Sneaker Stalwarts: Top Brands Defying the Ordinary

Sneakers have evolved far beyond their original athletic purpose, becoming a staple in everyday wardrobes around the globe. Given the multitude of options available, choosing the right brand can be a daunting task, often depending on personal style, comfort, and performance needs. With the rise of fashion and tech-savvy consumers, sneaker brands are continuously innovating to capture the market's attention. To help guide you in your quest for the perfect pair, we've compiled a list of the best sneaker brands renowned for their quality, style, and durability. Read on to discover which brands have made the cut and why they're leading the pack in the sneaker industry.

Illustration of sneakers

Best brands of sneakers in 2025

Nike

Nike is undoubtedly one of the best producers of sneakers, dominating the global footwear market with a 38.2% share in 2022 and a significant 30% market share in athletic footwear as of 2023. The company's sneakers segment is particularly strong, with Nike holding 38.5% of the sneaker market. Notably, Nike's market share in basketball shoes has doubled from 43% in 1987 to 86% in 2019, and 77% of NBA players wore Nike basketball shoes during the 2020-21 season. In terms of revenue, Nike's footwear sales reached $29.2 billion in 2022, accounting for 62.5% of its global revenues. The company is expected to produce around 800 million pairs of shoes annually as of 2023. For more insights into their sneaker statistics, visit Nike Shoes Statistics.

Adidas

Adidas is one of the leading producers of sneakers, holding a significant market share in the global athletic footwear industry. As of 2022, Adidas had a 15.4% market share in global athletic footwear and a 14.7% share in the sneaker market. The company recorded $13.2 billion in revenue from its footwear segment in 2022, marking a 3.1% growth. Adidas also dominates the resale market, having held a 29% share in 2019. With a wide range of products, including popular models like the Samba and Gazelle, Adidas continues to innovate and expand its market presence.

New Balance

New Balance is a leading producer of sneakers, known for its high-quality and innovative footwear. In 2022, the brand reported over $5.3 billion in revenue, marking a 21% growth from the previous year and solidifying its position as the third-largest sneaker brand globally, behind Nike and Adidas. New Balance has seen significant favorability among U.S. adults, with 42% currently favorable to the brand, and a notable increase in favorability among Gen Z adults, rising from 34% to 52% between September 2022 and September 2023. The brand's growth is driven by expanding product lines, brand collaborations, and athlete sponsorships. New Balance aims to double its size and reach $10 billion in revenue in the coming years. For more information, visit their official website.

Puma

PUMA is a leading producer of sneakers, known for its innovative and high-performance products. As of 2022, PUMA held a 1.2% share of the global footwear market and a 5.1% share in the sneaker market, with revenue from its footwear segment reaching $4.6 billion. The company has seen continuous growth, with a 28.8% year-on-year increase from 2021 to 2022. PUMA is also the fourth most popular basketball shoe brand in the NBA, averaging a 3.4% share over the past five seasons. With a strong brand awareness of 92% among US shoppers, PUMA continues to push sports and culture forward. For more about their brand reach and innovations, visit PUMA's official website.

Reebok

Reebok, once a dominant force in the sneaker market, notably surpassed Nike in the mid-1980s with $1.82 billion in sales in 1989. However, the brand has since declined, holding only a 1.1% market share in the sports footwear space as of recent years. Despite this, Reebok remains known for its retro sneakers and innovative athletic shoes, such as those featuring Floatride Energy foam for comfort and support. In the US, Reebok has an 18% user base and a 71% loyalty rate among Americans aware of the brand. Though its market share is significantly lower than its peak, Reebok continues to offer high-quality, stylish sneakers. For more details about their offerings, visit their official website.

Under Armour

Under Armour has emerged as a formidable player in the athletic footwear and apparel market, surpassing Adidas to become the second-largest sports brand in the U.S. as of 2024. With U.S. apparel and footwear sales reaching $1.2 billion through August 2024, Under Armour has seen a 20% sales increase, while Adidas experienced a 23% decline. Under Armour now holds 14% of the U.S. sports apparel market, more than twice that of Adidas, and maintains a 9% share of the athletic footwear industry. Discover more details about Under Armour's success on their official website.

Converse

Converse, a renowned brand in the sneaker industry, has been a staple since its inception in 1908. Owned by Nike Inc., Converse generated approximately $2 billion in global revenue in the year ended May 31, 2024, despite a slight decline from previous years. The brand holds a significant market share, with around 4% of the global sneaker market and 5% in the United States. Converse is famous for its iconic "All Star" sneakers, which dominated the basketball scene by 1955, capturing 80% of the entire sneaker industry at that time. With a rich history and continuous innovation, Converse remains a popular choice among consumers worldwide. For more details about their products, visit their official Converse website.

Vans

Vans, founded in 1966 by Paul Van Doren and his partners, has established itself as a leading brand in the sneaker industry, particularly in the action sports sector. By 2006, Vans achieved $1 billion in annual global sales, marking a significant milestone as the largest single action sports brand in the world. The brand is known for its iconic designs such as the Authentic, Era, and Old Skool, which have become staples in skateboarding and youth culture. Vans holds a 7% market share in the global sneaker market as of 2022 and is recognized by about 86% of sneaker owners in the United States. For more details, visit their official website.

ASICS

ASICS is a prominent athletic footwear brand, boasting a global market share of 8.1% and ranking as the fourth-largest athletic footwear brand worldwide. In the performance running footwear segment, ASICS impressively maintained a 9.9% global market share in 2019 and achieved a 13.3% market share in the running shoe market as of January 2020, surpassing major competitors like Nike and Adidas. The brand generated Y=570.4 billion in net sales and Y=35.2 billion in net income in fiscal year 2023, with half of its income derived from performance running shoes. Additionally, ASICS experienced remarkable growth on resale platforms, achieving a 600% year-over-year increase on StockX in the first half of 2024. The company's dedication to sustainability is highlighted by the launch of the GEL-LYTE III CM 1.95, renowned as the world's lowest emissions shoe. For further insights into ASICS' market share, visit their informative blog.

Saucony

Saucony is a renowned brand in the athletic footwear industry, particularly known for its high-quality running shoes. With a brand awareness of 40% among sneaker owners in the United States, Saucony is owned by 5% of these owners, indicating a loyal customer base where 60% of its owners are likely to purchase Saucony again. Founded in 1898, Saucony has over a century of experience in producing innovative and comfortable footwear, including popular series like the Endorphin, Guide, and Triumph. Despite a recent sales decline, Saucony has seen strong double-digit growth from new product introductions such as the Ride Guide 17 and Endorphin 4 collections. The brand's patented technologies like ISOFIT and EVERUN cushioning system enhance the fit and performance of their shoes.