The past few months have been a wild ride for shoe companies prepping for the fall 2025 and spring 2026 seasons, ever since U.S. President Donald Trump announced, paused and then delayed again his tariff hikes.

Trade show directors, whose job is to facilitate business between retailers and manufacturers, are seeing the impact play out at their events.

Sandi Mines, president of FFANY and vice president of corporate engagement at Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA), noted that buying at FFANY’s June event was lighter than usual: “Where people used to put in full orders, some were playing more of the waiting game to see what happened with the tariff situation in July.” She predicted that, as a result, the August show would be the site of “real conversations about orders, costs and inventory.”

Christina Henderson, event director for The Running Event and Switchback, said it’s still too early to know how tariffs might change retail strategies. “There are so many variables in terms of product blends, manufacturing countries of origin and a company’s financial ability to weather an extended period of economic uncertainty, not to mention the almost daily change in the tariff situation,” she said.

But that doesn’t mean industry organizations are sitting idle amid the upheaval.

FDRA has been fervently arguing the case for lower tariffs through numerous letters to the Trump Administration and a media blitz on outlets such as CNN, CNBC and PBS NewsHour.

Meanwhile, Dallas Market Center delivered a petition with thousands of signatures to Cabinet members and the U.S. Trade Representative. Its message: Pause tariffs so products can ship for the holidays and approach trade discussions with retailers in mind. “We also coordinated with key trade organizations to share content, we lobbied key members of the Senate and we joined a federal lawsuit to return trade decisions to Congress,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “There is still a tremendous amount of uncertainty regarding the holiday supply chain, but we have made strong efforts across multiple fronts.”

Here, trade show leaders discuss their upcoming shows and areas of opportunity for the industry.

Giovanna Ceolini
President, Assocalzaturifici (parent of Micam)

What to expect this season: “On the occasion of its 100th edition, Micam will celebrate this milestone with an enhanced program of events, talks and in-depth discussions focused on the most relevant themes for the future of the industry, with particular attention to product, process and market innovation. We [also] are planning an institutional exhibition dedicated to the history and the 100 editions of Micam.”

Hot categories & trends: “There is significant momentum in the comfort-meets-style segment — consumers are prioritizing functionality without compromising on design. We’re seeing strong growth in categories like hybrid sneakers, sustainable materials and genderless designs. Artisan craftsmanship remains a point of pride, especially among Italian brands, but now it’s being reimagined with contemporary twists.”

Overall mood in the market: “Cautiously optimistic. While macroeconomic pressures persist, both brands and buyers are showing resilience and a willingness to invest strategically. There’s a clear appetite for innovation and storytelling — consumers want products with purpose, and retailers are adapting.”

Christina Henderson
Event director, Switchback and The Running Event

Hot categories & trends: “The vertical running space continues to be really strong and is a better place to be during a downturn than more mainstream, general-interest categories. Running, like many other active outdoor categories, is more than just a leisure activity. It’s a ‘must have’ for many people’s quality of life — not just because of the physical and mental health benefits but because of the community we so often find through other runners, clubs and local retailers.”

Making the most of trade shows: “Communication is clearly key right now, and the best way to have essential conversations with your partners and peers is in a face-to-face setting.” [The show organizer introduced Switchback Spring in June as a gathering place for the outdoor industry.]

Overall mood in the market: “While market uncertainty is challenging, our business communities are really looking for spaces to come together and talk through those challenges — and how they’re navigating them — right now.”

Sandi Mines
President, FFANY; Vice president of corporate engagement, FDRA

What to expect at the show: “August is looking quite busy. We can measure it by our traffic on the FFANY directory page, which has been very high. And we’ve had several companies reach out to find out how they can show up in August. We don’t do a pop-up [exhibit space], but some companies are figuring out how they can show — even for two or three days — to meet retailers. We also host our cocktail party in August. There are a lot of big retailers and very senior-level executives signed up for the party.”

Overall mood in the market: “It’s still cautious and uncertain, but I think that people are looking forward to getting in person and meeting with the retailers to see what kind of business they can do together, because [consumers] are still shopping for shoes.”

Making the most of trade shows: “You can best utilize FFANY during these uncertain times by staying connected to FDRA and FFANY to access all the sales data that we put out and our tariff information that impacts costing and inventory levels. Also, by utilizing our FFANY directory to understand who’s going to be in town.”

Cindy Morris
President & CEO, Dallas Market Center

What to expect at the show: “In addition to temporary exhibitors in women’s footwear on the 13th floor, buyers will find the latest styles in Western footwear from permanent showrooms on the 14th floor and within the 10th floor Western expansion that debuted in January. These spaces are home to iconic brands like Lucchese, Corral, Tecovas, Justin, Twisted X and more. And thanks to the Western & English Apparel & Equipment Market (WESA) and AETA International Trade Show (AETA) taking place concurrently, Western and English products are also showcased across the 10th and 11th floors.”

Hot categories & trends: “The Western-contemporary trend has held steady in mainstream fashion and continues to gain momentum. More contemporary retailers are adding cowboy boots and Western-inspired footwear to meet their customers’ preferences. Another trend on the up is traditional apparel retailers adding footwear to diversify the categories they offer.”

Overall mood in the market: “The mood among our buyers is optimistic and energized heading into the back-to-school and fall buying season. Our strong June market proved that retailers are focused and intentional. They’re coming to market and focused on fresh product, smart buying and maximizing efficiency.”

Jordan Rudow
Vice president, Magic

What to expect this season: “At the August show, Magic will unveil the inaugural Retail Solutions Center, a business hub designed to support retailers’ growth and scalability, featuring carefully curated exhibitors from leading payment solutions, shipping providers, security systems, financial services and retail technology companies.”

Hot categories & trends: “Easy sandals and slides continue to dominate the market, while stitched sneakers offer both style and durability. Soft chukka boots provide versatile options for casual wear, and mules remain a popular choice for their convenience and style. Ballerina flats in different textures and materials are seeing renewed interest, alongside woven loafers. Boat shoes continue their timeless appeal, while studded slingbacks add an edgy element to footwear collections.”

Overall mood in the market: “The market is increasingly focused, with fashion professionals approaching these fall fashion events with a renewed sense of intention and purpose. Brands and retailers alike are particularly interested in finding that sweet spot between value and quality.”

Caron Stover
Senior vice president of apparel, Atlanta Apparel

What to expect this season: “Notable is the combined markets: Atlanta Apparel, with its semi-annual showcase of children’s temporaries and the semi-annual edition of Formal Markets, [will be] lighting up every floor of Building 3. Plus, we’re hosting new brands in all categories.”

Hot categories & trends: “For spring 2026, women’s footwear trends will include a mix of comfort, nostalgia and nature-inspired elements. We expect to see a continuation of the low-profile sneaker trend, with retro styles and designs blurring the lines between athletic and casual wear. Also, there’s a resurgence of classic styles like Mary Janes and ballet flats with an emphasis on handcraftsmanship (crochet and macramé details). Expect to see clogs, especially with wooden soles and stud accents. And elevated flip-flops and jelly shoes will also be trending from seasons past, offering comfort and playful options.”