By 2030, the size of the global running shoe market is anticipated to reach approximately USD 19 billion, according to Custom Market Insights (CMI). This comprehensive guide unlocks the secrets of the best shoe brands in 2024.
Besides that, we’ll explore the biggest names in footwear, from iconic athletic giants like Nike and Adidas to luxury powerhouses like Gucci and timeless classics like Converse. We’ll also break down their advantages, and unique attributes, and even highlight a few of their best-selling items.
By the end of this blog, you’ll have enough knowledge about their shoes to conquer any step with confidence and style. So, let’s find your perfect sole mate.
List of top 10 best Shoe Brands in 2024:
| Shoe brands | Revenue |
| Nike | $51.22 billion |
| Adidas | $21.915 billion |
| Gucci | $9.9 billion |
| Puma | $8.6 billion |
| Skechers | $8 billion |
| New Balance | $6.5 billion |
| Reebok | $2.3 billion |
| Timberland | $1.78 billion |
| Converse | $2.4 billion |
| Vans | $520.0 million |
10 Best Shoe Brands for Everyday Wear & Best Budget-friendly
1. Nike
- Headquarters: Beaverton, Oregon, U.S.
- Founded: 1964
- Founders: Bill Bowerman & Phil Knight
- Revenue: $51.22 billion
“My Nike Airs are always on my feet when I travel,” said Peyton List. Nike is the leading among the best shoe brands, known for two key things: innovation and athletic performance. They have sold approximately one billion pairs of shoes from running and basketball to lifestyle, casual wear, and sports sandals. Consequently, 67.4% of Nike’s end-users are men and 32.6% of users are women.
| Top 5 sold-out shoes in 2024 | Approximate Price |
| Nike Air Jordan 1 High OG | $280 |
| Nike SB × Air Jordan 4 | $339 |
| Travis Scott × Nike WMNS Air Jordan 1 Low OG | $435 |
| Nike Air Jordan 1 Low OG | $140 |
| Nike Air Jordan 4 Retro | $481 |
2. Adidas
- Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany
- Founded: 1924
- Founder: Adolf Dassler
- Revenue: $21.915 billion
Adidas shoes are known for their focus on comfort and heritage designs and also prioritizes athletic performance. They offer iconic styles like Stan Smiths and Superstars. Beyond that, they are known as the best shoe brands for their timeless look and casual wearability. As a result, Adidas is estimated to sell 400 million sneakers a year.
| Top 5 sold-out shoes in 2024 | Approximate Price |
| Adidas Samba OG Shoes | $105 – $135 |
| Adidas Running Alpha boost V1 | $125 – $185 |
| Adidas Originals Superstar W | $85 |
| Adidas Running Ultra Boost 1.0 | $230 |
| Adidas Response CL | $75 |
3. Gucci
- Headquarters: Florence, Italy
- Founded: 1921
- Founder: Guccio Gucci
- Revenue: $9.9 billion
Gucci is among the best shoe brands for its luxury materials, Italian craftsmanship, and fashion-forward designs. Unlike Nike and Adidas’ focus on athletic performance and broad appeal, Gucci targets a high-end market with statement pieces. In addition, their estimated sales of around 10-20 million shoes a year.
| Top 5 sold-out shoes in 2024 | Approximate Price |
| Brushed Leather Pumps | $600 to $900 |
| Les Doubles Sandals | $700 to $1,000 |
| Gianni Ribbon Ballerin | $600 to $900 |
| Les Basses Ballet | $600 to $900 |
| Web Accent Leather Sneakers | $600 to $900 |
4. Puma
- Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany
- Founded: 1948
- Founder: Rudolf Dassler
- Revenue: $8.6 billion
Puma shoes blend sport and style, targeting a younger audience than Adidas. They focus on affordability and fashion-forward designs compared to luxury brands like Gucci. In 2023, among the best shoe brands, Puma sales reached approximately 4.58 billion euros, a rise over the previous year.
| Top 5 sold-out shoes in 2024 | Approximate Price |
| Puma Deviate Nitro 2 | $160 |
| Puma Magnify Nitro 2 | $150 |
| Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2 | $200 |
| Puma Velocity Nitro 3 | $135 |
| Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 | $260 |
5. Skechers
- Headquarters: Manhattan Beach, California, U.S.
- Founded: 1992
- Founder: Robert Greenberg
- Revenue: $8 billion
Skechers shoes are known for their focus on comfort, casual styles, and innovative technologies like shock absorption. The best shoe brands, Skechers emphasize athletic performance to a broad audience seeking stylish everyday wear. In 2023, Skechers’ total net sales worldwide were projected to be eight billion dollars, up almost 550 million from the previous year.
| Top 5 sold-out shoes in 2024 | Approximate Price |
| Skechers Walk Workout Walker | $60 |
| Skechers Skech-Lite Pro Perfect Time | $51.71 to $59.99 |
| Skechers Slip-ins Summit Dazzling Haze | $75 |
| Skechers Walk Max | $60 |
| Skechers Slip-in Max Cushioning Smooth | $87.99 |
6. New Balance
- Headquarters: 100 Guest Street, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
- Founded: 1906
- Founder: William J. Riley
- Revenue: $6.5 billion
New Balance stands out for prioritizing comfort and function over trendy aesthetics. Their shoes are known for arch support and wider width options, catering to wearers who value stability and fit. Moreover, New Balance prioritizes wearability for all foot types and stands among the best shoe brands. New Balance boasts a high brand awareness of 88% among US shoe owners.
| Top 5 sold-out shoes in 2024 | Approximate Price |
| New Balance 2002R | $144.99 |
| New Balance 574 | $150 |
| New Balance 327 | $99.99 |
| New Balance CT302 | $100 |
| New Balance 9060 | $150 |
7. Reebok
- Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, England
- Founded: 1958
- Founders: Jeff and Joe Foster
- Revenue: $2.3 billion
Reebok champions individuality in fitness. Reebok embraces all fitness journeys, from casual workouts to pushing personal limits. They’re known for iconic styles like the Classic Leather and innovative technologies like the Pump technology. Consequently, they hold a strong position among the best shoe brands in the athletic market.
| Top 5 sold-out shoes in 2024 | Approximate Price |
| Reebok Club C 85 | $70 to $100 |
| Reebok Floatride Energy 3 | $100 and $130 |
| Reebok Classic Leather | $70 to $100 |
| Reebok Lite 3 | $40 to $60 |
| Reebok Zig Dynamic 4 | $80 and $120 |
8. Timberland
- Headquarters: Stratham, New Hampshire, U.S.
- Founded: 1952
- Founder: Nathan Swartz
- Revenue: $1.78 billion
Timberland is famous for its durable, waterproof boots designed for tough weather. In contrast to many fashion brands, Timberland focuses on functionality and long-lasting quality. Their distinctiveness makes them stand out among the best shoe brands. Besides that, Timberland owns 133 patents worldwide, of which 92 have been awarded. Over 39% of the 133 patents are still in active use.
| Top 5 sold-out shoes in 2024 | Approximate Price |
| Timberland 6-Inch Boot Louis Vuitton Wheat | $500 |
| Timberland Authentic 3-Eye Boat Shoe END | $215 |
| Timberland Authentic 3-Eye Boat Shoe END (White Suede) | $80-$120 |
| Timberland Premium 6” Boot Ghostbusters NYC | $150-$200 |
| Timberland White Mountaineering Motion Scramble | $100-$200 |
9. Converse
- Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
- Founded: 1908
- Founder: Marquis Mills Converse
- Revenue: $2.4 billion
Converse is all about the iconic Chuck Taylor All-Stars. This simple canvas sneaker has transcended footwear to become a cultural symbol embraced by various scenes. Furthermore, they prioritize timeless style and self-expression. Although exact sales numbers are unavailable, Converse is still one of the best shoe brands. Approximately 1.76% of the world’s athletic footwear market is occupied by Converse.
| Top 5 sold-out shoes in 2024 | Approximate Price |
| Stussy x Converse Chuck 70 | $110 |
| Martine Ali x Converse Chuck 70 XXHi (W) | $130 |
| GHŌUD VENICE Rush Starlight Mesh & Glitter Sneakers | $290 |
| Sam Edelman Harper Sneaker | $99.99 |
| Cariuma OCA Low White Premium Leather/Gum Sneaker | $149 |
10. Vans
- Headquarters: Costa Mesa, California, U.S.
- Founded: 1992
- Founders: Paul Van Doren, James Van Doren & Gordon Lee
- Revenue: $520.0 million
Vans is iconic for its association with skateboarding culture and timeless styles like the Era and Old Skool. Moreover, Vans has a more relaxed, Southern California vibe than other best shoe brands. Vans produced and sold more than 105 million pairs of shoes in the fiscal year 2023. Every year, casual shoes make up 37% of all the shoes that Vans produces.
| Top 5 sold-out shoes in 2024 | Approximate Price |
| Vans Authentic Reissue 44 Port Royale | $113 |
| Vans Knu Skool MTE-1 LX Imran Potato | $129.99 |
| Vans Old Skool 36 Port Royale | $229.99 |
| Vans Sid F ‘Em Supreme Blue, Red, and Black | $110 |
| Vans Authentic Palace | $90 |
Final thoughts
We explored the best shoe brands, discovered their benefits and distinctive features, and even highlighted some of their best-selling products. This guide equips you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your next shoe purchase.
Nike is releasing a self-lacing version of the iconic Air Force 1 very soon. The Nike Adapt BB Prototype will feature a power-lacing system that adjusts for a perfect fit. Furthermore, New Balance is coming out with the sustainable “Thousand C” which is made from recycled materials and features a carbon plate for extra spring in your step.
But before you dash off to the store (or online retailer), consider this:
- What kind of activities will you be using these shoes for? Are you a gym rat, a fashionista, or a weekend warrior?
- What’s your budget? Prices can vary greatly between brands and styles.
- Do you prioritize comfort, style, or a combination of both?
By reflecting on these questions, you’ll be well on your way to finding your best shoe brands. Happy shopping, and thanks for reading!
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