China and India are producers and consumers. The U.S., Japan and Russia are big buyers. In Europe shoe shopping declines, but there are countries, including Italy, that import and then re-export. This is the map of shoe consumption according to the World Footwear Yearbook 2025, the study of the Portuguese footwear, components and leather goods association APICCAPS.
The map of shoe consumption
Global consumption is growing due to demographic changes and economic development. One example is Asia, where per capita consumption is only 2.5 pairs per year, well below the levels found in other regions. However, this indicates future potential, and the same goes for Africa. But if we look at the overall figure, Asia has increased its weight in global consumption from 49% to 55.5% in recent years. In contrast, Europe’s share has been steadily declining. In 2024, the aggregate consumption of the European Union slightly exceeded 2 billion pairs. Finishing for the first time behind North America, which is the world leader in per capita footwear consumption.
China in the lead
The consumption map sees China in the lead (thanks to its population numbers and rising middle class) with 4 billion pairs per year (18.6% of the world total). The first is followed by India (2.86 billion), which has similar dynamics to China, with 13.3%. The United States (2.1 billion, or 10%) ranks third in terms of high per capita consumption, followed by Brazil, Japan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Russia and Mexico. There is one aspect to highlight: some markets such as Asia meet demand through domestic production, while others, including Europe and North America, depend heavily on imports.
China and India are the two largest consumers in the world, but their meet demand through domestic production, along with Brazil, Pakistan and Bangladesh. In contrast, Germany, Spain, France and Italy in that order import far more than they consume, suggesting subsequent re-export activity. Even the United States, Japan and Russia, which have limited domestic production, depend heavily on imports.
