“Special community”
Arndt Hinrich Kappe explains why the barefoot shoe segment is not established as part of an existing trade fair: “The special, valuable segment could disappear; the new trade fair is fully focused on this area. The idea of a leading trade fair for the entire industry is by no means off the table for Roman Degenhardt with the new trade fair in Offenbach. “It is a matter close to my heart to create a leading trade fair for the industry. But this will take a little longer.” The barefoot shoe sector is currently growing very strongly. The community wanted to meet, network and exchange ideas once a season. “This idea was brought to my attention,” said Degenhardt. He had his first meetings with the HDSL in autumn 2024 and developed the idea of establishing a new trade fair that could give the topic of barefoot shoes international appeal. Kristin Fitterer sees opportunities for the entire industry: “It could be an event that also has a positive impact on the conventional shoe industry. Everything happens a little more slowly there.” The barefoot industry is very fast and agile; that could inspire the entire industry.
Carl-August Seibel emphasizes that “Barefoot” is “about a format that is for a special group of customers and manufacturers, a special community.” Docking this segment with an already established trade fair like Shoes would have been wrong. “We believe that it should take place in Offenbach in this context.” We will see what could develop from this in the next few years. Igedo, in turn, is currently in the process of rearranging and reorganizing its trade fairs. Kappe sees “Barefoot” as exciting new territory alongside its established leather goods fairs. “We continue to focus on ILM and also want to establish this new format. It’s a start and we’re trying to develop something that everyone will be happy with.”
