At PERFORMANCE DAYS from 29-30 October 2025 in Munich footwear will get its own area again. Visitors of the sustainable sourcing fair for functional fabrics and accessories will get a deep dive into the future of footwear with highlights like cutting-edge innovations and exciting new formats like the area Footwear Workshops & Exchange.
The new area Footwear Workshops & Exchange is a hub for hands-on knowledge and professional development. Expert-led sessions, supported by PFI Pirmasens and SATRA, provide valuable insights into material testing, EU regulations, and the impact of sustainable choices on performance and durability.
More to explore at the Footwear Forum & Tech Hub
Of course there will be again a handpicked selection of the best footwear materials and forward-thinking concepts that are shaping the future of responsible design in the Footwear Forum. In partnership with SATRA, the new footwear Tech Hub features live testing machines and offers a close-up look at the latest testing technologies and performance standards in the industry.
Networking with footwear industry experts
To dive deep into the latest in materials, design, and sustainability, PERFORMANCE DAYS has teamed up with a group of proven industry experts including Defne Yalkut and Richard Kuchinsky sponsored by framas. They will also lead interactive sessions, showing how combining sustainability and high performance is one of the biggest and most exciting challenges in today’s footwear industry. Both combine user-centric design with a deep understanding of material performance, functionality, and sustainable thinking.
Richard Kuchinsky is the Founder of The Directive Collective, a footwear design consultancy specializing in performance running and innovation. With over 25 years of industry experience, he has led design and development for global brands, blending strategic vision with technical execution from concept to commercialization. A 5-time Boston Qualifier with a marathon PR of 2:50:39, Richard brings a runner’s perspective to every project. He lives in Toronto, Canada, with his family.
Defne Yalkut is the owner of DYdesign, a Milan-based design studio offering design and trend consultancy services for technical and athletic footwear. Though her background is in Fine Arts, with a focus on Textile and Fashion Design, her true passion for footwear began at an early age. That passion led her into the industry over 20 years ago, starting with 12 years as a senior designer at Vibram, where she became an expert in sole design and development across all segments. Beyond creating functional and innovative footwear, Defne’s deeper purpose lies in teaching. With over a decade of experience in education, she founded the Sole Design Academy, an online platform that helps footwear professionals of all levels master the craft of sole design and manufacturing, while becoming more mindful creators who leave a lighter footprint on the planet.Exclusive Interview with Richard Kuchinsky and Defne Yalkut
In this interview, Defne and Richard share their perspective on the current state of the industry, the need for meaningful innovation, and the unique value of open dialogue at events like PERFORMANCE DAYS.
What goals do you share with PERFORMANCE DAYS in pushing innovation in the footwear industry?
Richard: “For me, innovation starts with problem-solving. It’s easy to make something different. But making something better—that’s the hard part. Innovation should always start with the why: What problem are we solving? Who are we solving it for? Why does the product exist? The best innovations, in my opinion, are driven by experience—either from athletes or real users. That’s a lot more meaningful than simply asking, “Here’s a new material—what can we do with it?”
Defne, what can participants expect from your session “Smarter Soles, Smaller Footprints”? Why is sustainable sole design such a timely and important topic?
Defne: “Participants will gain insight into the full journey from materials to manufacturing — understanding how to make soles as sustainable as possible. The sole is not only the largest component of a shoe but also the most complex and the one with the greatest environmental impact. The sole industry faces numerous challenges, from raw material sourcing to mold production. It's time to bring more awareness and smarter solutions to this essential element of footwear.”
Why is it crucial for designers to attend events like PERFORMANCE DAYS regularly?
Richard: “Because of the variety of viewpoints and inspiration. You don’t get that depth of interaction online. At PERFORMANCE DAYS, we have panel discussions, lectures, informal meetups—and that creates an environment for real exchange.
Also, you often discover something unexpected. You might go in looking for a footwear solution and come across an idea from apparel or accessories that sparks something new. That’s the beauty of a physical show.”
Where do you see the biggest challenges — but also the most promising opportunities — for implementing circular design in footwear?
Defne: “The biggest challenge is human greed — the drive to produce for less and sell for more. I’m not a circularity expert, but I believe real circular design requires a consumer base that genuinely cares and is willing to support sustainable products. Unfortunately, most consumers still prioritize low prices. It’s a vicious cycle. The opportunity lies in shifting consumer behavior and proving that circularity can be both feasible and desirable.”
How important is the exchange between designers, brands, and material suppliers for the industry's development?
Richard: “It’s essential. That’s what makes a show like PERFORMANCE DAYS so valuable. In-person interaction is irreplaceable. You get to touch materials, feel products, and have real conversations—over a coffee, a beer, whatever. That connection leads to better understanding and better design. You can’t get that from a Zoom call.”
Your workshop “Eco-Sole Challenge: Rethink, Reuse, Recreate” sounds highly interactive. Can you share what the hands-on experience will look like and what key takeaways attendees can expect?
Defne: “After exploring strategies to reduce environmental impact in sole design, participants will use a “sustainability map” of materials and production steps to rethink and redesign some of the most unsustainable sole examples — all on paper. They’ll work with sustainability kits that include various material and concept components. We'll share the results on-screen, open up the conversation, and give feedback. Attendees will leave with a clear, practical guide on how to reduce the footprint of their soles while still being creative.”
What can participants expect from the workshops in the new Footwear Area at PERFORMANCE DAYS? What topics will you cover?
Richard: “I’ll be focusing on innovation through iteration. For me, it’s all about evolving a design—not just doing one round and calling it finished, but going through multiple versions, testing, tweaking, and learning. Today, many designers work digitally—on screens, in 3D software—and while that has huge benefits, it can also short-circuit the deeper process. You don’t get that same learning unless you make physical samples, wear them, try them, and revise them. That’s what I want to highlight. Faster isn’t always better. Easier isn’t always better.”
You’re not only a designer but also an educator. Why is it so important for you to raise awareness around sustainable design thinking among the next generation of footwear professionals?
Defne: “I’m encouraged to see that Gen Z is already much more conscious of environmental issues. They value eco-sustainability more deeply than previous generations — who, quite frankly, contributed heavily to the problems we face today across industries. Raising awareness among the next generation is crucial because they’re not only the future professionals but also the future consumers — and they’re increasingly demanding more responsible products.”
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from your experience as a footwear designer?
Richard: “Sample, sample, sample. You can never have too many rounds of samples. Of course, at some point, you have to call it finished—but the more samples and test rounds you go through, the better the result. There’s no shortcut.”
How are alternative materials and emerging technologies shaping the future of the footwear industry — and which developments are you most excited about right now?
Defne: “I'm particularly excited about bio-based and biodegradable materials. They offer huge potential for the future — although they are still relatively expensive, they’re moving us in the right direction.”
If you could send one key message to the footwear industry, what would it be?
Defne: “We don’t need thousands of styles, colors, and limited editions. Let’s focus on producing less, producing smarter — and creating less waste.”
