World Shoe Awarded Prestigious FIP Seal, Marking a Global Milestone in Foot Health Innovation

Founder Manny Ohonme to Speak at Global Podiatry Summit 2026 in Copenhagen

Charlotte, NC - May 11, 2026 - World Shoe, a purpose-driven footwear company redefining the intersection of culture, design, and health, is proud to announce it has been awarded the distinguished FIP Seal by the International Federation of Podiatrists (FIP). This recognition affirms World Shoe's commitment to advancing foot health on a global scale and positions the brand among a select group of organizations aligned with the highest standards in podiatric care and innovation.

The FIP Seal represents more than clinical validation - it signals alignment with a global movement dedicated to improving lives through better foot health, expanding universal access to care, and empowering the worldwide podiatry community. For World Shoe, whose mission has always extended beyond footwear into impact, this recognition underscores the brand's role as both a cultural and healthcare innovator.

"At World Shoe, we've always believed that footwear can - and should - do more than just look good," said Manny Ohonme, Founder, President & CEO of World Shoe. "Receiving the FIP Seal is a powerful acknowledgment that what we're building has real implications for human health and mobility across communities worldwide. It validates our commitment to designing products that support, protect, and elevate people from the ground up."

World Shoe's approach to footwear integrates comfort, antimicrobial innovation, and ergonomic design principles developed with and for professionals who spend extended hours on their feet - particularly in healthcare and service industries. By addressing foot-borne pathogens, fatigue, and long-term musculoskeletal strain, the brand is contributing to preventative health solutions that align directly with FIP's global priorities.

In further recognition of this alignment, Manny was invited to speak at the Global Podiatry Summit 2026, taking place April 12-15 in Copenhagen. The summit convenes leading podiatrists, researchers, and innovators from around the world to collaborate on advancing foot health outcomes. Manny's participation signals a growing convergence between medical expertise and product innovation, with World Shoe helping to bridge that gap.

This moment opens the door for deeper collaboration across healthcare systems, NGOs, and global institutions seeking scalable solutions to foot health challenges - particularly in underserved regions where access to proper footwear and preventative care remains limited. With the FIP Seal, World Shoe is uniquely positioned to expand its reach and influence, bringing thoughtfully designed, health-forward footwear to communities that need it most.

As the brand continues to grow, World Shoe remains committed to its founding vision: creating products that are as impactful as they are expressive - where culture meets care, and innovation meets purpose.

About World Shoe
World Shoe is a multinational social enterprise producing innovative footwear in Africa for global retail markets and humanitarian requirements. We are dedicated to the vision that high-quality, low-cost footwear can unleash human potential, promote global health, and protect the environment. Founded by Nigerian-born entrepreneur Manny Ohonme, our proud heritage includes delivering millions of shoes to meet humanitarian needs in more than one hundred countries. Through creative design, manufacturing, and cross-sector partnerships, we provide market-based solutions to some of the world's most urgent challenges. For more information, visit us at theworldshoe.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

About FIP
The International Federation of Podiatrists (FIP) is the premier global voice of podiatry, dedicated to advancing foot and ankle health care through international collaboration, education, and advocacy. Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Paris, FIP unites national organizations from around the world to promote professional recognition and ensure that high-quality foot health care is universally accessible and integrated into global healthcare systems. FIP has 24 member nations, representing over 40,000 podiatrists.

With a strategic purpose to "keep the world on its feet", the federation empowers the podiatry community by facilitating the exchange of clinical knowledge and leading resources to improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of life worldwide.

For media inquiries, interviews, or product requests, please contact:

Ashley Williams
Phone: +1 (704) 816-2860
Email: ashley@theworldshoe.com