Textile-upper sports footwear including training shoes market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The market for textile-upper sports footwear in Italy contracted sharply from 25.1 million pairs in 2018 to 7.6 million pairs in 2020. Amid this decline, the industry saw increased adoption of plastic and synthetic materials for soles and uppers, driven by innovations targeting better performance and comfort.

A sustained recovery lifted the market to 15.6 million pairs by 2023. This expansion was fueled by a growing focus on advanced rubber and plastic sole materials that offered improved cushioning and support, coupled with rising demand for personalized footwear. The period also saw the emergence of green shoes featuring soles made from algae and uppers from recycled plastic, catering to environmental sustainability trends.

In 2024, market volume stabilized at 15.4 million pairs. Consumer interest was supported by the fashion return of rubber shoes for summer, highlighted by ergonomic designs from high-fashion houses, alongside the broad availability of sports soles with anti-slip and cushioning properties.

Production textile-upper sports footwear including training shoes in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Italy's production of textile-upper sports footwear, including training shoes, declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 31 138 thousand US dollars, marking an abrupt drop of 25.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 44.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -17.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K 2u

Production of textile-upper sports footwear, including training shoes, in Italy declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 205 thousand pairs were produced, down by 26.7% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 84.3%, equating to an annualized rate of -46.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K 2u

Exports textile-upper sports footwear including training shoes from Italy

Exports in kind, K 2u

Exports of textile-upper sports footwear, including training shoes, from Italy increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 11 734 thousand pairs, up by 28.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 54.6%, with an annualized rate of 15.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K 2u

From 2017 to 2020, exports in kind of textile-upper sports footwear, including training shoes, from Italy were not heavily concentrated. Germany accounted for 24.3% of exports, France for 12.3%, and Spain for 9.3%, with these three countries together capturing only 45.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Italy's exports of textile-upper sports footwear, including training shoes, increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 334.3 million US dollars, a solid rise of 15.8% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 54.3%, with an annualized rate of 15.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and Spain formed the largest group of buyers in value terms, accounting for 24.1%, 12.2%, and 9.2% of exports, respectively. However, their combined contribution was limited to 45.6% of total exports, reflecting a diversified country structure.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020

Imports textile-upper sports footwear including training shoes to Italy

Imports in kind, K 2u

In 2020, imports of textile-upper sports footwear, including training shoes, into Italy totaled 19 094 thousand pairs, representing a small uptick of 2.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 35.9%, with an annualized rate of -13.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 32 412 thousand pairs, followed by the largest decline of 42.4% in 2019, which brought imports to their lowest point of 18 667 thousand pairs. The largest increase occurred in 2018, at 8.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K 2u

From 2017 to 2020, France, Belgium, and Germany were the main sources for imports in kind, accounting for 24.6%, 23.0%, and 15.0% of imports, respectively. Together, they absorbed 62.5% of total imports of textile-upper sports footwear, including training shoes, to Italy.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of textile-upper sports footwear, including training shoes, into Italy declined in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports came to 530.1 million US dollars, down by 19.4% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 20.9%, with an annualized rate of -7.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 842.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 25.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 21.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, France, and Germany stood out as the main markets for imports in value terms, accounting for 28.5%, 22.7%, and 14.0% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 65.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020