Gezer Footwear, a cornerstone of the Turkish footwear industry, is poised to extend its export network to new continents as part of its 2026 strategic roadmap. The company plans to sustain its global growth by expanding its current export reach of over 50 countries into the Americas and African markets.

By gradually increasing its production capacity since 1968, Gezer Footwear continues its operations at state-of-the-art facilities in Istanbul and Bolu. The company aims to solidify its international standing through a diverse product range catering to various age groups and functional needs.

"We View Success as a Process, Not Just a Destination"

Osman Özalp, General Manager of Gezer Footwear, emphasized that the stability in their export performance is rooted in a long-standing discipline of production. "Our 58-year-old production culture is the most vital foundation of the success we celebrate today," Özalp stated. "With a workforce of over 1,500 employees across our Istanbul and Bolu plants, we produce a vast array of goods, ranging from infant footwear to technical industrial boots. Maintaining our export leadership for 30 years is the result of accurately reading market dynamics and our unwavering commitment to R&D investments."

Target: Expanding Export Reach to 60 Countries

Evaluating the company’s 2026 vision, Özalp noted that Gezer already maintains a robust market presence in Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. In the coming period, the company will focus its growth efforts on the Americas and the South African markets.

Acknowledging the challenging global economic conditions for exporters, Özalp added: "We are navigating this period through a market diversification strategy. We aim to introduce Turkish manufacturing prowess and 'Gezer comfort' to consumers across a vast geography, stretching from Brazil to Mozambique. Our goal is to increase the number of countries we export to 60 by the end of 2026."

Annual Production Capacity of 100 Million Pairs

Gezer Footwear operates with an annual production capacity of approximately 100 million pairs within its 100,000 square meters of indoor facility space in Istanbul and Bolu. The company’s extensive portfolio includes everything from indoor slippers and medical clogs to rain boots and summer sandals.

Özalp highlighted that the 2026 collection will prioritize a technology-oriented manufacturing approach. "We will continue our innovative streak in the industry with ultra-light, antibacterial, and anatomical models developed through EVA and PU raw material technologies. By supporting our eco-friendly production philosophy with ISO 14001 standards, we aim to strengthen our presence in the global market," he concluded.