ISF STRIDE - July 2026

ISF – Month of Aug 2026 Review

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Aug Review

August has been an engaging month for ISF — one of Knowledge, Engagement, Learning and Industry Connect.

From The VOICE of ISF and The STRIDE, to the National Footwear Quiz 2026 bringing together young footwear professionals from CFTI, CSIR-CLRI and FDDI, the month reflected our continuing endeavour to connect knowledge with industry and education with opportunity.

The month also provided opportunities to listen to and learn from important industry perspectives at the AGMs of AISHTMA and IFLMEA.

The 10th edition of The VOICE of ISF

features M/s Sara Leather Industries, with an insightful article on “The New Generation Comfort Sandal: Where Ergonomics Meets Contemporary Style.”

Voice of ISF

The article explores how foot ergonomics, scientifically designed footbeds, material innovation and contemporary aesthetics are coming together to create footwear that delivers comfort without compromising on style.Read. Reflect. Stay Connected

The August 2026 edition of The STRIDE

brings together four insightful stories that look at the forces shaping the future of footwear. Read on:

Stride Jul 26

The NATIONAL FOOTWEAR QUIZ PROGRAMME

ISFQuiz

ADD DEPTH TO KNOWLEDGE

But beyond the questions, answers and competition, there is something far more meaningful happening.

Organised by the Indian Shoe Federation in association with Mr Ramesh Subramaniam

The Indian Shoe Federation (ISF) hosted a special initiative — the National Footwear Quiz 2026 — on 18 August 2026 at CORIUM Hall, CSIR-CLRI, Chennai, bringing together enthusiastic students from CFTI, FDDI and the Department of Leather Technology, Anna University

Please click to view QUIZ REPORT

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

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EC Meeting

Report on the Special Presentations, coming soon

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 at CROSSLINX

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 Stride Feb 26

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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ISF_EC Meeting_Highlights

Please click View ISF Half Year Report (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026)