Top Athletic Shoe Brands: Where Style Meets Performance

In today's fast-paced world, selecting the perfect pair of athletic shoes can greatly enhance your performance and ensure comfort with every step. Distinguished by innovative design and superior functionality, several brands consistently top the list of favorites among athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. From cutting-edge technology in cushioning to stylish aesthetics, these brands have set the benchmark in the sports footwear industry. To explore the leading names renowned for their quality and agility, we invite you to check out the list below.

Illustration of athletic shoes

Best brands of athletic shoes in 2025

Nike

Nike is the world's largest and most dominant supplier of athletic footwear, holding a significant 38.2% of the total footwear market in 2022 and a 30% share in the athletic footwear market as of 2023. This represents a 67.6% growth in its athletic footwear market share since 2011. Nike's footwear segment generates about 64.5% of its total company revenue from 2017 to 2022, with a notable increase in international market share, contributing 60% of its footwear revenue in 2022. The company produces over 800 million pairs of shoes annually, with a strong presence in the basketball shoe market, holding 86% of the performance basketball shoe market as of 2019. Nike's market dominance is further highlighted by its 96% share in the lifestyle basketball market. For more detailed statistics on Nike shoes, explore the provided link.

Adidas

Adidas is a leading brand in the athletic footwear market, holding a significant 15.4% global market share in athletic shoes as of 2022. The company recorded its highest sales in footwear in 2022, with this segment making up 55% of its net sales. Adidas experienced a 9.6% growth in footwear net sales in 2022, reaching $11.4 billion. In the United States, Adidas held an 11.3% market share in the athletic footwear market in 2017. The brand is known for its innovative and performance-driven designs, such as the UltraBoost and Predator franchises. For more detailed statistics on Adidas' market performance, check out their detailed market statistics.

Under Armour

Under Armour has emerged as a formidable player in the athletic shoe market, surpassing Adidas to become the second-largest sports brand in the U.S. by the end of August 2024, with $1.2 billion in combined apparel and footwear sales. The company's apparel sales account for 14% of the U.S. market, more than twice that of Adidas, and its overall sales have jumped 20% this year. Under Armour's strategic investments, including endorsements by NBA MVP Stephen Curry, have driven a 40% year-over-year increase in shoe sales. The brand continues to expand globally, with significant growth in international markets and a strong presence in China since its first store opened there in 2011. Under Armour's innovative products, such as the UA Infinite Collection, further solidify its position in the athletic footwear industry. For more insights, explore their comprehensive stories and achievements.

New Balance

New Balance is a prominent player in the athletic footwear industry, known for its high-quality and comfortable shoes. In 2022, the brand reported over $5 billion in revenue, marking a 21% growth from the previous year, and aims to double its size to reach $10 billion in revenue in the coming years. New Balance has gained significant favorability, especially among Gen Z, with a jump from 34% to 52% in favorability among 18-24-year-olds from September 2022 to September 2023. The brand holds a 5% market share in the US athletic footwear market and has consistently ranked ahead of Nike in terms of favorability among U.S. adults since March 2023. For more insights, you can explore the New Balance brand analysis.

Puma

Puma, a prominent producer of athletic shoes, holds a 1.2% share of the global footwear market and a 4% share of the athletic shoe segment in the United States as of 2022. The company generated $4.6 billion in footwear revenue in 2022, reflecting a substantial 28.8% year-on-year growth from 2021. Puma produces 35 million pairs of shoes annually and maintains a 2.1% share in the global athletic footwear market along with a 5.1% share in the sneaker market. Since 2014, Puma's shoe revenue has consistently grown, with a notable 40.9% increase observed between 2016 and 2017. Additionally, the brand is recognized as the fourth most popular basketball shoe brand in the NBA, averaging a 3.4% share over the past five seasons. For more detailed data, explore Puma's shoe statistics.

ASICS

ASICS is a leading athletic footwear brand, holding a global market share of 8.1% and ranking as the fourth-largest athletic footwear brand worldwide. The company specializes heavily in performance running, generating approximately 50% of its revenue from this segment and commanding more than 10% of the global performance running market. In the United States, ASICS accounts for about 6.5% of the athletic footwear market as of 2021. The brand's strong presence is also evident in specific regions, with the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region being its dominant market, holding a 30% share in 2022. ASICS' commitment to high-performance products, such as its GEL(tm) technology, has solidified its position among athletes and consumers globally. For more insights into ASICS' journey and history, visit their founder story and history.

Saucony

Saucony is a renowned American brand specializing in high-quality athletic footwear, with a market share of 5% in the US athletic footwear sector as of 2022. Founded in 1898, Saucony has a rich history of innovation, particularly in running shoes, and is known for its patented technologies such as ISOFIT and EVERUN for superior fit and comfort. The brand is owned by Wolverine World Wide and has been a trusted name among elite runners, with notable collaborations like the Dunkin' themed running shoes. Saucony's shoes cater to various running styles, including trail running, racing, and walking, with features like GORE-TEX waterproof protection. Despite its long history, the brand continues to innovate and expand its product lines, such as the recent launches of the Ride 17 and Guide 17 models.

Brooks

Brooks Running has solidified its position as a leading producer of athletic shoes, maintaining the No. 1 spot in the adult performance running footwear market at U.S. retail for the 11th consecutive quarter, with a 21% market share in 2023. The brand achieved a record $1.2 billion in revenue in 2023, a 5% year-over-year increase, and sold over 20 million units. In 2024, Brooks surpassed $1 billion in global revenue by the end of the third quarter, driven by a 10% year-over-year increase in North America and a 30% increase in the Asia Pacific - Latin America region. The brand's e-commerce channel in North America grew by 16%, and in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, direct e-commerce sales increased by 24%. Brooks' innovative products, such as the Ghost Max, have been highly successful, with the Glycerin Max becoming the No. 1 shoe sold on Tmall in China on its launch day. For more detailed information about their offerings, visit the Brooks Running website.

Reebok

Reebok, a prominent player in the athletic footwear industry, has a rich history of innovation and market impact. In the mid-1980s, Reebok briefly overtook Nike as the number one athletics brand, with sales spiking from $12.8 million in 1983 to over $1 billion by 1987. Although it currently holds a market share of around 5-7% in the global athletic footwear industry, Reebok remains known for its retro sneakers and performance technologies, particularly in niche markets and collaborations with celebrity athletes. For more information, explore their offerings on the Reebok official website.

Hoka One One

Hoka One One has emerged as a leading producer of athletic shoes, renowned for its maximalist design and exceptional comfort. The brand, founded in 2009 in Annecy, France, has seen remarkable growth, with sales increasing by 27.9% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, and reaching $1.8 billion annually. Hoka's strong performance is driven by robust full-price selling, record gross margins, and a diverse product lineup that includes popular models like the Clifton and Arahi franchises. The brand's international expansion and increasing brand awareness have contributed significantly to its success, with predictions of a 20% sales growth in the current fiscal year. Hoka's innovative products, such as the Cielo X1 with a carbon fiber plate, have also validated its position in the ultra-performance category. You can read more about Hoka's growth and strategy to understand their success story in the athletic footwear industry.