E-Commerce Firm Jumia Draws Takeover Interest From Axian
A deal between the biggest e-commerce platform in Africa and telecommunications company Axian would help both company expand across the continent.
footwear
Latest News & Analysis
Rothy’s Has a Plan to Outlast the Ballet Flat Craze
The brand, which scored a hit nearly a decade ago with its flats woven from recycled plastic, has found a second act selling footwear that’s on-trend with Gen-Z.
Why Hoka Is Slowing and On Keeps Growing
The two young sneaker brands have been neck and neck for years as they race to see which one will be the next sneaker giant, but recently Hoka’s growth has slipped while On has charged ahead.
Partner Content
How Portuguese Brands Are Implementing Digital Strategies Today
The Portuguese Footwear Association, APICCAPS, invited brand leaders and business professionals across footwear and its adjacent industries to a day-long Digi4Fashion event in Porto, on digital opportunities for the industry in 2025. There, BoF spoke to footwear and fashion brands to learn about their key challenges in this area, and presented on opportunities and innovation in e-commerce today.
How Portuguese Brands Are Implementing Digital Strategies Today
The Portuguese Footwear Association, APICCAPS, invited brand leaders and business professionals across footwear and its adjacent industries to a day-long Digi4Fashion event in Porto, on digital opportunities for the industry in 2025. There, BoF spoke to footwear and fashion brands to learn about their key challenges in this area, and presented on opportunities and innovation in e-commerce today.
Change Is Coming to the Sneaker Retail Landscape
Dick’s Sporting Goods’ acquisition of Foot Locker will have impacts on the rest of the industry, from brands such as Nike and Adidas to rival retailers like JD Sports.
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Partner Content
How Santoni Balances Craftsmanship With Innovation
As the Italian footwear brand marks its 50th anniversary, Santoni is eyeing up expansion into new regions and categories while doubling down on its commitment to quality, craftsmanship and its sustainability goals. BoF sits down with Giuseppe Santoni, president and chairman, to discuss the brand’s strategic focus for 2025.
How Santoni Balances Craftsmanship With Innovation
As the Italian footwear brand marks its 50th anniversary, Santoni is eyeing up expansion into new regions and categories while doubling down on its commitment to quality, craftsmanship and its sustainability goals. BoF sits down with Giuseppe Santoni, president and chairman, to discuss the brand’s strategic focus for 2025.
What’s the Carbon Footprint of Your Shoes?
Efforts to map the footwear industry’s carbon footprint have lagged behind those in fashion. A new study aims to start addressing that.
The Next Sneaker Powerhouse?
Dick’s Sporting Goods’ surprise purchase of Foot Locker sets it up to be a major new player in the global sneaker market — if it can execute on its vision.
Exclusive: Inside Adidas’ Running Strategy
The company’s new supershoe for elite runners, the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2, has arrived, and with a revamped running portfolio, Adidas aims to get more casual runners in its sneakers, too.
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Retail
What Happened to the High Heel?
Once synonymous with power and elegance, high heels are adapting to new consumer values. As ballet flats, Mary Janes and kitten heels continue to rise in popularity, brands are shifting their focus to comfort and inclusivity, crafting narratives that speak to evolving ideas of femininity.
What Happened to the High Heel?
Once synonymous with power and elegance, high heels are adapting to new consumer values. As ballet flats, Mary Janes and kitten heels continue to rise in popularity, brands are shifting their focus to comfort and inclusivity, crafting narratives that speak to evolving ideas of femininity.
What Comes After Adidas’ Samba?
The women’s sneaker market is growing alongside rising interest in women’s sports and casualised dress codes that prioritise comfort. Yet there’s more to addressing female sneaker shoppers than just releasing another trendy low-profile silhouette.
Adidas Launches New Premium Line, A-Type
The collection, which will feature high-end reworkings of Adidas’ most iconic items, arrives as the brand’s archive helps to drive its global popularity.
How Much Does Sneaker Innovation Matter?
With so many brands peddling new performance technologies, it can be hard for shoppers to understand what makes one product better than another. It's on brands to nail the right mix of form and function.
The News in Brief
Billionaire H&M Founding Family Speeds Up Share Purchases
The Persson family and its related companies owned over 60 percent of H&M's shares at the end of May, prompting speculation the company may return to private ownership.
Kate Moss’ Cosmoss Enters Liquidation
The prestige skincare and wellness line founded by the British supermodel entered liquidation proceedings after failing to file its company accounts.
Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo Paired for Blockbuster Exhibition
The two era-defining avant-garde fashion designers will be the subject of a major exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria in Australia.
Exclusive: Smythson of Bond Street Acquired by Oakley Capital
The British luxury lifestyle brand, known for its leather handbags, notebooks, homeware and other accessories, will look to accelerate its growth and expand internationally.
L’Oréal to Acquire Hair Care Brand Color Wow
Hair care was the second fastest-growing category at L’Oréal last year after fragrances.
Bold Management Acquires Influencer Agency The Digital Prototype
The deal bolsters Bold’s talent management capabilities in France.
Prada Credits Sandal’s Indian Legacy Amid Uproar
The Italian fashion group has acknowledged the Indian roots of a new open-toe sandal design after criticism from artisans and politicians.