- Clothing Brands
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The largest shoe brand in the US is Nike, boasting a revenue of $46.7 billion and employing over 79,000 individuals.
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As of 2023, the US shoe industry has a market size of $85.84 billion.
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The average American owns 20 pairs of shoes, with 12 for men and 27 for women.
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The US shoe market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.39% through 2027.
Footwear transcends being a mere necessity; it embodies personal expression and can serve as a valuable collector’s item, particularly within the sneakerhead culture.
The United States maintains its status as the largest footwear market globally, generating over $80 billion annually, with a substantial portion of that revenue derived from athletic footwear.
While numerous luxury shoe brands like Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo are well-known, our focus remains on athletic and casual footwear companies.
The disparity in market share between the top brands is striking. Nike, as the leading brand, commands over 17% of the market alone, with Adidas closely following. The revenue gap between the second and third positions is considerable.
10 Largest Shoe Brands in the United States (2026)
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2023 Annual Revenue: $46.7 billion
Current CEO: John Donahoe
Number of Employees: 79,100Nike originated as a shoe by Blue Ribbon Sports in 1973, which was founded in 1964 by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight. The name change to Nike occurred in 1978.
Nike is the foremost supplier of athletic wear globally, and its iconic swoosh logo is recognized around the world. Introduced in the late 1970s, the logo evolved into the version we know today in the mid-90s.
The company expanded significantly in the late 80s, acquiring several brands, including Converse in 2003. Nike also produces athletic apparel and sports equipment.
Renowned for endorsing high-profile athletes like Michael Jordan, Nike continues to be a leader in the industry.
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Adidas North America. Herzogenaurach, Germany
2023 Annual Revenue: $23.63 billion
Current CEO: Rupert Campbell
Number of Employees: 59,258Founded in 1924 as the “Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory” by Adolf and Rudolf Dassler, Adidas is the second-largest sportswear manufacturer globally.
The company experienced a significant split in 1949, leading to the establishment of PUMA by Rudolf. Adidas, named after Adolf Dassler, has been instrumental in developing innovations in athletic footwear.
After facing financial challenges in the late 20th century, Adidas has successfully reestablished itself as a leader in sportswear, acquiring Reebok in 2006.
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PUMA. Herzogenaurach, Germany
2023 Annual Revenue: $9.36 billion
Current CEO: Arne Freundt
Number of Employees: 18,071PUMA’s roots trace back to Adidas, with the Dassler brothers originally founding the “Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory.” After their split, Rudolf founded PUMA in 1948, initially naming it RUDA.
PUMA’s innovative designs, including the Super Atom football shoe, transformed the industry and paved the way for its current ownership by the French luxury group Kering.
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Skechers USA. Manhattan Beach, California
2023 Annual Revenue: $7.445 billion
Current CEO: Robert Greenberg
Number of Employees: 11k+Founded in 1992 by Robert Greenberg, Skechers carved out a niche in casual footwear. The company quickly gained traction, going public in 1999 and expanding globally.
With over 3,000 unique designs across all categories, Skechers continues to dominate the casual shoe market.
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New Balance. Boston, Massachusetts
2023 Annual Revenue: $5.3 billion
Current CEO: Joe Preston
Number of Employees: 8,000Founded in 1906 by William J. Riley, New Balance has evolved from arch support products to becoming a major player in the running shoe market with the introduction of the “Trackster” in 1961.
New Balance is recognized for its diverse styles and commitment to producing footwear in the USA, catering to the running boom and beyond.
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Burberry. London, England
2023 Annual Revenue: $3.860 billion
Current CEO: Jonathan Akeroyd
Number of Employees: 8,979Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, this British luxury brand is renowned for its innovative outerwear and has made significant inroads in the footwear market, generating $824 million in the US alone.
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ASICS America. Kobe, Japan
2023 Annual Revenue: $3 billion
Current CEO: Doug Palladini
Number of Employees: 8.8k+Founded in 1945, ASICS has a rich history rooted in promoting health and athleticism. The brand’s acronym reflects its commitment to a healthy mind and body.
ASICS is recognized for its technological advancements in athletic shoes, particularly in wrestling and running.
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2023 Annual Revenue: $2.8 billion
Current CEO: Alan Tanouye
Number of Employees: 5k+Founded in 1966, Vans quickly became the go-to brand for skateboarders and has retained its cultural significance through collaborations and sponsorships, including the Vans Warped Tour.
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Converse. Boston, Massachusetts
2023 Annual Revenue: $2.35 billion
Current CEO: G. Scott Uzzell
Number of Employees: 4,407Founded in 1908, Converse gained fame with the Chuck Taylor All-Star basketball shoe, introduced in 1917. Acquired by Nike in 2003, Converse remains a staple in casual footwear.
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Reebok. Boston, Massachusetts
2023 Annual Revenue: $1.953 billion
Current CEO: Todd Krinsky
Number of Employees: 9,102Founded in 1958 by Joe and Jeff Foster, Reebok has a heritage in performance footwear. Acquired by Adidas in 2006, it continues to thrive under its original name while emphasizing fitness and lifestyle products.
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Largest Shoe Brands in the U.S. FAQ (2026)
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How many people are employed by the shoe industry?
There are over 2,154,750 footwear sales associates currently employed in the United States. Of these, 37.9% are women, while 62.1% are men.
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How fast is the sneaker market growing?
The sneaker market is projected to grow at an annual CAGR of 5.31% through 2028. In 2023, the revenue in the Sneakers segment amounts to $75.77 billion.
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What is the most popular type of shoe in the US?
Sneakers remain the most popular footwear choice in the US. The Nike Air Force 1 continues to hold the title as the most sought-after sneaker, with the average cost of a sneaker now around $75.
- Clothing Brands
Author
Samantha is a lifelong writer who has been writing professionally for the last six years. After graduating with honors from Greensboro College with a degree in English & Communications, she went on to find work as an in-house copywriter for several companies including Costume Supercenter, and Blueprint Education.
