Italy Footwear Manufacturing Market Report 2025
Executive Summary
The Italian footwear manufacturing industry is navigating a challenging yet stabilizing period in 2025. After experiencing significant contractions in the first half of the year, the sector shows signs of recovery with a projected full-year turnover of
€12.8 billion, representing a
3.1% decline compared to 2024
Assocalzaturifici (assocalzaturifici.it). This represents a marked improvement from earlier projections and indicates the resilience of Italy's world-renowned footwear sector.
Market Performance Overview
Production Landscape
The Italian footwear manufacturing sector faced headwinds throughout 2025, but the trajectory shows improvement:
Industry Structure Changes
The consolidation trend continues in 2025:
- Active manufacturers: Decreased by 3.4% by end of September 2025
- Employment: Fell by 2.3% compared to 2024
- Current base: 90 active footwear manufacturers identified across Italy
Export Performance: The Backbone of Italian Footwear
Exports remain the lifeblood of Italian footwear manufacturing, with approximately
85% of shoes produced destined for overseas marketsAPLF (aplf.com).
Overall Export Statistics (First 8 Months 2025)
| Metric | Value | Change vs. 2024 |
|---|
| Total Export Value | €7.72 billion | -1.3% |
| Total Export Volume | 131.8 million pairs | +4.3% |
| Average Price per Pair | €58.58 | -5.3% |
The data reveals an important market dynamic: while volume increased, the average price declined, suggesting a strategic repositioning toward more competitive pricing following the double-digit price increases of 2022-2023
Assocalzaturifici (assocalzaturifici.it).
Key Export Markets Analysis
Strong Performers:
| Market | Value Change | Volume Change | Key Insights |
|---|
| European Union | +2.2% | +7.6% | Accounts for ~70% of total exports; remains the cornerstone market |
| Germany | +6% | +10% | Strongest EU performer |
| Middle East | +13% | N/A | Most dynamic non-EU region |
| United Arab Emirates | +26.6% | N/A | Leading Middle East growth driver |
Challenging Markets:
| Market | Value Change | Volume Change | Key Challenges |
|---|
| Far East | >-20% | >-20% | Sharp decline led by China (-24.6%) and other major Asian markets |
| USA | +2.9% | -4.2% | Tariff concerns affecting 55% of exporters; avg price >€101 per pair |
| Russia | -17.8% | N/A | Geopolitical tensions continue to impact trade |
| CIS Region | -9.2% | N/A | Broader regional decline |
Italian Footwear Manufacturing Base
Italy maintains a robust network of specialized footwear manufacturers across the country. The manufacturing ecosystem includes 90 active producers ranging from artisanal workshops to established industrial players, with particular concentrations in traditional footwear regions like Marche, Tuscany, and Veneto.
Manufacturer Capabilities
The Italian footwear manufacturing base demonstrates diverse capabilities:
- Traditional Craftsmanship: Artisanal and handmade footwear specialists preserving Italian heritage
- OEM/ODM Services: Manufacturers offering contract manufacturing for international brands
- Specialized Categories: Safety footwear, sports shoes, luxury leather goods, outdoor/trekking boots
- Innovation Focus: Companies combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design and technology
Notable Manufacturing Hubs
Marche Region: The heartland of Italian footwear, housing companies like CALZATURIFICIO ANNABELLA S.P.A. in Montegranaro and FIORANGELO S.R.L., known for handmade footwear excellence.
Tuscany: Home to manufacturers such as LEPO CALZATURE S.R.L. and specialized producers focusing on premium leather shoes and fashion footwear.
Veneto: Features producers like OASI DI BOLZONELLO DAVIDE in Trevignano, offering OEM manufacturing capabilities.
Campania: Includes manufacturers such as FORTUNA S.R.L., serving both domestic and export markets.
Domestic Market Dynamics
While exports dominate, the domestic Italian market shows resilience:
- Q3 2025 Performance: Internal consumption grew +2% in volume
- Overall 9-Month Trend: Stable consumption maintained
- Pre-Pandemic Comparison: Still 7.7% below 2019 levels
- Import Volume: Increased 12.8% (271.6 million pairs), primarily driven by re-export logistics, particularly in sportswearWorld Footwear (worldfootwear.com)
Strategic Outlook and Market Trends
Signs of Stabilization
The third quarter of 2025 marked a
turning point for the industry. After steep declines in the first half (-9.5%), Q3 showed a significantly reduced turnover decline of just -0.9%, indicating that the worst may be over
Fashion Network (fashionnetwork.com).
Key Challenges Facing the Sector
- Tariff Pressures: Particularly in the US market, where 1 in 5 exporters faces severe consequences
- Geopolitical Instability: Ongoing tensions affecting trade with Russia and broader CIS region
- Credit Access: Difficulties in accessing financing for working capital and growth
- Asian Market Slowdown: Significant contractions in China and other Far East markets
- Price Pressure: Need to balance "Made in Italy" premium with competitive global pricing
Competitive Advantages
Despite challenges, Italian footwear manufacturers maintain distinctive strengths:
- Brand Heritage: "Made in Italy" continues to command premium positioning, especially in EU and Middle East markets
- Quality Craftsmanship: Artisanal expertise and attention to detail remain unmatched
- Flexibility: Ability to serve both luxury and competitive market segments
- Innovation: Combining traditional techniques with modern design and sustainable practices
- Diversification: Strong manufacturer base across multiple footwear categories
2026 Outlook and Recommendations
Market Opportunities
-
European Market Consolidation: With 70% of exports and consistent growth, deepening EU market penetration remains the safest bet
-
Middle East Expansion: The 13% growth and 20% surge in UAE present significant opportunities for luxury and premium footwear
-
Pricing Strategy Optimization: The market correction in average prices creates opportunities for manufacturers to reposition offerings across price tiers
-
Emerging Markets: Turkey, Mexico, and other non-traditional markets show potential for diversification beyond saturated channels
Critical Success Factors for 2026
- Market Diversification: Reducing dependence on declining Asian markets by strengthening presence in Europe and Middle East
- Product Portfolio Balance: Maintaining both premium luxury offerings and competitively-priced "Made in Italy" options
- Operational Efficiency: Addressing cost pressures while preserving quality standards
- Digital Transformation: Leveraging e-commerce and digital marketing to reach new customer segments
- Sustainability: Meeting growing demand for environmentally responsible production
Conclusion
The Italian footwear manufacturing sector demonstrates remarkable resilience in 2025. While the 3.1% decline in turnover reflects real challenges, the industry's ability to stabilize in the second half of the year, maintain strong European market positions, and capture growth in dynamic regions like the Middle East confirms that "Made in Italy" footwear retains its global appeal.
With 90 active manufacturers spanning from artisanal workshops to industrial-scale operations, Italy maintains a diverse and capable production base. The path forward requires strategic focus on high-performing markets, pricing optimization, and continued innovation while preserving the craftsmanship heritage that defines Italian footwear.
The sector enters 2026 with cautious optimism, having weathered the storm and positioned itself for recovery in traditional markets while exploring new growth frontiers.