The 5th edition of BFSHOW — the Brazilian Footwear Show — took place from November 10 to 12, 2025, at São Paulo’s Anhembi District. Organized by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) in partnership with NürnbergMesse Brasil, the event has rapidly become Latin America’s largest and most strategic footwear trade fair.
This year’s edition welcomed over 10,000 visitors, including 1,300 international buyers from 46 countries. With 243 exhibitors representing 350 brands across 11,389 square meters of exhibition space, BFSHOW continues to position Brazil as a global footwear leader.
“BFSHOW is no longer just a trade fair — it’s a global showcase of Brazil’s creative, ethical, and industrial strength,” said Haroldo Ferreira, Executive President of Abicalçados.
The fair’s Buyer Program, supported by ApexBrasil, brought together 685 participants — 520 Brazilian and 165 international buyers — reinforcing its role as a platform for internationalization. João Paulo Picolo, CEO of NürnbergMesse Brasil, emphasized the fair’s global reach:
“More than 10% of our visitors come from over 60 countries. That’s the strength of this project,” he noted. “We’ve seen a 14% increase in pre-registration compared to last November, and that speaks volumes about the fair’s momentum.”
Despite recent challenges — including a 50% tariff hike in the U.S., Brazil’s top export destination — the Brazilian footwear industry remains resilient. The sector now exports to over 160 countries, with growing traction in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Nearly 300 companies are supported through the Brazilian Footwear program, which accounts for over 70% of national exports.
Innovation Highlights: Where Purpose Meets Product
Kiri’s GPS Kids’ Shoes
Kiri unveiled the world’s first GPS-enabled children’s shoes compatible with both Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find My Device platforms. The discreet chip, embedded in the insole, is waterproof-resistant and features a replaceable battery with a 12-month lifespan. A bracelet version is also in development for beach use.
Piccadilly’s Wellness Tech
Piccadilly launched Maxi Tech, a new insole technology with ceramic biocapsules that emit infrared rays to stimulate circulation and reduce swelling. Certified by Brazil’s health agency (Anvisa), the innovation blends comfort, wellness, and style — the result of 12 years of R&D.
Pampili’s Inclusive Footwear
Pampili introduced Braille-marked shoes to help visually impaired girls distinguish left from right, promoting autonomy and confidence. The brand also embeds motivational messages in Braille and features diverse models in its campaigns, reinforcing its commitment to inclusion.
Usaflex’s Lightweight Comfort
Usaflex debuted a gas-expanded EVA sole — 30% lighter and more cushioned than traditional EVA — marking a first in Brazil’s comfort footwear segment. The brand, present in over 60 countries, continues to expand through branded stores and franchises.
Sustainability as Strategy
BFSHOW also spotlighted Brazil’s exclusive sustainability certification for the footwear industry: Origem Sustentável. Developed by Abicalçados and Assintecal, the program evaluates companies across 104 indicators and includes third-party verification. Over 100 companies are already certified, including Diamond-level brands like Usaflex and Piccadilly.
“Sustainability isn’t just about the product — it’s about the entire process,” said Cristian Schlindwein, Marketing and Strategy Manager at Abicalçados.
With São Paulo as South America’s main air hub and a curated, Brazil-focused format, BFSHOW is poised to become the definitive sourcing destination for ethical, innovative, and globally competitive footwear.
