German footwear sales fall as classic sandals lose ground to sneakers: report
German consumers spent less on footwear in 2025, with demand for classic sandals falling sharply, according to a new industry report from the IFH Köln research institute and BBE Handelsberatung. Sales of classic sandals dropped to €548 million last year, down nearly 12% from €621 million in 2019, a steeper decline than the overall shoe market, which fell 5.5%.
IFH market expert Hansjürgen Heinick said consumers increasingly favor sneakers for their comfort and versatility, even in summer. “Previously, people would switch from office shoes to sandals. Now, sneakers are often worn all day,” Heinick said. The shift reflects broader trends: households are buying fewer shoes, prioritizing comfort, and adopting a “smart casual” style that reduces the need for seasonal footwear like sandals. The report includes leather and reconstructed leather sandals for men, women, and children, excluding plastic styles like flip-flops.
Germany’s overall shoe market also contracted, with spending falling 2% to €9.3 billion in 2025, following a decline in 2024. Shoe prices have risen modestly compared to other goods, with children’s shoes up 7%, sports shoes 6%, and classic men’s or casual shoes about 9% since 2020, according to the Federal Statistical Office. In July, shoe prices were barely higher than a year earlier, and some categories were slightly cheaper.
Meanwhile, demand for Mercedes Sprinter vans remains strong despite price increases, particularly for all-wheel-drive models, which are driving a broader 4x4 trend in the caravaning sector. A new torque-on-demand all-wheel system, now available for fully integrated vehicles, is expected to further boost interest, according to industry reports from Düsseldorf .
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