We are pleased to share that the latest edition of VOICE
– Fortnightly Series has been released today, Friday, 24th July 2026.
This edition features the insightful article "Where Denim Meets Innovation", authored by Mr. Manuj Seth, Director, Versatile Enterprises, highlighting an outstanding example of Indian innovation in footwear through the VersaKnit Denim Flat Knitted Upper
The STRIDE, July 2026 edition features:
Strengthening India's Footwear Competitiveness – an industry perspective on addressing cost disabilities and enhancing global competitiveness.
• ISF representation at the high-level India–UK and India–Greece business engagements
• Highlights of special presentations on Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation for the footwear industry.
• A report on the successful ISF Shoe Sale 2026, showcasing market access and retail insights for member companies.
• Announcement of the forthcoming ISF National Footwear Quiz 2026.
• A heartfelt tribute to Late Mr. Mecca Irshad Ahmed, former Vice President of ISF.
We invite all members and industry stakeholders to read and share this edition.
ISF Footwear Quiz 2026
Please click on the image to download pdf
The Indian Shoe Federation (ISF) is delighted to announce its maiden Footwear Quiz Programme, a unique initiative to promote learning and celebrate knowledge in the footwear sector
The Quiz will be held on 18th August 2026 with the valuable support of Mr. Ramesh Subramaniam.
- ISF sincerely acknowledges CSIR–Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI), Chennai as the Venue Sponsor, and expresses its gratitude to A V Thomas Leather & Allied Products Private Limited (AVT Leather) and Habeeb Tanning Company, the Main Sponsors, for their generous support in making this initiative possible.
- The Quiz Programme is being organised by ISF exclusively for the Leather and Footwear Technology students of CSIR-CLRI, FDDI and CFTI, providing them with an engaging platform to showcase their knowledge, strengthen their industry awareness, and foster healthy interaction with fellow students.
Special Presentations on the occasion of
the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING held on 3rd July 2026
The presentations focused on three strategic themes:
• Sustainability, ESG and the European regulatory landscape.
• Artificial Intelligence for supplier visibility and international business development.
• AI-powered Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions for digital transformation.
Collectively, the presentations highlighted how sustainability, digitalisation and artificial intelligence are rapidly becoming indispensable business enablers rather than optional initiatives.
Click on the icon to read/ download the presentations
ISF' EC Meeting held on 3rd July 2026 @ Hotel TAJ Connemara
(click on the image for PHOTO -GALLERY of ISF' EC Meeting)
Report on the Special Presentations, coming soon
ISF – Month of June 2026 in Review
(click on the image for details)
The report captures the key activities, industry engagements, policy interactions, member outreach initiatives, and strategic developments undertaken by the Federation during the month of June 2026.
We hope you will find the update informative and useful.
ISF at the Indonesia Footwear Summit
13-15 April 2025, Jakarta, Indonesia, Mr PS Suresh, President, Indian Shoe Federation spoke on"Innovative Materials: Powering a Sustainable Future for Footwear.
Please click here for ISF at the Indonesia Footwear Summit
ISF at CROSSLINX | CSIR-CLRI | 30th March 2026
“The future belongs to connected excellence, not isolated success.” At CROSSLINX’26, held on 30th March 2026 at the Triple Helix Auditorium, CSIR–Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, Mr. P. S. Suresh, President of the Indian Shoe Federation, delivered the Chief Guest address, setting a forward-looking tone for the industry
We are pleased to present our maiden edition.
- India has emerged as a trusted, value-added global exporter (>USD 5 billion), powered by knowledge, research, and adaptability
- The next decade will be shaped by four structural shifts
- Sustainability as a strategic differentiator
- Material innovation expanding product frontiers
- Digital & smart manufacturing enabling data-driven operations<
- Changing consumer behaviour (casualisation & athleisure)
- The real opportunity lies in integrating these forces—balancing sustainability, innovation, efficiency, and responsibility.
- Efficiency and yield remain critical, often under-recognised drivers of competitiveness
- Talent is both India’s biggest constraint—and its greatest opportunity.
- Global expectations have moved beyond cost & capacity → towards sustainability, agility, innovation, and talent.
- A message to young professionals: Stay curious. Build both breadth and depth. Own your impact.
- True synergy will enable India not just to grow—but to define the future of the global leather & footwear industry.
- Distinguished industry members present included Mr. Ateequr Rahman (Chairman, IFLMEA), Mr. Yavar Dhala (Vice President, ISF), Mr. C. Anbumalar (Vice Chairman, PA Footwear), Mr Raja Babu (President, ALFA), Mr Manoj Bhaiya (Chairman, C & E Ltd) along with Dr. P. Thanikaivelan (Director, CLRI) and Dr. K. J. Sreeram (Scientist H & Head, Department of Leather Technology).
- #IndianShoeFederation #CROSSLINX2026 #CLRI #LeatherIndustry #FootwearIndustry #Sustainability #Innovation #DigitalManufacturing #MaterialInnovation #SkillDevelopment #MakeInIndia #GlobalTrade #Leadership #FutureOfWork
Please click on the image for more photos
ISF felicitates Mr R Selvam, IAS
The Indian Shoe Federation had the privilege of hosting Mr R Selvam, IAS, Executive Director, Council for Leather Exports, for a Special Talk during its EC Meeting in Chennai held on March 27th, 2026.
Mr Selvam shared valuable insights from his 8-year tenure at CLE, highlighting the growth potential of the Indian Leather & Footwear sector, the importance of industry–government collaboration, and opportunities in both global and domestic markets
He expressed confidence that Tamil Nadu will emerge as the Footwear Capital of India.
ISF members warmly felicitated Mr Selvam and expressed their deep appreciation for his outstanding contribution to the industry.
Please click on the image for more photos
ISF – EC Meeting - Industry Talk Highlights (27th March 2026)
At its EC Meeting in Chennai, ISF held an engaging Industry Talk on key challenges and opportunities in the footwear & leather sector.
Discussions covered rising input costs of petroleum-based materials, pricing pressures, and the need for industry-wide alignment.
The concept of AI-driven “Dark Room Factory” manufacturing and the growing importance of the Indian domestic market were also highlighted.
ISF will explore a meeting with suppliers to better understand cost trends.
Key updates included participation in the Indonesia Footwear Summit, support to the TANSAM Elite Lab, focus on activities of the Innovation Hub, the other 3 pillars - Competitiveness, Sustainability Training and the launch of “Voice of ISF” for member insights
ISF related administrative matters were discussed and a half yearly report of ISF activities was released.
Please click on the image for more photos
Please click View ISF Half Year Report (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026)