Arsutoria Studio
Arsutoria Studio

A+A 2025: focus on sustainability

A new chapter will be added to the world of occupational safety and health: A+A in Düsseldorf will open its doors again from 4 to 7 November 2025. Under the heading “People Matter” the leading global trade fair and A+A Congress will once again bring together pioneering thinkers, innovators and practitioners.
The registration for exhibiting at this important event is now open and companies and organisations from all over the world are invited to register and showcase their innovations in the fields of safety at work, sustainable security and health at work next year.
The world of work is changing ever more dynamically – a major challenge for all those dealing with the topic of safety and health at work. Digitalisation, artificial intelligence, climate change, demographic change, flexible working and other occupational safety trends are relevant themes at A+A 2025. In times of climate change the trade fair will also increasingly focus on sustainability and circularity next year addressing the challenges and solutions in these fields.

Explore, experience, understand

A+A 2025 with the A+A Congress is more than just a trade fair – it is a space to experience the latest technologies in occupational safety and health. Exoskeletons, Virtual Reality solutions and drone technologies will become graspable while best practices and progressive products that re-define industry standards will be on display.
The international line-up of forums at A+A 2025 provides a stage for exchanging ideas and discussing strategies to master the challenges of a rapidly changing world of work. At the same time, the A+A Fashion Show 2025 will stage new trends in workwear and protective clothing: presented on the catwalk will be innovative designs and sustainable materials that reconcile utility with style – a highlight for all those seeking modern solutions for more safety and comfort at the workplace.

A vision becomes graspable: VISION ZERO
At the A+A Congress 2025 visions will be turned into graspable realities set to shape tomorrow’s culture of work. Centre stage will be the innovative use of Artificial Intelligence, which revolutionises the world of work by opening up new possibilities for efficiency and safety. The overarching goal is to achieve a culture of prevention in line with VISION ZERO. This is about coordinating measures to entirely avoid serious occupational accidents and diseases – or drastically mitigate their consequences. In this connection risks associated with new hazardous substances also play a key role. Especially small and medium-sized enterprises are to be supported in adapting to a rapidly changing world of work. This additionally requires new education concepts in occupational safety.

ARCTIC GRIP PRO, the most advanced “all rubber” sole from VIBRAM

 Jalas, Monitor, Sixton Peak and Solid Gear are some of Vibram’s partner brands that for the professional sector have chosen the performance of the most advanced technology for grip on wet ice. Years of research, development, testing and studies by Vibram, a leading brand in the production of high-performance rubber soles, have led to the evolution of a wide range of products that were born for the outdoor sector and later landed in different contexts of use.
This is the case of Vibram Arctic Grip Pro, Vibram’s most advanced innovative “all rubber” solution ever, designed specifically for the work & safety segment and, in particular, to meet the need for continuous grip on icy and particularly wet ground in the workplace.
Intended for professionals who work in cold temperatures, Vibram Arctic Grip Pro is combined with Vibram compounds specifically developed for the industrial segment, a key step that can make it perform and last longer in work environments that reach very cold, icy temperatures in winter. It also complies with European and U.S. legal standards for occupational safety.
More and more of Vibram’s work & safety partners are choosing the performance of Vibram Arctic Grip Pro technology for their flagship models, among them: Jalas, Monitor, Sixton Peak, Solid Gear.

1.
Jalas 1398 Heavy Duty Winter GTX powered by Vibram Arctic Grip Pro

Technical features:
– Waterproof safety boot, ideal for wet and very cold winter season – Vibram Minus 40 compound outsole with Arctic Grip Pro technology perfect for increased grip and durability performance on ice, especially wet
– Vibram 3-ANGLE lug design that allows excellent traction and braking ability. Vibram Arctic Grip Pro lug placement is designed to emphasize grip and traction properties on wet ice
– Highly protective full-grain leather upper and Gore-Tex® lining for maximum support, protection and breathability
– Composite toe cap and toe insert for added toe protection.

2. 2b. Monitor Icebreaker powered by Vibram Arctic Grip Pro

Specifications:
– Best-in-class safety boot for use in industrial and harsh environments;
– Monitor Icebreaker features Vibram Minus 40 compound outsole: designed to emphasize the performance of Vibram Arctic Grip Pro technology, and to provide the best grip performance on icy surfaces and packed snow;
– The sole design is designed to optimize stability. Vibram Arctic Grip Pro lugs are placed in areas where more grip and braking is required and are designed to emphasize its properties;
– Made of full-grain upper, the model features a sealed inner zipper that prevents liquids from entering;
– Wintherm interior insulation uses an aluminum foil that reflects heat back to the foot and keeps it dry.

3. Sixton Peak Rotor powered by Vibram Arctic Grip Pro

Specifications:
– Polar line safety boot designed for the safety of those working on icy, snowy and muddy terrain;
– The product features Vibram sole with Arctic Grip Pro technology, made with Vibram Minus 40 compound: the ideal combination to optimize grip on wet ice;
– Sole design designed to emphasize the traction and stability properties of the sole. Vibram Arctic Grip Pro lugs are placed in areas where more grip and braking is required;
– Rugged Hydro 1.8-2.0 mm grain leather upper combined with a rigid internal structure designed for foot control;
– Four-filament carbon fiber webbing that provides the antistatic values tested in the shoe.

4. Solid Gear Tigris GTX AG High powered by Vibram Arctic Grip Pro

Specifications:
– Lightweight and cushioned winter work & safety boot
– Sole made with Vibram Arctic Grip Pro technology, designed to meet the need for grip on slippery surfaces such as wet ice. The compound used is Vibram Minus 40, designed to offer the best grip performance at low temperatures.
– Vibram design designed for self-cleaning due to drainage channels for oils and other substances to improve grip and safety in the workplace. Virbam Arctic Grip Pro technology lugs are placed in areas where more grip is required and are designed to emphasize the performance of the technology
– Rugged nubuck and Cordura® upper and Gore- Tex® inner membrane that provides waterproofing
– Boa® Fit closure system and reinforced toe box to protect toes.

1.
Jalas 1398 Heavy Duty Winter GTX powered by Vibram Arctic Grip Pro

Caratteristiche tecniche:
• Stivale antinfortunistico impermeabile, ideale per la stagione invernale umida e molto fredda • Suola in mescola Vibram Minus 40 con tecnologia Arctic Grip Pro perfetta per aumentare le performance di grip e durata su ghiaccio, in modo particolare bagnato
• Design con tassellatura Vibram 3-ANGLE che permette ottima trazione e capacità di frenata. Il posizionamento dei tasselli in Vibram Arctic Grip Pro è studiato per enfatizzare le proprietà di grip e trazione su ghiaccio bagnato
• Tomaia in pelle pieno fiore altamente protettiva e fodera in Gore-Tex® per il massimo supporto, protezione e traspirabilità
• Puntale in materiale composito e inserto in punta per una maggiore protezione alle dita.

2. 2b.

Monitor Icebreaker powered by Vibram Arctic Grip Pro

Caratteristiche tecniche:
• Stivale best in class antinfortunistico per un utilizzo in ambienti industriali e in contesti rigidi;
• Monitor Icebreaker è dotato di suola in mescola Vibram Minus 40: studiata per enfatizzare la performance della tecnologia Vibram Arctic Grip Pro, e per offrire le migliori prestazioni di grip su superfici ghiacciate e su neve compatta;
• Il design della suola è studiato per ottimizzarne la stabilità. I tasselli in Vibram Arctic Grip Pro sono posizionati nelle aree dove è richiesto maggiore grip e frenata e sono studiati per enfatizzarne le proprietà;
• Realizzato in tomaia pieno fiore, il modello presenta una zip interna sigillata che impedisce l’entrata dei liquidi;
• L’isolamento interno Wintherm utilizza una pellicola di alluminio che riflette il calore verso il piede e lo mantiene asciutto.

3.

Sixton Peak Rotor powered by Vibram Arctic Grip Pro

Caratteristiche tecniche:
• Stivale antinfortunistico della linea Polar, progettato per la sicurezza di chi lavora su terreni ghiacciati, nevosi e fangosi;
• Il prodotto è dotato di suola Vibram con tecnologia Arctic Grip Pro, realizzata con Mescola Vibram Minus 40: la combinazione ideale per ottimizzare il grip su ghiaccio bagnato;
• Design della suola studiato per enfatizzare le proprietà di trazione e stabilità della suola. I tasselli in Vibram Arctic Grip Pro sono posizionati nelle aree dove è richiesto maggiore grip e frenata;
• Tomaia robusta in pelle a grana Hydro 1,8-2,0 mm, unita ad una struttura interna rigida progettata per il controllo del piede;
• Nastro in fibra di carbonio a quattro filamenti che garantisce i valori antistatici testati nella calzatura.

4.

Solid Gear Tigris GTX AG High powered by Vibram Arctic Grip Pro

Caratteristiche tecniche:
• Scarponcino work & safety invernale, leggero e ammortizzato
• Suola realizzata con tecnologia Vibram Arctic Grip Pro, progettata per rispondere all’esigenza di grip su superfici scivolose come il ghiaccio bagnato. La mescola utilizzata è la Vibram Minus 40, studiata per offrire le migliori prestazioni di grip a basse temperature.
• Design Vibram studiato per il self-cleaning grazie ai canali di drenaggio di oli e di altre sostanze per migliorare la tenuta e la sicurezza sul posto di lavoro. I tasselli con tecnologia Virbam Arctic Grip Pro sono posizionati nelle aree dove è richiesto maggiore grip e sono studiati per enfatizzare le performance della tecnologia
• Tomaia robusta in nubuck e Cordura® e membrana interna in Gore- Tex® che garantisce impermeabilità
• Sistema di chiusura Boa® Fit e puntale rinforzato per proteggere le dita del piede.

Lenzi Egisto, continues on the road of textile innovation

Founded in 1898 in Prato, Lenzi Egisto® has long been synonymous with technological innovation, quality and product reliability. Thanks to its ability to innovate in the year 2002, L-Protection®, the puncture-resistant textile insole that effectively changed the way safety footwear is produced worldwide, was born.

The company has also made its mark in other fields. Over time, Lenzi Egisto® has also designed and created innovative textile solutions for chainsaw protection, as well as for motorcycle and military clothing.

Products under the Lenzi Egisto® brand are still made at the historic headquarters in Vaiano, near Prato, now owned by FF srl, where it has operated its own departments and research laboratories since 1936. Since 2008, L-Protection® brand perforation-resistant insole materials have also been produced directly for the Asian market by GVT in Panyu, a suburb of Guangzhou. Since 2020, thanks to the collaboration with FF, GVT has expanded its productions and is now able to manufacture Lenzi® materials designed and developed in Italy. GVT is therefore able to produce directly in China, at Asian costs, textile materials obtained with Italian technology.

In recent years, PU Tek® and Perspair® were born out of Lenzi® R&D.

PU Tek® is now synonymous throughout the world with a line of fabrics characterized by very high mechanical performance, particularly with regard to rub resistance.

Perspair®: engineered fabrics for motorcycle clothing uppers and jackets, with the possibility of differentiated performance zones. Perspair® fabrics are now a “must-have” for major brands of technical mountain and safety footwear, as well as for casual and fashion footwear.


NEW DENIM
New for the coming season at Lenzi is NEW DENIM. The new fabric solves several problems typical of denim: it does not stain thanks to the great color fastness; it presents a denim shade continuity defining a uniform color; thanks to the 100% nylon composition it is extremely resistant and with high mechanical performance.

More than $7.5 million the business generated by the 31st edition of INSPIRAMAIS

More than a thousand innovative materials presented by the more than 150 exhibitors and dedicated to the footwear, apparel, tapestry, furniture and jewelry industries, with an expected turnover of more than $7.5 million: these are the interesting numbers that characterized the 31st edition of INSPIRAMAIS, held January 21-22 at the FIERGS Event Center in Porto Alegre/RS , Brazil. The traditional event dedicated to innovation showcased a wide range of cross-sectional materials from Brazilian leather suppliers-from bovine to exotic skins-offering stylists, buyers, and brand managers a highly curated selection of business partners, as well as other materials that are an integral part of the fashion supply chain, concentrating in one space all the resources necessary for the development of creative and quality fashion collections. Indeed, we recall that Brazilian leather is in high demand and sought after, even by Italian and European companies, because of its high quality.

According to Silvana Dilly, superintendent of the Brazilian Association of Leather, Footwear and Manufactured Components Companies (Assintecal), INSPIRAMAIS showed the recovery of the fashion production chain, which was shaken by the floods that devastated Rio Grande do Sul last May. “The transversality of materials as a competitive tool has helped the sector in this recovery. Today we have brought together here materials that serve from the pet market to the footwear market, thus offering a wide variety of possibilities.”

Present for the first time at the Inspiramais show was the automotive upholstery sector, which generated significant business in both the domestic and international markets.

New projects also included the Buyer Project, carried out as part of Brazilian Footwear, an export support program for the components sector promoted by Assintecal in collaboration with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) and which brought 23 international groups from Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico and Paraguay to the show.

Inspiramais is promoted by the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB), the Brazilian Association of Companies of Components for Leather, Footwear, and Artifacts (Assintecal), the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (Abit), the Brazilian Furniture Industry Association (Abimóvel), and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil).


Discovering the COURO & ARTE and BOLZANO tanneries

On the occasion of Inspiramais, the editorial staff of ARS SUTORIA was invited to visit two important tanneries in the Rio Grande Do Sul region. These are the COURO & ARTE tannery (www.couroearte.net), based in Lindolfo Collor, the national capital of cowhide products. With more than 20 years of presence in the market, it operates in the processing of hides (mainly pony leather) for footwear, furniture and decoration, distinguishing itself by an innovative vision and high product quality. Present in the international market (Australia, New Zelanza, China, USA and Europe), it exhibits at Lineapelle Milan and Lineapelle New York.


Another visit of great interest was to the BOLZANO tannery (www.bolzanobrasil.com) based in São Leopoldo city. A modern tannery, established 25 years ago, with state-of-the-art machinery of the best Italian brands and about 100 employees, very attentive to sustainability and LWG Gold certified. Specializing in a quality product, Bolzano is positioned in the medium-high end of the market: the heart of production is nappa leather for the fashion world. They have an international clientele in different countries such as Colombia and Argentina in South America, France and Italy in Europe, and work with many American brands. The owner is of Italian origin, Sergio Bolzan Panerai, while the business is run by his son Augusto Panerei, who attends major international fairs, starting with Lineapelle Milan and Lineapelle New York.


FUTURMODA 2025: focus on sustainable machinery

The ‘benchmark event for components, leather, textiles and machinery for footwear and leather goods returns to Elche, Spain, on March 12-13, 2024. This year, machinery will take center stage, with over 20 leading companies showcasing advanced and sustainable technological solutions for footwear and leather goods manufacturing.

Among the highlights on display will be specialized machines for producing eco-sustainable footwear, designed to reduce environmental impact and optimize resources. These cutting-edge technologies cover a wide range of production processes, including innovative soles, anatomical insoles, and components made from recycled and biodegradable materials.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the capabilities of 3D printing machines, which can produce prototypes and final parts with millimeter precision, reducing production time and costs. These tools are key for developing customized products with unique designs, adapting to the growing demands of the market.

Another major attraction will be automated machinery for material cutting and assembly, which enhances process efficiency and minimizes waste. These machines not only optimize productivity but are also essential for meeting sustainability standards demanded by consumers and international regulations.

The exhibition area will feature live demonstrations of these innovations, allowing visitors to witness their functionality and the benefits they can bring to their production lines.

Slight growth in German footwear sales in the domestic market

According to the Federal Association of the German Footwear and Leather Goods Industry, the budget of German shoe manufacturers for the year 2024 shows lights and shadows and varies greatly from company to company. While strong brands with a high presence in international markets have performed well, suppliers in some segments, such as business or comfort, still face significant challenges.

However, domestic sales of the German footwear industry showed a moderate nominal increase, while foreign trade transactions were lower than expected. The number of employees remains stable, wage and salary trends are significantly above the rate of inflation. This is according to the latest data from the Federal Statistical Office (destatis.de) compared to previous years.

From January to November 2024, total sales in the footwear industry reached 2.12 billion euros, nominally representing a slight increase of 2.4 percent compared to the equivalent period in 2023, when sales reached 2.07 billion euros.

In Germany, sales increased from 1.55 billion euros in 2023 to 1.62 billion euros in 2024 (+4.5 percent). On the other hand, foreign sales decreased by 6.6 percent from 528 million euros to 493 million euros; 61 percent of foreign sales were in the euro zone.

The total value of footwear exports was about 10.4 billion euros in 2024 compared to 10.1 billion euros in the previous period, an increase in export value of about 3 percent. Poland and France remain the most important destinations for exports.

On the import side, for 2023 it was about 11.9 billion euros; in 2024 it reached 11.7 billion euros, with a slight decrease (the December figure for 2024 was estimated)-a 1.7 percent drop. It is particularly noteworthy that Vietnam, with 2.6 billion euros in 2024, replaced China (2.5 billion euros) for the first time as the most important country of origin for the entire year.

In a state of recession for the second year in a row, Germany thus shows that it urgently needs new impulses to improve its industrial position, starting with measures to reduce the heavy burdens resulting from general legal conditions and excessive bureaucratic obligations, for which HDS/L hopes that lawmakers at the European and German federal level will take action and refocus on the competitiveness of the economy.

All set for Micam, Mipel and Lineapelle

Unique details, timeless design, stylish details: these are the ‘must-have accessories’ that will be presented through the events scheduled at the end of February at Fiera Milano, essential and unique elements capable of embellishing the most sought-after total looks worldwide.

The alliance between the appointments dedicated to fashion that are able to bring together international and national buyers is renewed, offering a unique opportunity for business and anticipation of future trends. MICAM Milano, MIPEL and TheOne Milano will open the stage from 23 to 25 February, ending with Lineapelle, from 25 to 27 February.

The presence of 2,858 brands, 46% of which from 51 countries, underlines and confirms the value of a synergy capable of combining innovation, tradition and business. Last September there were 41 thousand visitors from over 70 countries.

During the press conference presenting the events, the Lombardy Region’s Regional Councillor for Tourism, Fashion, Design, Territorial Marketing and Major Events, BarbaraMazzali, stressed: «In Milan we are used to seeing fashion on the catwalks, but those fashion shows could not exist without the supply chain of Lombardy’s 28 thousand companies, which account for 16% of the region’s GDP and represent the excellent know-how of Lombardy, where 45% of Italian fashion is produced, it should be remembered.»

MICAM

Now in its 99th edition, MICAM celebrates Game Changers, that is, anyone who is able to understand the conventions of the past in order to innovate them, opening up to new horizons in a sector, that of footwear, that is in constant movement. The over 800 brands exhibiting at MICAM are the protagonists. The expected operators will find a wide range of collections for AW 25-26, emerging designers with their exclusive and sought-after creations, and will be able to get up to date on a variety of topics, from new trends to sustainability, with talks by gurus and retail experts. There will also be the eagerly awaited fashion shows and the Future of Retail space. For Giovanna Ceolini, President of MICAM, «our entrepreneurs are undoubtedly daring. It takes courage to succeed every season in bringing new collections to the market. This year MICAM will be celebrating its 100th edition in September and is happy to once again give space to manufacturers and buyers who are facing great difficulties today.»

 

MIPEL

For Claudia Sequi, President of MIPEL, the fair represents «a unique cross-section in the international leather goods panorama. It is not only a commercial hub, but also a point of reference for the sector to discuss the market situation and new trends. It is at delicate times, such as the current one, that you have to be ready to seize the opportunities that open up and you have to be in the right place at the right time.» New trends, handbags, backpacks, fanny packs, suitcases, trolleys, hats, gloves, umbrellas, belts, wallets, as well as the latest from the world of leather goods. There are several novelties at this edition: from the return of brands such as Biasia, Bonfanti, Gabs, Caterina Lucchi, Titan and Travelite to the creation of a real workshop, where the public can observe and experience the process of making leather objects up close.

 

LINEAPELLE MILAN

Spring Summer 2026 will be on stage at the stands of over 1100 exhibitors (manufacturers of leather, fabrics, synthetics, accessories and components; with Italian tanneries playing the leading role). There will be many events: from the design of Lineapelle Interiors to the fashion shows of Lineapelle Designers Edition; from the craft workshops of In The Making to the in-depth studies of the Science Based Fashion Talks; from the projects of the fashion schools to the vitality of the Amici per la Pelle competition. Fulvia Bacchi, Director of Lineapelle: «I am amazed by the ability of companies to achieve, every season, a high level of innovation obtained through great research effort. To be able to produce beauty every six months is a real challenge, especially given the edginess of the market.»

BarbaraMazzali


For 50 years, Moro Minuterie’s details have made the difference

On the Moro Minuterie website, the photo that Arsutoria itself took during the event organised for the 40th anniversary milestone still stands out. The smiles and hugs of that shot can also be found, 10 years later, in the images depicting the celebration of the half-century of activity of the Paduan company.

At the end of 2024, in fact, Moro Minuterie celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala evening organised in the historic Villa Sagredo, in Vigonovo.

The company from Padua, an international reference point for the study, production and supply of metal components, reached this important milestone by following the philosophy and values that have always guided and distinguished it.

Thanks to the commitment and sacrifices of the founders Nildo Moro and Donata Pozzan, Moro Minuterie’s adventure, which started out in a garage, was transformed over the years into a company that grew and consolidated. In 1990, the headquarters were moved to the industrial area of Padua and today, spread over 4,000 square metres of production, warehouses and offices, and with around twenty employees, it boasts an annual turnover of around 3.5 million euro, 60% of which is exported.

In 2000, Marta Moro, together with her husband Carlo Benedetti, created and managed Teknolinea, the international partner that allows Moro Minuterie to preside over countries and market segments that cannot be reached directly from Italy.

Silvia Moro, flanked by Moro Minuterie’s staff, remains in Padua, at the helm of the company since 2004.

But what are the company’s strengths? The variety and quality of the products as well as a very attentive pre- and post-sales customer service. And let’s not forget the added value of always having focused on Made in Italy and 0 km suppliers: «Being able to say that everything we sell is made in-house in full compliance with European and international standards, plays in our favour», the company emphasises.

To this wonderful Italian story, which began in 1974 with the construction of equipment for stamping small metal parts in a small place in the province of Padua, and which over the years has come to represent an international benchmark in the production of small metal parts, go the best wishes of the entire sector.


Luigi Carnevali, when history is based on research for the future

Luigi Carnevali S.a.s. was founded in the early 1900s, specialising in the production and sale of buckles, trimmings and embroidery. At the time, the company had also taken over the representation of the French company ‘Leon’, which was particularly renowned for the production of highly valuable vermeil (a variety of gilded silver) enamelled buckles. Luigi Carnevali’s dedication to the beautiful and well-made aroused and still arouses the interest of a very discerning clientele that includes prestigious brands and Maisons including, to name but a few: Bottega Veneta, Prada, Gucci, Luis Vuitton and Cristian Louboutin. Devoted to innovative, quality products, the company introduced gutta-percha to Italy: an exclusive material, of which Luigi Carnevali is still the dealer, made from the incredibly breathable natural rubber used to reinforce leather. The merger in 2017 with the sister company Resinoll, a leader in the production and marketing of thermo-adhesives for garments, has made Luigi Carnevali competitive at 360°: in footwear, leather and fabric clothing.

But why talk about a company’s past when it is the challenges of the present that are pressing? Because it is on those solid foundations that the Italian company continues to rest its future developments, because it is thanks to the know-how acquired over more than one hundred years of history that today it can provide customers with the best possible solutions, operating not just as a supplier, but as a true consultant. On the strength of its long course, today we could call Luigi Carnevali the Mr. Wolf of footwear and leather goods, the partner that solves your problems!

“Our objective – stresses Alessandro Crivello, Sales Manager – is not simply to sell, but first of all to understand the real needs of our customers, identify the most suitable reinforcement and only then propose it. With more than 50 products always in stock, we are able to guarantee quick and efficient deliveries.”

What are the most popular products on the market lately?

“For the past ten years or so, the most popular type of product has been that which gives materials a soft hand and great comfort. Thanks to our in-depth knowledge of materials and products, we have been able to meet the needs of the market by supplying very light reinforcements to which we apply a very thin layer of thermoadhesive which, while guaranteeing excellent bonding performance, does not go through the reinforcement during use, preserving the original characteristics of the reinforced leather. Products for footwear and leather goods in cotton and polyester are perfect for soft but workable performance.”

 

How has the work of suppliers changed over the years?

“Today, work is very fragmented and each customer requires a good amount of customisation. It is essential to be able to solve customers’ problems as well as being able to develop ad hoc products when needed. We have to play a very similar role to consultancy, to test for them. Our strength is also to be able to present new products already applied on prototypes.”

 

Speaking of new, many sustainable solutions are being developed for the sector…

“This is undoubtedly one of the most pressing demands that we too have been working on and continue to work on. This is demonstrated by a new product line, made from recycled materials of natural origin and other sustainable components, GRS certified and designed for those who favour the use of ecological reinforcements. We have grasped this need and committed ourselves to finding the best possible solution. This is our strength.”


Debuts “BAREFOOT – EUROPEAN SHOE FAIR”

A new fair dedicated to barefoot footwear, a growing phenomenon, is born and promises to give new impetus to the industry. The fair will be held in Germany, in the halls of Messe Offenbach, from July 31 to August 3, 2025. About 60 German and international exhibitors are expected to attend the first edition. The assortment will include barefoot shoes for men, women and children. The first two days the fair is exclusively for trade visitors, while on the remaining days the event will also be open to end consumers.

Carl-August Seibel, president of HDS/L, said about the new fair, “We are creating a cool platform for a cool community. HDS/L is the right partner and Messe Offenbach, with its central location, is the best location. I also find it very exciting to open the fair to end consumers for two days. This gives us many new impulses.”

Roman Degenhardt and Kristin Fitterer, managing directors of barefoot shoe specialist Zehenspiel (Erbach) and co-creators of the new fair, consider the event a must for all retailers specializing in this type of footwear: “The fast-growing barefoot shoe segment needs an independent platform where manufacturers, retailers, and all those involved in barefoot shoes can meet, inform themselves, and exchange ideas. The broad spectrum of barefoot shoe brands will be visible in Offenbach. ‘

The new trade fair will also be accompanied by an extensive, practical supporting programme – similar to the well-known, successful events at Messe Offenbach.