- Retailers
- Largest Clothing Companies
- Largest Book Stores In America
- Largest Food Stores
- Biggest Electronics Store
- Biggest Grocery Stores In Us
- Largest Restaurant Chains
- Largest Retailers
- Largest Jewelry Companies
- Largest Sporting Goods Companies
- Largest Gas Station Chains
- Largest Shoe Companies
- Largest Convenience Store Chains
10 Largest Shoe Companies In The World (2026 Update)
Shoes are essential wardrobe items that blend functionality with fashion, serving various needs every time we step outside. The footwear industry, while relatively young compared to other multi-billion dollar sectors, has experienced remarkable growth. Many of the leading shoe companies have been in business for just over 50 years, yet they have achieved significant success.
Despite their relatively recent origins, the largest shoe companies in the world have generated substantial revenue, collectively approaching a trillion dollars annually. As you explore the footwear industry’s landscape, here are the ten largest shoe companies currently dominating the global market.
-
Kering Jobs (Overview)
-
Steve Madden Jobs (Overview)
DETAILED LIST OF THE 10 LARGEST SHOE COMPANIES
-
Annual Revenue: $34.4 billion
Number of Employees: 73,100
Year Founded: 1964The iconic Nike ‘swoosh’ logo and the motivating slogan “Just Do It” are globally recognized symbols of athletic excellence. Nike, Inc. has established itself as a leading producer of sportswear since its inception as Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964. The company rebranded to Nike to reflect its most popular shoe line, rapidly expanding to over 170 countries by the 2000s.
Nike’s success is not only due to its high-quality products but also its strategic partnerships and sponsorships with world-class athletes, including:
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Tiger Woods
- Michael Jordan
- LeBron James
By investing heavily in athlete endorsements, Nike has solidified its position as the largest shoe company in the world.
-
Adidas. Herzogenaurach, Germany
Annual Revenue: €19.84 billion ($23.9 billion)
Number of Employees: 57,000
Year Founded: 1949The founding story of Adidas is rooted in brotherly rivalry, beginning as the “Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory” aimed at equipping athletes with top-notch footwear. The split of the Dassler brothers in 1949 led to the creation of Adidas and its competitor, Puma. Today, Adidas is recognized globally with its iconic three-stripe logo and sells over 445 million pairs of shoes annually.
-
Kering. Paris, France
Annual Revenue: €13.1 billion ($15.8 billion)
Number of Employees: 38,000
Year Founded: 1963Kering stands out in the footwear landscape as a luxury brand conglomerate, owning several prestigious shoewear labels, including Saint Laurent, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, and Pomellato. Originally a timber trading company founded by François Pinault, Kering transitioned to retail and became synonymous with luxury footwear and apparel through significant acquisitions.
-
Annual Revenue: $4.6 billion
Number of Employees: 11,800
Year Founded: 1992As one of the youngest giants in the footwear industry, Skechers has focused on trendy and comfortable footwear primarily for adults aged 18 to 40. With a diverse range of styles and over 900 shoe designs available shortly after its founding, Skechers continues to grow rapidly and is known for its innovative casual and athletic footwear.
-
New Balance Athletics Inc. Massachusetts, USA
Annual Revenue: $4.5 billion
Number of Employees: 5,000
Year Founded: 1906With over a century of experience, New Balance has built a reputation for quality athletic footwear. Founded by William Riley to create shoes that improve balance and comfort, New Balance remains a strong player in the market, offering a wide range of products including basketball, running, and casual shoes.
-
Burberry. London, United Kingdom
Annual Revenue: $3.5 billion
Number of Employees: 9,752
Year Founded: 1856Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, the company originally specialized in fabric and garments. It gained fame for its durable and waterproof fabric, becoming a key supplier to the British Army during WWII. Burberry has since expanded into luxury footwear, maintaining a strong global presence and high-quality standards.
-
Annual Revenue: $3.15 billion
Number of Employees: 7,864
Year Founded: 1977Asics originated in Japan to cater to the increasing variety of sports in the Olympics during the 1970s. Their mission is to enhance health and wellness through athletic footwear, offering a diverse range of products for sports such as marathon running, wrestling, and soccer.
-
Annual Revenue: $1.9 billion
Number of Employees: 3,500
Year Founded: 1908Converse started as a producer of military-grade boots and transitioned to athletic shoes with the launch of the iconic All-Stars in 1917. The brand grew to prominence by sponsoring basketball events and leveraging athlete endorsements, remaining a staple in the global footwear market for over a century.
-
Steve Madden. New York City, USA
Annual Revenue: $1.4 billion
Number of Employees: 3,172
Year Founded: 1990Steve Madden, Ltd. began with just $1,100 and has grown into a billion-dollar company by tapping into fashionable footwear trends. Their signature chunky platform shoes revolutionized women’s footwear and propelled the company to significant sales growth, with over 250 stores in 65 countries today.
-
Dr. Martens. Wollaston, United Kingdom
Annual Revenue: £672.2 Million ($933.3 Million)
Number of Employees: 990
Year Founded: 1947Dr. Martens gained popularity in the late 1940s for its durable boots known for their air-cushioned soles. The brand became a cultural icon during the 1960s and continues to be a staple in fashion and music scenes, maintaining its status as a leading global shoe company.
As the footwear industry evolves, these companies remain at the forefront, adapting to consumer preferences and technological advancements. Understanding the dynamics of these leading brands can offer insights into the future of the shoe market and potential career opportunities within this thriving sector.
- Retailers
- Largest Clothing Companies
- Largest Book Stores In America
- Largest Food Stores
- Biggest Electronics Store
- Biggest Grocery Stores In Us
- Largest Restaurant Chains
- Largest Retailers
- Largest Jewelry Companies
- Largest Sporting Goods Companies
- Largest Gas Station Chains
- Largest Shoe Companies
- Largest Convenience Store Chains
Author
Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.
