Made in Italy – Milan is preparing to host Micam 2025, the most important international event dedicated to footwear, which will be held from 23 to 25 February at Fiera Milano Rho. With over a thousand brands on display and an expected attendance of more than 40,000 visitors from all over the world, the event confirms itself as a strategic hub for business, innovation and the future of the sector.
After a 2024 characterized by economic and commercial challenges, the Italian footwear industry looks to 2025 with a mix of caution and determination. According to Assocalzaturifici, in the first half of 2024 Italian exports of footwear have registered a contraction of 4.7% in value and 6.2% in volume, with a slowdown in sales in the main markets, including the US and China. Micam is thus a crucial moment to chart future strategies and consolidate the positioning of Made in Italy on the international scene.
The fashion trends footwear 2025
Micam is not only a commercial showcase, but also a thermometer of the stylistic and productive evolutions of the sector. Four macro trends outline the future of footwear for 2025:
Utopian Utility: a combination of functionality and minimal design, with technical materials such as suede leather and matt finishes, perfect for an urban and versatile look.
Twisted Classics: vintage returns with nostalgic tones, bold shapes and a rebellious aesthetic inspired by the golden years of fashion.
Meditative Artisans: craftsmanship meets spirituality, with aged leathers and rustic details celebrating timeless elegance.
Wondrous Daze: a fairy-tale and unconventional style, characterized by velvets, studs, crystals and polished leathers, for those looking for an alternative and sophisticated aesthetic.
Sustainability and innovation at the centre of the scene
One of the key aspects of the 2025 edition will be the focus on sustainability and technological innovation. According to a study by The European Footwear Confederation (CEC), 72% of European consumers consider sustainability as a key factor in their choice of footwear. To meet this growing demand, many companies will present eco-friendly solutions, including recycled materials, low environmental impact processing and digitised production processes. Within the exhibition, great attention will be paid to Micam X, the area dedicated to research and emerging technologies, where experts and companies will share the most innovative strategies to face the challenges of the global market.
Micam: an opportunity for Made in Italy
In a context of economic uncertainty, the MICAM represents a unique opportunity to strengthen the role of Italy in the global footwear sector. Italian companies, which have always been synonymous with quality, design and craftsmanship, today face challenges related to production costs, international competition and changes in consumption.
According to Confindustria Moda, the footwear sector generates over 14 billion euros in turnover and employs about 75 thousand people throughout Italy. Exports account for 90% of the market, making it essential to position yourself in foreign markets, especially at a time when protectionism and tariffs could affect global trade dynamics.
Micam 2025 is not just a fair, but a real reference point for the sector, an opportunity to network, discover new trends and plan growth strategies. While the Made in Italy seeks to strengthen its position on international markets, the event is confirmed an unmissable event for companies, buyers and professionals of the sector. The future of Italian footwear comes from Milan: between innovation, sustainability and new market scenarios. The Micam 2025 is ready to chart the course for the sector’s relaunch.
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