FROM THE EDITOR So here it is –
the arrival of Autumn
As the days grow shorter and the air takes on that familiar crispness, Autumn has once again quietly slipped into the frame, and the change in weather often feels swift and unmistakable! One week we’re still reaching for flip flops and sandals, and the next we’re dusting off our boots and layering up against the chill.
The first true sign of the seasonal switch is often found at our feet. Footwear becomes more functional – waterproof, warm, and durable – but style doesn’t fall by the wayside. Chunky boots step into the spotlight, offering comfort and confidence against the unpredictable British weather! This season, classic silhouettes are making a strong return, but with fresh textures and earthy tones that feel perfectly in tune with the season’s aesthetic.
Our wardrobes begin to evolve too. Out come the wool knits, trench coats, and heavier fabrics that cocoon us from the cold. Layering becomes less of a trend and more of a necessity, blending practicality with the opportunity to experiment with textures, tones, and shapes. In this issue we’re looking at that evolution within footwear, too, and the rapid rise of the Barefoot concept. It’s taking the industry by storm and this month I spoke to several leading brands in this space about their latest collections and how the public are embracing the change. High-street brands like Next, M&S and Zara are launching Barefoot lines, signalling that the category is here to stay. It’s a fascinating insight and I really hope you enjoy reading the interview piece in this issue from page 20, as well as the rest of the issue of course!
Jack Cheeseman Editor, Footwear Today 
jcheeseman@datateam.co.uk • 01622 699120 
www.footweartoday.co.uk • Instagram: @footweartodaymag
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
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PUBLISHING DIRECTOR: Paul Ryder 
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CONTENTS OCTOBER 2025
4 FOOTWEAR NEWS 8 FOOTWEAR NEWS 10 REVIEW: FOOTWEAR TODAY LIVE 14 REVIEW: MICAM 18 REVIEW: HARROGATE FASHION WEEK 20 INTERVIEW: EL NATURALISTA & BAREFOOT 24 EDITOR’S CHOICE: LADIES’ FORMAL WEAR 28 EDITOR’S CHOICE: MEN’S FORMAL WEAR 32 INDEPENDENT FOOTWEAR RETAILER OF THE MONTH 34 FASHION LAW
© 2025 Datateam Business Media Ltd Published by Datateam Business Media Ltd, London Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 8LY. Tel: 01622 687031 • Fax: 01622 757646
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Footwear Today: ISSN: 1475-8601
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