Leisure sneakers lead US footwear sale

Leisure sneakers dominated US footwear sales between May 2017 and April 2018, according to The NPD Group. Non-performance, athletic-inspired sneaker sales for adults were up by 17 per cent in the period over the previous year. The men’s market, comprising over 60 per cent of sales, grew 10 per cent while the women’s market grew the fastest, up 33 per cent.

Sports slides were next to sneakers with a sales rise of 34 per cent, contributing the second most dollars gained in the men’s market.

In women’s section, the styles that contributed the most to profit after sneakers were strappy sandals, fashion slides, slip-on loafers, and mules/clogs, all of which experienced double-digit growth during the 12 month period, according to a press release from global information company The NPD Group.

In addition to versatility and comfort, value and convenience are also resonating with consumers. From a distribution perspective, the top growth channels for the most recent 12 month period included factory outlets, off-price retailers, and shoe chains, as well as online/internet pure plays and brands’ own retail stores, both online and traditional.