Leading footwear brands, including Nike, Adidas, and Skechers, have united to call on former U.S. President Donald Trump to reconsider steep tariffs on shoes, warning of severe consequences for both businesses and consumers. In a letter dated April 29, the Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA), backed by 76 major companies, urged Trump to exempt footwear from the newly imposed reciprocal tariffs.
The industry is already grappling with high tariff rates, with children’s shoes facing base duties of up to 37.5% even before the latest levies. The April rollout of broad tariffs raised duties on some Chinese imports to an unprecedented 145%, deepening concerns for manufacturers and retailers heavily reliant on Chinese production.
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The uncertainty has already impacted business strategies. Adidas refrained from upgrading its 2025 outlook despite strong quarterly earnings, while Skechers went further by withdrawing its full-year guidance altogether, citing “the Trump administration’s erratic trade policy” as a key factor.
The coalition of brands warned that the U.S. footwear sector is at risk of widespread closures if relief isn’t granted. They are advocating for a “more targeted approach,” one that focuses on strategic items rather than basic consumer goods, to prevent sharp cost increases that could hit American families hard.
