The global footwear market is expanding at a CAGR of 3.1 per cent between 2018 and 2026. Shoe knitting technology is becoming widespread. This contributes to less waste and reduced labor costs, and also lends itself to customization and speed to market.

The ongoing digitization of the creation process, such as the use of advanced CAD programs, will also gain momentum in 2019. Digitization allows for access to better materials and is also a way to create sample shoes without actually having to go to a factory and build them. Digital resolutions are now extremely high, making it easy to see complex design details, and the use of 3-D printing means that a brand can print a single shoe in multiple color ways, thus saving time and money in the selection process.

The use of sustainable and recycled materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes is a top priority. Brands are reducing waste in supply chains and at the factory and using materials that are sustainable. Part of this involves things like transforming the operations process. The other part requires companies to consider making adjustments in production and considering how they could reuse or sell waste instead of discarding it.