The final World Footwear of 2024 presents several innovative manufacturing techniques and materials, including On’s spray-on uppers as well as Huntsman’s liquid TPU for midsoles and its grippier TPU for outsoles, which it says could enable circular design. The recycling of shoes is also the subject of a Fashion for Good project, which is pooling big brands’ knowledge to set up collaborative systems. We hear from Inescop about how AI could boost efficiency on the factory floor and speak to Ventile about how brands are favouring its recycled cotton-containing material. From the new to the old(er): what makes cordovan leather so appealing for high-end footwear brands? Plus, more.