Report: Shoe Sales Slip

recent report by The NPD Group

, sales of footwear in Q3 fell slightly in Q3 (July-Sept.) of 2020, compared to the same time in 2019. 

According to “The NPD Group’s U.S. Footwear Industry Sales – Q3 2020” report, sales of fashion footwear such as dress and evening shoes dropped 28 percent compared to last year, but sales of performance footwear (like 

walking, basketball, and running footwear) 

dropped by 9 percent year-over-year. Leisure footwear, including skate, hiking boots and sport slides) 

only dropped by 1 percent.  

“Athletic footwear sales were down in the mid-single digits for the quarter, as the impact of the delayed/virtual back-to-school was felt,” says Matt Powell, senior industry advisor, sports, The NPD Group. “There were a few bright spots, however. In particular, the early sales uptick for cold/all-weather boots and hiking shoes bodes well for holiday. My expectation for Q4 is that overall sales will continue to remain challenged.”

“In Q3, slippers and clogs (Crocs) again