For the first time in four years, US consumers say they plan to cut spending on athletic footwear—typically the most resilient segment—amid mounting financial pressure, the Spring US Footwear Consumer Survey by FDRA reveals.
Two years of persistent inflation, declining savings, rising household debt, and looming tariff-related price hikes have eroded discretionary income.
The steepest pullbacks are expected in work and dress shoes, with net declines of 29 per cent and 26 per cent, respectively. A striking 43 per cent of respondents said they plan to spend nothing on work shoes. Even athletic and athleisure footwear, traditionally stable, will see a 9 to 17 per cent dip in spending.
Consumers are shifting priorities, with 55 per cent citing a reduced need for new shoes, and 49 per cent focused on buying only necessities. Meanwhile, only 6 per cent reported having more disposable income than last year.
Despite tariff warnings arriving only in April, price sensitivity was already rising, 78 per cent of respondents abandoned a purchase due to cost, up 12 percentage points from 2024.
Footwear executives are increasingly pessimistic. Many brands remain reliant on production in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, which now faces potential tariffs as high as 46 per cent.
Material innovation and faster delivery remain opportunities, but loyalty programmes and online fit technologies have yet to move the needle. With a drop in demand for rentals and second-hand options as well, footwear brands face a challenging spring—and potentially a tougher fall.
ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)
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