Footwear News is an American trade publication that reports on the global footwear industry. It provides news, analysis, and trend coverage related to shoe design, manufacturing, retail, and marketing, and it serves professionals such as brand executives, designers, buyers, and retailers.
Publisher and Ownership
Footwear News is published by DW, a media company that also publishes Women’s Wear Daily and other fashion‑industry titles. DW is a subsidiary of Penske Media Corporation (PMC), a privately held media conglomerate.
History
The publication traces its origins to 1945, when it was launched under the title Shoe and Leather News. It was later renamed Footwear News as the scope of coverage expanded beyond leather‑based products to encompass the entire footwear market, including athletic and casual shoes.
Formats
Footwear News is distributed in both print and digital formats. Its website (footwearnews.com) delivers daily news updates, feature articles, market data, and multimedia content. The print edition is released on a weekly basis and is primarily circulated to industry subscribers.
Key Features
- Industry News – Reports on product launches, corporate developments, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory issues affecting the footwear sector.
- Trend Analysis – Seasonal trend guides, consumer‑behavior studies, and forecasts of style direction.
- Market Data – Sales figures, market‑share reports, and performance metrics for major footwear brands.
- Footwear News Awards – An annual awards program that recognizes excellence in design, retail, e‑commerce, and marketing within the footwear industry.
Audience and Influence
The publication is regarded as a primary source of information for footwear professionals in North America and internationally. Its reporting is frequently cited by mainstream business media, industry analysts, and academic research on fashion and retail.
Related Publications
Footwear News is part of a family of fashion‑industry trade titles that includes Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), Business of Fashion, and Apparel News, all of which are also owned by PMC.
Online Presence
The online platform provides a subscription service that offers full access to archives, exclusive newsletters, and a job board for industry positions. Social‑media channels (Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) are used to disseminate breaking news and engage with the footwear community.
