However, footwear with textile uppers, just like textile and apparel, is subject to quota restrictions. Under the new arrangement, affixing uppers and inner soles in Hong Kong will suffice for the status of Hong Kong origin, irrespective of whether the uppers and inner soles are produced in Hong Kong. Since then, the new ruling has attracted many footwear manufacturers to expand local production and resulted in an increase of domestic exports. Youngsters today, especially in the US, are less prone to formal attire at work - business suits, ties, formal gowns, etc. The phenomenal spread of relaxed office dress codes has also boosted the demand for casual shoes that are versatile - a pair of shoes that can take them from business to social occasion.
Brown shoes continue to muster widespread support from the youth.
While Timberland is the market leader in the category, many sports-wear manufacturers have already developed additional production lines of brown shoes, particularly hikers and walkers. Running and basketball shoes remain strong in 2000, but the period of explosive growth has ended. While casual styling remains the dominant trend, there is a recent swing back to dressier details. Consumers demand younger styling and frequent changes in designs. Women and juniors want colour contrast, high-heel silhouettes and classic forms with sculptural but contemporary details.