An increase in online sales combined with the growing popularity of high-end sport leisure footwear made 2019 a disruptive year for the shoe industry. The U.S. and China witnessed the highest revenue in terms of annual footwear purchasing, compared to the rest of the world. In 2018, consumers in the U.S. spent USD 83.8 billion on footwear, while the Chinese spent USD 61.1 billion. Brazil bagged the third position with sales of USD 26.2 billion. The blurring line between in-store retail and e-commerce is the most crucial factor contributing to the growth of the industry. In 2018, the majority of footwear sales came from online sites.
Millennials and young shoppers are predominantly driving the shift to online shopping. In order to ensure sustainable growth, it is important to find new and better approaches. At this point, many shoe brands and manufacturers continue to use celebrity branding or endorsements as a key marketing strategy or advertising campaign to garner brand loyalty and attract people online, many of whom prefer to shop products online. The global shoe market is expected to register a revenue of USD 353 billion by 2022.
Nike Inc. is a U.S.-based multinational company specializing in the design, development, production, and global marketing and sales of shoes, equipment, clothing, accessories, and services. The company has always been at the leading edge of creativity, technology, and innovative marketing campaigns that help it quickly outpace the rest of the brands in terms of popularity and annual sales.
Nike’s ‘Just Do It’ marketing campaign featuring American footballer Colin Kaepernick has driven the company’s online sales of footwear products throughout the world. In 2018, the company reported USD 40.781 billion in revenues, marking a 7.05% increase from the previous year.
Adidas AG is a German multinational company that has grown to become the 2nd largest sportswear manufacturer in the world and the largest sportswear company in Europe. Effective marketing strategies and tech-driven products have helped the company to outpace the apparel industry over the last couple of years. The shoes are on a pricey side, but they are loved for their comfort, style, and durability. In 2019, the company recorded USD 26 billion in revenues, marking a 6% increase from the previous year, up from USD 24.1 billion.
With its German roots, Puma is a popular sports apparel and footwear brand in the world. The name itself is enough to define the caliber and popularity of this brand, which is why it is preferred by many famous athletes in the world. The appealing design and quality of the shoes is uncanny, but are on the pricey edge.
In 2007, the company was acquired by French international conglomerate Kering that helped this shoe brand gain even more popularity. The company’s sale for FY18 was a staggering USD 5.97 billion, making it the third-largest shoe manufacturer in the world.
ASICS Corporation is a Japanese manufacturer of athletic apparel, shoes, and sports equipment. The company was founded during WWII by Kihachiro Onitsuka to inspire Japanese youth to be more physically active. The Onitsuka Tiger is the signature shoe and the first product released by the company in 1949. The success of Onitsuka Tiger motivated Phil H. Knight (Nike’s Co-Founder) to start his shoe brand so he could sell the Tiger in the U.S.
At present, ASICS distributes 437 different kinds of sports shoes for men and women. Recently, ASICS announced the launch of its new line of tennis footwear, Solution Speed, which is designed in such a way to enhance agility and improve speed during the game.
Reebok is, by far, one of the most popular sports apparel and shoe brands in the world amongst teenagers and young adults alike. The shoe manufacturer has made a significant move from only traditional footwear to include fitness as one of its most essential criteria in the manufacturing of shoes.
In 2005, Reebok was acquired by shoe manufacturer Adidas. Since then, the company has been designing, manufacturing, distributing, and selling CrossFit range of footwear as well as other sports leisure shoes. The shoe range is pretty attractive, cozy, reliable, durable, and modern-day.
The converse is a U.S.-based shoe manufacturing company which is very popular among the youth and teenage population. Nike brought the iconic shoe company in 2003. For over half a century, Converse has managed to dominate the high-competitive footwear industry in the U.S. It designs, manufactures, and sells all kinds of footwear, including casual shoes, sports shoes, skating shoes, and more. Its revenue for 2019 was USD 1.9 billion. The company has entered into several sponsorship deals with celebrities like Rihanna, Kristen Stewart, and Snoop Dogg.
Under Armour is regarded as one of the most famous American shoemakers in the world. Though young, the brand remains one of the final choices of the young population as well as celebrities. Although costly, they are the exact representation of style, class, and modernism. The company participates in philanthropic activities, such as its association with ‘UA Power in Pink’, that fights against breast cancer. Famous personalities associated with the brand Under Armour are Memphis Depay, Patty Mills, Dwayne Johnson, Andre Green, and Cody Bellinger.