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Footwear Manufacturing in Europe - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2025-2030)

ISIC 152 May 2025 Spotlight Report

Revenue

€36.5bn

2020-2025 3.2 %
2025-2030 X.X %

Employees

332k

2020-2025 1.9 %
2025-2030 X.X %

Businesses

24,604

2020-2025 0.8 %
2025-2030 X.X %

Wages

€X.Xbn

2020-2025 X.X %
2025-2030 X.X %

Footwear Manufacturing in Europe industry analysis

The European Footwear Manufacturing industry is renowned. Shoes made in Europe are considered of high, durable quality, with manufacturers often tapping into the luxury market, where they can charge premium prices. Italy, for example, is seen globally as a country producing footwear of stand-out quality. The COVID-19 outbreak and severe inflationary pressures have disrupted manufacturing operations, hindering industry performance. Revenue is expected to swell at a compound annual rate of 3.2% to €36.5 billion over the five years through 2025, including a 1.8% contraction in the current year.

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  • Market estimates from 2015-2030
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Industry Statistics and Trends

Footwear Manufacturing in Europe key trends

Online shopping is revolutionising the footwear industry.

 

With customers flocking to online stores for convenience, variety and often lower prices, shoemakers are pivoting their strategies towards enhancing their online presence and digital marketing.

Europe's top shoemakers are challenged by cheap foreign imports.

 

Despite their high-quality, stylish offerings, domestic manufacturers are struggling against cheaper Asian-produced footwear.

Tech advancements are driving shoe personalisation in Europe.

 

With tools like 3D printing and artificial intelligence in play, brands take customisation to a new level, meeting consumer demands for comfy, stylish and unique shoes.

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Footwear Manufacturing in Europe

Industry Revenue

Total value and annual change from 2012-2030. Includes 5-year outlook.

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Footwear Manufacturing in Europe market size (2020-2025)

Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 3.2 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated €36.5bn in 2025.

Trends and Insights

European shoemakers bet on high-quality, premium footwear, but import competition rises

  • The leading footwear manufacturers in Europe are Italy, Spain and Portugal, according to data from Eurostat. Italy is known for its high-quality and stylish shoes, whereas Spain and Portugal are known for their traditional footwear and leather shoes. Italy is the absolute leader, holding a reputation for high quality and stylish design products, especially premium leather shoes. These products are typically sold at higher prices, limiting demand from price-sensitive consumers.

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Footwear Manufacturing in Europe outlook (2025-2030)

Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.

Reshoring activity mounts across European shoe manufacturers

  • Recent reshoring trends in the European footwear manufacturing industry highlight a shift towards more localised production. This change stems from disruptions in global supply chains and escalating shipping costs stemming from the Red Sea Crisis, pushing retailers to reconsider their reliance on international manufacturing. According to the European Parliament's Winter 2024 economic outlook, Asia-Europe shipping times have increased by 10-15 days, and freight costs on some routes have surged by around 400% between the start of the attacks in October 2023 and January 2024, with effects expected to continue into 2025. Surging tariffs across the globe since early 2025 are also making global supply chains less attractive for manufacturers. The financial impact of reshoring is significant, with potential logistics cost savings and reduced lead times. Having a supply chain closer to home allows for quicker responses to market demands, enhancing flexibility and resilience.

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Revenue

€36.5bn

2020-2025 3.2 %
2025-2030 X.X %

Employees

332k

2020-2025 1.9 %
2025-2030 X.X %

Wages

€X.Xbn

2020-2025 X.X %
2025-2030 X.X %

European Leaders & Laggards

Europe Job Growth CAGR: 1.9 % *
  • Job Growth

Top 5 Countries

  1. Turkey +8.0%
  2. Ireland +6.2%
  3. Hungary +5.3%
  4. Bulgaria +4.6%
  5. Slovakia +4.3%

Bottom 5 Countries

  1. Cyprus -8.6%
  2. Sweden -8.2%
  3. United Kingdom -7.6%
  4. Finland -6.8%
  5. Russia -6.5%

* CAGR values are for the years 2020-2025.

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Biggest companies in the Footwear Manufacturing in Europe

Company
Market Share (%)
2025
Revenue (€m)
2025
Profit (€m)
2025
Profit Margin (%)
2025
Birkenstock Holding plc
1,693.4
355.6
21.0
Bata Corporation
6,878.3
835.4
12.1
IMAC SpA
315.3
23.0
7.3

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Footwear Manufacturing in Europe

Products & Services Segmentation

Industry revenue broken down by key product and services lines.

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Top Questions Answered in this Report

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What is the market size of the Footwear Manufacturing industry in Europe in 2025?

The market size of the Footwear Manufacturing industry in Europe is €36.5bn in 2025.

How many businesses are there in the Footwear Manufacturing industry in Europe in 2025?

There are 24,604 businesses in the Footwear Manufacturing industry in Europe, which has declined at a CAGR of 0.8 % between 2020 and 2025.

Has the Footwear Manufacturing industry in Europe grown or declined over the past 5 years?

The market size of the Footwear Manufacturing industry in Europe has been growing at a CAGR of 3.2 % between 2020 and 2025.

What is the forecast growth of the Footwear Manufacturing industry in Europe over the next 5 years?

Over the next five years, the Footwear Manufacturing industry in Europe is expected to grow.

What does the Footwear Manufacturing industry in Europe include?

Women's footwear with leather uppers and Men's footwear with leather uppers are part of the Footwear Manufacturing industry in Europe.

Which countries have the most businesses in the Footwear Manufacturing industry in Europe?

The European country with the most businesses in the Footwear Manufacturing industry is Italy.

How competitive is the Footwear Manufacturing industry in Europe?

The level of competition is moderate and increasing in the Footwear Manufacturing industry in Europe.

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Table of Contents

About this industry

Industry definition

Companies in the industry manufacture various types of footwear from leather and other materials. The industry also includes the production of footwear parts, including uppers and parts of uppers, outer and inner soles and heels. Companies also manufacture gaiters, leggings and similar articles.

Related Terms

UppersLeather ShoesGaitersOffshoring

What's included in this industry?

Women's footwear with leather uppersMen's footwear with leather uppersChildren's footwear with leather uppersShoe partsSports shoesSafety shoesOther products

Companies

Birkenstock Holding plcBata CorporationIMAC SpA

Industry Code

ISIC 2006

152 - Manufacture of footwear in Europe

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Performance

Key Takeaways

European shoemakers bet on high-quality, premium footwear, but import competition rises

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Revenue Highlights

Trends
  • Revenue
  • 2025 Revenue Growth
  • Revenue Volatility

Employment Highlights

Trends
  • Employees
  • Employees per Business
  • Revenue per Employee

Business Highlights

Trends
  • Businesses
  • Employees per Business
  • Revenue per Business

Profit Highlights

Trends
  • Total Profit
  • Profit Margin
  • Profit per Business

Current Performance

Charts
  • Revenue in the Footwear Manufacturing in Europe industry (2012 -2030)
  • Employees in the Footwear Manufacturing in Europe industry (2012 -2030)
  • Business in the Footwear Manufacturing in Europe industry (2012 -2030)
  • Profit in the Footwear Manufacturing in Europe industry (2012 -2030)
Analysis

What's driving current industry performance in the Footwear Manufacturing in Europe industry?


Outlook

Analysis

What's driving the Footwear Manufacturing in Europe industry outlook?


Volatility

Analysis

What influences volatility in the Footwear Manufacturing in Europe industry?

Charts
  • Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth Matrix

Life Cycle

Analysis

What determines the industry life cycle stage in the Footwear Manufacturing in Europe industry?

Charts
  • Industry Life Cycle Matrix

Products and Markets

Highlights

Trends
  • Largest Market
  • Product Innovation

Key Takeaways

Online orders are transforming Europe's footwear industry. As digital shopping continues to grow and consumers enjoy the convenience, manufacturers must adjust, offering special features like customisation and virtual fitting tools.

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Products and Services

Charts
  • Products and Services Segmentation
Analysis

How are the Footwear Manufacturing in Europe industry's products and services performing?

Analysis

What are innovations in the Footwear Manufacturing in Europe industry's products and services?


Major Markets

Charts
  • Major Market Segmentation
Analysis

What influences demand in the Footwear Manufacturing in Europe industry?


International Trade

Highlights

  • Largest Importer
  • Smallest Importer
  • Total Imports into Europe
  • Largest Exporter
  • Smallest Exporter
  • Total Exports into Europe
Heat maps
  • Industry Concentration of Imports by Country
  • Industry Concentration of Exports by Country
Data Tables

Value and annual change (%) included

  • Number of Imports and Exports by European Country (2025)

Geographic Breakdown

Business Locations

Heat maps
  • Share of Total Industry Revenue by Region (2025)
  • Share of Total Industry Enterprises by Region (2025)
  • Share of Total Industry Employment by Region (2025)
  • Share of Total Industry Wages by Region (2025)

Industry Geographic Breakdown

Data Tables

Values and annual change provided for 37 European countries:

  • Revenue (2025)
  • IVA (2025)
  • Enterprises (2025)
  • Employment (2025)
  • Exports (2025)
  • Imports (2025)

Competitive Forces

Highlights

Trends
  • Concentration
  • Competition
  • Barriers to Entry
  • Substitutes
  • Buyer Power
  • Supplier Power

Key Takeaways

Brand recognition largely drives market concentration in European footwear. Successful manufacturers leverage quality, innovative design and robust marketing strategies to reinforce their brand image, gaining a competitive advantage.

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Supply Chain

Charts

Buyer and supply industries

Companies

Market Share

Charts
  • Industry Market Share by Company (2020-2025)

Companies

Data Tables

Top 11 companies by market share:

  • Market share (2025)
  • Revenue (2025)
  • Profit (2025)
  • Profit Margin (2025)

Data Tables
  • Countries of operation for Birkenstock Holding plc
  • Countries of operation for Bata Corporation
  • Countries of operation for IMAC SpA
  • Countries of operation for New Balance Athletic Shoes (UK) Ltd
  • Countries of operation for ACO - Fábrica de Calçado SA
  • Countries of operation for Fal Calzados de Seguridad SA
  • Countries of operation for Fal Calzados de Seguridad SA
  • Countries of operation for Prada Group SpA
  • Countries of operation for Atlas Schuhfabrik GmbH & Co KG
  • Countries of operation for Crockett and Jones Ltd
  • Countries of operation for Salomon SAS

External Environment

Highlights

Trends
  • Regulation & Policy
  • Assistance

Key Takeaways

Footwear manufacturing in Europe is heavily regulated. Policies around quality, safety and sustainability shape the sector, ensuring manufacturers meet high standards and promote ethical, green practices.

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External Drivers

Analysis

What demographic and macroeconomic factors impact the Footwear Manufacturing in Europe industry?

Financial Benchmarks

Highlights

Trends
  • Profit Margin
  • Average Wage
  • Largest Cost

Key Takeaways

European shoemakers wrestle with rising raw material costs. This increase is due to global trade issues, stricter environmental regulations and notable inflation rates driving up expenses for manufacturers.

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Cost Structure

Charts
  • Share of Economy vs. Investment Matrix
  • Industry Cost Structure Benchmarks:
    • Marketing
    • Depreciation
    • Profit
    • Purchases
    • Wages
    • Rent
    • Utilities
    • Other
Analysis

What trends impact cost in the Footwear Manufacturing in Europe industry?


Key Ratios

Data tables
  • IVA/Revenue (2015-2030)
  • Imports/Demand (2015-2030)
  • Exports/Revenue (2015-2030)
  • Revenue per Employee (2015-2030)
  • Wages/Revenue (2015-2030)
  • Employees per Establishment (2015-2030)
  • Average Wage (2015-2030)

Country Benchmarks

European Leaders & Laggards

Data Tables

Top and bottom five countries listed for each:

  • Revenue Growth (2025)
  • Business Growth (2025)
  • Job Growth (2025)

European Country Performance

Data Tables

Rankings available for 37 countries. Statistics ranked include:

  • IVA/Revenue (2025)
  • Imports/Demand (2025)
  • Exports/Revenue (2025)
  • Revenue per Employee (2025)
  • Wages/Revenue (2025)
  • Employees per Establishment (2025)
  • Average Wage (2025)

Structural Comparison

Data Tables

Trends in 37 countries benchmarked against trends in Europe

  • Concentration
  • Competition
  • Barriers to Entry
  • Buyer Power
  • Supplier Power
  • Volatility
  • Capital Intensity
  • Innovation
  • Life Cycle

Key Statistics

Industry Data

Data Tables

Including values and annual change:

  • Revenue (2015-2030)
  • IVA (2015-2030)
  • Establishments (2015-2030)
  • Enterprises (2015-2030)
  • Employment (2015-2030)
  • Exports (2015-2030)
  • Imports (2015-2030)
  • Wages (2015-2030)

Methodology

Where does IBISWorld source its data?

IBISWorld is a world-leading provider of business information, with reports on 5,000+ industries in Australia, New Zealand, North America, Europe and China. Our expert industry analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build an accurate picture of each industry.

Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and IBISWorld's proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights. 

IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools.

To learn more about specific data sources used by IBISWorld's analysts globally, including how industry data forecasts are produced, visit our Help Center.