Juniper
The Malaysia International Shoe Festival (MISF 2025), organized by the Malaysia Footwear Manufacturers Association (MFMA), officially opened its doors from 23 to 27 July 2025 at Pavilion Bukit Jalil. In conjunction with the festival, MFMA also hosted the International Footwear Conference on 24 July 2025, marking its return to Malaysia since it was last held here in 2011.
Celebrating its MISF 2025 brought together prominent players from the local and international footwear industry to showcase their renowned brands, latest designs, and innovations. The event created a vibrant marketplace where business, creativity, and culture converge. The Opening Ceremony on 23 July 2025 wasofficiated by En Amirul Rizal, Senior director for advertising and digital division
A Robust Industry with Promising Growth
According to Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers Association president, Ms Rachel Foo, Malaysia’s footwear industry is set for robust growth, fuelled by urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and changing consumer preferences. Demand is driven by increasing interest in sports, casual, and sustainable footwear, as well as the rapid expansion of e-commerce and innovative retail channels. The sector’s diversity and adaptability position Malaysia as a dynamic player in the regional footwear market, attracting both international and domestic brands.
YB Khairul Firdaus highlighted that Malaysian-made shoes have become highly sought after by tourists and foreign visitors in recent years, thanks to their quality and trendy styles. He noted that MISF serves as an ideal platform for local brands to enhance their visibility and demonstrate that Malaysian-made shoes can compete with leading international names in both quality and design.
“The Malaysian shoe industry enjoys competitive advantages in both design and craftsmanship. Through MISF, our local manufacturers can further extend their reach beyond the domestic market. This year, we aim to attract over 45 million international visitors, supporting the nation’s efforts to boost tourism ahead of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. This ambitious target is complemented by an expected RM270 billion in tourism receipts for the year. We look forward to welcoming more leisure and business visitors to Malaysia, with MISF set to be a festival highlight in their travel plans.”
A Festival of Footwear and Fashion Excellence
Themed “A Celebration of Footwear and Fashion Brilliance,” this year’s MISF has received overwhelming support from leading Malaysian shoe brands, including Amori, Caspia, Hammer King, Larrie, Happy2U, Scholl, Snowfly, Polo Hill, Protech and many more. An international zone features participation from countries such as Bangladesh, China, Cambodia, Hong kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Pakistan, Philippine, Spain, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam etc, offering visitors the chance to experience the latest global trends and designs while enjoying exclusive deals often better than those found at shopping centers.
Throughout the five-day festival, guests enjoyed a wide array of programs and activities including Welcome Cultural Dance, K-Pop dance competition, Kids Slipper Painting Competition, Shoe Magic Keychain Workshop, Shoe Making Workshop, and more. Visitors also took part in an interactive stamp collection activity by collecting stamps from designated booths to redeem attractive prizes.
For those interested in accelerating business growth, the Shopify High Tea Networking Session provided opportunities for them to connect with industry experts, gain insights into e-commerce trends, and explore new strategies to elevate their brands globally with Shopify, a trusted digital commerce solution provider.
Concurrently, the Award Presentation Ceremony for the International Footwear Design Competition and the Malaysia Footwear Design Competition was held to honour outstanding Malaysian designers who have garnered numerous awards locally and internationally. This prestigious event unites industry leaders, creative talents, and key stakeholders to celebrate innovation, nurture creativity, and inspire the next generation of footwear designers.
A true centerpiece of the event was the impressive Gigantic Shoe Display—an 8-foot-tall, 6-foot-wide handmade masterpiece crafted by lantern master Mr. Gary over two months. Merging traditional lantern-making with fashion design, the display beautifully blends heritage and modernity, making it a must-see highlight for all attendees.
In addition to these attractions, MISF 2025 offered exciting activities such as lucky draws, games, and various competitions to ensure an engaging experience for everyone.
