PREVIEW
the market,” says Alessandra Albarelli, General Manager of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi. “The innovations discussed in Shanghai show that the future of footwear and accessories will be defined by cross-cutting technologies that impact both luxury and mass production alike. Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags are the moments when these transformations take shape and turn into real business opportunities.”
FOOTWEAR AND ACCESSORIES As the first international trade fairs on the calendar for the Autumn/Winter 2026/2027 season, the Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags exhibitions are key moments when the entire supply chain meets the market. Let’s find out what’s in store at this next edition…
THE TRANSFORMATIONS THAT WILL SHAPE THE FUTURE OF
T
he footwear and accessories industries are experiencing a period of radical transformation, with innovations finding tangible application in so many product types. Buyers and distributors attending Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags on 10 to 13 January, organised by Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, will be able to see first-hand how new technologies are being integrated into models destined for both high-volume production and the premium segment. In a global context marked by fragmented supply chains and new trade barriers, innovation is becoming a crucial competitive factor. Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags will offer companies the chance to explore how technological insights have evolved into tangible collections. Here, the solutions showcased at recent international fairs or discussed at the UITIC Congress will find real-world application in finished products: lighter, more sustainable and customisable shoes; accessories created from new circular materials; collections developed with the support of artificial intelligence; and production processes that are safer and more efficient. The footwear industry is moving towards smarter, more sustainable and more integrated production models. Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags reaffirms its role as an international platform capable of connecting innovation and the market, building a bridge between the
12 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • DECEMBER 2025
A new technological era Artificial Intelligence is now capable of connecting business processes, from product design to logistics management, making it possible to forecast demand, optimise resources, reduce waste and accelerate development. At the same time, human input remains essential and clear rules are needed to guide its use.
This vision aligns perfectly with the discussions already taking place within the Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags community, which for years has explored the contribution of AI to sustainability and industry competitiveness through the Innovation Village Retail project. International start-ups such as Sangrove, IFReturns and ACBC have demonstrated how data and algorithms can improve planning, returns management and material selection – reducing waste and minimising environmental impact.
And while AI is reshaping business organisation, materials are at the heart of product innovation. A key example is new technology around sole production – with solutions designed to meet performance requirements, comply with increasingly strict regulations, and respond to market pressures on sustainability and safety. The first key area of development concerns lightness: reduced material density through the controlled expansion of PU and EVA, now enhanced by gas-based techniques, makes it possible to lighten even more compact materials such as TPU.
technologies developed in research centres and the products destined for millions of consumers around the world.
An innovation ecosystem At the UITIC Congress, the concept of an innovation ecosystem was discussed, highlighting the importance of synergies between companies, research centres and the academic world. An approach successfully put into practice at the Riva del Garda trade fairs, where collaboration between start-ups, manufacturers, retailers and institutions takes shape within the Innovation Village Retail. Here, solutions are presented that range from virtual fitting rooms and predictive supply-chain planning to new repair services and material reuse platforms.
“Our fairs are not just product showcases but also spaces for dialogue on the trends reshaping
The second focus is on process innovation. The difficulty in finding workers willing to operate in high-risk environments has accelerated automation; the use of robots creates advantages in terms of safety, time and cost efficiency. The most advanced technologies now make it possible to produce outsoles and midsoles in a single injection cycle, improving both efficiency and quality.
Lastly, circularity lies at the core of future strategies. Research is increasingly aimed at using thermoplastic materials (which can meet current performance standards) in place of thermosetting ones, thus promoting recycling by eliminating the complexity of chemical cross- linking. However, a crucial factor remains the ability to collect and separate materials correctly according to their composition.
The Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags exhibitions return on 10 to 13 January 2026 at Riva del Garda, Italy.
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