The international trade show dedicated to footwear, Micam, is preparing to cut the inaugural ribbon on its 100th edition—an impressive milestone set against the backdrop of an increasingly complex global market. From September 7 to 9, 870 brands will exhibit at Fieramilano Rho, including 469 from abroad, mainly from Spain, Turkey, Brazil, Germany, and Portugal. The event is expected to welcome more than 30,000 buyers from 150 countries.

“Micam 100 will be a celebratory edition, but with a strong look to the future. The Micam Next schedule is the evolution of Micam X. The content is curated by an exceptional partner, Wired Italia, which will delve into trends related to technological innovation, sustainability, and new consumption models. We want every visitor to find inspiration, strategic contacts, and concrete tools to evolve their business,” explained Giovanna Ceolini, president of Assocalzaturifici and Micam, to FashionNetwork.com.

While the show will preview exhibitors’ Spring/Summer 2026 collections, its legacy will be explored through a special exhibition titled “100 Steps into the Future.” For each decade, the showcase will feature two iconic models: one lifestyle model that reflects everyday trends, and one technical-sports model that represents innovation and performance.

“The exhibition is a tribute to the history of Micam and, at the same time, a projection into the future of the industry. A path marked by decades will retrace the history of Micam, telling the story of its evolution in taste, technology, design, and Italian identity on the world stage. ‘100 Steps into the Future’ is an exciting journey into the cultural heritage of footwear, but also a reflection on the challenges that lie ahead. It’s an invitation to rethink the concept of value by combining tradition and innovation in a shared vision,” Ceolini continued.

Micam 100 will spotlight 12 emerging labels. Among them is Le Plagiste (France), relaunched in 2022 by co-founders Simon Michel and Rodolphe Stephan, offering elegant, casual footwear inspired by the French art of living. Also featured is Canella Brand Shoes (Peru), founded by 30-year-old Daniella Pedraglio, which draws inspiration from Peruvian culture and utilizes local, eco-sustainable materials. Bróg (Ireland), created by Brazilian designer Danieli Bergin, combines Irish heritage with elegance and sustainability, utilizing LWG-certified leather and biodegradable packaging. Nuosmiq (South Korea) presents genderless designs and upcycling projects made from sustainable materials. Then, launched by Soojin Kim in 2020, supports Seongsu-dong artisans by creating handmade shoes that merge classical and contemporary design.

Also exhibiting from abroad are the Nigerian label Wuman, founded by Ekwerike Chukwuma, which collaborates with artisans in Nigeria and Kenya using local materials and traditional techniques; Dutch brand Sassy Icon, launched in 2022 by Michelle Schager, which combines Dutch creativity with Italian craftsmanship and a focus on women’s empowerment and social impact; and the British label Marco Castelli Collection, created by the Sicilian model of the same name. Representing Italy are Lancialy Milano; Apice, founded by 20-year-old Zarina Pistonesi, which creates shoes inspired by her family’s footwear heritage; Le Signe; and Servati, which offers 100% recyclable 3D-printed sneakers.

A spotlight on young Italian brands is also possible thanks to the collaboration with ICE and MAECI. Participating companies include Next Milano, known for high-performance 3D-printed footwear for sport, lifestyle, and work; Steve’s, a Turin-based brand founded in 2022 by siblings Filippo and Giulia Gandini, which has made sustainability its core value, using materials such as apple peel waste for uppers and 100% biodegradable rubber soles; and YU.SH, a luxury footwear company that merges Florentine craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.

“Investing in new generations and emerging talents is an unavoidable priority. The future of the footwear industry depends on our ability to enhance talent and foster intergenerational dialogue. Young people bring new ideas, environmental awareness, digital skills, and a global vision that can strengthen our know-how,” Ceolini concluded. “Micam and Assocalzaturifici are strongly committed to creating synergies between companies, schools, academies, and emerging designers, promoting training paths, shared projects, and opportunities for concrete visibility. Human capital is the real strategic lever to face tomorrow.”