Born from the vision of Shalf Group, a start-up founded by Franco Salvatelli, the brand promotes values of Positivity, Naturalness, Movement and Pure Evolution. These values are also embodied by the new BB0524 Balancing Shoes model, presented during Milan Fashion Week with a cocktail experience hosted by campaign ambassador Bruno Vanzan, who entertained guests with his flair and personalised drinks, as well as recounting his first-hand experience with the sneaker, the result of a collaboration between BBACK and his mixology academy.
The new BB0524 model pushes the boundaries of BBACK innovation even further by integrating aesthetic and technological features such as the Critical Balance® sole with high elasticity, the lightweight and durable Ripstop Fabric upper and the new Heel Shank. The design is minimalist but striking, with distinctive features that emphasise its identity, such as the scratch (“Grit”) on the sole, a visual icon of the brand, and the fluorescent green colour, the signature of ProDynamic® technology.
‘The arrival of the women’s collection allows us to further expand our offering in the sector, embodying the iconic style of Ambitious to the fullest,’ says Pedro Lopes, Brand Manager at Ambitious. ‘Beyond is our vision of a summer made of lightness, movement and character. We combine nostalgic references with contemporary technical solutions to create versatile models, designed for today’s everyday life without sacrificing elegance.’
The new Beyond collection consolidates the expansion of the women’s line with dedicated styling ranging from minimalist loafers to high-performance trainers, such as models featuring Michelin® soles, while preserving the brand’s signature style and design. Comfort is guaranteed by EVA components and technical details and finishes that ensure stability and flexibility over time, while carefully selected premium materials, certified leathers, high-performance fabrics and handcrafted finishes express Ambitious’ high quality standards.
There are just a few days to go until A+A 2025, the world’s largest and most important trade fair for safety and health at work, which will open in Düsseldorf, Germany, on Tuesday, November 4, and close on Friday, November 7. The scale of the event is impressive: this year’s biennial German trade fair promises to be the largest ever, with more than 2,200 exhibitors from 69 different countries and an exhibition area of about 87,000 square meters.
“The main focus of the fair will be innovation,” explain the organizers, “with products, solutions, and technologies aimed at promoting health, safety, and efficiency in the workplace.” The exhibition will feature everything needed to ensure worker protection and reduce fatigue, from the most common PPE such as helmets and gloves to futuristic exoskeletons to support the back. As always, the footwear sector will be very well represented (about 340 exhibitors) thanks to the participation of major international brands, which are taking advantage of this event to launch their latest products on the market. Italy has a strong presence in this sector, with 138 exhibitors spread over an area of 7,000 square meters at this edition. Alongside footwear manufacturers, mainly located in halls 9, 11, 13, and 14, will be the leading suppliers of materials, soles, components, and technology for the manufacture of safety shoes (halls 16 and 17).
From a logistical point of view, the German fair confirms the successful layout tested two years ago, which saw the segmentation of the offer divided into product groups in the thirteen pavilions used. Pavilion 7 will host the Trend Forum and the section dedicated to start-ups in the sector, young and dynamic companies with a strong focus on innovation, which will have the opportunity to present themselves to the market. Hall 15 will host four daily fashion shows that will shine the spotlight on innovation in PPE design and, more generally, on corporate workwear.
Among the side events at A+A, it is worth mentioning the International Congress, which, as always, takes place in parallel with the fair. Organized by Basi, the German Federal Association for Occupational Safety and Health, the congress promises a refreshed format to address the issues of digitalization and sustainability (the same key topics as the fair). These include prevention strategies such as “Vision Zero,” a global initiative aimed at reducing accidents at work. On this occasion, the results of applied research in occupational science are also presented and discussed.
A big party was held on September 26 for the inauguration of the GSC Group Innovation Center. Around 700 guests, including customers, institutions, media, partners, and collaborators, attended the official opening of a new, immense 6,500-square-meter space located in Zermeghedo (Vicenza), which aims to promote growth in the tanning sector. This forward-looking project combines innovation, technology, and tradition, enhancing the productive heart of the Veneto tanning district and beyond.
“This hub symbolizes a commitment that guides us every day: to fight for what we believe in and care about—leather and its future—with passion, innovation, and sustainability,” said GSC President Adriano Serafini.
Party guests had the opportunity to visit the impressive facilities of the Center, equipped with the most advanced machinery for every stage of leather processing, including a chemical and physical analysis department. “This center,” explained GSC executives, “is a synergistic hub designed to support the growth of the tanning industry, offering new opportunities for development and innovation. Here, customer needs meet the latest technologies and the expertise of our team, transforming market challenges into opportunities for shared growth.”
In this space, customers “will be able to receive personalized technical assistance, discover the latest technologies to optimize production processes, evaluate concrete solutions to improve efficiency, quality, and sustainability, and meet with our research and development experts to start new collaborations.”
The new center also features a large auditorium where training courses will be held and a showroom of over 500 square meters: an environment designed to inspire and fascinate, where materials and leathers are not simply displayed but enhanced as authentic expressions of art and innovation.
The inauguration of this facility clearly marks a milestone in the history of GSC Group, already a benchmark in the sector, which with this significant investment opens up new development prospects for the entire industry.
Below are VIDEOS of the inauguration and presentation of the Innovation Hub.
Images from the inauguration of the GSC Group Innovation Center on September 26, 2025Images from the inauguration of the GSC Group Innovation Center on September 26, 2025
A baroque vision of the future, a forward-looking decorative aesthetic. Luxury becomes multisensory, layered, and visionary. Baroque and opulent details blend with unexpected materials, creating a contrast between tradition and innovation. Hyper-glossy surfaces, iridescent brocades, and reinvented denim transform the idea of elegance, bringing it into a contemporary dimension. The materials enhance this balance between richness and experimentation.
Furalier
The soft chaos of timeless fur. No rules, just instinct. Furalier is an ode to fur and its multiple identities, which overlap and blend. Real, faux, printed, transformed into sheepskin, or evoked by unlikely textures. An animal language that escapes the concept of “lady fur” to become a visual and tactile patchwork that blends eras, sensibilities, and irony.
Indigo Avant-garde
Denim is transforming and embracing the future, transcending its traditional nature. From iconic fabric to cutting-edge material, it presents infinite facets: innovative weaves, laminated surfaces, couture finishes, and unexpected constructions. An evolution that makes it perfect not only for clothing, but also for shoes and bags.
Interwaves
Weaving as a code, layering as a language. The trend that transforms structure into decoration and chaos into visual harmony. Checks, checks, woven, printed, or hand-woven patterns blend seamlessly on synthetic fabrics and leathers, flat or three-dimensional, in a constant oscillation between tradition and experimentation.
For the past year, there has been a lot of talk in Europe about SCF (supercritical foam). I emphasise Europe because SCF has already been used in the Far East for several years. Inherited from the automotive industry, it is a manufacturing process that allows the production of expanded materials that retain their thermoplastic properties. To tell the truth, there is no single type of production process, but the common denominator of all processes that go under the name SCF is that the thermoplastic material in a fluid state is mixed at high temperatures (and pressures) with a gas in its ‘supercritical’ state, i.e. a particular physical state in which the gas resembles a fluid without actually being one. As the temperature and pressure decrease, the gas returns to its gaseous state, forming microbubbles that remain trapped inside the material. The big difference between SCF and EVA is that the ‘contained’ microbubbles do not require the ‘container’ material to cross-link (i.e. its molecular structure to form covalent bonds that make the material thermosetting) in order to remain trapped, and therefore the material remains, to all intents and purposes, a thermoplastic that can be returned to a fluid state by heating.
Co.Bo., an Italian company that has been manufacturing highly innovative soles for 40 years, will present Hypercell to the footwear industry, a technology that is definitely worth keeping an eye on because it has what it takes to compete with many of the materials currently used in both the performance footwear and luxury sneaker segments.
Compared to EVA, it achieves densities of less than 0.2 g/cm3 while maintaining the elastic rebound characteristics typical of polyurethane products and offers superior dimensional control in the moulding process compared to foams.
Compared to TPU, it offers the lightness typical of foams without compromising abrasion resistance.
Compared to PU with TPU film, both because the design can be much cleaner and because it easily exceeds 100,000 flex cycles.
And also compared to SCF, which has recently appeared in Europe, because it is completely free of the typical marbling streaks, also ensuring the possibility of homogeneous colours without compromise.
Enhanced Durability: +60% Engineered for resilience, Hypercell resists wear and tear, significantly extending the lifespan of high-performance footwear products.
Extremely Lightweight: -30% Hypercell reduces overall product weight by 30% compared to traditional injected EVA materials, enhancing performance and efficiency without compromising structural integrity.
High Energy Return: +70% Hypercell provides exceptional energy rebound, boosting responsiveness and performance while reducing wearer fatigue.
APPLICATIONS
Midsole Hypercell midsoles applications offer optimal comfort, energy return, and durability, making them ideal for high-performance sports footwear and technical running shoes. Engineered for athletic performance, it is suitable also for safety and lifestyle applications.
Single-mold The Single Mold application allows for a seamless, one-piece product construction, improving durability and reducing assembly time. Perfect for casual sneakers, lifestyle shoes, and slip-ons where lightweight comfort and streamlined design are essential.
Insert Designed to complement existing midsole structures, Hypercell midsole insert applications provide targeted comfort and energy rebound in specific areas. Ideal for technical footwear, including trail running and hiking/safety shoes, where additional support and responsiveness are needed.
Filler Hypercell midsole filler applications optimize material usage by filling voids within the sole structure, reducing weight without compromising strength. Commonly used in performance footwear and fashion sneakers to balance lightweight design with structural integrity.
Leather is not just a material, but a true paradigm of how innovation can be transformed into an experience of sustainability. It is around this concept that UNIC – on the occasion of Lineapelle in September 2025 – is organising a round table with the evocative title: “Innovation that starts with the ingredients: leather as a model and experience of sustainability”.
The event is scheduled for Wednesday 24 September at 12 noon in the Conference Room on the first floor of Building E08 (Corso Italia, opposite Pavilion 5). It is an opportunity for discussion open to all professionals in the supply chain, who will be able to explore the prospects and paths of innovation that are reshaping the sector.
A concrete case: Ecotan
The debate will not remain abstract. During the meeting, Ecotan will be presented as a tangible example of biocircular innovation in the leather supply chain. This project demonstrates how applied research can generate solutions that combine material quality, production efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Exceptional speakers
The discussion will be led by authoritative voices from different backgrounds but united by their commitment to sustainable innovation:
• Alessandra Taccon, BU Leather Sustainable Technologies Business Director, Silvateam
• Gustavo Adrián Defeo, Scientific Director, CTC ARS Tinctoria
Special Guest
The round table will also host Alessandro Bruni, author of the book “I 4 Pilastri per le aziende BtoB” (The 4 Pillars for B2B Companies), soon to be published by FrancoAngeli Editore, who will offer a new perspective on innovation as a strategic lever in business.
Innovation as sustainability
“One of the aspects of innovation is that it is always modern, but it takes time to take shape. This time, the most modern form of innovation is sustainability.”
A quote that sums up the spirit of the meeting: looking ahead without forgetting that time and practicality are essential factors in transforming ideas into real change.
A rich and constructive discussion on key issues for the future of the textile and fashion supply chain. Entitled “Innovation, Legality and Sustainability: certifying the future of the fashion supply chain,” the conference organized by Centrocot on September 15 in Busto Arsizio, part of the “ZDHC Solutions Roadshow” program, brought together companies and institutions to explore highly topical issues such as transparency, sustainable chemical management, and social responsibility.
After greetings from Anna Deligios of the Varese Chamber of Commerce and Luigi Galdabini, President of Confindustria Varese, the conference got underway. The topic of legality was discussed with lawyer Danila Passantino of Confindustria Moda, who illustrated the key points of the new Memorandum of Understanding that aims to regulate contracts in the fashion supply chain with the goal of combating irregular work and contractual dumping. “Legality and sustainability are no longer options,” she said, “but essential conditions for competing in global markets and protecting our Made in Italy brand.”
Worthy of note was the speech by Grazia Cerini, CEO and general manager of Centrocot, whose laboratories are among the most advanced in Europe. She explained how certifications and digital platforms such as OEKO-TEX® and ZDHC help companies transform regulatory obligations into opportunities for innovation and reputation. In a global market that demands ever greater guarantees, Italian companies are proving to be one step ahead. “In this context,” Cerini emphasized, “our companies are ahead of the game,” not only with established protocols, but also by anticipating regulations with the latest innovations. The event provided an opportunity to award the first Italian company certified as “Responsible Business” (Tintoria Vago in Busto Arsizio): a new Oeko-Tex certification scheme that verifies compliance with due diligence throughout the supply chain and essentially tells the world that the company is fully compliant in all respects.
The subsequent panel discussion, “Sustainability in Action,” moderated by Aurora Magni, provided concrete testimonials from leading companies and operators who have made the path to sustainability their competitive advantage. Speakers included Soledad Zausa and Gaia Zucca (Decathlon), Barbara Cimmino (Yamamay), Chiara Ferraris (Radici Group), Marino Vago (Tintoria Vago), Roberto Grassi (Grassi), and Antonio Massafra representing workers.
The final presentation was given by Marta Simonetti, Europe Region Manager at ZDHC, who illustrated the latest developments in the “Roadmap to Zero” program for eliminating chemical risk along the supply chain. In ten years of work, much progress has been made, said the ZDHC manager, especially in the textile sector, but there is still much to be done, particularly in the leather and footwear sectors.
The day ended with a visit to Centrocot’s MultiLab and its Textile Recycling Experience, introduced by President Mario Montonati: a tangible example of how innovation can transform textile recycling into a resource for the circular economy.
The protagonists of the Sustainability in Action panelThe slide illustrating the characteristics of the new OEKO-TEX Responsible Business certification
The growing focus on individual well-being and injury prevention has led to an increased demand for custom-made orthopedic insoles. However, not everyone may be aware that the use of orthopedic insoles that are not specifically certified together with safety footwear can compromise the validity of the certification as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
To overcome this problem, Utility Diadora, together with the start-up Medere, has developed a service for the production of custom-made insoles that are fully compliant with regulations. Thanks to a free and intuitive web app, partner companies are offered a fast and efficient service for the production of certified custom-made insoles, directly in-house and without the need for external travel.
Data collection (photos and videos) is just a technical upload phase and is guided, simple, and secure. No health or technical skills are required on the part of the operator performing the scan: the system has been designed to be accessible and compliant for everyone to use.
To explore the topic further, we asked the key players involved in the initiative a few questions. Giorgio Pira, Global Sales Director at Diadora Utility; Giorgio Salvetti, End User Sales Manager & P.P.E. Trainer Europe at Diadora Utility; and Marco Mannisi, founder of Medere, provided their responses.
Is the proposal for customized orthopedic insoles only for those with specific problems, or could it be of interest to all workers in order to improve comfort and prevent any musculoskeletal problems related to the type of work?
Giorgio Pira, Global Sales Director at Diadora Utility
Giorgio Pira: “In the professional sphere, the use of insoles that are not certified by the manufacturer compromises the validity of safety shoes as Personal Protective Equipment, exposing workers and companies to legal and health risks. The proposal developed by Utility Diadora in collaboration with Medere stems from a concrete need: to offer all workers, not only those with specific pathologies, the possibility of using manufacturer-certified, custom-made orthopedic insoles to improve daily comfort and posture and promote the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. If there is a medically certified condition, an insole certified as a medical device is made. If there is no prescription but there are still issues that affect working conditions, a custom-made comfort insole can still be created that does not alter the PPE certification of the footwear and will be useful for specific problems that generic insoles cannot solve”.
How did the idea for the app come about and how does it work, particularly with regard to data collection?
Giorgio Salvetti: “The web app was created to respond to the growing demand for custom-made orthopedic insoles, including for use at work, offering an innovative and fast alternative to the traditional clinical process, which is often complex, lengthy, and difficult to access. Together with Medere, we have developed this intuitive and free tool that allows the necessary data to be collected directly in the workplace in just 15-20 minutes, without requiring any technical or medical expertise.
Giorgio Salvetti, End User Sales Manager & P.P.E. Trainer Europe at Diadora Utility
It is very simple to use: all you need is a smartphone and a sheet of A4 paper. Guided by video tutorials, the user takes six photos and records a short video for each foot, using the A4 sheet to check the correct foot size. The Web App verifies the quality of the data shared with internal processes that eliminate the possibility of error. The data, automatically sent to the Medere team, will be used for the analysis phase and the subsequent 3D processing and modeling of the insole based on the morphology of the foot, the medical prescription, and the results of the specific analysis”.
How is compliance with PPE regulations ensured?
Giorgio Pira and Giorgio Salvetti: “The system is based on the strict application of the new EU Regulation No. 2017/745 (MDR), which introduced significant changes to the rules governing the manufacture and marketing of medical devices. Each certified insole is made to a valid medical prescription and its construction is entrusted to a specialized team that includes orthopedic technicians and biomedical engineers.
The process involves the preparation of an individual technical file for each insole, validation by the orthopedic technician, and the manufacturer’s signature. A Declaration of Conformity is also issued, certifying that the device has been manufactured in full compliance with the parameters of the Medical Device Regulation. All documentation, including the medical prescription, is archived for at least ten years, as required by law.
Medere certified insoles are compatible with most Diadora Utility models, for which full integration between the orthotic and the shoe has been verified. In this way, the footwear retains its PPE certification even when fitted with a customized insole. The entire process, from data collection via the Web App to delivery of the insole, has been designed to comply with every regulatory step and ensure maximum safety for the end user”.
What materials are used to make custom insoles?
Marco Mannisi, founder of Medere
Marco Mannisi: “Medere insoles are made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), a material selected for its advanced biomechanical properties. TPU guarantees:
• high flexibility, which allows dynamic adaptation to the phases of the step;
• mechanical and wear resistance, even under prolonged use;
• controlled elastic return, useful for supporting propulsive thrust and absorbing impact with the ground;
• biocompatibility, important for reducing skin risks or allergic reactions.
Each insole is designed with a customized internal geometry (thickness, density, and reinforcement zones) based on the morphology of the foot, the biomechanical needs of the user, and the type of task performed. This allows us to offer an ideal balance between comfort, support, and protection, actively contributing to the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries and improving overall ergonomics. The material used is tracked and validated in the technical file in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2017/745”.
When was Medere founded and who are its founders? What expertise do they have in the biomedical and regulatory fields?
Marco Mannisi: “Medere was founded in 2018 by a group of biomedical engineers and researchers with a clear vision: to bring digital customization to the world of medical devices. The founders have expertise in:
• CAD design and parametric 3D modeling;
• applied biomechanics and gait analysis;
• medical 3D printing and certified additive manufacturing;
• regulatory compliance and technical file development according to MDR.
The team has collaborated with public research centers, hospitals, universities, and companies in the orthopedic sector, including the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, the Politecnico di Milano, and the Vivitop network. In addition, Medere draws on the expertise of external partners for the management of legal, intellectual property protection, and regulatory aspects. This network of expertise has enabled Medere to develop a solid, multidisciplinary approach that combines technology, clinical practice, and regulatory requirements in a single platform. The focus has always been on the end user, with the aim of offering truly effective, safe, and certified devices”.
When is the official launch of the project scheduled?
Giorgio Salvetti: “The service is already up and running. Interested companies can contact Utility Diadora to find out who their local distributor is. No investment in equipment, licenses, or complex training courses is required: the Web App is free and can be used immediately in production contexts. The solution is ready to use and designed for rapid adoption, even on a large scale.”
The system for the design and production of certified custom-made orthopedic insolesDiadora Utility – Vortex DA2 LOW – S3S SC SR HRO ESD
Did you know that using orthopedic insoles that are not specifically certified together with safety footwear can compromise the validity of the certification as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
The root of the problem: a real need
The growing focus on individual well-being and accident prevention has led to an increased demand for custom orthopedic insoles. In the workplace, however, it is essential that these devices are compatible and certified by the manufacturer for use in safety footwear: only in this way can full compliance with PPE regulations be maintained.
The answer: an integrated and innovative system
Utility Diadora, which has always been at the forefront of research into cutting-edge technologies and materials for workplace safety, has developed a unique service in collaboration with Medere, an Italian start-up specializing in customized medical devices.
Thanks to a free and intuitive web app, partner companies can offer their employees a fast and efficient service for the creation of certified custom-made insoles, directly in the company and without the need for external travel.
Data collection (photos and videos) is just a technical upload phase and is guided, simple, and secure. No health or technical skills are required on the part of the operator performing the scan: the system has been designed to be accessible and compliant for everyone to use.
The data collected is processed by Medere using a customized 3D modeling system, based on the medical prescription. The insoles are manufactured using advanced 3D printing technologies, validated by an orthopedic technician, and delivered directly to the company, accompanied by a Declaration of Conformity.
Utility Diadora and Medere: pioneers working together to set a new standard
The history of Utility Diadora, a leading company in workwear and safety footwear that has always been committed to researching new technologies and materials for the safety sector, combines with that of Medere S.R.L., the Italian start-up that transforms innovative concepts into biomedical engineering products with a focus on finding cutting-edge solutions.
The combination of Utility Diadora’s experience and Medere’s biomedical innovation gives rise to a new paradigm: a fast, practical, and compliant service designed to respond efficiently to the needs of the safety sector, in full compliance with European Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on Medical Devices.
The system allows for significant savings in terms of time and organization, offering an integrated solution that improves worker well-being and optimizes business processes.
Worker well-being always at the center
-Customization and comfort: each insole is designed based on the anatomical shape of the worker’s foot and the activities performed, to improve posture and reduce fatigue and pain (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tendinitis).
-Innovative materials: Medere insoles offer impact absorption, gait stability, and biomechanical support, actively contributing to injury prevention and maintaining musculoskeletal health.
This partnership offers a concrete, technological, and safe solution for creating custom-made insoles certified for use in safety footwear, thus ensuring full validity as PPE. A tangible benefit for workers, companies, and the entire occupational safety ecosystem.
The insoles are designed using a customized 3D modeling system, based on the medical prescription. They are then produced using advanced 3D printing technologiesDiadora Utility – Vortex DA2 LOW – S1PS SC SR HRO ESD
