Sportsystem Asolo and Montebelluna: Italy’s leading district for technical sporting goods

The Italian Sportsystem district, with its beating heart in Asolo and Montebelluna, represents one of the world’s manufacturing excellences. Italy stands out as a leader in the production of sporting goods, and in the first quarter of 2025the value of exports increased by 3.2% compared with the previous year.

In this article, we will explore how the district was created, as one of the many existing in Italy, its growth and the opportunities it offers, with a focus on the figures and products that make it an international benchmark.

Asolo and Montebelluna, the beating heart of the Made in Italy Sportsystem

Asolo and Montebelluna, two small towns located in the province of Treviso, have become the hub of the global sporting goods industry. Thanks to a well-established tradition and a strong commitment to innovation, the Sportsystem district, which extends between Montello and the Piave River, covering an area of around 355 km² and more than 120,000 inhabitants, is able to produce highly specialised sporting goods, including footwear, technical apparel and ski boots.

Innovation is not only a technical aspect, but is also integrated into an ecosystem that includes research, design and production, with an approach focused on sustainability and efficiency. The district, which can rely on more than 7,500 workers, is a benchmark for high-end sports companies and one of the most competitive areas globally.

The Made in Italy Sportsystem district includes numerous companies and a large number of highly specialised workers in the sporting goods manufacturing sector. Every year, these companies generate turnover that accounts for a significant share of Italian exports.

65% of the world’s ski boots are made in the Sportsystem district

Asolo and Montebelluna have established themselves as the world capitals of ski boot production, celebrated by the Sportsystem Museum, which houses 2,800 objects. According to Corriere della Sera, as much as 65% of the ski boots sold worldwide come from the district.

Quality, technological innovation and customised design are the keys that allow the district to dominate the global market. Local companies, including internationally renowned brands, are leaders in a sector that requires strong transformation capabilities and continuous technological updating.

From ski boots to Olympic podiums: the Milano-Cortina 2026 effect

The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games have served as a powerful accelerator for the Italian Sportsystem district. The supply of sporting goods for Italian athletes and international competitions has offered companies in Asolo, Montebelluna and the surrounding area a showcase of global significance.

The Milano-Cortina 2026 effect has further consolidated the district’s reputation, supporting demand for ski boots, technical apparel and specialised equipment.

Sports footwear and technical apparel production: the complete supply chain

The district stands out not only for products dedicated to winter sports, but also for the production of sports footwear and technical apparel. Within these 355 km², 80% of the motorcycle boots produced worldwide and 25% of inline skatesare also made.

Local companies are able to design and produce running, football and tennis shoes, as well as apparel for cycling and athletics, meeting the needs of an increasingly demanding global market in terms of performance and comfort. The production chain is fully integrated, ensuring high quality and strong competitiveness on international markets.

While Asolo and Montebelluna are the heart of sporting goods production, the Italian mountains represent the body of the winter sports system. Bergamo, Valtellina and Trentino are areas of great importance for infrastructure and the practice of winter sports.

The interconnection between these areas and the Sportsystem district helps strengthen the entire supply chain, creating a highly competitive system that ranges from equipment production to the management of sporting events.

Growing exports and international markets

In the first quarter of 2025, according to Fondazione Sportsystem, the district recorded positive export performance, with exports growing by 3.2% compared with the same period in 2024, reaching a total of €402 million.

The main destination markets for the district’s products are the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom, which continue to be key markets for Italian exports. However, Asian countries are emerging as promising new markets, with growing interest in Italian sporting goods. Companies in the Sportsystem district are well positioned to capitalise on these opportunities, further expanding their presence in fast-growing international markets.

The Sportsystem district meets global markets

Manufacturing expertise, production quality and the ability to innovate make the district a benchmark on foreign markets. To support the growth of Italian companies and create new business opportunities, OpportunItaly fosters connections between foreign buyers and companies in the Sportsystem supply chain, together with other Made in Italy excellences.

Join the programme and discover all the services available for Italian professionals and foreign buyers.

Sources:
Fondazione Sportsystem 
Forbes 
Corriere della Sera

In summary:

• Asolo e Montebelluna sono la capitali mondiali della produzione di scarponi da sci, con il 65% degli scarponi venduti a livello globale prodotti nel distretto.

• Il distretto dello Sportsystem italiano include numerose imprese che generano un fatturato considerevole, in gran parte derivante dalle esportazioni di articoli sportivi.

• Il distretto si distingue per l'innovazione e la qualità, producendo scarponi da sci, scarpe sportive e abbigliamento tecnico di alta gamma.

• L'export del settore sportivo italiano ha visto un continuo incremento, con una crescita del 3,2% nel primo trimestre del 2025.

• Milano-Cortina 2026 ha offerto nuove opportunità per il distretto, grazie all'aumento della visibilità e della domanda di articoli sportivi di alta qualità.