Founded in 1973 in the heart of the Sportsystem district of Montebelluna, Lotto Sport Italia is today one of the leading companies in Italian sports, clearly identified through its historic logo, the Losanga: a tennis court and a soccer field overlapping, to represent the passion for sports and values such as respect and fair play, which still reflect the company’s DNA. For the AW 25/26 winter season, the brand continues its encounter between sport and quality, reinterpreting its own history. As in the Losanga ’76 men’s model, a white leather sneaker inspired by Italy’s victory in the 1976 Davis Cup, where the iconic Losanga that recalls the brand’s history is reinterpreted in an oversize format, giving it a distinctive and avant-garde look. But Lotto Leggenda is also a sustainability-conscious brand. One example is the OOH!! model, Lo8o’s first eco-sustainable tennis-inspired sneaker, developed in partnership with ACBC, made from materials derived from recycling processes. The sole is partially made from recycled tennis and padel balls, while the upper is partially made from apple processing waste.
The luxury men’s brand LF Luís Figo is born
On the occasion of Pitti Uomo in Florence, Luìs Figo together with his friend, partner and founder Gandolfo Albanese, presented their innovative fashion project: men’s luxury brand LF Luìs Figo. The LF Luìs Figo “new chicwear” main collection, as its founders like to call it, is inspired by contemporary lifestyle, bringing Italian sartorial inspiration into a modern and dynamic context. A total look that tells of Made in Italy: each garment tells a journey between sporty elegance and urban sophistication, perfect for those who live each day as a new challenge, with style and authenticity. Designed for the modern man who wants to be impeccable in every moment of the day, the LF Luís Figo FW 25-26 collection includes a full range of garments, including designer sneakers. Each garment reflects Luís Figo’s personality: the balance between strength and grace, tradition and innovation, designed for the man who seeks garments capable of telling a story of quality, passion, and timeless style.
KEEN: ‘outside fashion’
The brand began its history with the innovative Newport sandal, a hybrid model with a protective toe that revolutionized the footwear industry, and has always been active in environmental conservation and humanitarian support. Today it actively works to identify and replace harmful chemicals in the production chain with safer and more sustainable alternatives, ensuring that every step is responsible and conscious. A brand that likes to call itself ‘Outside’ rather than ‘outdoor,’ because exploration begins everywhere-beyond the doorstep, striving to make the outdoors accessible to all. A commitment that we also find in the new winter collection, where the HYPOWSER OPEN-AIR sneaker stands out, wearable in a snap and which, thanks to the Crushback heel, transforms into a shoe or a slide. It also offers unparalleled comfort thanks to its new extra-thick but incredibly lightweight injected foam midsole.
Also of interest is JASPER ZIONIC, the hybrid sneaker with climbing shoe DNA, reimagined to accompany the urban citizen in everyday experiences. The upper is made of soft ethical suede with detailed stitching, while the lightweight and durable outsole offers enhanced durability and superior performance, grip and agility to cope with dynamic movements. Finally, the contoured fit ensures maximum comfort during movement.
Hyplus+ revolutionizes the way we understand fashion design
Hyplus is the world’s first AI-generated brand, fusing human creativity with advanced technology to create revolutionary clothing and footwear. Artificial intelligence has also enabled the development of Lentishift technology, an innovative system that can generate a lattice effect inspired by the optical field through a double print present in the same garment placement. With this process, the shoes in the collection present a double vision: looking at them from the front, a “+” sign appears as a symbol of positivity and momentum toward the future, while from an opposite angle an ironic and past reference emerges, a dichotomy that makes each creation unique and surprising. The collection is not only an aesthetic project, but a real innovation, which thanks to the incursion of technology imprints character and personality on the materials, without ever putting quality in the background. The collection is divided into two main lines: Hybrid, a never-out-of-stock line always available for iconic garments, supplemented with limited-edition drops designed for those seeking uniqueness and novelty in every release.
The brogue derby protagonist of Green George’s winter
The Marche-based brand of handcrafted footwear since 1971 presented at the last Pitti Uomo its new FW24/25 collection, centered on models that tell of timeless style, meticulous handwork where every step is essential to achieve a shoe of the highest quality, and a spokesperson for a distinctive personality. The main collection, designed for men, finds in the Brouge derby one of its best spokespersons: made of fine leather-colored calfskin, it is embellished with a dark toe cap with an antiqued effect, the result of careful manual workmanship that enhances its unique character. The real strength of this model, however, lies in its sturdy tank-type rubber sole, which guarantees maximum durability and grip, making it perfect for tackling any situation with style and practicality. Among the most iconic pieces in the collection we also find the moccasin in soft suede leather with tassels, offered in light brown tones and featuring on the toe and heel a special aging process. The classic Blake workmanship gives the shoe greater flexibility and durability, while grip and practicality are ensured by the rubber lug sole.
Filmore: inspired by and respectful of nature
A sustainable brand that takes care of every aspect of the product, starting from the first sketches, through the choice of materials and modern, timeless designs, and ending with fair working conditions. Filmore chooses responsibly produced LWG-certified leather combined with unique soles made from recycled materials. Design, production and packaging take place mostly in Europe according to quality standards. Nature, which Filomre respects and protects, is also the source of inspiration for clean designs, designed to transcend seasons and fashions, and natural tones, which set the tone for each collection.
The brand’s launch in 2023 was also in the spirit of originality: by purchasing a pair of shoes, the first 100 customers got 0.01% share in the brand, becoming part of the company. A unique steel installation with 100 illuminated “shoe boxes” was built, accompanied by a website that, in real time, showed the light that, for each shoe sold, would go off inside the shoe boxes.
EMU: the allure of nature
Distinctive styles – from waterproof sheepskin boots in the Platinum and Sharky lines to wool sneakers and all-weather footwear – place comfort, durability and timeless elegance at the center. This collection reflects EMU’s commitment to quality and the timeless beauty of nature-inspired design. Handcrafted in Australia, the Platinum line features styles for men and women, made with an environmentally friendly tanning process that reduces water consumption and using biodegradable materials and Australian sheepskin to create products that are friendly to feet and the planet. The boots in this line feature replaceable insoles that extend the life of the product. More boldly designed, on the other hand, is the Sharky line, featuring a sole inspired by the sharp, serrated shape of sharks’ teeth. In this area, the “Blurred” model stands out, with a sporty, modern and fashionable silhouette and an EMU-branded ribbon.
Campomaggi Outdoor: functional aesthetics
After the debut of the previous edition, dedicated to nature lovers, the line expands with new proposals designed to offer the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics. Backpacks, fanny packs and travel bags combine the lightweight nature of nylon with the elegance of vegetable-tanned leather. For this season, they are available in a refined black colorway, enhanced with leather details in shades of gray. The new color variant embodies timeless elegance and uncompromising style, with each bag standing out as a unique piece, thanks in part to the natural tanning process that preserves the leather’s natural characteristics. The collection includes accessories with a practical and functional design, perfect for enjoying outdoor leisure time in total comfort. Multiple pockets, adjustable straps, and technical details ensure these bags are ideal for those who love to explore and experience nature.
Michelin soles for Würth MODYF’s Cronos line
The international workwear and footwear group Würth MODYF chooses Michelin soles, synonymous with quality and durability, for its new line of work footwear. From the collaboration between Würth MODYF and JV International, worldwide licensee of Michelin soles, comes Cronos: a collection designed to provide workers with maximum protection on construction sites and on uneven terrain, where they face harsh weather conditions and high risks every day.
The Cronos line is definitely the flagship product of the 2024-25 catalogue for Würth MODYF Italia. It is a line of safety shoes with exceptional performance, designed for professionals who every day work in extreme conditions and for this they need resistance, reliability and safety. “For this important project, we have chosen to entrust the manufacture of our soles to a brand recognised by all as synonymous with excellence, the Michelin Group. Already an international leader in the world of tyres, it has in recent years expanded its range of services to include the footwear market. We are proud and satisfied to have them as our business partner; they have exceeded our highest expectations,” comments Loris Baldo, Head of Category Management at the Würth MODYF Group.
With this partnership, high quality Work&Safety meets Soles by Michelin technology, offering operators safety they can count on, step by step.
Two shoe models have been designed for the specific needs of workers: Cronos S3S and S7S. Here the Michelin sole plays a key role, not only because it is certified for slip, oil and contact heat resistance, but also because it offers thermal insulation, heel protection and lateral stability. The special tread design also ensures optimal grip while maintaining good footwear flexibility.
The design of the latter, together with the combination of the compound materials, make the Cronos collection an emblem of excellent quality in the world of occupational safety.
Cronos S3S
The new Cronos S3S work shoe is designed for the toughest and most adverse working conditions, where the use of a durable and comfortable sole really makes a difference. In fact, the Michelin-certified sole makes it a perfect shoe for dirt or oily surfaces, thanks to its non-slip certification. Like all S3 models, it is water-resistant; the nubuck leather upper has a water-repellent treatment that protects the foot while working outdoors. To ensure maximum safety at work, the shoe is equipped with a fibreglass anti-crush toecap and an anti-puncture textile insole. This way, not only are you protected in case of falling heavy objects or if you walk on nails or sharp splinters, but you also have a light and comfortable Metal Free shoe to wear during long working days. The Cronos S3S is available in Low and Mid versions, in two colours: black for the Low and brown for the Mid.
Cronos S7S
The Cronos S7S model has the same features as the S3S model, but has greater protection against water. In fact, it too has an upper in prestigious water-repellent nubuck leather, while the addition of the Modytex® membrane gives it complete water repellence, perfect for those working outdoors or in very wet environments. As for the S3S model, it has a PS fabric insole that prevents perforation of the foot, as well as a fibreglass toecap to protect the toes from impact and crushing. Also for the S7S model, it is the quality of the materials used and the robust Michelin sole that make the difference, making it a stable and resistant shoe with performance and quality levels above the market average. In fact, the Cronos line is recommended for the construction industry and for those work contexts that are particularly tough and require greater solidity and robustness.
Cronos S7S
Il modello Cronos S7S ha le stesse caratteristiche del modello S3S, ma ha una maggiore protezione contro l’acqua. Anch’essa ha infatti una tomaia in prestigiosa pelle nabuk idrorepellente, mentre l’aggiunta della membrana Modytex® dona completa idrorepellenza, perfetta per chi lavora all’aperto o in ambienti molto umidi. Come per il modello S3S, ha una soletta in tessuto PS che impedisce la perforazione del piede, oltre a un puntale in fibra di vetro per protegge le dita da urti e schiacciamenti. Anche per il modello S7S, sono la qualità dei materiali utilizzati e la robusta suola Michelin a fare la differenza, rendendola una scarpa stabile e resistente, con performance e livelli qualitativi superiori alla media di mercato. La linea Cronos è infatti raccomandata per l’edilizia e per quei contesti lavorativi particolarmente duri e che richiedono una maggiore solidità e robustezza.
Expoprotection 2024: a dynamic fair in a growing market
A dynamic, well-visited fair that closed with a more than positive balance. Expoprotection 2024, the biennial safety exhibition in Paris, held from 5 to 7 November, recorded an attendance of 17,700 visitors, a figure that represents a growth of +7% compared to the event two years ago. On show, in Hall 1 of the Parc des Expositions at Porte de Versailles, were 660 exhibitors, 55% of whom came from abroad, representing 40 different countries, testifying to the growing role that the event plays in the sector’s international calendar.
A good fair that reflects an expanding market. The data released by Atlas d’En Tout Sécurité lead to optimism: the French safety market grew by 7% in 2023 for a total value of €36.6 billion, a dynamic that seems destined to be replicated in 2024 even if the specific PPE sector (which includes footwear) showed lower growth (+4.4%) than the general average. The breakdown of the market by product type sees footwear accounting for 16% of the total value.
The French event provided a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of safety products, technologies and services in various fields, from occupational safety to fire prevention, from cybersecurity to emergency management.
The area dedicated to safety at work offered a broad review of the latest generation of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), including exoskeletons for the ergonomic handling of loads, intelligent fall protection systems and respiratory protection devices with high-efficiency filters. In this field, the range of safety footwear was, as always, very well represented with the presence of the major players in the sector, including around twenty Italian companies that used the Parisian trade fair platform to launch the latest product novelties in both components and finished footwear. As has been the case for many years now, research has focused on the desire to lighten working footwear to improve the perception of comfort while preserving the safety aspect, even for use in the most difficult contexts. A challenge that affects every component of the shoe: from the toe cap to the anti-puncture plate, from the upper materials to the sole components. To arrive at the optimum result, increasingly sophisticated combinations of materials and devices are being experimented with, promising top-level technical performance at a lower weight to ensure better product ergonomics. In parallel, innovation focuses on the development of eco-friendly materials and solutions, with footwear made from recycled materials and production processes with low environmental impact.
In the range dedicated to PPE, great attention was obviously also paid to technical clothing, which sees the use of increasingly innovative fabrics that combine comfort, resistance and protection, as well as to safety signs, with digital and interactive solutions for risk prevention.
More generally, this edition of Expoprotection was characterised by its focus on technological innovation, with the presentation of solutions based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). In addition to showcasing products and services, Expoprotection provided an important opportunity for discussion and debate on security issues. The programme of conferences and workshops offered participants the opportunity to explore topical issues such as: The evolution of the European regulatory framework on safety at work; The management of psychosocial risks and the promotion of organisational wellbeing; The impact of technological innovation on safety and privacy; Training and awareness strategies for a widespread safety culture.
The next Expoprotection will be held in 2026, also in Paris, from 3 to 5 November.