AI advances shape the footwear sector in North America
Artificial intelligence continues to gain traction across industries, with the footwear sector in particular exploring its potential. A recent in-person and online event organized by the Valencian Footwear Entrepreneurs Association (Avecal) and supported by the Ministry of Sustainable Economy highlighted how AI and related digital tools are redefining design, production, and market insights. The gathering showcased current technologies applied to shoes and allowed leading companies to share success stories from the sector.
Marian Cano, chief executive officer of Avecal, emphasized that the industry cannot lower its guard as consumption cools and fashion trends shift rapidly. She urged sustained investment in domestic products and digital transformation, noting that technologies such as artificial intelligence will play a pivotal role in the near future. The event featured presentations and panel discussions that explored practical AI applications for footwear manufacturing and sales.
The opening session titled “Using Artificial Intelligence in Fashion Shoes and Not Dying While Trying” featured Maria Jose Peral, CEO of the Artificial Intelligence Institute. Peral outlined aims to implement AI across the shoe industry to boost design innovation, automate manufacturing tasks, optimize logistics, create personalized customer experiences, and analyze trends. AI is framed as software of growing complexity that presents a new challenge in a dynamic market, where online shoe purchases exceed thirty percent. The session highlighted AI as both a hurdle and an opportunity to enhance processes, improve quality control, and gather richer data on sales behavior and demand, enabling better strategic decisions.
Another discussion, “AI applied to shoe sales, pros and cons,” was moderated by Salvador Gomez. Speakers included Michelangelo Lucas, CEO of Popa Shoes; Maria José Peral, CEO of the Artificial Intelligence Institute; Eleuterio Belmonte, Commercial Director for Expansion and Development at Lodi; and Raul Hussein, director of ITI Advanced Data Analysis Services. The panel explained how AI can deliver quick user responses and how data analysis supports meaningful improvements across sales and customer interactions.
Despite strong enthusiasm, speakers noted that initial investments remain a barrier for many small and medium-sized companies. However, the consensus was clear: long-term gains in efficiency, quality, and customer insights can justify the upfront costs with a well-planned strategy.
The final presentation, “Technology and Automation in Shoe Production,” featured Julia Perez from Tudela and Fernando Baun, known as lean promoters at Pikokaizen. They described how challenging business environments can turn into success stories through technology oriented toward the customer. Their discussion also covered the kaizen method and its successful application at Picolinos, illustrating continuous improvement in action.
The second session focused on “Shoe Production and Technology: Challenges and Opportunities.” Participants included Jose Luis Costa, Industry 4.0 consultant and moderator for Clavei; Vincent M. Pastore, executive director at SW Creations; Javier Onate, CTCR director of the La Rioja Shoe Technology Center; Adrian Hernandez, founder and managing director of Simplicity Works; and Eduardo Calabuig, deputy manager of Inescop Advanced Manufacturing. The group discussed how technological integration can address production hurdles and open new avenues for efficiency and customization.
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AI-driven improvements in production processes have begun delivering measurable gains for companies in the Valencian Community, with several reporting notable efficiency boosts after adopting AI tools and data analytics. The event concluded with remarks from Salvador Navarro, chairman of CEV, and Rosana Peran, president of FICE, who underscored the footwear sector’s need to embrace new technologies to maintain leadership and support sustainable growth.
Overall, the event positioned AI as a facilitator of agile operations, better decision-making, and resilient business models in the footwear industry. It painted a forward-looking picture where technology enables firms to respond faster, tailor products, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.