E. Tcholakova
Research expert covering Fashion, Apparel, Footwear and Accessories industries, as well as non-food FMCG in the Nordics.
Footwear industry in Italy - Statistics & Facts
The Italian footwear market is an enormous industry with a long tradition. Italy is among the leading footwear manufacturers in the world and the first in Europe. The country holds almost one percent of the production worldwide, making the ranking together with big shoe producers such as China, India, and Vietnam. The Italian company Geox ranks as the largest retailer, with the most shops in Itay. Other popular retailers in the country, also well-known worldwide, are Footlocker, Tod's, Deichmann, and Desigual. The footwear industry also represents an important source of employment. In 2019, this sector counted roughly 75 thousand employees in Italy.
Also, Italy ranks among the main global footwear importers in terms of volume. In 2019, the estimated value of shoe imports added up to over five billion euros. Chronological data show that the imports have been growing in both value and volume. Italy mainly imports from Europe and Asia. The most valuable shoes come from Switzerland: on average, a pair of Swiss shoes is imported for 126 euros.
International trade
Italian shoes are famous worldwide. Indeed, Italy exports a large amount of shoes, accounting for a value of over eight billion euros. Figures show that the export value of Italian shoes has been growing in recent years, even if the export volume decreased slightly. Leather shoes account for the highest value with an export of over 6 billion euros in 2019. In fact, the Italian leather industry represents another outstanding sector for the country: Italy is the main exporter of leather goods in the world. In terms of value, Italy heads the ranking, followed by the United States and Brazil.Also, Italy ranks among the main global footwear importers in terms of volume. In 2019, the estimated value of shoe imports added up to over five billion euros. Chronological data show that the imports have been growing in both value and volume. Italy mainly imports from Europe and Asia. The most valuable shoes come from Switzerland: on average, a pair of Swiss shoes is imported for 126 euros.
