US Footwear Market Under Pressure as Prices Rise Faster than Inflation

The US footwear market has been under pressure since the start of 2026, with prices rising faster than headline inflation. According to data from the Federal Reserve, all-items inflation remained relatively contained between July 2025 and February 2026, but accelerated sharply in spring 2026, reaching 4.2% in May.

Footwear inflation, on the other hand, was initially slower, but began to catch up with headline inflation in early 2026. By April, it had overtaken headline inflation, reaching 4.2%, and peaked at 5.2% in May before easing to 4.1% in June.

The moderation in June did not fully reverse the pressure, as footwear inflation remained above headline inflation and well above the rates recorded in the second half of 2025.

Total retail sales, however, remained positive throughout the period, with growth rising to 7.5% in March, 6.9% in April, 7.0% in May, and 9.2% in June. Clothing and accessories retail sales were even stronger, outperforming total retail for most of the period.

Footwear retail sales, however, were more uneven, with a burst of strength in January and February followed by a sharp decline in momentum. The category experienced short bursts of growth but struggled to sustain it throughout 2026.