FROM THE EDITOR A merry Christmas to you all!
Every year, the UK retail industry approaches the festive season with a blend of anticipation and apprehension – and 2025 is no exception. Christmas remains the single most important trading period for retailers, but the landscape has shifted dramatically; what was once a predictable golden quarter is now a delicate balancing
act shaped by economic pressure, volatile consumer confidence, and rapidly changing shopping habits. Footfall is no longer the core metric it once was. Consumers have become strategic shoppers, spreading purchases across Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or even waiting for ‘the January sales’. And not just in person, but more and more online too. Value has become the season’s guiding star, with shoppers looking to get the best possible product for their money. But there’s something about this time of year; the mood changes slightly and there’s a definite buzz in the air. High streets are busier than ever as people rush around buying last-minute gifts and new party outfits! And the fashion and footwear sector always benefits from this, so let’s hope it’s no different this year.
As we look ahead to 2026, the industry continues as normal, with the return of all the biggest events and exhibitions where brands will be showcasing their best styles for the Spring/ Summer season and beyond. I’m looking forward to seeing what trends come through next year and how the footwear landscape will develop against a generally tough retail market. I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all – our wonderful retail readers and brand partners – a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2026! If you do manage to have a break over the Christmas period, enjoy! Now, where did I put those mince pies?...
Jack Cheeseman Editor, Footwear Today
jcheeseman@datateam.co.uk • 01622 699120
www.footweartoday.co.uk • Instagram: @footweartodaymag
4 FOOTWEAR NEWS 8 FOOTWEAR NEWS 10 PREVIEW: FOOTWEAR TODAY LIVE 12 PREVIEW: EXPO RIVA SCHUH & GARDABAGS 14 BRAND INTERVIEW: BASE LONDON 18 EDITOR’S CHOICE: LADIES’ WINTER COMFORT 22 EDITOR’S CHOICE: MEN’S WINTER COMFORT 26 EDITOR’S CHOICE: KIDS’ WINTER COMFORT 28 INDEPENDENT FOOTWEAR RETAILER OF THE MONTH 30 FASHION LAW
EDITOR: Jack Cheeseman
jcheeseman@datateam.co.uk • 01622 699120
FASHION LAWYER: Stephen Sidkin
JOURNAL MANAGER: Charlotte Steadman
csteadman@datateam.co.uk • 01622 699142 DESIGNER: Steve Stanton
CIRCULATION: Curwood CMS Ltd
datateam@c-cms.com Tel: 01580 883844 • Fax: 01580 883849
PUBLISHING DIRECTOR: Paul Ryder
pryder@datateam.co.uk
© 2025 Datateam Business Media Ltd Published by Datateam Business Media Ltd, London Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 8LY. Tel: 01622 687031 • Fax: 01622 757646
email:
footwear@datateam.co.uk website:
www.datateam.co.uk •
www.footweartoday.co.uk
Footwear Today: ISSN: 1475-8601
The Publishers cannot accept responsibility for any discrepancies either in copy or between products and/or services listed. Nor can they be responsible for illustrations and/or copy for products which lead to infringement of copyright.
CONTENTS DECEMBER 2025
DOWNLOAD THE FOOTWEAR TODAY APP NOW SPONSORED BY
DECEMBER 2025 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • 3
Photo:Toni Cuenca/Unspash
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32
