Footwear Market Research Articles

Market Fluctuations and the Crocs' Resurgence

This paper delves into the reasons for the decline in sales of Crocs and the reasons for its counterattack. The decline in sales of Crocs was mainly affected by changing fashion trends and consumer preferences, a lack of effective marketing and promotion strategies, and the proliferation of copycat shoes in the market. However, Crocs managed to fight back by focusing on providing a comfortable foot feel, shifting marketing strategies and leveraging the influence of social media, as well as the unique characteristics of Crocs. This reversal not only led to the economic recovery of the shoe industry and workshops but also regained the importance of Crocs in the field of culture and fashion. There are a few suggestions to pay attention to for the future prospects and sustainability of Crocs: First, pay close attention to changes in consumer trends and adjust product design and promotion strategies in time to adapt to changes in market demand. Secondly, pay attention to the safety of Crocs, continuously improve the comfort and quality of products, and ensure consumer satisfaction and trust. Finally, strengthen intellectual property protection, prevent infringement of counterfeit products, and maintain brand image and market share. By proactively addressing these critical issues, Crocs can secure its future growth and continue to succeed in the highly competitive footwear market.

Современные методы управления стоимостью компаний сегмента розничного рынка одежды и обуви

The article discusses modern methods of managing the value of companies in the clothing and footwear retail market segment. An analysis of modern methods of managing the value of companies in the clothing and footwear retail market segment was carried out. The international experience of applying existing methodologi-cal approaches to the formation of enterprise value is described. The remarkable thing is that modern methods of managing the value of organizations of the designated segment of the retail market include business digital-ization, the use of innovative production methods, marketing, high quality service, the use of different commu-nication channels (social networks, forums, Internet sites). The author's graphical model of company value management of the analyzed market segment is proposed. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that managing the value of a company in the retail clothing and footwear market requires achieving a balance between ensuring productivity, marketing and innovative management.

Effect of wearing high heels on the biomechanical parameters of the foot

Introduction: Today's fashion and footwear market offers a wide range of stilettos. For women, stilettos are an important part of their wardrobe, providing a sense of confidence and enhancing physical attractiveness. Unfortunately, they also raise latent concerns among healthcare professionals due to the forced position of the foot. The aim of this study is to analyse present the effect of high heels on the distribution of foot forces on the ground in adult women attending high-heels dance classes. Material and Methods: The distribution of foot forces on the ground and the body balance of HHS female students before and after the training session were investigated. Foot arch measurements were taken using EPSR1 mats (Letsens Group, Letsens S.R.L. Via Buozzi, CastelMaggiore; Bologna, Italy). Results: The foot arch test showed that the entire study population had highly arched left feet (mean arched level of 8.85%) and right feet (3.70%). Analysis of the data showed that training in high heels reduced the longitudinal arch of the right foot (p=0.04942) by increasing metatarsal pressure. Pressure on the heel of the right foot decreased (p=0.017621). Statistical analysis of the stabilographic measurements showed statistically significant changes only in the distance from the centre of pressure before and after the test (p=0.047531). Conclusions: The results suggest that the development of an abnormal longitudinal arch (flatfoot) and a reduction in body balance may be attributable to prolonged wearing of high-heeled shoes.

Grounded Theory—An Illustrative Application in the Portuguese Footwear Industry

Grounded theory is an inductive research methodology aiming at the construction of new concepts or new theories able to explain emerging phenomena. The objective of this paper is to provide insights on the usage of grounded theory in management research. We showcase how grounded theory can bring light to development modes of Portuguese small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the specific reality of the footwear industry, where a changing and unpredictable environment threatens constant loss of competitive advantage. An interpretive–epistemological research philosophy was adopted, and evidence was gathered through nine semi-structured interviews. Portugal is currently a reference in the international footwear market and the sustainability of the sector plays an important role in the Portuguese industrial structure. This study highlights how the method of grounded theory can add value to research by uncovering complex managerial realities and develop new questions and issues for theory building.

Review of “The Perfect Fit: Creative Work in the Global Shoe Industry”

The Perfect Fit: Creative Work in the Global Shoe Industry (hereafter, The Perfect Fit) is a fascinating book that discloses how the global leather shoe industry has a network of production and consumption, stretching designers from New York to factory workers in Brazil and China. This book attempts to reveal the commodity chains of female footwear, unraveling “patterns of repetition and innovation” of the female footwear industry in the globalized economy and displaying the flow of intimate knowledge among actors the backstage, hidden in the footwear market. The author successfully shows leather shoe production is a unique case in which expert knowledge and unskilled work are combined through the global commodity chains. While the issues seem pretty familiar to sociologists, the book begins with different approaches from industrial sociology or political economy, namely cultural sociology and Science and Technology Studies (STS). First, the author investigates the meanings of work and common knowledge of various actors involved in the process of leather shoe production. He utilizes concepts developed in STS like “translation, inscription, invisible work, immutable mobiles, infrastructure, or boundary objects” (p. 16).

ONLINE SHOPPING PERCEIVED RISKS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: ON THE STUDENT’S CASE FOR THE APPAREL AND FOOTWEAR

The purpose of the article is to develop and test a methodological approach to assess the impact of the online shopping perceived risks during the COVID-19 pandemic: on the student’s case for apparel and footwear. The study used a set of general and special methods of cognition: logical generalization, qualimetric comparison, taxonomic and index analysis, graphical visualization, scientific abstraction, and systematization of data. Online shopping is now a widespread and popular sales channel of an extremely large range of consumer goods in almost all regions and countries of the world, especially in developing countries. The online sales segment in the Ukrainian apparel and footwear market has high growth rates and development prospects. The purpose of the article is to determine the perceived risks while shopping Apparel and Footwear (AF) online during a COVID-19 pandemic. To collect primary information, 634 students of Ukrainian and foreign universities were surveyed. Information processing was carried out by applying methods of mathematical statistics. The main conclusions of the study relate to both the theoretical foundations of consumer behavior and their practical aspects. Firstly, the majority of respondents, regardless of the difference in their socio-demographic characteristics, positively perceive online shopping as a protective measure against infection with the COVID-19 virus. Secondly, as for consumer sentiment in the post-quarantine period, we can expect further growth of Internet trade in AF, as almost a third of respondents are going to buy more than before quarantine, and their number is 2-3 times higher than the number of those who have the intention to buy less. Thirdly, the ranking of perceived risks while shopping AF online allowed us to identify the most important ones, namely the risks associated with the product itself (risks of improper quality of goods, and financial ones) and the risk caused by the online shopping process - the risk of unsuccessful return of goods to the seller. This study provides practical confirmation for understanding the risks of online trade-in AF. The results of the study will contribute to the adoption of scientifically based decisions by the management of online stores and future research of online shopping processes by scientists.

Problems of improving the use of marketing research in the footwear market

Problems of improving the use of marketing research in the footwear market

COMMODITY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MODERN MEN’S SHOES

The authors determined that the current situation in the market of men’s shoes is developing in accordance with the principles of demand theory. As a result of declining incomes and a significant increase in prices, footwear consumption decreases to the level of minimum needs, consumption of cheap and low-quality goods increases. The authors found that footwear production in Ukraine is declining, despite the “fresh blood” in the form of numerous small workshops that have appeared in the country over the past two years in a wave of fashion for everything Ukrainian, the industry is still in the same state as and the entire economy. Currently, the situation in the country is quite favorable for increasing the production of domestic footwear, as some people are ready to give it preference over imported, for economic or patriotic reasons. But consumers do not have enough information about domestic products, in addition, it is poorly represented in retail outlets in Vinnytsia. In the last few years, the factors by which the Ukrainian consumer decides whether to buy a new pair of shoes, and if so, which one, have changed significantly. First, the main priority was price, not quality. If before the vast majority of consumers bought only leather shoes, now they agree to other materials to save. But Ukrainian manufacturers almost do not make shoes from artificial materials. On the one hand, they are not used to working with them, on the other – they focus on consumer tastes. However, they still do not take into account two important circumstances that have significantly changed consumer tastes in recent times: first, buyers want cheaper products; second, more and more consumers are refusing to wear genuine leather clothing and footwear for ethical reasons. So if manufacturers take into account new changing circumstances and updated consumer demands, they will be able to conquer most of the footwear market without much effort. The paper presents the results of research on the range of modern men’s shoes. A marketing study of the range of footwear of a specific regional market was conducted. The commodity characteristics of some types of modern men’s footwear, in particular “Oxfords”, “Derby” are presented.

Khussa as an Eco-Friendly Footwear Form

The research aims to document the progress of the vegetable tanning of leather hides, involved in the making of local footwear products in Pakistan. The analysis is done specifically on the introduction of Khussa as an environmentally friendly product suitable for the needs of the present target groups. The overall empirical question is to decrease the amount of industrial pollution created in the manufacturing of leather goods through synthetic procedures, especially in the tanning of the leather skins. The observations are based on the pollution intensive environment and spatial urban issues related to trends in technological, economic, social, and political scenario in Pakistan. In the beginning of the paper vegetable tanning and its existence in the leather market of Pakistan will be discussed. Then the involvement of vegetable tanning and manual laborious skills involved in the making of Khussa will be observed to promote ecofriendly procedures in the footwear market. A SWAT analysis at the end of the paper will determine the positioning of Khussa in the present market and how it could be improvised to make it better in future.

ПРИНЦИПИ ВИГОТОВЛЕННЯ ВКЛАДНИХ УСТІЛОК ІЗ ПІДІГРОМ ДЛЯ УТЕПЛЕНОГО ВЗУТТЯ

To date there are several ways to insulate shoes. Among them: the use of quality leather raw materials for the outer parts of the upper and natural fur for the inner parts of the upper of the shoe; application of insert insoles from heat-insulating foil; use of special insoles with a heating element Successful solution of the problem of heating the feet with the help of special insoles will diversify the range of shoes for the cold season, namely shoes for children, military, the elderly, people with impaired blood circulation in the vessels, hunters, fishermen and athletes. Currently, there are many imported thermal insoles on the footwear market, the prices of which are often too high for the average Ukrainian buyer. Therefore, it will be appropriate to make Ukrainian shoes of good design and good quality with special insert insoles at lower prices to meet the consumer needs of our consumers. It will also be possible to make only thermal insoles, which can be inserted into any shoe. Therefore, the topic of this scientific article is very relevant. The article analyzes all existing methods of heating the foot in warm shoes, considers the types of available insoles with heating. Such types of insole heating as chemical and mechanical are considered. Based on previously obtained experimental data, calculations were performed, based on which the required diameter of the wire to be used for heating the insoles was determined. The principles of production of insoles with a heating element which will be used for heating of feet in the cold period of the year are stated. An inexpensive foot heater has been developed, namely, an insole with a heating element made of wire cantaloupe A-1 with a diameter of 0.46 mm, which can be activated from absolutely any type of battery, from laptops, Powerbank, etc.

Measurıng Consumer-Based Brand Equıty: Evıdence From Indonesıa's Athletıc Footwear Market

Premium athletic footwear products provided by global apparel brands instead of cheap and generic products due to recent trends such as athleisure is becoming trend in Indonesia in the last decades. This occurring phenomenon creates new opportunities for multinational apparel brands to further explore the Indonesian market. Therefore, it is crucial for such companies to understand how Indonesians view sports brands by measuring brand equity and what factors influence it. This study aims to examine the effects of brand awareness, brand loyalty, brand association and perceived quality on consumer-based brand equity. The research objects of this study are Indonesians who live in Java and have purchased athletic footwear products from multinational sportswear brands. A total of 275 data was collected using mail survey method. Data analysis was performed using Partial Least Square (PLS) with the SmartPLS software. The study revealed that brand loyalty and brand association influence consumer-based brand equity, while brand awareness and perceived quality did not obtain enough evidence to support their influence on consumer-based brand equity. Practical implications also discussed in this article.

ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ПОВЕДІНКИ СПОЖИВАЧІВ В ОМНІКАНАЛЬНОМУ СЕРЕДОВИЩІ ЕЛЕКТРОННОЇ КОМЕРЦІЇ В УКРАЇНІ

If earlier retailers could clearly divide buyers into those who prefer to buy online or offline, then over the past year, the number of omnichannel sales has increased by 25%. A modern buyer uses at least 5-6 sales channels, wants to know everything about the product: from the description on the website to the opinions of opinion leaders on forums and social networks. The convergence of physical and online retail has paved the way for the emergence of omnichannel retailing, and the trend for omnichannel consumption is becoming increasingly important. The main challenge facing companies is to streamline the buying process in such a way that customers will not spend money in the buying process due to a change in the distribution channel. Enterprises are faced with the need for a more detailed study of consumer behavior in order to organize effective cooperation with them in an omnichannel retail environment. The article examines trends, problems and prospects for the implementation of an omnichannel strategy in the activities of domestic retail companies. The necessity of building links between online and offline stores have been substantiated. In order to study the behavioral models of consumers in an omnichannel environment, a marketing research was conducted of the regular customers of the largest retailer of sportswear and footwear in Ukraine, the “Sportmaster Ukraine” company. The case survey was conducted during June-August 2021 using the convenience sampling method. In fact, more than 250 respondents were interviewed. Based on the results of a theoretical study and on the basis of a statistical analysis of empirical material collected in a marketing research of the sportswear and footwear customers behavior, the six most common behavioral models of consumers in an omnichannel environment were identified, in particular: ROPO (Research Online Purchase Offline), BOPS (Buy Online Pick up in Store), "Looking cheaper prices”, “Uses a mobile apps”, “Reacts to push messages”, “Target”. For each of the selected groups of consumers, approaches to cooperation were developed and proposed. For each of the selected consumer segments, approaches to cooperation were developed and proposed that can be used by retailers when working in the omnichannel environment of e-commerce in the clothing and footwear market.

Determinants efficiency of Vietnam’s footwear export: A stochastic gravity analysis

This study was conducted to estimate the determinants as well as the efficiency of Vietnam’s footwear export to 50 trading partners by applying stochastic fronter gravity approach for the period 2001-2018. We found that Vietnam’s footwear export is positively affected by income measured by gross domestic product (GDP), border and landlock situation. The income elasticity of footwear export of Vietnam was about 1.2%. We also showed that the export efficiency of Vietnam’s footwear was not very high with the average ranges from 50.8% to 63.1%. The 10 most efficient countries were Cambodia, Panama, Slovakia, Belgium, Myanmar, Hongkong, Korea, Chile, the US and the Netherlands. We also found that 10 countries with the largest export potential were the US, China, Germany, Japan, Belgium, the UK, Netherlands, Korea, France, Canada. Regarding the determinants of export efficiency, the study provides evidence that trade freedom, financial freedom and importers’ population density positively contributed to efficiency. Our findings also support further integration of Vietnam since membership to many FTA enhances Vietnam’s footwear export efficiency. These FTAs include AFTA, Vietnam-Chile FTA, ASEAN-India FTA, ASEAN-Korean FTA, ASEAN-Japan FTA, ASEAN-China FTA, ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA. Finally, the study recommends a relevant market policy for Vietnam’s footwear export in the coming years. We have provided 4 types of markets with different levels of priorities that Vietnam’s footwear exporters should focus on. The top footwear market priority should be countries with high potential yet low efficiency such as China, Russia, Brazil, Thailand, Sweden, Singapore and Australia.

The characteristics of the general modern state of the light industry in Ukraine

The subject of the research is the theoretical and methodological foundations for determining the current state of the industrial sector of Ukraine, namely, light industry enterprises. The aim of the researchis to study the main indicators of the state of the industrial sector of Ukraine for 2015-first half of 2020. Research methods. When writing the article, general scientific and special methods of studying economic phenomena and processes were used to determine the general current state of the Ukrainian industry. Results of the investigation. In the course of writing the article, it was found that a common problem that for a long time hinders the development of the light industry in Ukraine is a rather old and backward production technology and, as a result, low product quality. The key directions for overcoming this technological backwardness should be the introduction of innovative forms and methods of production, the use of advanced technologies, the development and implementation of innovative programs to support the light industry in general, both at the national and international levels. It should also emphasize the role and necessity of state support, from which everyone benefits, that is, industrial enterprises will be provided with the necessary high-quality resources and technologies, and new jobs, social guarantees for the population will appear in the country, the investment attractiveness of light industry enterprises will improve, and accordingly, it will increase. stakeholder interest in them. Scope of the results. Economy, industrial economics, light industry, enterprise management, enterprise innovative activity, enterprise innovative potential. Conclusions. It has been established that since there are positive aspects in the context of the development of light industry, it can be attributed to one of the most promising industries in Ukraine. It has been proven, according to various experts, that the Ukrainian clothing and footwear market is one of the twenty most developed markets in Ukraine, since our population spends about 25-35% of their monthly income on footwear and clothing, which is higher than in Western Europe. It was determined that the light industry has rather optimistic forecasts for further growth, however, in order to maintain such positions, this industry must continue to move towards increasing government support for the industry by ensuring the formation and placement of government orders and government contracts; development of target programs for the prospective development of new types of raw materials, balanced development of sub-sectors; expansion of our own base of raw materials and resources; improving the mechanism for restoring cooperative ties; formation of their own innovative potential and increase in investment attractiveness through the use of modern methods and forms of scientific and technological progress, the latest technologies.

Merging Footwear Design and Functionality

Abstract Functionality and appearance are key aspects of good footwear. Developments in recent science and technology offer a wider scope of innovations, contributing to diversity and higher complexity of the production concept of footwear. Contemporary industrial footwear market offers a practically limitless number of new design and fashion solutions, often of quite similar appearance, but with significant differences in quality level, both regarding manufacture, raw material content, durability, and in some special functional finishes. The materials for footwear manufacture are functionalized for functional protective purposes, such as antimicrobial, waterproofing, fire resistant, wear and tear resistant, and recently for some therapeutical purposes. Novelties in material functionalization for the materials built in the footwear are most often promoted and presented on tags and labels and are used as advertisement issues, while some functionalities have become a logo for some brands.

Quality in service, a potential foundation of competitiveness in the informal market of shoes

The production and sale within the informal footwear market is one of the main economic and labor activities carried out in the city of Ambato, where it constitutes an economic refuge for those who are unemployed. The main objective of this research was to analyze the current situation in which the informal footwear market is based on the dimensions of quality in the service and the degree of satisfaction of the needs of consumers through a field study, applying a survey based on the dimensions of SERVQUAL model. thee methodology used was a qualitative-quantitative analysis of the five dimensions of the SERVQUAL: reliability, sensitivity, security, empathy and tangible elements; the research instrument was a survey applied to 103 clients. the analysis of reliability and internal consistency of the instrument by means of Cronbach’s Alpha present a value of 0.801; also, by the Spearman’s correlation analysis, the strong relationship of the variables was evidenced: sensitivity and reliability (0.815); sensitivity and security (0.815) and security with empathy (0.768); which show what is being done correctly in relation to customer service. e other dimensions, that did not show a significant correlation, should improve customer service in order to create competitive advantages.

A Biomechanical Investigation of Athletic Footwear Traction Performance: Integration of Gait Analysis with Computational Simulation

Evaluations are vital to quantify the functionalities of athletic footwear, such as the performance of slip resistance, shock absorption, and rebound. Computational technology has progressed to become a promising solution for accelerating product development time and providing customized products in order to keep up with the competitive contemporary footwear market. In this research, the effects of various tread pattern designs on traction performance in a normal gait were analyzed by employing an approach that integrated computational simulation and gait analysis. A state-of-the-art finite element (FE) model of a shoe was developed by digital sculpting technology. A dynamic plantar pressure distribution was automatically applied to interpret individualized subject conditions. The traction performance and real contact area between the shoe and the ground during the gait could be characterized and predicted. The results suggest that the real contact area and the structure of the outsole tread design influence the traction performance of the shoe in dry conditions. This computational process is more efficient than mechanical tests in terms of both cost and time, and it could bring a noticeable benefit to the footwear industry in the early design phases of product development.

Eko-označavanje i stanje na tržištu obuće

In this paper is described the problematic of eco-labeling in the modern business conditions and considered the term, development and types of eco-labels with a brief overview of environmental standards with an emphasis on a series of standards ISO 9000 and ISO 14000. Eco-labeling criteria are analyzed as well as the advantages and disadvantages of eco-labeling. The situation in the footwear market and its environmental impact are discussed. The criteria for obtaining the EU Eco-label for footwear are outlined and the results of the environmental impact study of footwear using the model of eco-labeling of footwear are presented. The results showed that in the production of leather, synthetic materials and plastics generate the most negative impacts of footwear on the environment which is why replacing the identified materials or reduction of their use is recommended.

An analysis of factors affecting the company performance of creative footwear industries in Bandung, Indonesia

This research aims to determine the effect of accounting knowledge, entrepreneurial spirit, and capital accessibility to the company performance of creative footwear industries. Indonesia plays an important role in the international footwear market and ranks sixth as the world's largest footwear exporter. Primary and secondary data are analysed by applying descriptive and path analyses. Results indicate that accounting knowledge, entrepreneurial spirit, and capital accessibility have a significant positive effect on company performance, and that entrepreneurial spirit has the greatest impact on company performance.

Common foot deformities among Malaysian women: wearing incorrectly sized shoes

Several foot deformities have been identified in Malaysian women due to wearing shoes which do not fit the size and shape of their feet. Hallux valgus (bunions), corn, cellules and ingrown toenail are among the common deformities experienced by Malaysian women. The root of this issue is that the Malaysian footwear market has adopted foreign shoe size standards such as those from the US and UK. This means that Malaysian women face difficulties in obtaining correctly-sized shoes. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop and propose a standard shoe sizing system for women in Malaysia based on anthropometric measurements of Malaysian women’s foot sizes and shapes. Women from Malaysia’s primary ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese, and Indian) aged 20 to 60 years old participated in this project, where the anthropometric measurements for their foot size and shapes were obtained using a 3D foot scanner. Regression analysis in the form of Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was performed to determine the association between a few attributes including foot measurements and the existence of the foot deformities. Foot length and Ball girth circumference have significant association with the foot deformities (FL: p = .028 and BG: p = .045). The new standard shoe sizing system has been developed ith more accurate sizes and shapes, it is hoped that the foot deformities problem could be solved or at least reduced the foot pain.