For the first time in four years, American consumers are signaling plans to scale back spending on athletic footwear, historically one of the most resilient categories, according to the Spring US Footwear Consumer Survey conducted by FDRA. Footwear spending declines sharply as growing financial pressures reshape buying habits.
Persistently high inflation over the past two years, coupled with dwindling savings, increased household debt, and the looming threat of price hikes from tariffs, has significantly reduced discretionary income.
The largest spending reductions are forecasted in work and dress shoes, with anticipated declines of 29% and 26%, respectively. Notably, 43% of survey respondents reported no intention to purchase work shoes at all. Even athletic and athleisure footwear, typically stable sectors, are expected to see spending drop between 9% and 17%.
Shifting consumer priorities are also evident, with 55% of respondents citing a decreased need for new footwear and 49% focusing solely on essential purchases. Only a small fraction—just 6%—reported having more disposable income than the previous year.
Though tariff-related warnings only emerged in April, price sensitivity among consumers has been climbing. A striking 78% of respondents abandoned a footwear purchase due to cost concerns, marking an increase of 12 percentage points compared to 2024. Footwear spending declines sharply amidst these mounting financial pressures.
The mood among footwear industry leaders is increasingly bleak. Many brands remain heavily reliant on production in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, which now faces potential tariffs as high as 46%.
While there are opportunities in areas like material innovation and faster delivery, initiatives such as loyalty programs and online fit technologies have yet to yield significant results. Adding to the challenges, demand for rental and second-hand footwear options has also declined. The footwear industry is bracing for a difficult spring season—and possibly an even tougher autumn.
