Fashion: Classic sandals no longer in such high demand among customers
Shoe shopping is changing. While sneakers are extremely popular, interest in other shoe styles is declining. A study provides an overview of current trends.
Germans are spending less on shoes, with a particular decline in demand for classic sandals. According to a report by IFH Köln and BBE Handelsberatung, sales of classic sandals fell by 12% to €548 million in 2025, compared to €621 million in 2019. The overall shoe market in Germany also declined by 5.5% to €9.3 billion, with consumers opting for more comfortable and versatile shoes, such as sneakers.
The trend towards "smart casual" and saving money is influencing the market, with online sales now accounting for 38% of shoe sales, up from 24% before the pandemic.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
