MICAM Milano, the International Footwear fair, returns to the Fiera Milano from 17 to 20 September 2023 with its 95th edition. Quality, sustainability, innovation and a focus on young people are, as always, the drivers of the event.

There are 1,024 brands presented, 520 of which are Italian and 504 foreign, representing over 30 countries. The continually evolving market continues to provide the entire sector with food for thought and MICAM will once again represent the most important opportunity for professionals to meet and compare notes.

“MICAM drives the recovery of the national footwear sector and plays a key role for the affirmation of our companies that need trade fair support to establish themselves and develop in international markets,” explained MICAM President, Giovanna Ceolini.

“I hope that the event can once again confirm itself as an irreplaceable business opportunity and driving force for a sector of great importance in economic and employment terms.

“MICAM is also a spotlight on new trends starting with sustainability, which is no longer a short-term trend but a key factor in customers’ purchasing decisions. A paradigm that, together with digitisation, is transforming the footwear industry and taking it into the future.”

The talent of young people is, as always, at the heart of MICAM thanks to the many initiatives that aim to promote it and introduce it to operators. Starting with the area dedicated to Emerging Designers that will host 12 creatives from all over the world selected by a special jury. Sustainability and originality are the keywords of the collections presented: recycled or recyclable materials and attention to the production chain are just some of the features of the shoes that will be on show.

Elsewhere, the Italian Start Up area is dedicated to the most promising new start-ups, set up in collaboration with Startup Bootcamp with the support of ITA and MAECI, and the start-ups presented will be:

  • Blockvision: aims to accelerate the achievement of sustainability goals in the fashion supply chain through an NFT tag stitched to the product. This makes it possible for consumers to verify the digital identity of a garment or shoe and immerse themselves in the long journey that led to its creation.
  • CDCStudio: has patented cōēo, a new technology to reuse waste fabrics and leather from recycled polyethylene. The patented process creates a new waterproof, windproof and sustainable material. CDCStudio helps companies working in the fashion industry to transform their waste and leftovers into new fabric, thus reusing their waste.
  • Dotzero: a fashion start-up specialising in footwear. Its mission is to find innovative, sustainable and artisanal solutions for production and to raise awareness of sustainability and conscious consumption.
  • Sneaknit: uses advanced knitting technologies ensuring an eco-friendly approach. A key component of Sneaknit’s business model is the use of recycled plastic yarn, which eliminates five to 15 plastic bottles from the environment for every pair of shoes produced. This commitment to sustainability also extends to other innovative materials, such as hemp, Tencel, cotton, wool and those recycled from clothing waste.

The future of retail

Future of Retail, the space dedicated to innovative ideas that will shape the future of retail, will host a number of companies proposing advanced solutions useful for the footwear sector: in this edition the focus is on 3D technology and its potential to increase retailers’ business.

Tailoor is the first white-label digital commerce platform to sell customised, Made to Order and Made to Measure garments online. The SaaS Tailoor platform provides an innovative purchasing experience with a 3D configurator.

SafeSize is a retail tech company offering an innovative omnichannel 3D foot scanning and shoe recommendation solution that helps customers find the perfect shoe in physical and online shops, while reducing product returns and contributing to a sustainable future.

FIBBL is building the world’s largest distribution platform for its self-made 3D shoe models, with the aim of helping shoe brands and retailers achieve commercial success. Fibbl supports brands and retailers to transform their entire e-commerce into 3D and augmented reality (AR) solutions.

MICAMX: the sector’s innovation hub has a new look

The MICAMX area will be back in Pavilion 1 with a completely new layout designed to offer visitors a unique opportunity to gen up on issues of key importance for the industry thanks to distinguished guests, best practice and important international speakers, covering four main themes: trends & materials, sustainability, art fashion heritage & future and the future of retail.

Also within the MICAMX space, the Trends & Materials area, set up in collaboration with Lineapelle, will take the form of a display of materials and components featured in the AW23-24 collections. This year MICAM will once again offer dealers the Trends Buyer Guide powered by Livetrend, to help buyers identify the season’s best-sellers and optimise their purchases.

Live from MICAM!

MICAM Milan was chosen by Class TV Moda as the go-to event for the fashion and footwear industry. So, during the first three days of the event, an actual studio will be set up at the fair, which will allow the broadcaster to meet its guests and interview MICAM exhibitors on the hottest topics of the moment.