The footwear industry has been growing by leaps and bounds over the past few years. As a result, people are becoming more fashion-conscious.
While previously, most people solely considered comfort when purchasing shoes. Today, they examine other factors like style, high-tech features, material, design, brand, price, and whatnot.
So, it won’t be wrong to say that shoes have become more of a fashion statement now. Hence, shoe brands are constantly competing with one another. Their ultimate goal is to design shoes that meet customer needs (whatever they may be).
Several brands have come up with innovative products. For instance, the best waterproof running shoes by Loom and Air Force 1’s by Nike have recently gained popularity among shoe lovers.
Best Shoe Brands That Will Dominate 2022
A quality pair of shoes from a reputable brand gives an aura of sophistication, class, and prestige. Nonetheless, it is crucial to note that quality isn’t restricted to comfort or fit; material, durability, and design matter alike.
Also, brands make shoes for different occasions to cater to the needs of customers. For instance, you’ll come across shoe companies that design shoes for formal events, sports, street style, or casual wear.
The good news is, you’ll find dozens of shoes for whatever style you prefer. So, without further ado, here’s a list of top shoe brands that’ll be prevalent in 2022.
1. Loom
A relatively new brand on the market but gone viral within days, Loom took the shoe market by storm with its super-comfortable and high-performance shoes.
The company claims that its best waterproof running shoes are windproof, safe, stylish, and environmentally friendly. But are these claims valid? Let’s find out.
It’s not surprising that one might be skeptical about the claims of Loom shoes being waterproof. They are made out of mesh material and this material is not waterproof. Nonetheless, it’s essential to understand what “waterproof” actually means.
For instance, if you submerge your feet in an ocean or a sea, the water will probably enter your shoe from the top. So, the shoes are not waterproof in that case (which is pretty obvious).
However, Loom shoes prove helpful on rainy days when you might stumble into muddy or wet hikes and puddles. So, it is safe to say that the brand is making no false promises when they claim their shoes are waterproof.
But wait, that’s not it. Loom’s best waterproof running shoes are also breathable, sustainable, and lightweight. So, they’ll make up for a comfy fit.
What else is good? Loom shoes contain moisture-wicking material that has antimicrobial properties. So, if you often sweat with your shoes on, this material can destroy the sweat bacteria and keep your feet fresh at all times.
2. Nike
Founded in 1964, Nike is one of the most popular brands in the shoe industry. This American multinational company is involved in developing, manufacturing, designing, and marketing, sales of footwear, equipment, accessories, and apparel.
Nonetheless, the brand is popular for its durable, attractive, and stylish sports shoes, which offer a comfortable and flexible fit. In every other household, at least a person or two owns a pair of Nike shoes.
Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman founded Nike for the first time, and it officially became Nike, Inc. in 1971. The company takes its name from a Greek Goddess of victory named Nike.
Though many reasons contribute to the brand’s success, part of its popularity is owed to famous athletes like Tiger Woods, Mia Hamm, Roger Federer, and Micheal Jordan.
The company sponsors several high-profile sports teams and athletes around the globe, with highly recognized trademarks like the Swoosh logo and “Just Do It.”
3. Adidas
Adidas AG or Adidas, a German manufacturer of sports shoes and athletic apparel, is undoubtedly the best shoe brand globally that will remain popular even in 2022.
The company was officially founded by Adolf Dassler in 1949, and it specializes in running shoes, accessories, sports shoes, and apparel.
Since sports is increasingly growing in popularity, the brand aims to produce goods rooted typically in sports.
They define their purpose, “Through sport, we have the power to change lives.” Their goal is to unite and include people in sports and to create products that’ll help athletes do their best on and off the field.
The company claims that they do not settle for average, and rightfully so. Today, Adidas is the second-largest sportswear manufacturer in the world and the largest sportswear manufacturer in Europe.
With over 1000 outlets worldwide, the brand has reached new heights of success. Adidas sneakers' excellent cushioning and flexibility enable the wearer to run an extra mile with ease.
4. Reebok
Reebok was officially founded in 1985 by Joe Foster and Jeff. However, Adidas bought the company in 2006. Today, the company is famous for its durable and high-quality fashion and sports shoes.
Reebok is dedicated to providing comfortable and stylish shoes to everyone, from recreational runners to professional athletes.
What’s more, Reebok aims to market programs and design products that reflect the brand’s unbounded creative potential. This company stands out in the shoe market because its aim is greater than just satisfying its customers.
Reebok wants to empower global youth to fulfill their potential. It helps the underserved and unprivileged youth worldwide so they can live their lives to the fullest and reach their maximum potential.
The brand also donates a percentage of its shoe sales to provide for US school children.
The billion-dollar brand has sponsored kits for Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. Further, several celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Ariana Grande, and Mahendra Dhoni endorse its products.
5. Puma
Puma was founded in 1948 in Germany by Rudolf Dassler. The headquarters of this company is based at Herzogenaurach in Germany. The brand has made history by creating product designs for the fastest athletes in the world.
The company designs products for sports like running and training, motorsports, basketball, and football. But the brand has something to offer for everyone.
That is, its products are not limited to athletic footwear; you’ll find sneakers suitable for almost any occasion or outfit.
Also, Puma takes pride in its top-notch material that you can wear in any climatic condition. This means extreme weather such as a rainstorm or windstorm won’t bother you if you got a pair of puma shoes. Today, celebrities like Cara Delevinge and Dua Lipa work as Puma’s brand ambassadors.
The company also boasts about its innovative designs as they focus on “keeping up with the trends.” Think of a popular shoe trend, and you’ll find a relative pair of shoes in the brand’s outlet.
6. Converse
When we talk about shoes, the first brand to probably spring to our mind is Converse.
Converse is one of the most recognizable shoe brands on the market today. Converse shoes are quite popular among high and middle class income earners.
These shoes are unique because they're timeless and versatile. No matter what clothes you plan to wear, a pair of converse shoes goes well just with any outfit.
Officially launched by Marquis Mills in 1908, the company had humble beginnings until Chuck Taylor joined the company.
Initially, he contacted the company to complain about sore feet after wearing the shoes. However, he ended up convincing the company to design shoes particularly for basketball.
Chuck was hired as a salesman and promoter of the “All-Star” sneakers. He toured the country, promoting the shoes.
Chuck Taylor’s influence on the company was so strong that the company was renamed with his signature added on both sides of the logo.
Today, younger adults adore these shoes like anything. They are a popular fashion statement among teens and youngsters and are famous for their comfortable fit.
7. New Balance
The global sales of New Balance speak volumes about their remarkable growth. The company takes pride in its associates from different parts of the world with distinct experiences and backgrounds.
New Balance believes that this powerful combination allows them to develop innovative shoe designs that amalgamate function and fashion.
Founded in 1906 by its founder William J Riley, the American company became popular within no time.
The premium brand is popular as one of the largest sports footwear manufacturers globally, and for good reasons. New Balance offers durable, stylish, and comfortable athletic and casual footwear.
For instance, their products typically contain blended gel inserts, heel counters, and all types of sizes (for narrow and wide widths).
This brand aims to help professional and newbie athletes alike. For instance, they aid professional athletes to win medals and relatively new sports freaks to run their first 5k or achieve a new PR.
8. Skechers
The California-based company imports its footwear from countries like China and Vietnam. Skechers is only 29-years-old, and surprisingly, it has extended as an apparel brand across the world within no time.
The chief operating officer of Skechers, David Weinberg, mentions, “Skechers achieved a new third-quarter sales record surpassing $1.5 billion for the period, a remarkable achievement given the ongoing supply chain disruptions.”
The stats depict how the brand makes innovative and relevant products that simultaneously increase their stores’ traffic and growth.
Founded in 1992 by Robert Greenberg in California, the company dominated the footwear market due to its comfortable, casual yet trendy shoe designs.
Cascades logger boot was the very first shoe introduced by the company. This particular shoe became a trendsetter. Its success was so massive that a shoe as old as the grunge area of the 1990s is available for purchase even today.
With such huge success, the company also had to face a few unfortunate circumstances. For instance, the more their shoes gained popularity, the more local brands copied their labels and designs.
Nonetheless, the brand is still committed to producing quality, innovative shoe designs to cater to its customers’ needs.
9. Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger proudly celebrates the classic American heritage through its premium styling and quality. Founded in 1985, the company offers a range of other products besides shoes. For instance, it includes eyewear, fragrances, watches, and even home furnishings.
In 2019, the company was acquired by a global retail company (the PVH Corp.) with more than 16000 associates around the globe.
With the support of such a strong global company, Tommy Hilfiger built a vast network in over 100 countries with 2,000 outlets.
The premium brand has its outlets throughout Latin America, the Asia Pacific region, North America, and Europe.
Tommy Hilfiger reports its retail sales to be $6.9 billion in 2020, which means people are pretty satisfied with its products.
What’s more, the brand has received several recognitions and awards. For instance, No 1 Designer in 2008, UNESCO Support Award for Philanthropic activities 2009, and Designer of the Year in 2006 are its top achievements.
10. Bostonian
We’d like to close off with a relatively less popular brand among teens yet the one adored by the older generation.
Founded in 1899, the heritage brand has its roots in the USA. Its quick success caught the attention of Clarks (a boot-making British brand) that bought the company in 1979.
Today, the company continues to stun its customers by crafting comfortable, affordable, and classic shoes.
Though the older generation typically prefers this high-profile brand, you can also consider one if you have specific tastes. For instance, if you’re more into classic American style, a pair of Bostonian shoes are perfect to wear on formal occasions.
Final Words
The evolution of the shoe industry has been tremendous, and it continues to flourish day and night. As a result, the competition among the brands is fierce.
Shoe brands are trying to focus on various strategies like personalization, fast delivery process, innovative designs, and versatility to make their way into the global shoe market.
Many brands have brought about new trends, and it’s hard to spot the best company in the business.
Each offers unique features, whether the best waterproof running shoes by Loom or Classic Fit-Delson-Camden by Skechers. However, our list above will help you identify the top shoe brands.