FDDI participated in the 15th edition of ‘SHOETECH Kanpur 2025’, a Buyer–Seller Meet-cum-Exhibition which was organized by the Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA) on 16–17 December 2025 at KLC Complex, Banthar, Unnao.
The event was inaugurated by Mr. Rajendra Kumar Jalan, Chairman, FDDI, in the august presence of Ms. Deepali Agarwal, Deputy Managing Director, Exim Bank; Mr. Mukhtarul Amin, Chairman – Super House & Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC); Dr. Anil Ranga, CGM, Ordnance Equipment Factory, Kanpur; Mr. Javed Iqbal, Managing Director, Naaz Leather; Mr. Sunil Kumar Dwivedi, Executive Director, FDDI – Fursatganj; and Mr. Sanjay Gupta, President, IFCOMA.
The exhibition presented a premium and comprehensive showcase of the latest footwear components, materials, chemicals, and advanced technologies by leading domestic and international exhibitors. It featured an extensive range of products, including specialized soles (TPR, TPU, PU, etc.) in contemporary designs, plastic shoe lasts, insoles, toe-puffs and counters, linings and interlinings, threads, finishes and chemicals, packaging solutions, and state-of-the-art shoe machinery, along with a wide array of other components and accessories. Collectively, the displays highlighted the depth, innovation, and dynamism of the footwear ecosystem.
In addition to the exhibition, the event hosted knowledge-sharing seminars and interactive sessions, providing valuable networking opportunities and facilitating meaningful engagement among industry stakeholders.
FDDI’s stall attracted significant attention, showcasing an impressive range of creations including men’s and women’s footwear—spanning casual, formal, and sports categories—along with fashion accessories and leather goods such as travelware, belts, handbags, portfolios, and wallets. Dignitaries visiting the FDDI stall highly appreciated the quality, creativity, and craftsmanship of the products developed by the students. In addition, the stall received an overwhelming response from hundreds of visitors, including industrialists and technical experts from Sri Lanka, Dubai, Singapore, and other countries, who commended FDDI’s innovative designs, skilled workmanship, and strong industry relevance.
A standout highlight of FDDI’s display was a pair of intricately carved shoes designed at the FDDI Fursatganj campus, which drew considerable attention from visitors, industry professionals, and design enthusiasts alike. The footwear exemplified a rare blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design sensibilities, making it one of the most admired exhibits at the stall.
Elaborating on the creative process, Mr. Varun Gupta, Senior Faculty Member, explained that the craftsmanship involved a meticulous technique comparable to fine wood carving, wherein detailed patterns were hand-sculpted with precision and patience. This labour-intensive approach demanded exceptional skill, artistic vision, and technical expertise, transforming the footwear into a piece of functional art. The exhibit not only highlighted FDDI’s commitment to innovation, design excellence, and material exploration, but also underscored the institute’s ability to reinterpret traditional artisanal techniques within modern footwear design, reinforcing its role as a hub for creativity and craftsmanship in the leather and footwear sector.
Information on laboratory services, training programmes, and consultancy offerings was disseminated through brochures and direct interactions by Ms. Rashmi Asthana, Head – International Testing Centre (ITC); Mr. Prashant Kumar Saxena, Head – Business Development; and Ms. Shraddha Tripathi, Head – Placement, FDDI.
The exhibition witnessed an overwhelming response from the leather and footwear fraternity. The two-day event saw participation from nearly 2,000 entrepreneurs, including over 80 footwear component and machinery manufacturers and suppliers representing states such as Delhi, Agra, Chennai, Gurugram, and Bengaluru, reaffirming its status as a significant industry platform.
