Footwear

Footwear products include essentially every type and style of shoes—from athletic to zories (flip-flops). Generally speaking, you can break down the footwear market into two categories: athletic footwear and non-athletic footwear.

Athletic footwear includes athletic, sport, and active lifestyle footwear for men, women and children. Major athletic brands include Adidas, Asics, Fila, K-Swiss, New Balance, Nike, Puma, Reebok, and Saucony.

Athletic footwear also includes footwear that is not designed for a specific individual or team sport but may be performance inspired or intended for other activities. Products include “outdoor” footwear (hiking boots and sandals) by brands such as Merrell and Teva, and casual sneakers by brands such as Converse, Skechers, and Vans. One can also include products such as ski and snowboard boots in the overall scope of the athletic footwear market.

Non-athletic footwear covers casual and dress footwear for men, women and children such as pumps, loafers, or Mary Janes. It also includes house slippers, various types of work shoes and boots.

Other footwear products include accessories (i.e. shoe trees, bags, polishes, laces) gaiters, parts of shoes, socks, and foot care products.

The global footwear market is highly competitive and fragmented with a few major players and a seemingly endless array of smaller players, including designers, marketers, manufacturers and retailers, all vying for share. Globally, several companies crack the $1.0 billion dollar barrier in footwear sales but only Nike, Inc. and Adidas AG bring in more than $5.0 billion.

In response to continued consumer interest in health and wellness and the multi-tasking lifestyle, a slew of shoe manufacturers and brands are touting a wealth of health claims. Ailments from back pain to varicose veins and benefits such as improved posture, posterior toning, and burning calories, are all being met with high-technology and design innovations such as rounded soles and heels, extensive cushioning and contoured shapes to mimic walking barefoot.