AlixPartners for youNewsroomOur firmContactAlumniAccessibility tools
What we doOur peopleCareersInsights

FDRA represents 95% of the footwear industry, working from footwear design through to retail to help the industry evolve and advocate for policies that grow the sector. AlixPartners advises footwear manufacturers and retailers on digital-first retail strategies across the value chain. We partnered to research current consumer trends; the results will help inform footwear companies on how to meet the consumer where they are in 2025.

Spring 2025 Footwear Survey

For the first time in the four years we have run this survey, consumers have signaled they plan to spend less on athletic footwear—the segment with the greatest endurance, usually. After two years of stubborn inflation, consumers are now faced with the prospect of pass-through costs from tariffs, and the wear is showing.

The U.S. personal savings rate, tracked by the St. Louis Fed, has been on a decline from a pandemic-era high of 22.8, and, at 4.6 in January, had continued to retreat from 5.5 the year before. Household debt continues to mount. And now consumers are on high alert for a steep shot upwards in their cost of living as retailers contend with a trade war. Something has to give.

Read the full reportWant to dive deeper? Download our data pack

Last year, inventory issues played a role in why consumers did not convert, but this year high costs and sale activity are hindering purchase at a greater rate:

Of respondents who say they will cut back on spending this season:

Get in touch

Explore previous findings

Spring 2024 Survey: Where to for footwear?

Spring is traditionally a time for new spend, as consumers plan around seasonal holidays and warmer temperatures. In order to get a current read on consumer priorities and purchase behaviors, we surveyed over 1,000 U.S. footwear consumers aged 15 and older between March 19 and March 21, 2024. While the data did not show support for a strong 'occasion-wear' comeback, we saw strength in the athletic segment and around sales events that allow customers to stick with preferred brands. Continue reading for considerations around how retailers can strategize to make the most of consumers’ purchase events and maintain brand loyalty.

Spring 2024 Survey: Where to for footwear?

Related content

Footwear News

Consumers Set to Spend More on Athletic Shoes in Months Ahead, But Overall Industry Sales Will Be Sluggish, New Survey Says

Consumers are expected to shop more for athletic shoes than any other footwear category this spring and summer, according to a new survey from AlixPartners in partnership with Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA).

The report, dubbed the 2024 Spring U.S. Footwear Consumer Survey, polled over 1,000 people, aged 15 and up, and assessed purchasing decisions of consumers this spring into summer. The survey found that shoppers are expected to spend 2 percent more on athletic shoes this season over the same time last year, with 51 percent expected to spend over $100 in the segment.

Consumers Set to Spend More on Athletic Shoes in Months Ahead, But Overall Industry Sales Will Be Sluggish, New Survey Says