Step Into the Stats: How Many Shoes Do Americans Buy Each Year?

If you’ve ever opened your closet and thought that you have way too many shoes, remember that you’re not alone. And we do get it — whether it’s a pair of everyday sneakers, chic heels, or your trusty flip-flops — shoes are not just a necessity. They can be a fashion statement, a form of self-expression, or a way to treat yourself to feel good. Sometimes, however, we end buying them for completely made-up reasons, the next thing know, we have amassed quite a few, maybe more than we can actually wear.

Which brought us to this question — does anybody know how many shoes Americans buy? We did some digging the we have a spoiler: it’s a heel lot! Ha! Get it? Lace up and get ready as we break down the numbers, trends, and what it all means for shoe enthusiasts (or hoarders, we won’t judge!).

How many shoes are we talking about?

Quick answer: Americans are sole-fully obsessed with shoes, and we found proof. Here’s what the numbers say:

Overview of the U,S. Market

The United States has the largest footwear market in the world, generating over $85.8 billion in revenue in 2022.

In 2024, the US footwear industry had total sales of $89.2 billion — a flat performance year-over-year in terms of dollar sales.

The footwear industry in the U.S. is expected to generate revenue of $101.36 billion , making it the largest revenue-generating market worldwide. The market is also predicted to grow annually at a 3.68% rate (CAGR 2025-2030).

Trends in Shoe Consumption

The biggest growth in shoe consumption happened after the pandemic, which increased by 27.3% between 2020 and 2021.

Shoe consumption in the US increased by 12.7%, reaching 2.68 billion pairs in 2022.

In 2023, the average volume of shoes bought per individual in the US was estimated at 5.39 pairs , which is about 1.805 billion pairs, considering the US population of 334,914,895.

99% of shoes sold in the US are imported, mostly from China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

According to a survey by Shane Co. a private jewelry company with over 20 retail stores across the US, sneakers are Americans’ favorite type of shoes, followed by boots, and flip-flops/sandals.

Consumer Spending Habits and Comfort Preferences

Each year, it’s estimated that Americans spend $735 on shoes.

Runners spend $354.10 on footwear annually.

Meanwhile, an average American family spends $107 on men’s shoes.

American women own an average of 27 pairs of shoes , compared to men who own 12 pairs of shoes.

4 in 5 women say that heels are the least comfortable type of shoes, while 1 in 5 men say that sandals/flip-flops are the least comfortable.

Retail Landscape and Shopping Behavior

As of 2023, there are 12,848 shoe stores in the US.

Despite the rise in e-commerce, Americans still prefer to buy shoes in department stores like Nordstrom and Macy’s.

There’s an increasing demand for sustainable and ethically produced shoes in the United States footwear market.

Top Brands and Manufacturing Insights

In 2022, Nike was the leading footwear company in the US, with a turnover of $46.7 billion .

That same year, Nike produced 780 million pairs of shoes, followed by Adidas with 419 million pairs, and Skechers with 160 million pairs.

America’s favorite sneaker brands are Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Converse, Jordan, Skechers, PUMA, and Vans.

Wholesale sales for athletic footwear generated about $20 billion in 2022.

The states with the most footwear manufacturers are: California (167 businesses), Texas (107 businesses), and New York (68 businesses).

What types of shoes are in our cart?

So, what kinds of shoes got America shoe-crazy? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Everyday sneakers – Comfort over style. Perfect for errands, brunch, or casual strolls.

Athletic footwear – Running shoes, training kicks, every type of footwear needed to stay active.

Dress shoes – Usually shoes that you wear for formal occasions or when you want to look sharp. This includes heels, pumps, Oxfords, loafers, etc.

Seasonal staples – Snow boots, rain boots, flip-flops, sandals — any footwear that matches your weather app.

Why do we keep buying shoes?

With all these data showing how many shoes we buy, what reasons do Americans cite for buying them?

Shoes are a necessity for work, special occasions, sports, and casual wear. They help you present yourself, provide coverage for your feet, and protect them from hot concrete surfaces, slippery floors, or rocky trails.

Trends change fast. Thanks to social media, consumers are now drawn to fashion trends. In fact, based on a survey by Shane Co., 14% of respondents agree that pop culture has influenced the number of shoes they own.

Shopping for shoes is easy — at least online. Ah, yes, online shopping. The bane and boon to our existence. While you can buy shoes in physical stores, online shopping has also made shoe shopping fast and easy for other consumers. All you have to do is click “Add to cart,” pay for your order, and have it shipped to your home.

They’re a form of self-expression. Shoes are not just for function — they’re also great for showing your unique style, personality, and tastes in fashion. Plus, owning more shoes means having a variety of options for your outfit.

They’re collectible. Whether it’s designer shoes or sneakers, shoe collecting is another hobby that got people hooked. While some keep them in their personal collections, others see it as an investment. Limited-edition shoes and collaborations with celebrities, artists, and luxury brands give a sense of exclusivity, and their resale value can skyrocket to five or six figures — especially when it includes the original box. For example, a pair of original unused Nike Air Jordan “Breds” sneakers that came with original box was sold at a Sotheby’s auction for $16,250.

What about the shoeboxes they come in?

With every pair of shoes comes shoe packaging. And yes, shoeboxes don’t just help store your shoes — they also play a key role in the footwear industry.

With the US importing 2.7 billion pairs of shoes annually, there’s also been a demand for strong, light, and stylish packaging among businesses.

In 2024, shoeboxes were the leading packaging choice for shoes at 46.5% , as they’re great for protection, branding opportunities, storage, and transport.

Corrugated fiberboard is the most widely used material for shoe packaging at 39.2% because it’s cost-effective, easy to recycle, and sturdy for shipping.

Sports shoes take the lead in packaging demand, and their packaging accounts for approximately 6% of the total production cost.

The sneaker storage box market size is estimated at $1.12 billion in 2024 and is expected to be at $2.15 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 8.1% from 2026 to 2033.

Shoeboxes elevate the overall unboxing experience, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Top footwear brands like Nike, Skechers, and New Balance focus on packaging that highlights their brand image. Most brands use printed boxes that showcase their logo, colors, and product information.

The sustainable shoe packaging market was at $325 million in 2022 and is expected to reach $918.5 million by 2030 with its growing CAGR of 16%.

More footwear brands are choosing sustainable packaging , especially since consumers prefer to buy products from brands that align with their environmental views. Nike, for example, invested in custom-designed, eco-friendly boxes and launched the One Box campaign in 2022, which aimed to reduce cardboard waste in half.

Key takeaways

With every pair of shoes comes shoe packaging. And yes, shoeboxes don’t just help store your shoes — they also play a key role in the footwear industry.

America is a leader in the global footwear market, with billions in revenue made each year. Even with flat sales in 2024, the market is expected to grow steadily through 2030, reaching a revenue of over $101 billion.

Shoe consumption is high but slightly declining. After the shoe-buying spike post-pandemic (27.3% around 2020-2021), the number of shoes sold decreased from 2.68 billion in 2022 to 1.8 billion in 2023. However, with the average American buying 5.39 pairs yearly, it still shows that the demand for shoes is high.

Comfort and style influence purchasing decisions. Sneakers are America’s favorite footwear, while high heels are the least comfortable for women and sandals and flip-flops least popular among men.

Americans spend big on shoes. The average American spends about $350 annually, while the typical American family spends $107 on men’s shoes.

Americans still prefer physical stores over online shopping. Department stores like Nordstrom and Macy’s are go-to choices, and as of 2023, the US has about 12,848 shoe stores.

Sustainability is gaining ground. Consumers prefer brands that align with their environmental values, making brands consider the use of recycled materials and sustainable packaging practices.

Shoeboxes play a bigger role than you think. They’re essential in protection, branding, and improving the unboxing experience. In 2024, 46.5% of shoes were packaged in boxes, and corrugated fiberboard is the top choice of brands due to cost, recyclability, and branding potential.

The shoe packaging market is growing fast. The sneaker storage box market is valued at $1.12 billion and is expected to double by 2033. Sustainable shoe packaging is also rising from $325 million in 2022 to $918.5 million by 2030.

There’s no mistake about it. Americans really do love their shoes — and the numbers show it. With billions of pairs bought every year, it’s clear that the industry will keep growing. Now that you know the numbers, maybe you’ll think carefully if retail therapy and adding a new pair to your cart is really what you need. Or who knows? Maybe it could give you motivation to donate a few pairs or finally make time to declutter your closet.