Fashion and artisanal traditions have always been the bread and butter in Italy and the country has been a definitive leader in Europe’s shoes industry. The numbers from 2023 corroborate this narrative as Italy produced nearly 147.9 million pairs of shoes last year. This means that for every three pairs of shoes, one came from Italian manufacturers. On a global scale, Italy ranks thirteenth in footwear production volume, but its significance in the international market transcends quantity. The country holds the eighth position worldwide in terms of volume exported, and more impressively, it stands third in export value behind only China and Vietnam. When it comes to shoes made with leather uppers, Italy is second in the world. Luxury and high-fashion craftsmanship are the two qualities most associated with the Italian shoes industry, which is one of the main drivers of economic growth within the country’s broader fashion system. The industry employs over 73,000 people across a total of close to 3,500 companies. In 2023, it posted a positive trade balance of €5.75 billion. Still, even established leaders like Italy faced some economic challenges. After a double-digit growth in exports and turnover during the first quarter, the momentum slowed down and the year ended with only a marginal annual increase. For instance, turnover rose by only +0.6% over 2022. The strength of Italy’s shoe sector is deeply rooted in its decentralized but highly integrated industrial structure. The industry thrives on a complex supply chain that includes tanneries, raw material suppliers, component manufacturers, stylists, and model makers. This ecosystem has fostered the emergence of specialized production districts in regions such as the Marches, Tuscany, Veneto, Campania, Lombardy, Apulia, and Emilia Romagna. Together, they form an intricate network of 23 provinces known for both innovation and tradition.