Footwear news and archive

Women’s footwear FW26 trend predictions

As the major Fall/Winter 2026 ready-to-wear collections begin in mid-February, the key footwear trends and must-have styles are coming into focus. Post-pandemic shifts in consumer demand continue to influence design, with heel heights going lower or giving way to platforms. Boots with flat or low heels will trend as they ‘go with anything’ and...

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Designing on trend: What Deity Shoes tells fashion law in 2026

Fashion never moves in a straight line. It loops. Trends resurface, silhouettes return and “new” designs often feel suspiciously familiar. Shoes, bags and garments evolve through seasons, references and visual languages. In an industry built on remixing, the line between inspiration and infringement is rarely obvious. So, when designs start to...

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Fashion

OECD-EUIPO study reveals strong links between counterfeiting and labour exploitation

Counterfeiting has long plagued the fashion industry, but a new joint study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) reveals a darker reality: the illicit trade in fakes is inextricably linked to severe labour exploitation. Titled “From Fakes to Forced...

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Fashion

Cultural shifts shaping Fall Winter 26/27 footwear

As we look toward Fall Winter 2026/27, in response to evolving consumer needs and broader cultural movements, four distinct footwear shifts emerge. These directions blend intentional design with emotional resonance, offering footwear that honors both mindful practices and heritage traditions while addressing new forms of individual expression....

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World Footwear analysis: a divergent market heading into 2026

World Footwear’s latest Retail Flash report, published December 23 last year, paints a starkly contrasting picture of the global footwear landscape. While e-commerce growth and margin erosion are consistent global themes, their operational impacts vary radically by region. For decision-makers, the message is unequivocal: business models must...

Fashion|In Pictures

Manolo Blahnik unveils collaboration with Balenciaga

The luxury fashion houses of Balenciaga and Manolo Blahnik have come together for a special collaboration celebrating the “dual Spanish roots” of both brands and the “elegance of craft” that unites them. Luxury footwear designer Manolo Blahnik has collaborated with Balenciaga creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli on three styles for the fashion...

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Groupe RAS: a French independent's strategy to compete with sneaker giants

French footwear specialist Groupe RAS (Rautureau Apple Shoes), the owner of brands No Name, Schmoove and Armistice, is entering a new phase in its history, driven by a complementary management duo. Propelled by international acceleration and a diversification into apparel, the company is now organising itself as a “creative start-up” to...

Fashion|In Pictures

Molly-Mae Hague teases Adidas collaboration

Influencer Molly-Mae Hague has teased a collaboration with sportswear brand Adidas on her social media. In a joint Instagram post with Adidas UK, Hague stated: “Three Stripes. One Vision. Curated by Molly-Mae. Coming Soon.” This was shared with campaign imagery featuring the influencer wearing black Adidas three stripe joggers styled with a...

Retail

Vessi opens first US retail store

Canadian waterproof footwear and lifestyle brand Vessi, which rebranded last year to support its growth ambitions, has opened its first-ever retail store in the US. The Vancouver-founded brand has opened its debut store at Bellevue Square in The Bellevue Collection, in Bellevue, Washington, a shopping centre featuring more than 200 retail stores...

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Ground Up expands into hosiery via expansion of PepsiCo partnership

Footwear licensing firm Ground Up has expanded into hosiery after extending its existing partnership with PepsiCo through the addition of the Cheetos brand. The partnership, driven by licensing agent The Joester Loria Group, marks the first time Ground Up has ventured into the hosiery category, building on the firm’s ongoing evolution “from a...

Fashion

Vivobarefoot partners with NFL star to drive barefoot awareness

British footwear brand Vivobarefoot, known as a leader in the barefoot (minimalist) shoe movement, has announced a partnership with NFL American football wide receiver Mack Hollins to champion barefoot education and “foot freedom”. The move marks Vivobarefoot’s first step into the world of professional sports as it looks to showcase how...

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Marubeni acquires the Jacobson Group, owner of Gola

Japanese conglomerate Marubeni Corporation, which operates across various business sectors, including lifestyle, food, agriculture, chemicals, and energy, has acquired UK-based footwear brand owner Jacobson Group Limited, which owns heritage British trainer brand Gola, as it looks to form a lifestyle brand business platform. The acquisition...