Footwear is in a constant state of evolution and the shoes industry has a big task ahead for the upcoming year. Quality remains essential, but brands are now forced to navigate increasingly complex terrain as the entire retail model moves to the digital world. Digital engagement and smarter sales strategies drive purchasing decisions more and more. The latest trends indicate that while the industry still values craftsmanship, success mainly hinges on responsiveness to consumer behavior and retail innovations. One of the most notable shifts is the move away from a purely direct-to-consumer (DTC) model. At the time, DTC was thought to be the be-all answer in retail, but subsequently has proven to be costly. As the digital advertising landscape becomes more saturated, the expense of standing out is rising, particularly for footwear brands attempting to carve a niche on mainstream platforms. The result? A renewed interest in wholesale, but with a digital twist. Wholesale, once considered traditional and less agile, is now being reimagined through technology platforms like NuORDER. These tools allow brands to create dynamic online catalogs, implement customer-specific pricing, and deliver a DTC-like experience. An added advantage: the access to broader distribution networks. This hybrid model is proving attractive to both emerging and established footwear labels. At the same time, sustainability is becoming more than a buzzword for the shoes industry. With 20 billion pairs of shoes produced globally each year and 300 million ending up in landfills, environmental accountability is now a key concern. Consumers are increasingly aware of what goes into their shoes, and brands are responding with eco-conscious initiatives. Asics, for instance, has introduced a fully recyclable shoe that can be dismantled at the end of its life. New Balance has implemented its Green Leaf Standard, which ensures at least 50% of materials in qualifying products are sustainable.