Net purchase intent declined 5% year-over-year for athletic shoes and 8% for athleisure and multi-activity footwear, according to the Spring 2026 U.S. Consumer & Executive Footwear Survey from AlixPartners and FDRA. Other footwear categories also fared poorly, with work footwear down 16% and fashion/dress down 8%. Casual footwear was the least-worst, at -1%. The survey combined data from a 1,006-person consumer panel with approximately 100 footwear brand, retail, and manufacturing executive respondents.

Compared to the 2025 survey, consumer interest in custom fit and personalization has waned to just 21% this year, down ... Log in to view full article.