The 64th International Exhibition for Shoes and Leather Products – Obuv. Mir Kozhi 2026 returns from March 24-26, 2026 to VDNH (Moscow, Russia), cementing its status as Russia’s leading specialized B2B platform for the sector.
Founded in 1969, this historic exhibition has served for over five decades as the essential meeting place where manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and industry professionals converge to shape the future of footwear fashion across Russia and Eurasia.
A Legacy of Style and Commerce
Now celebrating its 64th edition, Obuv. Mir Kozhi — translated as “Shoes. World of Leather”—has evolved alongside the Russian fashion industry itself. Organized by EXPOCENTRE AO with the official support of Italy’s Assocalzaturifici, the exhibition represents the most significant gathering of footwear professionals in Russia and the CIS. The event’s longevity speaks to its enduring relevance: twice annually, in spring and autumn, it brings together the global footwear community to preview coming seasons and transact business.
Italian manufacturers, in particular, view the exhibition as their primary promotional tool and gateway to the Russian market — a testament to its importance as a bridge between European fashion leadership and Russian consumer demand.
A Comprehensive Showcase of Footwear and Leather
The exhibition floor at Obuv. Mir Kozhi 2026 will offer a comprehensive journey through the world of footwear and leather goods, organized into dedicated salons that reflect the industry’s full spectrum:
- Shoes Salon: Featuring ladies’ and men’s footwear, children’s shoes, sports shoes, house and leisure shoes, as well as specialized categories including orthopedic and technical footwear. Collections span everything from elegant dress shoes to casual comfort and cutting-edge athletic designs.
- Bags, Leather Goods and Accessories Salon: A dedicated space showcasing handbags, briefcases, wallets, belts, gloves, suitcases, and a wide range of leather accessories. This section highlights the craftsmanship and design innovation of leading leather goods manufacturers.
- Leather Apparel: Beyond accessories, the exhibition also features leather and fur garments, including coats, jackets, capes, and vests, reflecting the broader application of leather in fashion.
The autumn 2025 edition, held at VDNH’s Pavilion 57, brought together 80 brands from 6 countries—Russia, Belarus, France, Italy, San Marino, and Spain—showcasing their collections for the Spring/Summer 2026 season across approximately 1,500 square meters of exhibition space. For spring 2026, organizers project even greater scale, with 300 exhibitors spanning 15,000 square meters and attracting over 12,800 professional visitors.
The Italian Presence: A Hallmark of Quality
A defining characteristic of Obuv. Mir Kozhi is the strong and consistent participation of Italian manufacturers, who are widely regarded as global trendsetters in footwear fashion. The autumn 2025 edition featured 42 companies in the traditional Italian pavilion, officially supported by Assocalzaturifici, the Italian Footwear Manufacturers’ Association.
The roster of Italian brands reads like a who’s who of quality footwear and leather goods: Giovanni Fabiani, Loriblu, Accademia, Marino Fabiani, Kelton, Nila&Nila, Lucaguerrini, Dino Bigioni, Thierry Rabotin, Lab Milano, GNV Giampieronicola, Repo, Donna Soft, Sara Burglar, Ninalilou, Gianfranco Butteri, Emile, Francesco V., Marzetti, Cesare Casadei, and many others.
The bag and accessories segment is equally impressive, with dedicated displays from Gironacci, Marino Orlandi, Cromia, Braccialini, Valentino Orlandi, Arcadia, Roberta Gandolfi, Laura Bellariva by Elio`s, INNUE, Pourchet, and others.
A Truly International Gathering
While Italian manufacturers form a significant contingent, the exhibition’s international scope extends far beyond. Recent editions have attracted exhibitors from China, South Korea, Japan, Spain, Turkey, Poland, Dubai, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, Belarus, France, and San Marino, reflecting the event’s global draw.
For Chinese manufacturers, who represent a dominant force in global footwear production, Obuv. Mir Kozhi serves as a critical gateway to the Russian market. The exhibition provides unparalleled access to Russian buyers seeking everything from finished footwear to components and materials, with Chinese participation consistently strong across multiple product categories.
The visitor profile is equally international. The autumn 2025 edition attracted industry professionals from 73 regions of Russia and 15 countries, demonstrating the exhibition’s reach across the vast Russian Federation and beyond.
Where Business Gets Done
The fundamental purpose of Obuv. Mir Kozhi is commerce. Described as the leading specialized exhibition of footwear and leather goods in Russia and the CIS in B2B format, the event attracts a highly concentrated audience of decision-makers. This includes:
- Retail Professionals: Buyers from retail chains, independent stores, and wholesale companies seeking new products for the coming seasons.
- Manufacturers and Distributors: Industry leaders and emerging brands looking to expand their market presence and establish distribution partnerships.
- Corporate Decision Makers: Executives with purchasing authority and the capacity to place substantial orders.
- Marketing Professionals and Media: Industry observers tracking trends and covering market developments.
The exhibition’s timing is strategic: the spring edition presents collections for the autumn/winter season, while the autumn edition showcases spring/summer collections for the following year. This cadence allows buyers to be the first to place orders and secure the most desirable inventory for their customers.
Beyond the Exhibition Floor: Nurturing New Talent
Obuv. Mir Kozhi is not solely about established brands. A distinctive feature of the exhibition is its commitment to nurturing the next generation of footwear designers. In collaboration with the Kosygin Russian State University of Design and Technology, EXPOCENTRE organizes the online Shoes Design Festival of Young Designers, held concurrently with the exhibition.
This competition provides students and emerging talents with a platform to present their designs to the professional community. Winners are determined based on evaluations by a professional panel and open online voting across three categories: Shoes, Accessories, and Shoes and Accessories. This initiative ensures that the industry continues to be infused with fresh creative energy and reflects the exhibition’s role as a comprehensive industry ecosystem, not merely a trade show.
Market Context: Russia’s Evolving Footwear Landscape
Obuv. Mir Kozhi‘s enduring relevance must be understood within the context of Russia’s substantial footwear market. With a population exceeding 140 million across diverse climate zones, Russia represents a significant and stable market for footwear of all types—from winter boots capable of withstanding extreme cold to elegant dress shoes for urban professionals and comfortable casual wear for everyday use.
The market has demonstrated resilience amid changing economic conditions. Russian consumers continue to value quality and style, with particular appreciation for European—especially Italian—craftsmanship. At the same time, the growing presence of manufacturers from China, Turkey, and other Asian countries reflects the diversification of supply chains and the market’s adaptability.
Industry professionals attending Obuv. Mir Kozhi gain not only access to products but also exposure to current global fashion trends and market intelligence that informs their purchasing decisions and merchandising strategies.
The Venue
For the March 2026 edition, Obuv. Mir Kozhi moves to the VDNH. The exhibition centre provides convenient access for both Moscow-based attendees and visitors from across Russia and abroad. Its location offers a pleasant environment for business networking and reflects the exhibition’s blend of professionalism and accessibility.
The Verdict: An Unmissable Industry Gathering
For any professional serious about the Russian and Eurasian footwear and leather goods market, Obuv. Mir Kozhi 2026 is an unmissable event. With its 55-year legacy, strong international participation, and consistent track record of connecting suppliers with qualified buyers, it offers a unique combination of industry prestige and commercial opportunity.
The exhibition provides what its organizers promise: “a unique opportunity for representatives of retail chains, stores, and wholesale companies to establish direct business contacts and be the first to place orders for the coming season”. For three days in March, Pavilion 57 at VDNH becomes the epicenter of Russian footwear fashion — where style meets commerce and where the next season’s trends are discovered and ordered.
Key Details at a Glance:
- Event: 64th Obuv. Mir Kozhi 2026 (Spring)
- Dates: March 24-26, 2026
- Location: VDNH, Moscow, Russia
- Organizer: EXPOCENTRE AO, with official support from Assocalzaturifici (Italy)
- Frequency: Twice annually (spring and autumn)
- Expected Scale (Spring 2026): 300 exhibitors, 15,000 sqm, 12,800+ visitors
- Key Product Sectors: Ladies’ and men’s footwear, children’s shoes, sports shoes, bags, leather goods, accessories, leather apparel
- International Participation: Exhibitors from Italy, Russia, Belarus, France, Spain, China, Turkey, and more
- Special Events: Shoes Design Festival of Young Designers (with Kosygin Russian State University)
- Official Website: www.obuv-expo.ru
