Global Weekly Footwear & Leather News Roundup: Dec 6 – Dec 19, 2025
Reading time: ~ 6 minutes
This report provides a comprehensive digest of the most significant developments in the global footwear and leather sectors . From leadership reshuffles at major corporations like Nike and Foot Locker to the rise of bio-based materials. And shifting trade dynamics in Europe and South America. The industry is currently navigating a complex landscape of recovery and technological transformation.
Mango Expands Footprint With Chicago Store
The Spanish fashion retailer Mango has officially opened its 60th store in the United States, located in Chicago. This strategic move highlights the company’s aggressive expansion plan within the American market, which has now become one of its top five global markets, signaling a strong belief in the resilience of brick-and-mortar fashion and footwear retail…..
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Foot Locker International Appoints New President
Following the acquisition of Foot Locker by Dick’s Sporting Goods, Matthew Barnes has been named the new President of Foot Locker International. Barnes is tasked with accelerating the brand’s global business momentum and executing critical turnaround strategies aimed at recapturing market share in the highly competitive lifestyle and performance athletic footwear segments throughout 2026.
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Kering Foundation Launches New Research Program
The Kering Foundation, in partnership with McGill University, has introduced a new research program focusing on the intersection of violence against women and children. This initiative underscores the luxury conglomerate’s commitment to social responsibility, a core pillar for brands like Gucci and Bottega Veneta as they seek to align their corporate values with modern consumer expectations….
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Super Saturday Expects Record Shopping Volume
An estimated 159 million consumers are expected to shop on the last Saturday before Christmas 2025. This record-breaking “Super Saturday” highlights a robust holiday season for footwear retailers. Despite inflationary pressures, consumers are prioritizing footwear and apparel gifts, leading many brands to optimize their inventory and logistics to meet this unprecedented late-season surge in demand….
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H&M and Stella McCartney Collaborate
Sustainability takes center stage as H&M announces a new partnership with designer Stella McCartney, two decades after their first iconic collaboration. This 2025 collection focuses heavily on innovative, low-impact materials, including bio-based leather alternatives and recycled textiles, aiming to make high-end sustainable design accessible to a global audience while reducing the industry’s carbon footprint…..
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Nike Reports Gains Amidst Market Pressures
Nike has reported modest financial gains for the second quarter of 2025, primarily fueled by a strong recovery in the North American market. However, the sportswear giant continues to face significant hurdles, including ongoing weakness in the Chinese market and mounting pressure from trade tariffs, which are currently weighing on its overall global performance and fiscal outlook. Read More
Leather Footwear Market Growth
Global leather footwear market projections for 2025 show steady expansion, valued around USD 162 billion, driven by premium demand and sustainability. Asia-Pacific leads consumption and production, with challenges from alternatives but opportunities in craftsmanship and eco-innovations persisting into the decade…
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Caleres Softens Outlook Amid Margin Pressures
Caleres, the footwear powerhouse behind brands like Famous Footwear and Sam Edelman, has softened its year-end financial outlook. The company cites persistent margin pressures and shifting consumer behavior as primary reasons for the adjustment. Despite these challenges, Caleres continues to focus on inventory management and digital growth to stabilize its position in the competitive footwear market..
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Industry Trends Sustainability Focus
Footwear trends in 2025 emphasized recycled materials, bio-based alternatives, and technology integration. Environmental consciousness reshaped manufacturing, with brands prioritizing durability, personalization via AI, and eco-friendly options to meet evolving consumer preferences for performance and planetary responsibility…
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Argentina Apparel and Footwear Imports Surge
Argentina has reported a staggering 101% surge in apparel and footwear imports between January and October 2025, with China leading the supply. This massive influx reflects a shift in local trade policy and a growing demand for affordable fashion. However, local manufacturers are raising concerns about the impact this may have on the domestic leather tanning industry…
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Swiss Brand Wins Circular Design Award
A Swiss footwear brand was recently honored for its breakthrough in circular shoe design, which utilizes a fully recyclable mono-material construction. This award highlights the growing importance of “end-of-life” planning in footwear manufacturing. By ensuring every component can be easily disassembled and reused, the brand is setting a new standard for the industry’s transition toward a circular economy….
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Sneaker Voting and Year Review
2025 sneaker highlights spanned retros, collabs, and innovations, with voting brackets for top releases. Memorable drops reflected creativity in Nike, Jordan, and beyond, marking the decade’s strongest year in design and cultural impact.
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Indian Leather Exports Target New Regions
Facing pressure from higher U.S. tariffs, India’s leather and footwear industry is actively exploring alternative export destinations including Russia, Africa, and Central Asia. Industry leaders believe diversifying export markets will reduce dependency risks, protect employment, and stabilize revenues while navigating geopolitical trade disruptions affecting traditional Western markets…
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Kanpur Leather Industry Shows Strong Growth
Despite global trade headwinds, Kanpur’s leather sector recorded nearly 16% growth in 2025. Strong domestic demand, smaller export diversification, and adaptation to fashion-oriented footwear helped local manufacturers offset tariff impacts. The region remains a key contributor to India’s leather ecosystem through MSME-driven resilience…..
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Clarks Launches First U.S. Concept Store
Clarks expanded its retail strategy by opening its first U.S. concept store under the Cloudsteppers brand in Texas. The store blends comfort footwear with lifestyle-driven retail experiences, aiming to reconnect with younger consumers while reinforcing Clarks’ global presence in an increasingly competitive casual footwear market……
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Portuguese Association Promotes Professional Footwear
The Portuguese Footwear Association (APICCAPS) has launched a new international campaign to promote high-performance professional and safety footwear. Focusing on ergonomics, durability, and technical leather, the campaign targets specialized markets in Northern Europe and North America. This niche sector continues to show strong growth as workplace safety regulations become more stringent globally….
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India–Oman Trade Pact Boosts Leather Sector
The proposed India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is expected to improve market access for Indian leather and footwear exporters. Industry associations anticipate increased exports, job creation, and competitive tariff advantages once the agreement is finalized and implemented across relevant product categories.
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Grandpa Shoes Trend Gains Popularity
“Grandpa shoes” are making a strong fashion comeback, driven by comfort-focused designs, chunky soles, and retro aesthetics. Major fashion brands are reinterpreting classic silhouettes for modern consumers, signaling continued demand for ergonomic yet stylish footwear in upcoming seasonal collections.
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Delhi HC Restricts Footwear Trademark Use
The Delhi High Court barred RSPL’s subsidiary from using the “Power Flex” trademark for footwear products. The ruling reinforces intellectual property enforcement in India’s footwear sector and highlights the importance of brand protection amid increasing competition and private-label market expansion..
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Global Footwear Awards 2025 Winners Announced
The Global Footwear Awards 2025 recognized brands and professionals for excellence in innovation, sustainability, comfort, and design. The awards highlight evolving industry benchmarks and celebrate companies pushing boundaries in materials, manufacturing processes, and consumer-centric footwear solutions
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Indian Shoe Tech Exhibitions Gain Momentum
Recent footwear technology exhibitions in India highlighted innovations in materials, eco-friendly components, cutting efficiency, and automation. These events support knowledge sharing among manufacturers and encourage adoption of advanced technologies to improve productivity and sustainability across footwear factories.
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Conclusion
The period of December 6–19, 2025, has highlighted an industry in the midst of a pivotal transition. While established giants like Nike and Caleres are adjusting to economic pressures through leadership reshuffles and softened guidance, there is a clear, aggressive move toward sustainability and technological integration. From Portugal’s modernization projects to the rise of bio-based collaborations like H&M and Stella McCartney, the future of footwear and leather is being shaped by high-tech accuracy and an unwavering commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
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