10 Largest Shoe Companies In The World – Zippia (2024)

Shoes are a wardrobe piece that needs to be both functional and fashionable. It’s a product that people need every time they step outside their house for various occasions.

The shoe industry is fairly young compared to other multi-billion dollar business trades. Most shoe companies responsible for the pile of sneakers in your closet have only been around to build their business for a little over 50 years.

While many of the largest shoe companies in the world are on the newer side of the spectrum, that hasn’t limited their success in terms of revenue and sales in the slightest. The biggest shoe manufacturers around the globe collectively make near a trillion dollars annually.

If you’re curious to find out more about the major contenders in the footwear industry, read through the following ten largest shoe companies globally.

  • Nike. Oregon, USA

    Annual Revenue: $34.4 billion
    Number of Employees: 73,100
    Year Founded: 1964

    The iconic Nike ‘swoosh’ logo and their catchy slogan “Just Do It” are easily recognized by everyone worldwide. Nike, Inc. is known as being a quintessential producer of American sportswear since its establishment in 1964.

    Back then, the company went by the name of Blue Ribbon Sports. The business name changed to reflect their most popular brand of shoe, Nike. After steadily opening retail stores to sell their athletic shoes, Nike had locations in over 170 countries by the 2000s.

    While Nike’s success is attributed to its high-quality product, it’s also thanks to the sponsorships of major athletes.

    Some of Nike’s many celebrity endorsements include:

    • Cristiano Ronaldo

    • Tiger Woods

    • Michael Jordan

    • Lebron James

    Nike spends more than any other shoe company to get top athletes on board with their brand. It’s an investment that’s paid off according to their yearly revenue and growth over time because Nike, Inc. is the largest shoe company in the world.

  • Find Nike Jobs Near Me

    Adidas. Herzogenaurach, Germany

    Annual Revenue: €19.84 billion ($23.9 billion)
    Number of Employees: 57,000
    Year Founded: 1949

    The history behind Adidas tells the tale of brotherly rivalry. Adidas was founded in Germany under the name “Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory” to supply athletes with top-of-the-line equipment, like running shoes.

    The two brothers who formed the company, Adi and Rudolf Dassler, worked in harmony to build the business for 25 years. However, in 1949, they split off to establish their sportswear organizations after tensions mounted between the two. Their separation was the birth of Adidas through Adi and their rival Puma by Rudolf.

    While both companies went on to find success, Adidas came out on top. The infamous three-stripe logo is represented around the globe on its athletic clothing and shoes. Adidas is the second-largest shoe brand today, selling more than 445 million pairs every year.

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    Kering. Paris, France

    Annual Revenue: €13.1 billion ($15.8 billion)
    Number of Employees: 38,000
    Year Founded: 1963

    While the two largest shoe companies in the world specialize in shoes for athletes, the third-largest has a very different footwear focus. Kering is the owner and manufacturer of several well-known luxury shoewear brands.

    Some of the luxury brands that Kering manages include:

    • Saint Laurent

    • Gucci

    • Bottega Veneta

    • Balenciaga

    • Pomellato

    While Kering represents some of the most well-known shoe companies today, that’s not how the company started. Originally, the company was founded by Francois Pinault to function in timber trading.

    This business strategy slowly moved towards retail over its first twenty years. After several big acquisitions at the turn of the century, Kering became quickly synonymous with the luxury shoe and clothing brands it owned.

    Kering’s accumulation of luxury brands has made them one of the largest shoe companies globally based on revenue.

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    Skechers. California, USA

    Annual Revenue: $4.6 billion
    Number of Employees: 11,800
    Year Founded: 1992

    Skechers is one of the youngest shoe corporations in the business. Founded nearly 30 years ago, their brand mostly handles sneaker and casual footwear products. Their main demographic is adults between the ages of 18 and 40 looking for trendy and comfortable shoes.

    Five years after its inception, they had over 900 styles of shoes available for their customers and sold them in over 2,000 stores internationally. Skechers still has many different kinds of shoe styles, including:

    • Casual sneakers

    • Athletic sneakers

    • Sandals

    • Wedges

    • Flats

    Not only is Skechers considered one of the largest shoe companies in the world, but they’re also the fastest-growing footwear business on the market.

  • Find Skechers USA Jobs Near Me

    New Balance Athletics Inc. Massachusetts, United States

    Annual Revenue: $4.5 billion
    Number of Employees: 5,000
    Year Founded: 1906

    Another wildly successful shoe brand the specializes in athletic footwear is New Balance. New Balance has been around for over a century and has used that time to build a shoe brand that endures the test of time.

    William Riley founded the company in 1906 to create a shoe that provided arch support points that enhanced comfortability and balance. Hence, the ‘New Balance’ title.

    Some of the New Balance products available today include:

    Although New Balance doesn’t bring in the hefty annual revenue that its higher-ranking competitors have, it’s still one of the most influential and longest-running shoe companies worldwide.

  • Find New Balance Jobs Near Me

    Burberry. London, United Kingdom

    Annual Revenue: $3.5 billion
    Number of Employees: 9,752
    Year Founded: 1856

    Burberry is another modern shoe company with an extensive history that spans over 150 years. 21-year-old Thomas Burberry founded the company way back in 1856 as a fabric and garment business.

    It wasn’t until the twentieth century that the first Burberry storefront opened in London to showcase their unique durable, and waterproof fabric. These went on to be the template for most rain gear attire.

    Burberry was trademarked and became the main supplier of clothing to the British Army in World War II. Burberry spread globally and eventually introduced luxury shoes known for holding the same high-quality standard of materials.

    While Burberry’s main focus is luxury clothing, their shoe line remains one of the largest worldwide according to revenue and global employment numbers.

  • Find Burberry Jobs Near Me

    Asics Corp. Kobe, Japan

    Annual Revenue: $3.15 billion
    Number of Employees: 7,864
    Year Founded: 1977

    Asics is a Japanese sportswear shoe company created to cater to the wide variety of sports becoming available in the Olympics during the 1970s. The company’s main objective of their athletic shoe line is to improve people’s health, and in turn, their lives.

    Asics started by releasing their basketball shoes to the public in 1950, but they’ve gone on to diversify their portfolio greatly over the years.

    Today, Asics has many different kinds of athletic shoes for:

    • Marathon running

    • Wrestling

    • Gymnastics

    • Soccer

    • Baseball

    • Fencing

    • Volleyball

    The variation in their athletic footwear products has made Asics one of the largest shoe companies around the world.

  • Find Asics Jobs Near Me

    Converse. Massachusetts, USA

    Annual Revenue: $1.9 billion
    Number of Employees: 3,500
    Year Founded: 1908

    Converse began in the twentieth century when they gained traction as a footwear producer that made military-grade boots and rubber shoes.

    However, the brand leaned more towards athletic shoes and stylish casual sneakers after releasing the iconic Converse All-Stars in 1917. The introduction of these basketball shoes resulted in a massive spike in Converse shoe sales.

    Converse remained a global leader in the shoe market for the next fifty years by designing innovative shoes that attracted customers.

    The company also gained a positive reputation in the sports community over the 1980s for sponsoring national basketball events. Much of the company’s global success came from expanding with professional basketball itself.

    Like Nike, Converse gained a great deal of its success and notoriety from its investment in endorsements from athletes. The sponsorship strategy has proved to be triumphant for Converse because they’ve been one of the biggest shoe companies on the planet for over a hundred years.

  • Find Converse Jobs Near Me

    Steve Madden. New York City, USA

    Annual Revenue: $1.4 billion
    Number of Employees: 3,172
    Year Founded: 1990

    The story of the women’s footwear company Steven Madden, Ltd. describes a business that truly started from the ground up. Named after its founder, Steve Madden was created with a mere sum of $1,100 and the idea of selling fashionable footwear.

    Over the first year of its existence, Steve Madden came out with its signature chunky platform shoe, which revolutionized women’s footwear styles of the day and bolstered the company’s success.

    By the time Steve Madden had reached its 5th birthday, the company had brought 38 million dollars in sales annually. Their revenue has only increased in recent years. Their profitability comes from the shoe company’s many popular brands, such as:

    • Steven by Steve Madden

    • MADDEN

    • Betsy Johnson

    • Stevies

    • Madden Girl

    The business that started with a little over a grand now has 250 Steve Madden stores selling their chic shoes across 65 different countries. An impressive feat considering that the brand has only existed for 30 years. This makes Steve Madden, Ltd. one of the largest shoe billion-dollar companies in the world.

  • Find Steve Madden Jobs Near Me

    Dr. Martens. Wollaston, United Kingdom

    Annual Revenue: £672.2 Million ($933.3 Million)
    Number of Employees: 990
    Year Founded: 1947

    Dr. Marten’s shoe brand became popularized in the late 1940s for its bulky and sturdy boot that working-class citizens could depend on. They had a unique design because the boot featured an air-cushioned sole that was more comfortable than the common leather one.

    In the 1960s, the Dr. Martens boot became a fashion icon during a time of societal change. People were attracted to the functionality and funkiness of Dr.Marten’s shoes. The brand quickly embraced the punk fashion culture that was buying out their footwear and continued marketing to this demographic into the 2000s.

    As of 2021, Dr. Marten’s boots continue to be a footwear staple in the music and fashion scene, certifying Dr. Martens as one of the biggest global shoe companies in the retail market.

  • Find Dr. Martens Jobs Near Me

    10 Largest Shoe Companies In The World – Zippia (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the largest shoe company in the world? ›

    USA Shoe Company Summaries. Nike, Inc. was founded in 1964 and is the largest footwear company in the world, with Converse Inc. being a subsidiary.

    Which is the top company in shoes? ›

    Top 10 Shoe Brand in India
    1. Reebok. ADVERTISEMENT. ...
    2. Adidas. Adidas is the second-largest sportswear manufacturer in the world. ...
    3. Nike. Nike is, without a doubt, the greatest and most dependable shoe brand in the world. ...
    4. PUMA. PUMA is a well-known footwear manufacturer that focuses on sports shoes. ...
    5. Woodland. ...
    6. Bata. ...
    7. Red Tape. ...
    8. FILA.

    What is the most popular shoe brand 2022? ›

    Nike was the most popular footwear brand among teenagers in the United States, according to a survey conducted in february and March 2022. Nike won an overwhelming majority of the vote, 52 percentage points ahead of their closest competitors, Converse, Vans, and adidas.

    Which shoe company has the largest market share? ›

    Nike. The undisputed leader in global shoe sales, the Nike swoosh adorns lots of team sportswear. The company makes all types of shoes from everyday casual sneakers to the highest-end fashion kicks. Nike is also the parent of the Converse and Jordan brands.

    Who sells the most shoes in the world? ›

    Top 10 Largest Footwear Companies in the World 2020
    RankCompanyCountry
    1NikeUS
    2AdidasGermany
    3KeringFrance
    4VF CorpUS
    6 more rows
    30 Apr 2022

    What is a popular shoe brand? ›

    • Nike. Suffice to say Nike didn't become the biggest, baddest name in the sneaker business by making an inferior product. ...
    • Adidas. ...
    • Converse. ...
    • Reebok. ...
    • New Balance. ...
    • Vans. ...
    • Puma. ...
    • Jordan Brand.
    19 May 2022

    Whats the most expensive shoe? ›

    The world's most expensive shoe is Antonio Vietri Moon Star Shoes at $19.9 million. Footwear has become the most powerful category in the online luxury market, as the eye-watering cost of these moon star shoes proves.

    Who is the No 1 shoes brand in India? ›

    01 – Nike. Nike (the top shoe brand in India) is an American multinational corporation that designs, develops, manufactures, and sells footwear, clothes, equipment, accessories, and services around the world.

    What is the oldest shoe brand? ›

    The Frye Company is an American manufacturer of shoes, boots and leather accessories. Founded in 1863, it claims to be the oldest continuously operated American shoe company.

    How many shoe brands are there? ›

    There are 921 Shoe & Footwear Manufacturing businesses in the US as of 2022, an increase of 0.9% from 2021.

    Why are shoes popular? ›

    On sneakers are popular because of their simplistic but revolutionary idea – shoes that offer a cushioned landing but firm take-off for optimal support. The brand has also gained a following because of its sustainability as a forward-thinking activewear brand.

    Who dominates the shoe market? ›

    As of 2017, the Nike brand held a 35.6 percent share of the athletic shoe and footwear market, with Jordan, also owned by Nike, in second place with a 15.7 percent share.
    ...
    Share of the athletic footwear market by brand in the United States in 2017.
    CharacteristicMarket share
    --
    --
    --
    4 more rows
    27 Jul 2022

    Why is Nike so successful? ›

    By offering more products to more people, in more markets than any other sports company, they are able to capture a far greater market share of the market than any other company. Like most leaders in the market, Nike values the consumer and the importance of providing a quality product.

    What is Nike's best selling shoe of all time? ›

    The all-time classic Air Force 1 is the most consistently popular Nike of all time and debatably one of the best sneakers ever made for collectors.

    Which country has the best sneakers? ›

    Italy produces around 205 million pairs of shoes a year, and its renowned brands and leather are some of the world's coveted.

    Is Nike better than Adidas? ›

    Nike's scale is a big advantage, adidas doesn't even come close. adidas looks cheaper than Nike and has been a better growth story, but there is a reason for Nike's high valuation. Nike is better managed than adidas and has a stronger brand. Nike is a better long-term buy, in my opinion.

    Why are Nike shoes so expensive? ›

    Manufacturing costs, overhead, retail markup and profit all play a role in the final price we pay for Nikes. The retail markup is determined by demand, so Air Max are expensive because people want them!

    What is the most expensive Nike? ›

    1) Drake OVO x Nike Air Jordan 12: $2 Milion

    The shoes were reported to weight around 100 pounds and were custom-made for Drake. The one of a kind sneakers were made for approx $2 million and featured details that the original AJ10 comprises.

    What's the most expensive thing in the world? ›

    The most costly thing in the world is actually a substance called antimatter. The price of one gram is a staggering $62.5 trillion.

    Is Puma better than Nike? ›

    According to buyers, Puma has more reasonable prices for its quality, unlike Nike, which is more expensive than its actual value. Nike shoes are best for sports due to their Air Technology and lightweight sole, while Puma highlights its versatility by combining sports and fashion in one mix.

    Which company leather shoes is best? ›

    List of Top 11 Leather Shoes Brands for Men in India
    • Hush Puppies.
    • Louis Phillipe.
    • Woodland.
    • Lee Cooper.
    • Red Tape.
    • Clarks.
    • Allen Solly.
    • U.S. Polo.

    Which brand is best for sneakers? ›

    Answer: Some of the best and most popular sneaker brands include Nike, Adidas, Converse, Puma, FILA, Reebok, New Balance, Vans and ASICS.

    Who created the first shoe? ›

    1600–1200 bce) in Mesopotamia, soft shoes were introduced by mountain people on the border of Iran who ruled Babylonia during that time. This first type of shoe was a simple wraparound of leather, with the basic construction of a moccasin, held together on the foot with rawhide lacings.

    What was the first shoe? ›

    The earliest known shoes are sagebrush bark sandals dating from approximately 7000 or 8000 BC, found in the Fort Rock Cave in the US state of Oregon in 1938.

    What are German shoes called? ›

    The Haferlschuh (German: [ˈhaːfɐlˌʃuː]) is the traditional Bavarian shoe. It was designed originally as a work shoe for alpine terrain, but it can now be worn in a more general setting. In Bavaria it may also be called a Bundschuh. In Austria, it is known as a Schützenschuh.

    Who is Nike owned by? ›

    4 The co-founder of Nike, Phil Knight, and his son Travis Knight, along with the holding companies and trusts they control, own more than 97% of outstanding Class A shares. 5 This allows the Knight family to exercise effective control of Nike even though it is a publicly traded business.

    Whats the most expensive shoe? ›

    The world's most expensive shoe is Antonio Vietri Moon Star Shoes at $19.9 million. Footwear has become the most powerful category in the online luxury market, as the eye-watering cost of these moon star shoes proves.

    What is the oldest shoe brand? ›

    The Frye Company is an American manufacturer of shoes, boots and leather accessories. Founded in 1863, it claims to be the oldest continuously operated American shoe company.

    How much Nike pay Michael Jordan? ›

    Meanwhile, Jordan's deal with Nike included a clause for royalties. According to Essentially Sports, Jordan gets 5% from each Air Jordan sale; this is how he has been able to make $150 million per year. When Nike launched their Air soles, it faced stiff competition from its competitors, including Adidas and Converse.

    How much is Nike's net worth? ›

    In 2020, the brand alone was valued in excess of $32 billion, making it the most valuable brand among sports businesses. Previously, in 2017, the Nike brand was valued at $29.6 billion.
    ...
    Nike, Inc.
    Nike flagship store, Manhattan
    ProductsAthletic shoes athletic apparel sporting goods accessories
    RevenueUS$46.71 billion (2022)
    19 more rows

    How much does Michael Jordan make a year from Nike? ›

    Where Nike specifically is concerned Jordan is quite simply the sneaker giant's biggest source of income. For perspective, consider that his first-ever five-year Nike deal signed in 1984 was worth $500,000 annually (about $1.2 million in today's dollars), plus royalties. His take last year was $130 million.

    What was Nike's original name? ›

    It was founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports by Bill Bowerman, a track-and-field coach at the University of Oregon, and his former student Phil Knight. They opened their first retail outlet in 1966 and launched the Nike brand shoe in 1972. The company was renamed Nike, Inc., in 1978 and went public two years later.

    Did Nike buy Jordan? ›

    Even though Nike has a huge stake in the Jordan brand's ownership, they are not technically the real owners. That honor goes to one man: Michael Jordan himself. In 2006, it was announced that Jordan would buy out the remaining 49% of the Jordan brand that was owned by Nike.

    Is Nike richer than adidas? ›

    In comparison, the adidas brand was valued at approximately 13.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2021 – increasing for the sixth consecutive year following two years of decline.
    ...
    Brand value comparison of Nike and adidas worldwide from 2010 to 2021 (in million U.S. dollars)
    CharacteristicNikeadidas
    ---
    11 more rows
    21 Mar 2022

    Why are Nike shoes so expensive? ›

    Manufacturing costs, overhead, retail markup and profit all play a role in the final price we pay for Nikes. The retail markup is determined by demand, so Air Max are expensive because people want them!

    What is the most expensive Nike? ›

    1) Drake OVO x Nike Air Jordan 12: $2 Milion

    The shoes were reported to weight around 100 pounds and were custom-made for Drake. The one of a kind sneakers were made for approx $2 million and featured details that the original AJ10 comprises.

    What's the most expensive thing in the world? ›

    The most costly thing in the world is actually a substance called antimatter. The price of one gram is a staggering $62.5 trillion.

    Who is the best shoemaker in the world? ›

    The 10 Best Shoemakers in the World
    1. Carmina, Spain2. John Lobb, England
    3. Crockett & Jones, England4. Edward Green, England
    5. George Cleverley, England6. Hiro Yanagimachi, Japan
    7. J.M. Weston, France8. Santoni, Italy
    9. Antonio Meccariello, Italy10. TYE Shoemaker, Japan

    Who created the first shoe? ›

    1600–1200 bce) in Mesopotamia, soft shoes were introduced by mountain people on the border of Iran who ruled Babylonia during that time. This first type of shoe was a simple wraparound of leather, with the basic construction of a moccasin, held together on the foot with rawhide lacings.

    What was the first shoe? ›

    The earliest known shoes are sagebrush bark sandals dating from approximately 7000 or 8000 BC, found in the Fort Rock Cave in the US state of Oregon in 1938.

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