Editorial - War and footwear
The impact of ongoing armed conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe is reshaping the global footwear industry in 2026. The effects are transversal, influencing everything from basic chemistry to final retail pricing.
Production is being affected by constraints in energy access and shortages of essential petrochemical raw materials. Manufacturing hubs in India and Southeast Asia have slowed down assembly lines.
Inflation and logistics costs are increasingly difficult for manufacturers to absorb. Raw materials have risen by up to 50%, while energy and freight costs have increased between 7% and 10%. As a result, producers have implemented price adjustments of 10% to 20% in finished footwear, impacting competitiveness in international markets.
In distribution, commercial routes are being reconfigured. Just-in-time logistics has weakened, as maritime traffic now follows longer routes to avoid conflict zones, disrupting seasonal calendars. In response, companies are seeking suppliers closer to consumption centers (nearshoring) to mitigate transoceanic freight risks.
Sales are being shaped by uncertainty and shifting consumption patterns. Inflationary pressure and increased import flows are reducing domestic demand, leading to factory closures and job losses.
While global and luxury brands maintain resilient growth, local brands are experiencing stagnation. The 2026 consumer is prioritizing durability and versatility-particularly hybrid footwear-over fast fashion, as an economic response to global uncertainty.
The Editor