Footwear prices in the United States increased 1.1 percent in December as rising import costs and shifting trade policies hit retail shelves, according to the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America.
The monthly uptick represents a notable shift for an industry that has faced mounting economic pressure throughout the final quarter of 2025. FDRA analysts noted that the increase coincides with record-high duties paid on imported footwear, which accounts for more than 98 percent of all shoes sold in the country.
Landed costs are now increasingly being passed on to consumers as retailers find it difficult to maintain previous price points. A recent executive survey conducted by the FDRA indicates that the December increase may be the precursor to a more significant trend in 2026.
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Footwear leaders reported that the full impact of recent tariff hikes has not yet fully filtered through the supply chain. Many companies are bracing for even higher expenses in the first half of the new year as they replace existing inventory with new goods subject to higher duty rates.
Consumer sentiment data released alongside the pricing figures highlights a growing wariness among shoppers. According to FDRA surveys, approximately 75 percent of consumers have noticed higher prices over the last year.
Nearly half of those surveyed say they are responding by purchasing fewer pairs of shoes. The data suggests that low-income households and families are being disproportionately affected by these market shifts.
Market conditions remain volatile as retailers navigate fluctuating freight costs and continued global trade uncertainty. While some larger retailers were able to absorb costs during the early holiday season, the December jump suggests a tipping point has been reached for many mid-sized and value-oriented brands.
Industry experts suggest that if trade policy remains unchanged, footwear may continue to be a primary driver of retail inflation through the first quarter of 2026. The FDRA continues to monitor these trends, urging policymakers to consider the direct impact of trade barriers on the costs of everyday consumer necessities.
