The World Footwear Experts Panel was created in 2019 by World Footwear, conducting a survey of the industry’s business conditions every six months. The aim is to gather information on current trading conditions within the global footwear markets and to disseminate this information to provide an accurate overview of the situation globally. The 11th edition of this online survey was conducted in November and December 2024 and focused on the role of 3D printing.

The data shows how 3D printing will have a significant impact on prototyping processes in the footwear industry.  3D printing is expected to have a significant impact on prototyping processes within the footwear industry. A majority of respondents (52.2%) highlight its use in prototyping components such as soles or heels, while 43.9% recognize its importance in prototyping production tools like molds or lasts. Additionally, 35.5% of respondents foresee the application of this technology in prototyping entire footwear products.

These findings indicate that 3D printing is primarily valued for its ability to streamline design processes, reduce lead times, and enhance product development efficiency, particularly in the early stages of production.

Beyond prototyping, the potential of 3D printing to revolutionize production is acknowledged, though to a lesser extent. While 24.3% of respondents highlight its role in creating unique and customized products, only 13.1% see it as a viable tool for the full production of on-demand footwear. This suggests that while 3D printing is recognized for its flexibility and customization capabilities, challenges such as scalability, cost-efficiency, and material limitations may currently hinder its broader adoption in mass production.

Notably, only 3.7% of respondents believe 3D printing will have no relevant impact on the mentioned activities, underscoring its growing influence on the industry.