smell of new shoes, that amazing thrill of opening that hard-to-reach box, and then the joy of running around the
house in those new shoes! Shoes don’t just cover our feet, they are the most important part of our life’s journey.
From the moment we learned to walk, to the hustle and bustle of life, to the first job interview or the morning
walk, these shoes have always been with us. In today’s time, when we buy shoes online or in the mall, have you ever
wondered which brands are the most preferred in the whole world? Today we are going to take a unique journey on this
very topic and find out which are the World’s Best-Selling Shoe Brands, and how they have become an
inseparable part of our lives.
These figures do not just talk about money, but tell the story of the trust and choice of billions of people
around the world. Let’s take a look at this list and refresh our memories.
| Rank | Brand | Revenue | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nike | $31.0 B | USA |
| 2 | Adidas | $15.0 B | Germany |
| 3 | Skechers | $8.9 B | USA |
| 4 | New Balance | $6.5 B | USA |
| 5 | Puma | $5.1 B | Germany |
| 6 | Deckers (HOKA, UGG) | $4.9 B | USA |
| 7 | Anta Sports | $4.4 B | China |
| 8 | Crocs | $3.9 B | USA |
| 9 | Asics | $3.5 B | Japan |
| 10 | Vans | $3.0 B | USA |
| 11 | On (On Running) | $2.5 B | Switzerland |
| 12 | Wolverine Worldwide (Merrell, Saucony) | $2.2 B | USA |
| 13 | Converse | $2.0 B | USA |
| 14 | Li-Ning | $2.0 B | China |
| 15 | Steve Madden | $1.8 B | USA |
| 16 | Timberland | $1.7 B | USA |
| 17 | Birkenstock | $1.6 B | Germany |
| 18 | Ecco | $1.6 B | Denmark |
| 19 | Bata | $1.5 B | Switzerland / Czech Republic |
| 20 | Under Armour | $1.4 B | USA |
Source:bloomberg , Statista
Flight of Dreams: Nike and Adidas
Whenever it comes to sports shoes, the first name that comes to our mind is Nike. This American
company rules the number one spot in the world with an annual revenue of $31.0 billion. Nike’s ‘Swoosh’ logo is not
just a symbol, but it is the dream of every young person who wants to do something in the field of sports.
Similarly, the famous German brand Adidas is in second place with a revenue of $15.0 billion.
Wearing those Adidas ‘three stripes’ shoes as a child was a different story, right?
Comfort and a companion for everyday running
As we grow older, we start to understand the value of comfort over style. This is where the name of the American
brand Skechers comes into play. This brand, which is at the third position with a revenue of $8.9
billion, is also loved by our parents and elders as it provides great relief to the feet.
In addition, New Balance ($6.5 billion, America) and Germany’s Puma ($5.1 billion) also come
in the fourth and fifth positions respectively on this list. Puma’s shoes have always been a favorite among the
youth for their great design and agility.
Our own feelings: Bata
It is most emotional for me to talk about the brand that comes in the 19th position on this list.
Bata, which has an annual revenue of $1.5 billion. Even though this company is from
Switzerland and the Czech Republic, in India ‘Bata’ means school days! Polishing black shoes every morning
and rubbing chalk on white canvas shoes on PT day – these memories are associated with Bata. It is not just
a brand, but a living part of our childhood.
Trend, comfort and memories of youth
There are some brands in the world that have created their own unique trend. For example, America’s
Crocs ($3.9 billion). Although initially mocked for its appearance, today, whether it is
rain or vacation, Crocs are seen on everyone’s feet.
Remember those college days! Guitar, friends and shoes from Converse ($2.0 billion) or
Vans ($3.0 billion). Both these American brands have given a new direction to youth fashion. If you love to
explore forests and mountains, then you must remember the rough and tough boots of America’s
Timberland ($1.7 billion). These shoes teach us to be adventurous.
The new choice of runners and athletes
In today’s fitness era, people have become very conscious about their health. America’s
Deckers ($4.9 billion), famous for its brands HOKA and UGG, has won the hearts of marathon
runners. Japan’s Asics ($3.5 billion) has become famous all over the world for its amazing technical support
and Switzerland’s On (On Running) ($2.5 billion) has become famous all over the world for
its light weight. These shoes are not only sold, but they are a testament to the sweat and hard work of
every runner. America’s Under Armour also provides a great option for gym-goers, coming in
at number 20 with $1.4 billion.
Asia and Europe dominate
We often talk about brands from Western countries, but two big Chinese brands have made a huge impact
in the world. Anta Sports is in 7th place with an annual revenue of $4.4 billion, while
another Chinese brand Li-Ning is in 14th place with $2.0 billion.
In addition, Germany’s Birkenstock ($1.6 billion) is known worldwide for its
classic sandals and Denmark’s Ecco ($1.6 billion) is known worldwide for its high-quality leather
shoes. If we talk about fashion, America’s Steve Madden ($1.8 billion) has become
the first choice for women’s heels and trendy shoes, and Wolverine Worldwide
(Merrell, Saucony – $2.2 billion) for outdoor.
A personal thing…
When we look at these billion dollar figures, it may seem like these are all very big corporate companies. But
just think about it… how much these shoes have given us! These shoes saved our feet from getting sprained when we
fell off our bicycle for the first time. These shoes were the ones that kept our feet from shaking when we went to
take the board exam. The pride of those branded shoes bought with our first salary cannot be forgotten even
today.
Although all these companies may be at the top of the figures, for us, the shoes that have supported us in our
journey of life are the best.