At the Micam footwear fair in Milan, the industry is starting to regain traction with Asian buyers, a market that had retreated from international competitions since the pandemic began due to lingering home-country restrictions. These restrictions created a hurdle for the promotion and sale of shoes from numerous suppliers, making a strong return for Asian buyers especially meaningful for the global footwear sector.
In Milan, a delegation of 46 companies from Alicante province has participated since the opening day, with early impressions turning positive. The Valencian Footwear Entrepreneurs Association reported that business activity has picked up, and buyers from Japan, Korea, and other regions have resumed travel, allowing a broader discussion of orders. The reprioritization of Asia as a key market is seen as a sign that the region is re-engaging with European manufacturers after a year marked by travel hesitancy and quarantine requirements.
The optimism echoed by Elche’s city leadership was evident on the fair floor as well. Local officials underscored the contribution of participants from Elche to the national footwear sector, highlighting that a substantial share of Spanish exhibitors represents the city and its entrepreneurial ecosystem. This renewed confidence is viewed as a barometer of a broader revival for the country’s footwear manufacturing community in the international arena.
As Micam closes, Lineapelle Milano begins, bringing together the next wave of industry players on the same grounds. This event features 39 Alicante-based companies and marks the start of another major international showcase for footwear components. In total, 1,100 industry professionals from 38 countries are expected to participate across the two consecutive exhibitions, reinforcing the value of Milan as a pivotal hub for product development, buyer engagement, and cross-border commerce in the footwear supply chain. The combined momentum from Micam and Lineapelle Milano is anticipated to help reinforce Spain’s standing in the global market while pushing forward trade opportunities across rapidly recovering Asian and European markets. [Attribution: event organizers and regional industry associations report on attendance and sentiment.]