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Whether you’re a sneakerhead or simply looking for a comfortable yet stylish pair of kicks, finding a high quality shoe brand you love can be a game-changer. But with so many options on the market, how do you even begin to determine which brands consistently deliver both fashion and function? From pioneer sportswear companies to luxury Italian leather goods designers, We’ve researched and compiled a definitive ranking of the 13 best shoe brands across the globe.
The criteria includes factors like craftsmanship quality, innovation, sustainability efforts, influence on popular culture, and overall versatility of their collections to appeal to diverse customers. A few shoe giants you’d surely expect to see on the list, while some emerging brands might surprise you as prime contenders giving the big names a run for their money. So lace up and get ready to step into my picks for the greatest shoe brands in the world!
Brand Legacy & Heritage – We selected established brands with a long-standing history and reputation for quality, especially those with over 50+ years in business and iconic staple styles.
Craftsmanship & Materials – The brands selected are known for artisanal construction and using high-grade leather, rubber, or other top-tier materials suited for their niche.
Comfort Technologies – Brands at the forefront of comfort, support, or recovery footwear made the list for their anatomical, orthopedic or performance features.
Trend Influence – Though grounded in heritage styling, these brands continue innovating or collaborating in ways driving current fashion relevance.
Category Leadership – We aimed for representation across shoe categories from athletic to dress shoes rather than limiting to just sneakers or boots.
Consumer Loyalty – Each brand enjoys multigenerational appeal and draw intense brand enthusiasts even amidst competition.
This athletic apparel and footwear titan needs no introduction, dominating sports and shoe culture through revolutionary technology and endorsement deals with superstar athletes across every sport. Game-changing Nike shoes like Air Jordans and Air Force 1s transcend performance capacity to become part of pop culture and streetwear style spanning generations.
Signature Nike shoe models:
Groundbreaking Nike shoe technology:
Nike by the numbers:
Through risks like investing heavily in Michael Jordan despite early NBA struggles to developing Flyknit fabrication reducing waste, Nike stays on the leading edge intersecting top-level sports and progressive fashion. The iconic Swoosh logo represents excellence and innovation.
Iconic German sportswear maker Adidas competes fiercely with Nike in athleisure and performance footwear thanks to revolutionary Boost cushioning midsoles and enlistment of A-list celebrity partners like Beyoncé, Kanye West and Pharrell. Timeless retro models remain fashion fixtures decades on.
Legendary Adidas shoe models:
Notable Adidas shoe technology:
Adidas impact by the numbers:
Rivaling Nike, Adidas carved its own lane bridging performance with prestige through endeavors like veteran model franchises, Yeezy collaboration and sustainability commitments by using recycled plastics. The serrated Three Stripes signify spectator or participant, Adidas makes gear for creatives and athletes alike.
One of the world’s largest makers of athletic shoes, Boston-based New Balance prides itself on domestic manufacturing and exacting fit through multiple width sizing. Endorsed by champion runners and US presidents alike, the brand dominates elite running while expanding lifestyle wear.
Bestselling New Balance performance shoes:
New Balance core credentials:
New Balance by the numbers:
New Balance sets itself apart manufacturing over 4 million pairs annually stateside while leading running’s minimalism trend. Partnerships with apparel leaders reignite classics. Timelessly confined logos convey quiet confidence in quality construction.
This nostalgic sneaker brand came to define everyday fashion through iconic canvas styles adopted by punk rock and grunge movements. Timeless Chuck Taylor All-Stars and Jack Purcell’s endure as music scene staples thanks to authenticity kept intact even after Nike acquisition.
Quintessential Converse shoes and sneakers:
Converse by the numbers:
Youth music subcultures empowered Converse as the common shoe bridging sportswear with creative expression. Collaborations amplify cultural moments while time-honored models need no updating. Converse clout draws from grassroots adherence beyond corporate ownership.
This action sports gear giant drives youth fashion through anchor skateboarding styles adopted internationally since 1966 origination in Anaheim, California. Vans scales art and culture partnering with musicians, artists and core regional skate scenes globally to produce forward footwear.
Best Vans signature skate shoe models:
Vans growth figures:
Vans cemented importance outfitting successive generations of skaters while always honoring synergies melding creative ambition with geographical identity. Collaborations granting self expression nurture loyalty transcending corporate impact. The Sidestripe and Off The Wall mantra signal individuality through a ubiquitous favorite shoe.
Polarizing and undeniably ubiquitous, this foam clog footwear maker revived itself on the back of ugly-chic fashion embrace. Signature Crocs mold to feet providing lightweight comfort for extended wear, endearing medical workers while also infiltrating high fashion runways.
Iconic Crocs models:
Crocs growth statistics:
Despite initial wave of mockery enduring as a punchline, Crocs sustained improbable resonance through reliability serving working class utility. Kitsch appeal spurred irony re-evaluation by Gen Z and collectors. Jibbitz charms showcase rare brand fluidity between function and play.
Renowned for contoured comfort technology since 1774, this German footwear maker endures through timeless orthopedic sandals and clogs now experiencing fashion elevation. Originally developed to promote health through proper walking, Birkenstock draw loyalty across generations.
Birkenstock comfort shoe icons:
Birkenstock legacy credentials
Regaining popularity, collaborations accentuate heritage styling with refined details never overshadowing ergonomic intent. Custom cork footbeds mold perfectly offering all-day support lacking in fashion alone. Representing longevity literally from the ground up, Birkenstock secures space in family trees and closets alike.
Renowned for its comfort technology since 1825, this British shoemaker endures through timeless leisure styles now experiencing an urban elevation. Originally developed as sheepskin slippers, Clarks Originals draw loyalty across generations.
Clarks Originals icons:
Clarks Originals legacy credentials
Regaining popularity, collaborations accentuate heritage styling with modern details never overshadowing comfort intent. Signature crepe soles and suede uppers mold perfectly offering easygoing support lacking in fashion alone. Representing longevity literally from the ground up, Clarks secures space in family trees and closets alike.
Renowned for rugged outdoor style since 1928, this American brand endures through timeless bootmaking beyond workwear roots into streetwear elevation. Originally developed for outdoor leather boots, Timberland draws loyalty across generations.
Timberland icons:
Timberland legacy credentials
Renowned for heritage menswear craftsmanship since 1922, this American company endures through timeless oxfords and boots with new generations discovering the wares. Originally developed as dress shoes, Allen Edmonds draws loyalty across eras.
Allen Edmonds icons:
Allen Edmonds credentials
While trends come and go, the brand’s core slyling and patina potential keep them timelessly relevant. Custom cork footbeds mold perfectly offering peerless comfort and arch support. Representing craft literally from the sole up, Allen Edmonds secures space in sayings like “step up your shoe game.”
Renowned for recovery footwear since 2011, this athletic shoe upstart endures through patented styling serving runners to nurses with swelling relief. Originally developed to rehabilitate founder’s sprained ankle, Oofos draws loyalty across overworked feet.
Oofos icons:
Oofos legacy credentials
While trends fade, the brand’s foot-pampering comfort cradles fatigued soles. Custom footbeds absorb 37% more impact than traditional footwear foams. Representing literal uplift from heels to toes, Oofos secures space as the footwear of choice for both pre and post-workout recovery.
Renowned for supreme warmth since 1962, this rugged Canadian brand endures through weatherproof winter boots now experiencing streetwear elevation. Originally developed for harsh weather construction, Sorel draws loyalty across generations of outdoor explorers and city commuters.
Sorel winter staples:
Sorel legacy credentials
While weather changes, the brand’s core mission of all-conditions exploration keeps their boots timelessly relevant. Custom linings and patented soles stand up to the most punishing cold and deepest drifts. Representing warmth literally from the ground up, Sorel secures space as essential gear for winter warriors.
Renowned for weatherproof style since 1856, this British brand endures through timeless Wellington boots now experiencing fashion elevation. Originally developed for country pursuits, Hunter draws loyalty across generations of outdoor explorers and city dwellers.
Hunter staples:
Hunter legacy credentials
While forecasts fluctuate, the brand’s Category 5 storm-rated designs keep them timelessly relevant. Custom linings and calendered soles prevail through the wettest conditions. Representing dry feet literally from the ground up, Hunter secures space as essential rainwear for country or city explorers.
The longest standing shoe brand on the list is Birkenstock, which was founded in Germany in 1774 as a family-owned business specializing in contoured cork footbeds. Birkenstock has maintained operations for nearly 250 years across generations.
According to Google Trends data, Nike is currently the most searched for shoe brand averaging over 30 million searches per month globally as of 2024. It spikes further during new sneaker releases or campaigns.
Gucci shoes saw tremendous rise recently according to valuations by Kantar. Gucci’s brand value grew by 70% from 2018 to 2023 to an estimated €18.1 billion primarily driven by luxury fashion momentum.
Based on criteria of material sourcing, manufacturing, carbon offsets and business practices, Allbirds ranked #1 on Gear Patrol’s guide to eco-conscious shoe brands for its renewable wool and recycled plastic shoes.
Sourced from International Brand Equity
