U.S. Consumer Footwear Survey

Customers want value, not simply the lowest price, though they have reallocated spending on footwear as higher prices endure.

That’s the key message from the Spring and Fall 2024 AlixPartners U.S. Consumer Footwear Surveys, conducted in partnership with Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA). Consumer responses prioritize quality and comfort over brand, and reveal a sophisticated approach to researching purchases. They look online first, reviewing price, availability, and reviews, before heading in-store, influenced by their children's friends’ preferences.

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 2024.

Back to School Footwear Survey 2024

They stepped up in June, and now it’s time for kids to go back to school. We know that they’ll be wearing crew, not ankle, socks, but their choice of brand-new shoes will come down to careful budgeting and research by their parents. Americans prioritized spending on summer vacations this year, and spent a record $14.2 billion during Amazon’s Prime Day promotion, but are wary of higher prices in the essential footwear category.

Inflation may have slowed, but it will take a bite out of the modest increase in footwear budgets this fall, according to the 2024 Back-to-School U.S. Consumer Footwear Survey, produced by AlixPartners in partnership with Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA). Download our Fall 2024 survey results here.

Download the full report Want to dive deeper? Download our data pack

FOUR INSIGHTS

FROM FOOTWEAR

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.

View the survey results Want to dive deeper? Download our data pack

Brand still matters—especially in the athletic segment—alongside sales and fast shipping

Elements that would drive a consumer to purchase shoes

Rank: sum of top 2

46%

Shoes are on sale

39%

Free 3-5 day shipping

37%

Brand