U.S. Footwear Market Holds Steady at $90 Billion in 2025, Driven by Performance and Comfort Trends

New data from retail analytics firm Circana reveals a U.S. footwear market that held its ground in 2025, with total sales steady at $90 billion. The fourth quarter was decisively shaped by three key trends: performance running and running-inspired lifestyle shoes, the enduring appeal of mules and clogs, and a significant surge in demand for high-shaft boots.

According to Circana's Consumer Tracking Service, dollar sales for the industry edged up 2% in Q4, even as the number of units sold dipped. This growth was fueled by an 8% increase in average selling prices and a consumer shift toward more premium products during the holiday season, highlighting a willingness to spend more on fewer, higher-quality items.

"The narrative of 2025 is one of resilient demand focused on value and utility," said Beth Goldstein, Circana's footwear and accessories industry advisor. "Despite tariff discussions and inflationary pressures, consumers did not retreat from footwear purchases. Instead, they were more selective, doubling down on categories that offer comfort, health benefits, and everyday versatility."

While the total market size remained flat year-over-year, the underlying dynamics were in motion. Unit sales declined in the low single digits, but specific categories experienced robust growth. Performance footwear, led by running, walking, and training shoes, saw a 6% dollar sales increase. Running shoes alone posted a 9% gain, bolstered by their crossover appeal for both athletic and casual wear.

The sport lifestyle segment—the industry's largest—grew 4%, driven by running-inspired and soccer-inspired silhouettes. In contrast, the broader fashion footwear category declined 2%, hampered by continued softness in seasonal styles. Notable exceptions within fashion provided the quarter's bright spots: high-shaft boots skyrocketed 14%, and comfort-driven silhouettes like mules, clogs, and ballet flats gained traction.

"The growth areas signal a clear consumer mandate," Goldstein added. "There's a strong interest in newness and more tailored styling, but never at the expense of comfort. This is reshaping what 'fashion' means in footwear."

Industry Voices:

Marcus Chen, Retail Strategist in Seattle: "The data confirms the 'hybridization' of footwear is now the mainstream. The line between performance and lifestyle is blurred beyond recognition. Brands that can engineer technical comfort into aesthetically pleasing designs are winning."

Simone Rivera, Small-Bootstrapped Shoe Designer in Austin: "It's frustrating. This report just celebrates the big players. A 14% jump in boot sales? That's driven by massive marketing budgets, not magic. Independent designers can't compete on that scale, even when we're ahead of the trend. The market is steady only for those who can afford to play the volume and discounting game."

David Park, Consumer Insights Analyst in Chicago: "The steady $90 billion figure is deceptive. It masks a significant trading-up behavior. Consumers are buying fewer pairs but opting for more expensive, multi-functional ones. For retailers, the strategy must shift from volume to value-per-transaction."

Angela Roberts, Fitness Enthusiast in Denver: "As someone who logs 30 miles a week, I'm not surprised. My last three purchases were 'running' shoes I wear everywhere—to the gym, grocery store, even out to dinner. If a brand isn't offering that kind of all-day comfort now, they're irrelevant to me."