With profound grief and deep sorrow, the Indian Shoe Federation mourns
the untimely demise of Mr. Irshad Mecca, Vice President of ISF and Managing Director of the FARIDA Group. ISF stands firmly with Dr. M. Rafeeque Ahmed, Chairman of the FARIDA Group, and the entire family in this moment of immense personal loss on the passing of his beloved elder son. Mr. Irshad Mecca will always be remembered for his dynamism, youthful energy, progressive outlook and fresh ideas that inspired many within the footwear fraternity. His contribution, warmth and commitment to the industry will be deeply missed.
May the Almighty grant strength and courage to the bereaved family and bless the departed soul with eternal peace. — INDIAN SHOE FEDERATION (ISF) 🙏
We are pleased to announce the release of the fourth edition of VOICE of ISF.
In this edition, Mr. K. R. Vijayan, Chairman of GOOD Leather Group, shares his views on the “Advanced Materials Revolution” and the growing role of innovation, performance and sustainability in the future of footwear materials.
We invite all members to read and benefit from this insightful industry perspective
Regards, Indian Shoe Federation
ISF STRIDE - May 2026
We are pleased to share the May 2026 edition of The STRIDE Newsletter featuring insights on:,
- Footwear export competitiveness
- Global sourcing trends
- AW 27/28 leather & material directions
- Ergonomic footwear innovation
- Sustainability & innovation culture
- India’s positioning in global footwear trade
A meaningful and informative edition for the footwear and leather fraternity.
ISF - Month of April 2026 in Review
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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
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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.
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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.
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Please click View ISF Half Year Report (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026)