A spacious booth in a heavily frequented hall – and a large selection of shoes. That was the new appearance of S. Oliver on Expo Riva Schuh on Lake Garda. Here Michael Heißenberg, Director Product Shoes, Accessories, Licenses, and Heiko Hüdepohl, Head of Wholesale Shoes showed how to imagine shoe fashion for the summer of 2026 in Rottendorf.
Women, men’s and children’s shoes as well as accessories from the bag to room fragrance were seen. The equivalents in the shoe segment are 65% women and 30% men’s shoes and 5% children’s models (from size 31)- especially in this segment, Michael Heißenberg sees a lot of growth potential. It can be ordered from nine pairs per article and color, with free division.
The spectrum of women’s shoes for the coming season ranges from sneakers to casual loafers to minimalist sandals and pumps. For men, the focus is on sporty styles. In addition to retro sneakers and puristic form, this also includes “technical” variants with voluminous sole as well as boat shoes and slippers. Pool slides and rubber boots for children are new. The prices range from 49 to 69 euros, the core is 59 euros. Heiko HüdePol is convinced very well with the current end consumer behavior: “The consumers are very careful and price-sensitive.”
In addition to the styles located in the middle price segment, a Black label collection with a more valuable version is also presented for the F/S 2026 season. That was, according to Michael Heißenberg, a logical step: “For us it was clear: if we start with shoes, we also want to develop a black label offer. We move here in prices up to 99 euros from VK. The segment is important for certain markets and customers. We see a high leather content and more elegant shoes or business styles here.”
Since it was clear that the license partnership with the Shoe.com, which belongs to the Wortmann Group, would no longer be extended after the end of 2025, in Rottendorf on a concept for shoes on its own – from the development team to the field. And you have also adjusted on the product: “In view of the complexity of the product, you need strong sourcing and quality with fit and patterns. We are moving here at a very good level. It has been invested very strongly in this area,” emphasizes Heiko Hüdepohl.
