can survive may find they have obvious and powerful advantages over Asian competitors as sourcing and supply chain strategies begin to change in the US.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2009
Stomping out the shoe tax
According to the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), a shoe tax that was introduced in the US back in 1930 is harming footwear retailers and needs to be revoked.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2009
Stomping out the shoe tax
According to the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), a shoe tax that was introduced in the US back in 1930 is harming footwear retailers and needs to be revoked.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2009
Why the king of the evening shoe loves leather
Heidi Klum looked as beautiful at the 2008 Oscars as anyone, according to Stuart Weitzman. The New York-based footwear designer and manufacturer had a bit of a vested interest—Ms Klum was wearing shoes from his latest collection, her choice helping to enhance his reputation as ‘the king of the evening shoe’. “I go to Hollywood with the new collection every time,” he explains. “What you have to do is make the shoes available to the stylists who dress the girls. It’s mostly up to the stylists.”
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2008
Brazil begins to exploit its very own ‘China’
It’s probably something of an over-simplification to say that times are tough in the Brazilian footwear market. Overall, jobs in the sector have gone down, by 40,000 according to some estimates, but not all the news is bad..
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2008
Mercosur can help footwear - by keeping its distance
It’s clear from the most recent set of statistics we have seen—published by Serma in Argentina earlier this year—that in South America Brazil dominates the footwear space.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2008
Odd numbers
An explanation of the differences in the sizing systems in use in the US and the United Kingdom on one side, and most of the rest of the world on the other.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2008
Welcome to the slow shoe movement
Swedish entrepreneur Magnus Ericson wants us all to take shoes more seriously.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2008
The state of the industry
A look at how senior footwear people in a number of key markets view the industry at the end of 2008.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2008
From baking to moulding
The unlikely link between moulds for bread and other baked goods an the footwear industry.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2008
The ongoing story of anti-dumping
A full account of the debate that raged in the build-up to the European Commission's decision to launch a formal review into the measures imposed on footwear imports from China and Vietnam.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2008
The ongoing story of anti-dumping
A full account of the debate that raged in the build-up to the European Commission's decision to launch a formal review into the measures imposed on footwear imports from China and Vietnam.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2008
Tannery on tap
Ecco expands its integrated model - with footwear factory and tannery side by side - to its facility in Xiamen, China.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2008
Designers in demand
China needs to find huge numbers of new footwear designers, but at least the country is encouraging talent and creativity.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2008
Natural selection makes shoe manufacturers move on
Why factory closures around Guangzhou could be good news for China in the long run.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2008
Natural selection makes shoe manufacturers move on
Why factory closures around Guangzhou could be good news for China in the long run.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2008
The changing face of Chinese footwear
Volume down but value up on exports, as domestic market demands more shoes than ever.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2008
The carbon footprint of the footwear and leather industry
How CTC made a French government agency's tool for measuring manufacturers' greenhouse gas emissions work for companies in the footwear and leather sector.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2008
The carbon footprint of the footwear and leather industry
How CTC made a French government agency's tool for measuring manufacturers' greenhouse gas emissions work for companies in the footwear and leather sector.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2008
Ideas man says footwear is a special case
The inventor of concepts such as the Reebok Pump says it's easy to think up new ideas. Turning them into a workable product that can help companies win market-share is the hard part.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2008
The song of the south
The solution for Italian footwear manufacturers who are struggling to recruit young people may be to set up production facilities in the south.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2008
The song of the south
The solution for Italian footwear manufacturers who are struggling to recruit young people may be to set up production facilities in the south.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2008
Italy turns to Russia as exports to Germany go down
Exports of Italian shoes are down in Germany and the US, but up in France and the UK. The big success story for Italian footwear exports, however, lies further east.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2008
The world needs more shoes
Technology provider Lectra launches a new version of its Romans software in an attempt to help the industry meet the demands of a growing world population.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2008
Concern in the US
Retail analysts predicts that the price of shoes will rise next year in the largest consumer market in the world as players throughout the footwear supply chain start to pass on rising costs.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2008
Concern in the US
Retail analysts predicts that the price of shoes will rise next year in the largest consumer market in the world as players throughout the footwear supply chain start to pass on rising costs.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2008
CEC-Made-Shoe project looks to add value and sustainability in Europe
Footwear experts from across Europe have completed their work on a project called CEC-Made-Shoe. A first look at their conclusions and suggested next steps.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2008
CEC-Made-Shoe project looks to add value and sustainability in Europe
Footwear experts from across Europe have completed their work on a project called CEC-Made-Shoe. A first look at their conclusions and suggested next steps.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2008
New tools in the battle against complexity
Brazlian components manufacturer Artecola tackles time and materials wastage in the footwear industry.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2008
From Tanners to Shoemakers
How some of the major players on the Indian, Asian and world scene began as, and continue to be, tanners. Their expertise with, and ready supply of, the principal raw material going into shoes gave them the best possible start in the shoe business.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2008
City of Shoes
A fascinating insight into one of the main centres of footwear production in India, the city of Agra, which still has tiny production units scattered throughout its narrow streets and whose key strength is still its highly skilled workforce.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2008
Retail Launches Footwear Strategy
Retail group Retail Industries Limited is launching a chain of footwear stores across India. This, and its move to sell shoes in its supermarkets too, seems set to revolutionise footwear retailing there.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2008
Retail Launches Footwear Strategy
Retail group Retail Industries Limited is launching a chain of footwear stores across India. This, and its move to sell shoes in its supermarkets too, seems set to revolutionise footwear retailing there.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2008
Vietnam: will the new Sourcing Centre Happen?
The authorities in the southern province of Binh Duong insist a massive new all-under-one-roof sourcing centre for the footwear industry will open its doors to shoe manufacturers this year, but it's all gone a bit quiet.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2008
Why US Slowdown could be good news for Footwear Brands
Buyers in big retail organisations could seek to work with fewer brands, but do more business with the ones they keep.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2008
Walking in Mephisto: Pavarotti’s penchant revealed
Even for those who have never been to the opera, there is no mistaking the sound of the late Luciano Pavarotti’s voice or his distinctive appearance. But, despite his extremely public profile, very few people would be able to say what he liked to wear on his feet. Indeed, although people remember his signature white handkerchief, it is doubtful that they would ever have noticed his long-term fascination with Mephisto shoes.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2008
Slicker supply chain will pay off
A project to revitalise the supply chain of footwear brand Payless ShoeSource is coming towards its conclusion and, by the summer, the company will have its new distribution strategy completely up and running. Underpinning this new supply chain set-up is a doubling of its distribution centres.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2008
Slicker supply chain will pay off
A project to revitalise the supply chain of footwear brand Payless ShoeSource is coming towards its conclusion and, by the summer, the company will have its new distribution strategy completely up and running. Underpinning this new supply chain set-up is a doubling of its distribution centres.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2008
Mexican industry mixes it on the streets
The latest footwear-producing country to face life without a cushion against low-cost competition from China is Mexico. Quotas on footwear imports were to come to an end on January 1, making it possible for importers in Mexico to offer cheaper shoes from China to their retail clients.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2008
Mexican industry mixes it on the streets
The latest footwear-producing country to face life without a cushion against low-cost competition from China is Mexico. Quotas on footwear imports were to come to an end on January 1, making it possible for importers in Mexico to offer cheaper shoes from China to their retail clients.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2008
Innovating to survive
At one time, the United States of America was the largest footwear producer in the world. In 1968, there were over 1,000 manufacturing companies. Some were huge with many large factories equipped with multiple production lines. Today, there are less than 300, many of which are very small specialised producers.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2008
Innovating to survive
At one time, the United States of America was the largest footwear producer in the world. In 1968, there were over 1,000 manufacturing companies. Some were huge with many large factories equipped with multiple production lines. Today, there are less than 300, many of which are very small specialised producers.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2008
Strong relationships make for a slick supply chain
Chris Mole joined sports footwear brand Hi-Tec at the end of last year, becoming the company’s new sourcing director. It’s an important role in an organisation that has its roots in Europe and does lots of its business in North America, while its raw materials sourcing and footwear manufacturing happen, for the most part, in Asia.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2008
Strong relationships make for a slick supply chain
Chris Mole joined sports footwear brand Hi-Tec at the end of last year, becoming the company’s new sourcing director. It’s an important role in an organisation that has its roots in Europe and does lots of its business in North America, while its raw materials sourcing and footwear manufacturing happen, for the most part, in Asia.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2008
Today’s typical shoe shopping experience is relatively universal
Today’s typical shoe-shopping experience is relatively universal. A consumer enters the store, quickly scans its entire contents in a single gaze, identifies and moves towards his or her preferred selection, then fingers three or four sample shoes while awaiting the help of a salesperson. DSW, a US specialty branded footwear retailer, has created a very different experience with a unique business model that has brought the company 16 years of success and growth.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2008
Diabetics demand footwear that fits
Every year average citizens learn about new ways to preserve their health or even save their own lives: ways that don’t require a medical degree or million-dollar hospital equipment. Lifelong smokers are finally putting out their cigarettes to cut the odds of developing lung cancer; retirees are popping an aspirin a day to keep the heart attacks away. And for diabetics, an unassuming piece of everyday apparel has emerged as a potentially critical life-saving tool: the humble shoe.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2008
Italy holds firm in face of turbulence
The president of ANCI, the influential National Association of Italian Footwear Manufacturers, Vito Artioli, has begun to talk about an end to the “crisis” the industry there has gone through this decade. He feels that the sector as a whole has achieved a series of changes that make him more optimistic about 2008 than he might have expected to be at one time.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2008
A breakthrough in waterproof footwear?
A small UK company believes that it may have developed something that could revolutionise the outdoor footwear sector. There have been many companies in the past who have rushed to market with what they claimed was groundbreaking technology only to fail. P2i, however, appears to be somewhat different. Rather than rush forward, it has proceeded carefully, pausing many times to make sure it was going in the right direction and that it had all the right equipment.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2007
Quality Shoes — made in Germany
When discussing well-known names in German manufacturing, the region of Lower Saxony may not immediately spring to mind. But, in the small town of Sulingen there is a company which has quietly established a reputation as a supplier of high quality men’s shoes, that are most certainly, ‘Made in Germany’.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2007
Why the leather industry needs to stick together
Contingency public relations is essentially the art of planning for an incident, usually a disaster, you hope will never happen. If it happens to someone else, don’t be so sure that his problem won’t impact on your business.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2007
China — adapting to change
China dominates the world in terms of footwear production; no-one disputes this. The Chinese government has also come to realise the importance of the footwear industry to the development of China’s new economy and opportunities it has provided for thousands of people from poor rural backgrounds to enjoy a standard of living they never previously thought possible.
World Footwear - 06 - Nov/Dec 2007
Corfam — a disaster waiting to happen
In 1966, the Chilean issue of Reader’s Digest claimed that by 1983 demand for leather would exceed supply by 30%. A bold statement, but one with which many at the time agreed. The result was a surge in synthetic upper materials of many types, most of which failed for one reason or another. One, however, did so in such spectacular fashion as to be placed alongside the Ford Edsel, New Coke and Sony Betamax as one of the top 100 branded product failures of all time.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2007
Indonesia—challenged but recovering
The last decade has been most unkind to Indonesia and its people due to climate-altering forest fires and earthquakes, ethnically inspired rioting, the Asian financial meltdown, and a devastating tsunami, to name but a few. But, despite the negatives, there is reason to believe that better days for the industry lie ahead.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2007
India—on a roll
It is not only China that is doing well in world footwear markets. The outlook for India’s leather and footwear industry is also looking very positive according to a recent study by the Confederation of India Industry (CII), with exports growing at 8% and likely to double by 2010. Nevertheless, its share of world markets is still only 2.44% of a global trade, so there is plenty of room for growth.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2007
Footwear in the global economy
Globalisation has had a huge impact on the world economy and Kevin Burke, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), has strong views on the subject. He argues that, despite opinions to the contrary, globalisation is essential to the world’s long-term wellbeing and cites the footwear industry as a leading example of how beneficial globalisation has been.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2007
Foreign currency—managing the risk
Whenever a company or an individual enters into an agreement to trade in goods or services that are priced in a foreign currency, there is immediate exposure to risk in the volatile foreign exchange market. Bob Brown, marketing & sales director at UK-based Capital Currencies Ltd., offers some advice on avoiding the pitfalls.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2007
From function to fashion; the elastic sided boot
Although rubber has been used in footwear for hundreds of years, the concept of incorporating rubber in an ‘elastic’ web did not arrive until the early 1820s, however, the idea quickly caught on.
World Footwear - 05 - Sep/Oct 2007
Southern Europe: Squaring up to a difficult future
Until comparatively recently, Southern Europe was regarded as a cheap source of footwear and leathergoods for both Northern Europe and the USA. That changed almost overnight when China’s access to the WTO unleashed a torrent of highly competitive imports into the markets that Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese manufacturers had rather taken for granted. So how do they stand in today’s global market?
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2007
Sheehan Associates: Defining a different approach
The dictionary defines ‘etc.’ (the abbreviation for etcetera) as meaning “and the rest, and so on, or something similar”. In the footwear industry, its meaning can be very different as is the case with the lining product etc. from Sheehan Associates. But how did this intriguingly named product come about?
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2007
The story of rubber in footwear
An insight into how and why rubber became such an important material in footwear.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2007
Assessing competitiveness
The late 20th century saw footwear production become a global industry. Shoes sold today in one country have very likely ‘visited’ several others during their manufacture. And, while the market economy governs overall trade, most manufacturers find themselves in competitive situations in both the domestic and international markets. Through his many years of experience with UNIDO, Dr Ferenc Schmél is in a unique position to offer an overview of how footwear manufacturers should seek to assess their true competitiveness.
World Footwear - 04 - Jul/Aug 2007
Turkiye, where East meets West
A profile of the footwear industry in Turkiye.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2007
Technology: The size gamble
Leading expert on last development and fit Bill Tippitt looks at the stark lack of consistency in footwear sizing.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2007
Technology: The size gamble
Leading expert on last development and fit Bill Tippitt looks at the stark lack of consistency in footwear sizing.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2007
Management: Consumer product litigation
We live in an age of ever-increasing litigation not the least of which is that concerning manufactured products. In order to discover more on what this can mean for the industry, World Footwear asked Marcy McKee, an associate in the Litigation Group at the Toronto office of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLC for her thoughts.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2007
Technology: Last of the hand last makers
The exodus of footwear production from Western countries has led to a loss of many traditional skills but it comes as somewhat of a surprise that the same scenario is beginning to appear in developing countries such as India. Somenath Ganguly, director of the Central Footwear Training Institute in Agra, explains.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2007
Focus feature: The fight for the future of footwear
The 2007 World Footwear Congress took place in April in Logrono, capital of Rioja,Spain. The discussions during the two-day event focused on manufacturers all over Southern Europe battling hard to define their place in the world market.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2007
What's in a name: Emtex, a textile company through and through
A profile of US footwear products company Emtex.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2007
Business management: Creating a coaching culture in businesses
Life coaching has been getting a mixed press lately, yet it is used a lot in top companies and organisations and has relevance to companies of any size, throughout the footwear industry. Dr Des Rice, PhD, OBE, believes it is worth delving a little deeper.
World Footwear - 03 - May/Jun 2007
Regional Commentary: North Africa
The Maghreb and Egypt have not prospered as well as they might.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2007
USAID and the footwear industry
Donor-financed projects targeted to improve promising industries are regularly undertaken by a multitude of international organisations. The largest individual donor organisation is the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which works on numerous projects connected with the footwear industries in developing countries.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2007
Improving productivity throughwork-study (Part 2)
In the first part of this study Mohammed Siddique, from the Bangladesh College of Leather Technology, measured the performance of a lasting and finishing line. In this second part he analyses the results and shows how productivity can be improved.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2007
Changing dimensions
One of the most important tools in shoe production is the last and, although there are no compulsory last standards, specific control measurements are vital.
World Footwear - 02 - Mar/Apr 2007
History: Turning back the climate clock
As the European glaciers recede under the influence of global warming, archaeologists can look forward to a busy future in terms of historical discoveries such as Otzi.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2007
Safety footwear standards update
Richard Turner, deputy chief executive of SATRA, chairs the CEN TC 161 main committee and the ISO TC94/SC3 committee which together are responsible for the new standards for safety footwear. He explains the implications of the latest legislation.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2007
Russia on the rise?
Only a few years ago, life in Russia was one of long queues and little to buy. Now, all of the world's op brands can be found.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2007
Improving productivity through work-study (Part 1)
Work-study, more widely known as time and motion study, offers a scientific to investigate all forms of work with a view to increasing productivity. It has two parts - method study and work measurement- which are used to systwmatically examine work in all its contexts in order to effect improvements.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2007
Environmental concern can work
It is hard to imagine a more powerful tool to boost the value of the ISO 14001 standard than a world leading brand, renowned for its sensitive approach to the planet, announcing a new range of shoes 'built on leathers made only in ISO 14001 certified tanneries'. That was exactly what Patagonia did at the Outdoor show in Fridrichshafen.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2007
Environmental concern can work
It is hard to imagine a more powerful tool to boost the value of the ISO 14001 standard than a world leading brand, renowned for its sensitive approach to the planet, announcing a new range of shoes 'built on leathers made only in ISO 14001 certified tanneries'. That was exactly what Patagonia did at the Outdoor show in Fridrichshafen.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2007
Focus feature: The changing world of exhibitions
The arrival of new technology has fundamentally undermined the internaional exhibition landscape, yet it is the same technology that provides the solution to the needs of global business in a way that trade shows can no longer match. A new trade fair is harnessing this technology to shape the future of exhibitions.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2007
Focus feature: The changing world of exhibitions
The arrival of new technology has fundamentally undermined the internaional exhibition landscape, yet it is the same technology that provides the solution to the needs of global business in a way that trade shows can no longer match. A new trade fair is harnessing this technology to shape the future of exhibitions.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2007
What's in a name: Cambrelle
The story of Camtex's rise to success from a small base in Cumbria, UK, to become a global brand recognised for quality and innovation is inspiring in the'globalised' industry of today.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2007
What's in a name: Cambrelle
The story of Camtex's rise to success from a small base in Cumbria, UK, to become a global brand recognised for quality and innovation is inspiring in the'globalised' industry of today.
World Footwear - 01 - Jan/Feb 2007
Four traders of the Pacific Rim
The Pacific Rim encompasses a very diverse group of countries and cultures, including the extremes of West Coast USA and Japan, and Australia and the Philippines. All four have leather and footwear industries but again show tremendous differences in both size and structure. They also have very different stories to tell.
World Footwear - Nov/Dec 2006
World record beater
The Guinness Book of Records lists a pair of shoes five metres long as being the world’s largest. They were made by a team from the Philippines Footwear Academy (PFA) in Marikina, the main footwear producing city in the Philippines.
World Footwear - Nov/Dec 2006
Numerical simulation tools
Numerical simulation is currently used in a variety of industries such as automotive, aeronautics and plastics, where it affords important financial and quality benefits. Its potential is not fully recognised in the footwear industry and, as a result, it is seldom used as a manufacturing tool. Jean Luc Chaverot, CTC Groupe, France, explains the potential.
World Footwear - Nov/Dec 2006
Safeguards under WTO
There has been much debate regarding restrictive measures which countries can take with regard to the surge of Chinese exports following its accession to the WTO. World Footwear asked Canadian international trade lawyers Greg Kanargelidis and Prakash Narayanan (at Blake, Cassels & Graydon, LLP) to provide a brief overview.
World Footwear - Nov/Dec 2006
How much planning is worthwhile?
That’s a very good question to pose. Some planning is obviously needed but it is increasingly uneconomic to use manpower to get down to fine detail when unexpected events can still cause disruption. Changing industry requirements have not generally been matched by systems development and this is a topic that is very much one of ‘horses for courses’. While enterprise resource planning, material requirements planning and management information systems are widely used the focus is not on production planning, so the modules related to this can be rather pedestrian.
World Footwear - Nov/Dec 2006
"With these hands we make great shoes"
This was the title of a special autumn exhibition by English shoemaker Church’s held in conjunction with the Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, which houses a huge collection of footwear past and present.
World Footwear - Nov/Dec 2006
Increased performance through employee engagement
How does a business——large or small, national or global——increase its competitive advantage in today’s continuous cycle of improvement? Through service delivery, process improvement and customer knowledge? An area often overlooked is increased people capability and engaged employees who are willing to go that extra mile, according to leading HR expert Kim Reid.
World Footwear - Nov/Dec 2006
Diamond Desma
A look at the history of Desma and how it has diversified over the years.
World Footwear - Nov/Dec 2006
Is there a future for cyanoacrylates?
We are all familiar with ‘superglue’ or cyanoacrylate (CA) to give it its correct title, but what exactly is it and how does it actually work?
World Footwear - Nov/Dec 2006
Adjusting to a changing world
Globalisation has seen the loss of many shoe manufacturers in Europe and North America. This in turn has hit the supply side of the industry in those areas. Some, however, such as Styletek, have found ways to survive and prosper.
World Footwear - Nov/Dec 2006
Footwear management: The significance of accreditation in the supply chain
As the industry and its infrastructure has moved, the organisations that provide services to shoemakers have also had to adapt.
World Footwear - Jul/Aug 2006
Footwear technology: Innovation goes full circle
Frank Toseland and Sons goes back to its origins to survive in the modern world.
World Footwear - Jul/Aug 2006
Regional commentary: India forges ahead
India is a huge country with a vast population, so one might think it would be a shoemaker's heaven. This is not entirely true.
World Footwear - Jul/Aug 2006
Footwear focus: Supply and demand
Time to look at long-term strategies
World Footwear - Jul/Aug 2006
Footwear focus: Are oil-based petrochemicals only a short-term phenomenon?
As the proce of oil rockets, we ask what the future holds for oil-based petrochemicals.
World Footwear - Jul/Aug 2006
Student generation: Technical and design education in the Czech Republic
A look at the technical and design training offered at the Bata University in the Czech Republic.
World Footwear - Jan/Feb 2005
Footwear profile: Haynes & Cann
Haynes & Cann: The British Mk 1 aircrew boot. Shoemaking ot the very highest standards.
World Footwear - Jan/Feb 2005
Footwear profile: Haynes & Cann
Haynes & Cann: The British Mk 1 aircrew boot. Shoemaking ot the very highest standards.
World Footwear - Jan/Feb 2005
Footwear focus: US military boots 'quick march'
Almost all categories of footwear manufacturing in the USA are either in serious decline or have become non-existent. One area, however, is on the increase - military specific boots and shoes.
World Footwear - Jan/Feb 2005
Footwear focus: US military boots 'quick march'
Almost all categories of footwear manufacturing in the USA are either in serious decline or have become non-existent. One area, however, is on the increase - military specific boots and shoes.
World Footwear - Jan/Feb 2005
Footwear Fundamentals: Joint Ventures
Joint ventures and partnerships are all the rage, but both suffer from an uncertainty of definition.
World Footwear - Jan/Feb 2005
Footwear Fundamentals: Joint Ventures
Joint ventures and partnerships are all the rage, but both suffer from an uncertainty of definition.
World Footwear - Jan/Feb 2005
Mangement: IT language laid bare
If you have ever wondered what all the strange IT expressions actually mean, but were too afraid to show your ignorance, here are a few basics.
World Footwear - Jan/Feb 2005
Management: Expansion underfoot
It has taken Helly Hnasen 126 years to make the decision to enter the footwear market. What makes a succesful clothing brand risk the cut-throat world of footwear?
World Footwear - Jan/Feb 2005
Regional Commentary: Eastern Europe - the expanded EU
The dream finally came true with Cenatral and Eastern Europe joining the EU in 2004.
World Footwear - Jan/Feb 2005
The origins of shoe sizes
It is widely assumed that the first shoe-sizing system began in 1324, using barley corns.
World Footwear - Jan/Feb 2005
Protecting against landmines
How footwear manufacturers can help minimise the risk to those living and working in the theatres of war.
World Footwear - Jan/Feb 2005
How risky is your supply chain?
Recent major events, such as tsunamis, hurricanes, and the largest explosion in Europe since the end of WWII, should have been a wake up call for all suply chain professionals in how they manage risk.
World Footwear - May/Jun 2006
Footwear profile: Rhenoflex - Eco-friendly toe puffs and counters
Rhenoflex has been meking toe puffs and counters in Ludwigshafen, Germany, for over 50 years. It has grown steadily in terms of both technical innovation and output, yet its origins are surprising.
World Footwear - May/Jun 2006
Footwear profile: Rhenoflex - Eco-friendly toe puffs and counters
Rhenoflex has been meking toe puffs and counters in Ludwigshafen, Germany, for over 50 years. It has grown steadily in terms of both technical innovation and output, yet its origins are surprising.
World Footwear - May/Jun 2006
Footwear management: Launching a brand
The World Cup is a truly global football affair with 32 teams from around the world competing and millions of fans totally ficused on the tournamnent. Not only is national pride at stake, but a huge multi-billion marketing opportunity. This has led to some innovative products appearing - including boots.
World Footwear - May/Jun 2006
Ötzi died with his boots on
In 1991 a deep frozen corpse was discovered on top of a mountain. Nicknmaed Ötzi, he is the oldest mummy in history. What has fascinated researchers is that his clothes and footwear were astonishingly well preserved.
World Footwear - May/Jun 2006
Footwear focus: Moving the goods around Europe and managing the supply chain
European harmonisation has been designed to set up a fully functioning single market by removing generations of rules and regulations and this has offered European lgistics providers tremendous new opportunities. But mamnging the supply chain for footwear manufactured in the Far East and sold in Europe is an immense task.
World Footwear - May/Jun 2006
Regional Commentary: EU
Europe in turmoil but Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands display different attitudes to the current situation. Meanwhile, although not in the EU, Albania's footwear soars alongside its neighbours.
World Footwear - May/Jun 2006
Aiding diabetics
Introduced as an insole or lining for sports shoes DS2 Drying Sweat System has been successfully tested for use in cases of podiatry problems, such as those suffered by people with diabetes, where open wounds can occur.
World Footwear - May/Jun 2006
EU emissions rulings and their effects
The reduction of Fluorinated gas emissions is a requirement under the Kyoto Protocol. A recent EC directive aims to create a 20% overall usage by 2010. One area to be affected is gas-flled sports shoes.
World Footwear - Mar/Apr 2005
Convergence
Connected footwear is already being called for as all things appear to converge. We have been hearing it propounded for many years, but have seen little. Is this now starting to change?
World Footwear - Mar/Apr 2005
Footwear machinery and systems: CAD systems - look before you leap
Just as the footwear industry has changed over the last decade, so too has the need for computer-aided design. There is now a wide choice of suppliers and also a myriad of factors to be taken into account.
World Footwear - Mar/Apr 2005
Footwear focus: When was the last time a shoe factory opened in the US?
Footjoy Inc. is a remarkable and long-lived company which is at the forefront of golf shoe technology. It is also unusual-if not unique-in opening a new purpose-built shoe factory in the USA. So, what's the story behind this remarkable move?
World Footwear - Mar/Apr 2005
Footwear Fundamentals: Supply chain logistics
Nearly everyone makes their shoes in a different country if not on a different continent from where they sell them, so how do you manage logistics?
World Footwear - Mar/Apr 2005
Regional Survey: Vietnam and Indonesia
Despite the eventual normalisation of relations with the USA a decade or so ago and the prediction of great things, Vietnam hasn't really 'happened'.Meanwhile,Indonesia is struggling to maintain its industry.
World Footwear - Mar/Apr 2005
Footwear profile: a match for life
Rainbow Club is one of the last few dedicated makers of bridal footwear.
World Footwear - 0
A modern manufacturing philosophy
The change in markets and the globalisation of the footwear industry has left its mark. Product ranges and choices have increased as the market has changed from a producer driven one to a consumer driven one.
World Footwear - May/Jun 2005
We are all geopoliticians now
With increasing globalisation, managers are forced to look at the bigger picture.
World Footwear - May/Jun 2005
Country Commentary: Spain
Spain produces approximately 24.5% of Europe's total output, which means that almost one in every four shoes made in Europe is made there.
World Footwear - May/Jun 2005
Improving customer service
Customer relations remain pivotal to success, but positive relationships are nt always east to achieve.
World Footwear - Jul/Aug 2005
Standards for safety footwear
A look at the changes to European and international standards.
World Footwear - Jul/Aug 2005
Footwear Fundamentals: Inventory management
How should one manage inventory in the modern industry?
World Footwear - Jul/Aug 2005
Creating partnerships creates strength
Polyurethan mulding compound producer Elastogram has had to come to terms with the transformation of the industry and looks to the future.
World Footwear - Jul/Aug 2005
Fair trade and human rights
As production continues to move away from the 'developed' world to the 'developing' world, global players need to focus on social responsibility.
World Footwear - Jul/Aug 2005
Footwear Fundamentals: Testing times
Today's footwear industry is more complex and there are new challenges to face regarding demanding consumers and globalisation.
World Footwear - Sep/Oct 2005
Footwear Profile: Jones & Vining - 75 not out
One of the industry's leading companies began in 1930 as a last manufacturer. It has since diversified into one of the most successful shoe component companies in the world.
World Footwear - Sep/Oct 2005
Footwear Focus: Feet for life
Does footwear help or hinder child foot health?
World Footwear - Sep/Oct 2005
Footwear management: Difficult times for Brazilian exporters
Brazilian exporters are dispirited because of the over-valuation of the Real.
World Footwear - Sep/Oct 2005
Strategies for survival: The gold at the end of the rainbow
Business life is so complicated these days that if you have a successful strategy for one period of time you must accept that that's all it is.
World Footwear - Sep/Oct 2005
Regional Survey: Sub-Saharan Africa
Africa is huge and, in terms of leather and footwear manufacture, diverse.
World Footwear - Sep/Oct 2005
Profile: Gola at 100
Gola, the UK's oldest British sportswear brand celebrates its centenary.
World Footwear - Nov/Dec 2005
Footwear Focus: 'The best bootmaker in the world'
The footwear industry covers many manufacturers and products. Right at the pinnacle is the hand or bespoke shoemaker, and John Lobb is arguably the best of these.
World Footwear - Nov/Dec 2005
China - seeking the truth
Obtaining hard data on China's shoe industry is sometimes difficult, but there are some revealing facts to be found.
World Footwear - Nov/Dec 2005
Living with WTO
WTO has created anxiety among footwear and textile producers world-wide who see China becoming the dominant player.
World Footwear - Nov/Dec 2005
Regioanl Survey: Sub-Saharan Africa Part 2
In this second part of the Regioanl Survey of Sub-Saharan Africa, we take a look at just how different two African countries can be - Ethiopia and Botswana.
World Footwear - Nov/Dec 2005
Student generation: Evaluating insocks for rubber work boots
The foot is considered to be the oldest part of the human body as it has not changed its function, and therefore its structure, for over three million years. However, the last 100 years have seen considerable changes in the types of surfaces we walk on.
World Footwear - Jan/Feb 2006
Torielli S.p.A.
A family business that has survived for over 80 years in one of the toughest industries and is still a leader in its field.
World Footwear - Jan/Feb 2006
Liquid forged safety yoe caps
Using an innovative new technology, the Esjot Group, part of Texon International GroupLtd, has produced a toe cap using an aluminium alloy which has some real advantages for both the producer and wearer of safety footwear.
World Footwear - Jan/Feb 2006
Recycling chemical drums
Both shoew and leather manufacturing require a broad range of liquid chemicals and adhesives, both solvent- and water-based. Whilst the main emphasis is on maintaining stocks, out in the backyard thare lies another aspect that is often ignored: the empties.
World Footwear - Jan/Feb 2006
Recycling - a new source of innovation
In recent years, recycling has moved from being something of a gimmick into a serious industry in its own right. Today, there are many different approaches and the course a company takes in respect to this depends very much on the industry in which it operates and the nature of its end product.
World Footwear - Jan/Feb 2006
Brazil - a coutry of mixed fortunes
The combined leather and footwear sectors currently employ half a million people in Brazil. They are therefore an important part of the Brazilian economy.
World Footwear - Jan/Feb 2006
Argentina - a new star is born?
Argentina has had mixed fortunes over the past 50 years, however, there are encouraging signs for the future of its leather-based industries.
World Footwear - Jan/Feb 2006
The zeroing debate
Arguments with regard to WTO continue to rage in many industries and a major complaint is 'dumping'. One method that has been used to try to determine what is and what isn't a genuine case of this is referred to as 'zeroing'.
World Footwear - Jan/Feb 2006
... and who said women don't buy too many shoes?
According to recent research, the average British woman spend £31,000 ($54,000) on shoes during her lifetime.
World Footwear - Mar/Apr 2006
Footwear History: High heels are nothing new
Although many believe Manolo Blahnik's heels are the epitome of fashion, he is merely following in the footsteps of generations of designers that have gone before him.
World Footwear - Mar/Apr 2006
Footwear Profile: American Biltrite Inc.
Suppliers to the footwear industry are usually specialists. There is one American company that is not but, having many of its roots within the industry, continues to be actively involoved.
World Footwear - Mar/Apr 2006
EUROShoe update: Is mass customisation for footwear a reality?
Mass customisation has often been referred to as one of the possible 'paths of salvation' for the footwear industry. Is this the reality?
World Footwear - Mar/Apr 2006
Footwear Focus: Food for thought
Recycling reduces existing environmental problems, but is unlikely to resolve these problems in the long-term. Is there another answer for indutry in general?
World Footwear - Mar/Apr 2006
SATRA continues to move forward
Whilst many organisations serving the footwear sector have struggled as a result of the major changes that have impacted the industry, the SATRA technology Centre in the UK has continued to thrive.
World Footwear - Mar/Apr 2006
Country Commentary: Mexico
Mexico also faces changes. Has it missed the boat in terms of adapting to the new global industry?
World Footwear - Mar/Apr 2006
Country Commentary: USA
The USA - from mighty producer to mighty consumer. It will be no surprise to anyone that the face of the US footwear industry has changed beyond recognition over the past 15 years. However the latest statistics are truly revealing.
World Footwear - Mar/Apr 2006