Euromonitor Reveals Top Global Shoe Brands in New Report

Why It Matters

The rankings highlight emerging challengers reshaping the competitive hierarchy, while the growth outlook and consumer trends signal lucrative opportunities for brands that blend performance tech with premium retail experiences.

Key Takeaways

• On AG reaches fifth U.S. spot, rapid climb
• Puma fluctuates between fourth and fifth globally
• Sportswear CAGR 2% 2025‑2030, outpacing apparel
• E‑commerce 32.4% of footwear sales in 2025
• Consumers prioritize value, durability, wellness over volume

Pulse Analysis

The latest Euromonitor data underscores a subtle but meaningful reshuffle in the footwear arena. While Nike, Adidas, Skechers and New Balance continue to dominate both globally and in the United States, Puma’s bounce between fourth and fifth places reveals the volatility of brand momentum in a crowded market. On AG’s meteoric rise to the U.S. top five—leaping from 18th in 2021 to fifth in 2025—demonstrates how niche performance labels can leverage innovative cushioning and lifestyle positioning to challenge legacy players. Executives at Puma and New Balance are now tasked with stabilising brand perception and capitalising on the growing appetite for high‑performance, fashion‑forward sneakers.

Beyond rankings, the report paints a bullish picture for the sportswear segment, forecasting a 2 % compound annual growth rate through 2030, comfortably ahead of the sub‑1 % growth expected for the broader apparel market. This expansion is fueled by tech‑enabled wellness products, the normalization of casual dress codes, and a robust e‑commerce footprint that now represents roughly one‑third of all footwear transactions. Brands that integrate digital health insights and streamline online distribution are poised to capture a larger share of the incremental spend projected by fitness enthusiasts, 31 % of whom plan to increase their apparel and footwear budgets.

Consumer psychology is equally pivotal. With 71 % of global shoppers citing cost pressures, purchasing decisions are increasingly anchored in perceived value rather than sheer volume. Shoppers are gravitating toward products that promise durability, versatility and an emotional connection, often expressed through premium retail experiences that justify higher price points. For footwear manufacturers, this translates into a clear mandate: invest in durable materials, innovative performance technologies, and storytelling that resonates with health‑conscious consumers seeking both function and fashion. Brands that align with these shifting priorities stand to thrive in a market that rewards both innovation and authentic value propositions.