The global footwear market has seen rapid growth, driven by online sales and demand for high-performance, stylish shoes. In 2018, the United States led global spending with US$83.8 billion, followed by China at US$61.1 billion. Brazil ranked third with US$26.2 billion in footwear purchases. The shift to e-commerce has become the defining trend, fueled largely by millennials who prefer shopping online. Shoe companies are increasingly leveraging celebrity endorsements to strengthen brand loyalty and capture the digital-native audience.
Here is a detailed overview of the top shoe manufacturers worldwide by revenue and influence.
10. Bata – Revenue: US$2 billion | Origin: Czech Republic | Founded: 1894
Bata sells over one million shoes daily, making it a leader in unit sales. Founded by Tomas Bata, the company moved operations to Canada during the World Wars. Today, headquartered in Switzerland, Bata operates in 70 countries through 5,300 stores and e-commerce. Bata remains family-owned with divisions in Bata, Bata Industrials, and AW Lab, offering affordable, stylish shoes globally.
9. Fila – Revenue: US$2.95 billion | Origin: Italy | Founded: 1911
Fila specializes in athletic shoes and sportswear. Originally Italian-owned, the brand is now managed by Fila Korea. Fila operates 500 distribution facilities and 300 retail stores worldwide. The brand targets 18–34-year-old consumers, balancing affordable and exclusive styles. Iconic endorsements, such as tennis legend Bjorn Borg, propelled Fila to global recognition.
8. Burberry – Revenue: US$3.13 billion | Origin: UK | Founded: 1856
Burberry started as a drapery business and evolved into a global fashion and footwear brand. The London-based company produces sneakers, boots, loafers, dress shoes, and sandals. With 442 distribution centers, Burberry maintains a global presence, combining heritage with modern style.
7. ASICS – Revenue: US$3.58 billion | Origin: Japan | Founded: 1949
ASICS is Japan’s largest manufacturer of athletic shoes and sports equipment. The brand originated as Onitsuka Tiger, inspiring Phil Knight to create Nike in the US. ASICS now produces 437 shoe styles, maintaining a reputation for high-performance running and training footwear.
6. New Balance – Revenue: US$4 billion | Origin: USA | Founded: 1906
New Balance began as an arch support company and evolved into a global athletic brand. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, it operates in over 120 countries. Known for comfort, innovation, and durability, New Balance ranked highly in Forbes’ mid-sized employers list.
5. Skechers – Revenue: US$4.64 billion | Origin: USA | Founded: 1992
Skechers, founded by Robert Greenberg, has grown into a global footwear powerhouse. Headquartered in California, it operates 3,000 retail outlets in 170 countries. Skechers ships over 170 million pairs annually, offering casual, work, and performance shoes in more than 3,000 styles.
4. VF Corporation – Revenue: US$12.3 billion | Origin: USA | Founded: 1899
VF Corporation owns major footwear brands including Timberland and Altra. Headquartered in North Carolina, VF conducts business in 170 countries, blending acquisitions with original operations. The company returned US$1.9 billion to shareholders in 2017, demonstrating its market strength.
3. Kering – Revenue: US$15.25 billion | Origin: France | Founded: 1963
Kering, a Paris-based conglomerate, owns Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Puma, and other premium brands. Puma, its main athletic footwear brand, gained attention when Usain Bolt endorsed the Faas sneaker. Kering has a 36,000-strong workforce and continues expanding its luxury and sports footwear portfolio.
2. Adidas – Revenue: US$24 billion | Origin: Germany | Founded: 1924
Founded by Adolf Dassler, Adidas dominates athletic footwear in Europe. It emerged from the split of the Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory, creating fierce competition with Puma. Adidas owns Reebok, Runtastic, and Matix, supplying uniforms for multiple sports leagues globally.
1. Nike – Revenue: US$36.3 billion | Origin: USA | Founded: 1964
Nike, founded by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman as Blue Ribbon Sports, became a global icon in 1971. Known for Air Jordans and major athletic innovations, Nike operates over 700 shops in 45 countries. The company also acquired Converse and Starter, consolidating its dominance in the footwear industry.
From Bata’s affordability to Nike’s global influence, these top shoe manufacturers continue shaping global footwear trends, leveraging innovation, celebrity endorsements, and e-commerce to stay ahead in a competitive market.
