The 5th edition of BFSHOW, Latin America’s largest footwear trade show, was held from November 10 to 12 at the Anhembi District in São Paulo/SP, bringing together over 350 Brazilian brands and buyers from more than 46 countries.
From São Paulo to the world, the Brazilian Footwear Show (BFSHOW) unveiled the season’s most directional trends — and they’re anything but basic. When it comes to setting the pace for global footwear fashion, Brazil is stepping up — and strutting confidently. At the heart of this movement is BFSHOW, powered by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) and NürnbergMesse Brasil. More than just a sourcing hub, BFSHOW is a cultural pulse point where design, innovation, and identity collide.
This season, Fashion Directions, the trend forecasting powerhouse led by Luana Savadintzky and Luana Lanzini, took center stage with a compelling vision for Winter 2026. Their curated Shopping Guide, unveiled at BFSHOW, decoded the season’s most magnetic footwear and accessory trends — and we’re here to break them down for you.
“I created Fashion Directions to be truly directional,” says Luana Savadintzky. “We translate aspirational concepts into something ready-to-wear — fast, visual, and commercial. Brands don’t have time to overthink; they need clarity and speed.”
And clarity is exactly what this season delivers. Let’s dive into the four macro trends that are redefining winter style — and how to wear them now.
1. Modern Boho
Suede, fringe, and folk elegance — reimagined.
Boho isn’t going anywhere, but it’s getting a sleek upgrade. Think artisanal details, exotic textures, and a refined, modern folk vibe. The must-haves? Suede boots, western silhouettes, voluminous riding boots, and fringed moccasins. It’s about layering nostalgia with edge — perfect for the free spirit who’s grown up but hasn’t lost her wanderlust.
“There’s a continuation of that warm, cocooning trend,” Luana explains. “But now it’s evolving into something more contemporary.”
2. Cool Ladies
Femininity meets streetwise swagger.
This trend is all about contrasts: vintage pumps with high vamps, structured masculine shoes, and peep toes worn with socks. It’s a nod to the woman who pairs a blazer and skirt with loafers instead of stilettos — and still turns heads.
“You don’t need a super high heel to be sexy,” Luana says. “A loafer with attitude is fashion.”
3. Rebel Attitude
Romance clashes with grit.
Picture sheer fabrics and delicate silhouettes grounded by biker boots, metal hardware, and urban pragmatism. This is the season’s most subversive mood — a love letter to rebellion. The footwear? Chunky, high-shaft boots with unapologetic edge.
4. Out Loud
Maximalism is back — and louder than ever.
Say goodbye to quiet luxury. This trend is all about bold silhouettes, vibrant hues, and power dressing with a disco twist. Look for over-the-knee boots, sculptural heels, and statement sandals that defy the cold.
The Must-Haves: What to Shop Now
- Slouch Boots: Voluminous, draped, and ultra-comfy — the new icon of winter dressing.
- High Vamp Pumps: A modern twist on the classic pump, offering both edge and elegance.
- Winter Sandals: Yes, you read that right. Paired with socks or styled solo, they’re the season’s most unexpected hero.
- Functional Flats: Masculine loafers, oxfords, and modern ballerinas that balance comfort and cool.
- Sneakerinas: The hybrid of sneakers and ballet flats — sporty, sleek, and street-ready.
Color & Form: The Palette of the Season
From moody neutrals like mocha and gray to vibrant accents of mustard, crimson, and electric blue, Winter 2026 is a masterclass in contrast. Shapes are equally expressive: pointed toes, square silhouettes, and chunky wedges dominate the scene.
And Don’t Forget the Bags
The BFSHOW guide also spotlighted handbags that echoed the footwear narrative:
- Vintage Look: Chain straps, aged leathers, and retro silhouettes.
- Maxi & Soft: Oversized clutches and hobo bags in buttery suede.
- Functional Chic: Reversible backpacks, sleek messengers, and nylon hobos with luxe finishes.
Why BFSHOW Matters
More than a trade show, BFSHOW is a cultural statement — where Brazil’s craftsmanship, creativity, and identity meet global relevance. As trend forecaster Luana Savadintzky puts it, the country is moving beyond clichés to deliver contemporary design with unmatched quality.
For fashion insiders seeking what’s next, BFSHOW is the place to watch. And with Fashion Directions leading the trend narrative, Winter 2026 is already iconic. But this season isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about what’s behind the shoe. From smart insoles to inclusive design and certified sustainability, standout brands are proving that style and substance can walk together.
Beyond Trends: Innovation and Purpose in Brazilian Footwear
Innovation Spotlight: Kiri’s GPS Kids’ Shoes
Among the standout innovations at BFSHOW was Kiri’s GPS-enabled children’s footwear — the first of its kind to work with both Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find My Device platforms. Developed over 18 months, the discreet chip fits inside the insole and allows parents to track their child’s location globally via official apps.
The chip is waterproof-resistant, uses a replaceable battery that lasts up to 12 months, and will soon be available in bracelet form for beach use. With international interest already growing, Kiri is preparing for a global launch at Italy’s Garda Fair next season, led by Gracia and Rodrigo Nunes Esteves, Kidy’s Export Manager.
Smart Wellness: Piccadilly Launches Maxi Tech at BFSHOW
At BFSHOW, Brazilian brand Piccadilly unveiled Maxi Tech, a new insole technology designed to enhance women’s well-being. The insole features ceramic biocapsules that emit infrared rays, helping to stimulate circulation, reduce swelling, and eliminate toxins.
Certified by Brazil’s national health agency (Anvisa), Maxi Tech is the result of over 12 years of research and development. Rather than using medical or orthopedic labels, Piccadilly embraces a functional wellness approach, offering comfort-driven innovation without compromising on style.
Inclusive Design: Pampili Empowers Girls Through Braille Footwear
At BFSHOW, Brazilian brand Pampili reaffirmed its mission to make the world a better place for girls — and it’s doing so through design. As explained by Lismeire Santos, International Business Coordinator at Pampili, the brand introduced inclusive footwear featuring Braille markings, allowing visually impaired girls to identify left and right shoes by touch, promoting autonomy and confidence in their daily routines.
“We want every girl to feel she can do anything — and dress herself without help,” said Santos.
Beyond functionality, Pampili embeds motivational messages in Braille on shoes and accessories, such as “Girls who inspire girls”, reinforcing empowerment through tactile storytelling. Their collections also feature diverse models in marketing campaigns — including girls with disabilities — and are divided into four use moments: school, fun, casual, and fashion.
With sustainable practices and a strong social impact program through the Terra do Rosa Institute, Pampili leads with purpose, proving that inclusion and innovation can walk hand in hand.
Comfort Meets Innovation: Usaflex Reinvents Everyday Elegance
Usaflex, a Brazilian brand with nearly 30 years in the market and presence in over 60 countries, specializes in stylish, comfort-driven women’s footwear. Their core value lies in high-quality materials — especially leather — and proprietary technologies like their bunion-friendly uppers, which stretch while walking and return to shape afterward. For this season, they introduced a new gas-expanded EVA sole, 30% lighter and more cushioned than traditional EVA, developed with an international partner. While common in athletic footwear, this is a first for Brazil’s comfort segment. Usaflex continues its global expansion with branded stores and franchises across Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
Global First: Brazil’s Exclusive Sustainability Certification for Footwear
At BFSHOW, Cristian Schlindwein, Marketing and Strategy Manager at Abicalçados, presented a groundbreaking initiative: the world’s only sustainability certification designed specifically for the footwear production chain. Developed in partnership with Assintecal, the program evaluates companies — from manufacturers to material suppliers — across 104 indicators spanning environmental, social, economic, governance, and cultural dimensions.
Unlike other certifications that focus on isolated aspects, this program offers a comprehensive, process-based approach. It includes third-party verification and a tiered recognition system (Bronze to Diamond), allowing companies to evolve. Over 100 Brazilian companies are already certified, including leading brands like Usaflex, Piccadilly, among others, at the Diamond level.
“Sustainability isn’t just about the product — it’s about the entire process,” Schlindwein emphasized.
This certification is exclusive to Brazilian companies but is gaining international attention from buyers and retailers seeking ethical, transparent, and mature partners. It’s a bold step, positioning Brazil as a global pioneer in sustainable footwear manufacturing.
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