The European Union has implemented a ban on destroying unsold clothing and footwear for large companies, effective Sunday, aiming to reduce waste from fast fashion and online returns. Firms must now find alternative sales or donation methods, with the regulation set to extend to medium-sized businesses by 2030.
Tech journalists are increasingly engaging in 'shoe-leather reporting' to investigate the physical realities of AI, from colossal datacentres and energy infrastructure to social media's real-world harms. This involves on-the-ground investigation, talking to locals, and examining tangible constraints, moving beyond digital landscapes.
A devastating fire at a footwear factory in Jinjiang, Fujian province, China, resulted in at least 28 fatalities on Thursday. Rescue operations are ongoing as preliminary findings suggest flammable materials on the ground floor fueled the rapid spread of the blaze.
A devastating fire at a footwear factory in Jinjiang city, Fujian province, China, resulted in at least 28 fatalities on Thursday. The blaze, which started on the ground floor due to flammable materials, rapidly spread through the multi-storey building, trapping individuals. Rescue operations are ongoing.
A major fire at a footwear factory in Jinjiang, Fujian province, China, has resulted in "heavy human losses." Rescue operations are ongoing after the blaze, believed to have started on the ground floor due to flammable materials, engulfed the multi-storey building. President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out rescue efforts and accountability for those responsible.
A consumer commission in Haridwar has ordered an online footwear retailer to refund Rs 3,606 for two defective pairs of shoes. The company must also pay Rs 15,000 in compensation and litigation costs, ruling that refusal to refund constituted a deficiency in service.
Nike's new 'Mind' shoes, based on neuroscience, have gained global attention for their ability to reduce mental distractions and enhance focus. Featuring 22 foam nubs that stimulate nerve receptors, they aim to activate the brain's sensorimotor network and reduce default mode network activity, promoting a state of 'calm alertness'. While experts see scientific logic, they also note potential long-term adaptation and the distinction from traditional wearable tech.
Virat Kohli joked he'd rather undersell his new footwear than return to Test cricket. The former captain, who retired from Tests last year, cited his career-defining belief in fighting until the end, exemplified by India's 2022 T20 World Cup win over Pakistan.
A consumer commission in Rohtak, Haryana, has ordered footwear brand Red Tape to refund Rs 10 for a carry bag and pay Rs 8,000 in compensation and litigation costs. The commission ruled that charging for the bag constituted a deficiency in service and an unfair trade practice.
Abercrombie & Fitch is expanding its product assortment by adding third-party footwear brands like Puma and Sperry, a strategy inspired by rival Aritzia. This move aims to attract new customers and encourage existing ones to spend more, particularly at its new NYC store.
An investigation into the death of Baby Justin raises questions about why an inquest was never held. A One Nation official with a history of racist social media posts is revealed. Locals discuss the impact of a shark attack. Cape Verde shocked Spain in the World Cup.
An investigation into the death of Baby Justin raises questions about why an inquest was never held. A One Nation official with a history of racist social media posts is revealed, and locals react to a shark attack. Cape Verde shocked Spain in the World Cup.
Mike Ashley's Frasers Group has launched a takeover bid for Australian footwear business Accent Group, offering 65 Australian cents a share. This follows a recent near-€2bn offer for Hugo Boss, highlighting a spree of acquisitions by the British billionaire.
The Indian Army has launched 'Army Uniforms–2026', a new dress regulation booklet aiming to remove colonial-era practices and terminology. Key changes include discontinuing mandatory swords for Reviewing Officers, introducing a Bandi jacket for formal attire, and a new winter working dress. The regulations also address personal appearance, prohibiting unauthorized tattoos, piercings, and certain hairstyles while in uniform.
A VCIOM study reveals Russian internet users spend an average of 27,400 rubles ($374) monthly on online purchases, a 2.6-fold increase in five years. Clothing, footwear, and household goods are top online buys, while pets and large appliances are preferred offline.
Explorer Marc Delluc discovered Cussac Cave in France's Dordogne region, revealing Upper Palaeolithic art and an intact human skeleton. Radiocarbon dating suggests use 25,000-30,000 years ago, indicating it was a burial site and place of worship.
Kristen Stewart continues to defy Cannes Film Festival's strict dress code, opting for comfort over high heels with bold sneaker and sandal choices on the red carpet, showcasing her signature edgy style.
China is undergoing a structural trade transformation, shifting from exporting physical goods like footwear and handbags to becoming a major exporter of manufacturing technology and services. In 2025, China's exports of telecoms, computer and information services reached US$118 billion, a 13% year-on-year increase, while traditional goods exports declined—footwear fell 9% to US$46 billion and handbags/suitcases dropped 13% to US$30 billion. Companies like Guangzhou-based iRootech are leading this shift, exporting industrial AI and computer vision technology to global manufacturers.
India's leather and footwear sector is grappling with a 40-60% surge in input costs due to the Middle East crisis. The industry is petitioning the government for import duty exemptions on critical raw materials, machinery, and components to mitigate these rising expenses.
Abby Steiner, two-time World Championship gold medalist sprinter, has filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts Superior Court alleging Puma supplied defective footwear that caused chronic foot and ankle injuries ending her career. The lawsuit claims specific Puma models including Deviate Nitro Elite 2 and 3 altered her running mechanics, leading to Haglund's deformity, partial Achilles tear, and three surgeries between 2023-2025. She seeks damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, and long-term physical impact.
Pakistan's central bank hikes rates to combat inflation from Iran war. Shell agrees $13.6bn ARC Resources buyout, Intel shares hit 26-year high on AI demand, oil exceeds $108/barrel amid stalled US-Iran talks.
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsShares in athletic apparel and footwear company Adidas have jumped by almost 1.75% in early trading after three of its athletes shone at the London Marathon yesterday.Sabastian Sawe and Yomif Kejelcha both smashed the two-hour barrier in the men’s marathon race, and Tigist Assefa set a women-only world record in the women’s race.“The adidas family is incredibly proud of Sabastian and Tigist’s historic achievements, marking the fastest times humans have ever run in a marathon.This is a testament to the years of hard work and dedication they have made, alongside our innovation team, who have built a supershoe which breaks new ground in the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3.”The Iran war has triggered one of the largest disruptions to physical oil supply in modern history. While de‑escalation could ease some geopolitical risk premiums, the damage to production, exports and logistics means markets are unlikely to quickly return to pre‑war conditions. Continue reading...
Footwear Hub, a not-for-profit organisation of 40 specialist shops, has launched a campaign warning parents about declining children's foot health. Over 1,000 shoe shops have closed in Great Britain since 2020, forcing many parents online. Specialists report seeing more young people with bunions and other foot deformities, urging parents to value children's feet like teeth and eyes.
UK retail sales rose 0.7% in March, beating forecasts of 0.1%, driven by a 6.1% surge in fuel sales volumes as motorists panic-bought petrol and diesel amid the Iran conflict that pushed oil prices from $72.50 to $119.50 a barrel. Fuel sales value jumped 11.6%, the biggest monthly increase since November 2021. However, consumer confidence fell to -25 in April, the lowest since 2023, with the S&P Global PMI showing the biggest service sector cost jump since 1996.
