National footwear industry association Assocalzaturifici has confirmed that it will apply to have Italian shoes included in the Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). 

Assocalzaturifici president, Giovanna Ceolini, announced the organisation’s intention to submit the bid at the start of Micam in Milan on September 13. 

Ms Ceolini (pictured) said: “The art, the heritage involved in making our shoes is not particular to a town or city or region, the way many UNESCO listings are. It is for the whole country.” 

The general manager of Assocalzaturifici, Giorgio Possagno, told Footwearbiz that the organisation will know early in 2027 if the bid will go ahead.