NEWS
Footwear Market Kicks into High Gear as Demand Sees Relentless Growth
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n 2021, China emerged as the top consumer of footwear in the world, with nearly 4.56 billion pairs of sandals and shoes purchased throughout the year. Footwear is a necessity among consumers on par with water, food, housing, and other types of clothing. Therefore, it is no surprise that the country ranks first among the total footwear consumers, given that it houses the world’s highest number of people. In fact, the top nations in terms of footwear demand mirrored the highest populated economies worldwide. On the other hand, the United States, in 2021, became the biggest market for footwear, touching more than USD 78 billion.
Footwear can be described as garments that are worn underneath the feet, typically used for protecting against environmental adversities such as ground textures as well as temperature. Footwear, primarily shoes, helps improve locomotion while preventing injuries.
Footwear also helps make a fashion statement and can be used as an adornment. It most often than not indicates the rank or status of the wearer within a social structure. Socks are generally worn between the footwear and feet for extra comfort as well as relief. What is the Cultural Significance of Footwear?
The types of footwear vary from culture to culture, but in the majority of the cultures worldwide, these represent the social status of the user. A footwear type is also a form of extension of the person’s self. It affects others’ perceptions and also of the person wearing them.
Certain footwear is viewed as a product of fashion-based decoration and doesn’t have much to do with functionality. In the Western World, stilettos or high heels are a way of expressing a woman’s adulthood as well as sexuality. These types of footwear offer sleekness and elongate the wearer’s legs, thus modifying their stance in terms of looks.
During the apartheid period, South African miners were prohibited from verbally communicating in mining tunnels. To deal with this situation, they came up with a way to communicate, also called the “Gumboot Dance”, which involves foot taps, a lot like Morse Code. The miners had to wear Wellington boots or Gumboots to bolster their foot health, considering the long periods in knee-high contaminated waters. Gumboots have now turned into something like a cultural symbol of resistance for the miners in South Africa. Footwear also varies as per religious functions or ceremonies in different cultures. In the Indian culture, footwear is designed lavishly with embroidery, lined with precious metals and stones, and adorned with tassels and bells. Speaking of different cultural indications of feet, Americans see the concept of walking barefoot as a way of symbolizing freedom and youthfulness. Meanwhile, the Japanese see the feet as an important part of the body that should always remain clean, which is why wearing footwear outdoors at all times is absolutely necessary.
What are the Different Types of Footwear? Boots: Boosts refer to a type of footwear that are used for covering the foot as well as ankle, while a few types cover the lower calf as well. Some boots go beyond the feet till the knees or even the hip. Some come with heels, highly distinguishable portions of boots that are separated from the sole. Traditionally made of rubber or leather, the latest boots in the footwear market are developed using a variety of materials.
Boots are extremely popular, for their functionality and also for fashion and style purposes. Functionalities of boots include protection of the leg and foot from mud, water, pestilence (insect stings and bites, snake bites, and infectious disease), ankle support, sharp or blunt hazards, extreme temperatures, corrosive agents, damaging radiation; physical abrasion, and support for strenuous activities like hiking; as well as durability in adverse
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conditions. Sandals: Sandals can be described as open types of footwear that consist of a sole held to the foot of the user by straps, which go over the instep and also around the
ankles. These footwear types also come with heels. While there is not much to distinguish between sandals and other footwear types, the most common feature of sandals is that they leave almost all of the foot exposed. People opt to wear sandals for numerous reasons, whether to feel comfortable during warm weather or for economic purposes as sandals cost much less than shoes and are easier to create or as a fashion choice. Shoes: A shoe is a type of footwear that is worn for protecting the human foot while also providing comfort. These are also used as decoration items and as part of the latest fashion trend. Their design has differed significantly from culture to culture and through time, with the earliest form most associated with function. Though human feet can get accustomed to varied climate conditions and terrains, they are still strong enough to deal with a host of environmental hazards including extreme temperatures and sharp rocks. Therefore, shoes are the top choice for protection against these factors. A few types of shoes are used as safety equipment, like steel-toe boots used at industrial worksites.
What are the Key Benefits of Wearing Proper Footwear? Healthy feet are only possible with the use of quality shoes, which help maintain the body weight without straining all through the day. Some of the major benefits of using good footwear include: Moisture Regulation: Everyone faces foot sweating from time to time. Good footwear is developed using breathable material that facilitates moisture absorption in these situations. Substandard footwear lacks effective ventilation, which can result in bad odor and eventually infections owing to fungi and bacteria. These microorganisms grow rapidly in moist and dark areas. Therefore, good, breathable footwear ensures clean and non-smelly feet throughout the day.
Different Footwear Depending on the Activity Footwear comes in various types but can be broadly segmented based on running or walking. The intended use of the footwear before purchase is always a good idea. Lightweight footwear types are best for walking. These mostly feature a shock absorber around the heel, which help enhance the comfort level. Discomfort can cause pain or even a burning sensation.
Good Footwear Means Effective Alignment Good footwear means effective foot alignment. High-quality footwear offer come with appropriate inner soles, which help achieve great body alignment. They facilitate the even distribution of the entire body weight. The wear doesn’t strain or deal with arch pain. Proper alignment also helps get rid of pressure from various parts of the body, elevating the comfort level. Saves Money: Women generally have more access to lower-priced footwear compared to men. However, this leads to compromising on quality owing to the high affordability of some shoes. The so-called affordable footwear mostly doesn’t last longer than three months. Investing in high-quality footwear ensures longevity and money saving in the long run.
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