Bryan Eshelman
Partner & Managing Director
New York
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.
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:
Explore previous findings
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