The Shanghai International Shoe Expo (SISE), a leading indicator of trends in China’s and Asia’s footwear markets, has attracted participation from numerous renowned brands, including Yierkang, Xiongda Xing, Shunfeng, and others. As the world’s largest producer and exporter of footwear, China annually manufactures over 12 billion pairs, accounting for more than 80% of global shoe production. During the event, the expo drew 60,000 visitors, generated approximately RMB 600 million in sales, and se
The Exhibition Value of the Shanghai International Footwear Expo
- The Shanghai International Footwear Expo (SISE) serves as a leading indicator for the footwear industry in China and across Asia, ranking among the world’s five major specialized international footwear exhibitions. It enjoys exceptional industry authority and significant international influence. Organized by the Shanghai Leather Technology Association, the event has been successfully held for 21 editions over 22 years, undergoing a transformative evolution from a platform solely showcasing finished footwear to a comprehensive “full‑industry‑chain trade platform.”
- The core value of participation lies in its platform attributes of “full‑industry‑chain coverage plus precise supply‑demand matching.” The expo encompasses the entire value chain, from raw materials and equipment to finished products and distribution, organized into three key segments—finished footwear, footwear materials and equipment, and industry services—providing end‑to‑end coverage from production origins to retail outlets. Exhibitors can access material suppliers, equipment manufacturers, buyers, and channel partners all in one place, significantly reducing resource‑integration costs.
- Leveraging Shanghai’s strategic location as a gateway to the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta footwear industry clusters, the expo brings together source factories from ten major national industrial belts. Industrial hubs such as Wenzhou leather shoes, Jinjiang sports shoes, and Putian functional footwear participate in a “group‑force” format, offering direct‑from‑source pricing that is 25%–35% lower than traditional channels, providing enterprises with highly competitive procurement advantages.
- The expo has established a robust international buyer network, serving as a strategic conduit for exhibitors seeking to expand into global markets. For the 2026 edition, the event is expected to attract over 1,500 exhibiting brands and more than 60,000 international visitors, with international buyers accounting for 35% of attendees, spanning key markets in Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, and RCEP member countries. Concurrently, the “Belt and Road Footwear Business Forum” will convene over 200 overseas buyers from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other regions, supported by multilingual interpretation services to facilitate entry into emerging markets.
- The expo fosters a three‑dimensional trade ecosystem integrating exhibition, conference, and matchmaking activities, enhancing transaction efficiency through targeted connections and expert‑led programs. Specifically tailored services—including pre‑matchmaking and exclusive negotiation sessions—are offered to 1,000 core buyers from chain supermarkets, cross‑border e‑commerce platforms, and other sectors, boosting negotiation success rates by up to fourfold compared to conventional on‑site visits. In parallel, more than 20 high‑level events are scheduled, including the Global Footwear Industry Development Summit and the Footwear Culture Innovation Forum, providing insights into future industry trends.
- For Chinese enterprises, this expo represents a strategic gateway to showcase brand strength, connect with domestic and international channels, and stay abreast of market trends. China produces over 12 billion pairs of footwear annually, accounting for more than 80% of global footwear output, making it the world’s largest footwear exporter. Positioned as an event that prioritizes both domestic and international trade, the expo not only provides an efficient platform for expanding into the domestic market but also facilitates overseas market access by linking Chinese footwear companies with international buyer networks, enabling deeper integration into the global footwear supply chain.