All Industries

Retail

Clothing and Footwear Retail

UK Footwear Retailing Market Report 2025

UK Footwear Retailing Market Report 2025

Market Intelligence Reports Clothing and Footwear Retail UK

UK Footwear Retailing Market Analysis

The UK footwear retailing market has grown with significant value from 2020 to 2024, with growth slowing to almost 6% in 2024 due to economic caution and inflation.

Women’s footwear holds the largest market share, with trainers and casual styles leading sales. Challenges include US tariffs and supply chain issues, prompting a focus on local manufacturing and tech innovations like AI sizing. The market is forecast to grow over 18% in the near future, driven by demand for durable, locally made footwear and improved shopping experiences.

UK Footwear Retailing Market Trends

Consumer trends in the UK footwear retailing market show a clear shift towards prioritising comfort, quality, and affordability over fast-changing fashion trends. Shoppers increasingly value versatile, durable footwear that offers long-term value, with many showing interest in personalised options such as custom sizing and adjustable features, especially for children. Digital innovations like virtual try-ons and AI-powered fit tools are gaining traction as consumers seek better sizing guidance. Additionally, there’s growing support for locally made products, with 44% willing to pay a premium for UK-made footwear due to its perceived craftsmanship and authenticity. Loyalty programmes and services that extend product life, like repairs and waterproofing, also resonate strongly, reflecting a more considered and sustainable approach to footwear purchasing in the footwear market.

Purchasing the UK Footwear Retailing Market Report 2025 provides key insights into market performance, consumer priorities, and emerging trends in the footwear industry. It highlights opportunities in local manufacturing, personalised fit, and tech-enabled shopping, helping brands and retailers within the footwear retailing market meet evolving consumer needs and strengthen their market position.

About The Report

This UK footwear retailing market report delivers comprehensive insights into the UK footwear retailing market, covering market size, growth forecasts, consumer purchasing behaviour, and key trends such as local manufacturing, personalization, and digital innovation. It includes detailed analysis of footwear categories, distribution channels, consumer preferences by age and gender, and retailer performance. The research is based on extensive consumer surveys, industry data, and expert analysis, making it valuable for footwear brands, retailers, manufacturers, and investors looking to understand market dynamics in the footwear industry, identify growth opportunities, and develop effective strategies to meet evolving consumer demands within the footwear sector.

Key Topics Analysed in the Report

The short-, medium- and long-term impact of inflation/supply chain issues on the footwear market
The performance of the leading specialists in the market as cautious consumer spending influences demand
Factors that have become more important when shopping for footwear, with many valuing practicality over staying on-trend
Consumer interest in services like customisation, in-store technology and services geared towards promoting longevity of the footwear purchased
Consumer behaviours towards footwear retailers with a key concern of better sizing guidance ranking high amongst footwear shoppers

Meet the Expert Behind the Analysis

This report was written by Bridget McCusker. Bridget joined Mintel in October 2022 as a Research Analyst covering Retail focusing on home. Originally from Boston, US, Bridget holds a BSc in International Trade & Marketing for the Fashion Industries from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She relocated to London in 2021 to pursue her MSc in Global Affairs at King’s College London.

Quality, affordability, and versatility have become top priorities when buying footwear, with fewer consumers finding the need to stay on-trend.

Bridget McCusker

Research Analyst

Collapse All

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- Opportunities for the footwear retailing market
- Locally-made footwear can drive interest in a brand…
- … but consumers must be prepared to pay a premium
- Customised footwear can combat consumer concerns over fit
- Footwear retailers can promote longevity with loyalty
- Market dynamics and outlook
- Market size & forecast
- Market predictions
- Spending on footwear is expected to fall as consumer confidence dips
- The distribution of footwear sales remains unchanged
- Graph 1: value sales of footwear by category, 2019-24
- What consumers want and why
- Footwear purchasing levels are stable in 2025
- Graph 2: footwear purchasing by category, 2021-25
- Online and in-store see consistent demand from consumers
- Graph 3: channels used to purchase footwear, 2021-25
- Footwear shoppers are prioritising quality
- Graph 4: important factors when buying footwear, 2025
- Quality is top of mind when it comes to services for footwear shopping
- Graph 5: consumer interest in services/innovations for footwear shopping, 2025
- Consumers seek better sizing guidance for footwear
- Graph 6: consumer behaviours towards footwear shopping, 2025
- Retailer activity
- Clarks commands the biggest share of the footwear market
- Graph 7: leading footwear retailers’ market share of all footwer retail sales (excl. VAT), 2023-24
- Adspend for footwear falls
- Graph 8: total above-the-line, online display and direct mail advertising expenditure on footwear, 2020-24
MARKET DYNAMICS
- Market size
- Footwear spending sees a softer year in 2024
- Graph 9: consumer spending on footwear, excluding repair and hire of footwear, 2019-24
- 2024 shows more modest growth following strong gains in previous years
- Market forecast
- Footwear market faces challenges as shoppers prioritise quality over quantity
- Growth in the footwear market remains subdued in 2025
- Impact of US trade disruption for footwear market
- Market segmentation
- Women’s footwear continues to account for the largest share of the sector
- Graph 10: value sales of footwear by category, 2019-24
- Footwear sales trends remain steady
- Channels of distribution
- Stronghold of footwear specialists weakens
- Graph 11: percentage breakdown of value sales of footwear, by distribution channel, 2024 (est)
- Market drivers
- Footwear inflation remains below CPIH
- Graph 12: overall CPIH and footwear inflation rate, 2024-25
- Trump’s tariff announcement worsens the UK’s already uncertain trading outlook
- Graph 13: GDP, 2021-25
- Uncertainty looms despite stronger financial wellbeing sentiment
- Graph 14: the financial wellbeing index, 2016-25
- Consumers remain cautious…
- Graph 15: recent and planned financial activity, 2025
- … as they continue to be impacted by price rises
- Graph 16: issues impacting consumers over the last two months, 2025
- Majority of Brits say the cost of living crisis is not getting any better
- Graph 17: perception of the state of the cost of living crisis in the UK, 2025
WHAT CONSUMERS WANT AND WHY
- Types of footwear purchased
- Footwear purchasing levels off in 2025
- Graph 18: footwear purchasing by category, 2021-25
- Young consumers are the main footwear buyers
- Graph 19: footwear purchased in the last 12 months, by generation, 2025
- Casual styles continue to dominate women’s shopping
- Graph 20: types of women’s footwear purchased, 2021-25
- Women are prioritising comfort when buying footwear
- Graph 21: footwear purchased by women, by age group, 2025
- Men’s footwear purchasing remains stable
- Graph 22: styles of men’s footwear purchased, 2021-25
- The casualisation of footwear is prevalent among male shoppers
- Graph 23: footwear purchased by men, by age group, 2025
- Trainers rule among young men…
- … as sneaker culture is important to this demographic
- Purchasing levels of children’s footwear have remained stable
- Graph 24: styles of children’s footwear purchased, 2021-25
- Clarks supports parents of school aged children offering a fit guarantee
- Channels used for footwear shopping
- While online usage is heightened, there has been a return to stores
- Graph 25: channels used to purchase footwear, 2021-25
- … although the in-store channel remains just as important
- Graph 26: channels used to purchase footwear, by age group, 2025
- Seamless multichannel experience is key for younger consumers
- Løci blends existing and new technologies in a traditional store format
- Retailers used for footwear shopping
- Footwear specialists see a dip in demand from consumers…
- Graph 27: type of retailer used for footwear shopping, 2024 and 2025
- … while clothing stores retain the lead for footwear shoppers
- Clothing stores hold appeal for all types of footwear shoppers
- Graph 28: footwear shoppers who have bought footwear in the last 12 months by retailer used, 2025
- Wide range of retailers popular for footwear with Amazon holding the lead
- Graph 29: individual retailers used for footwear shopping, 2024 and 2025
- Shein is a popular choice for younger consumers
- Graph 30: those buying footwear from Shein, by generation, 2025
- Clothing stores and sports retailers are the most popular with younger consumers
- Graph 31: type of retailer used for footwear shopping, by generation, 2025
- Retailers can help younger consumers stand out
- Represent launches its first running and training shoes
- Parents purchasing children’s footwear have a wide range of retailers to choose from
- Graph 32: footwear purchasing, by those with children, 2025
- Clarks launches Roald Dahl kid’s collection
- Factors that have become more important when shopping for footwear
- Footwear shoppers value practicality when shopping
- Comfort is king
- Graph 33: factors that have become more important when shopping for footwear, 2025
- Shoppers prioritise quality and price
- Resale value and staying on-trend have become more important to men
- Graph 34: factors that have become more important when shopping for footwear, by gender, 2025
- Practicality takes centre stage
- Graph 35: factors that have become more important when shopping for footwear, by generation, 2025
- Interest in services when shopping for footwear
- High levels of interest in longevity and personalised fit
- Younger consumers are more interested in services that promote durability
- Graph 36: footwear shoppers’ interest in services/innovations, by age group, 2025
- DPPs can provide more information on transparency for consumers
- Parents are interested in durability for children’s footwear
- Graph 37: footwear shoppers’ interest in services/innovations, by children in the household, 2025
- Crocs unveils limited-edition collection with Marimekko
- Exclusive collaborations rank high for trainer buyers
- Behaviours towards footwear purchasing
- Better sizing guidance is a key area for retailers to address
- Consumers want better fitting footwear
- High earners are keen to have smarter footwear
- Graph 38: consumer behaviours towards “I would be willing to spend more on footwear with smart tracking features (eg provides updates on mobility, health monitoring),” by income group, 2025
- Second-hand footwear needs to address quality concerns
- Graph 39: consumer behaviours towards “Concerns about quality makes buying second-hand footwear less appealing to me,” by age and gender, 2025
- Early access can further drive loyalty amongst consumers
- Graph 40: consumer behaviours towards “Early access to the latest footwear launches would encourage me to join a footwear retailer’s loyalty scheme”, by generation, 2025
- Parents in healthy financial situations would spend more on locally-made footwear
- Footwear can tap into localism
- Graph 41: consumer behaviour towards willingness to spend on locally made footwear, by financial situation, 2025
- New Balance expands ‘Made in UK’ collection
RETAILER ACTIVITY
- Leading specialists
- Overall revenues grow among leading footwear specialist
- Comparing leading footwear retailers
- Crocs, UGG and New Balance continue to gain shoppers
- Graph 42: [no title]
- Clarks sees strong growth driven by strong collaborations
- Graph 43: Google search engine interest in “Clarks Wallabees,” 2004-25
- Clarks drives demand ahead of back to school
- Graph 44: leading footwear specialists’ number of transactions, 2023-25
- Some footwear specialists struggle amid a challenging market…
- … while others have fared better
- Retailers invest in the physical shopping experience
- Market share
- Clarks holds the biggest share of the footwear market
- Graph 45: leading footwear retailers’ market share of all footwer retail sales (excl. VAT), 2023/24
- Clarks holds top spot amongst rivals
- Launch activity and innovation
- Filmore looks to the future in latest campaign
- Camper’s Roku shoe sits at the intersection of circularity and customisation
- Brands building connections through community-focused experiences
- Birkenstock steps into wellness
- Dubai-based footwear brand DUHA launches Ramadan collection
- Advertising and marketing activity
- Adspend for footwear falls
- Graph 46: total above-the-line, online display and direct mail advertising expenditure on footwear, 2020-24
- Axel Arigato leads in adspend for 2024
- Axel Arigato’s holiday campaign taps into nostalgia
- Adspend on cinema jumps from 2023
- Graph 47: total above-the-line, online display and direct mail advertising expenditure on footwear, by media type, 2023 and 2024
- Clarks shows there’s no better feeling
- Leading advertisers allocate most of their adspend to digital and social
- Birkenstock launches ‘giant’ Spring/Summer campaign
- Schuh launches “Same, but different” to attract young shoppers
- Sport shoes and trainers account for the biggest share of the sector’s adspend
- Pavers helps women over 55 enjoy life with greater comfort and confidence
APPENDIX
- Supplementary data – leading retailers
- Leading specialist footwear retailers: outlets
- Market forecast data and methodology
- Market size and forecast
- Market forecast and prediction intervals (value)
- Forecast methodology
- Report scope and definitions
- Market definition
- Abbreviations and terms
- Infegy Atlas – coverage
- Consumer research methodology
- Nielsen Ad Intel coverage
- Snoop SpendMapper methodology

Mintel: Market Intelligence Made Easier

The first Mintel Market Intelligence report was published over 50 years ago. Since then, we have provided our unique insights and understanding of consumers, innovation and global markets to thousands of customers worldwide. Here’s why our customers rely on Mintel:

Gain a comprehensive, 360-degree view of the market: Mintel reports blend consumer research, market forecasts, product innovation tracking, and competitive analysis, allowing businesses to see every angle of their industry and identify new opportunities quickly.
Make decisions with confidence, grounded in robust data: Each report draws on up-to-date, reliable information from trusted sources and industry experts, ensuring your strategies are based on solid evidence rather than speculation.
Benefit from expert analysis and practical recommendations: Mintel’s reports are written by experienced analysts who interpret complex data and provide clear, actionable insights you can trust to guide your next moves.
Stay ahead with actionable intelligence on market trends and consumer behaviour: By combining fresh research with long-term market monitoring, our reports help businesses anticipate changes and adapt strategically. So you’re prepared to make informed decisions and drive growth.

What goes into a Mintel Market Intelligence Report?

Curious about how a Market Intelligence report comes together? We like to think of it as building a detailed puzzle. We start with individual pieces: data from consumers, market statistics, industry trends, and online conversations. Then our expert analysts add world-class human insight and industry knowledge. The pieces are assembled to reveal a clear, comprehensive picture of a market.

The Four Pillars of Our Research

We use a combination of four main research methods when creating our reports, each adding a valuable perspective:

Consumer Research: Direct surveys with real people, giving us clear, current insights into what people think and do.
Desk Research: In-depth review of trusted data sources. We use this rich database, plus powerful internal tools that track new products and market sizes, to detect trends and guide forecasts.
Trade Research: Insights from conversations with industry experts. Their real-world experience helps us understand what’s happening behind the scenes.
Brand and Social Media Research: Analysis of online opinions and trends. This lets us spot trends, measure brand sentiment, and capture feedback in real time, adding further depth to our research.

For further information about our research and analysis methods, visit our helpdesk.

Bringing It All Together

Each of these four pillars provides a different piece of the puzzle. Consumer research tells us what customers think, desk research provides the factual framework, trade research offers an insider’s view, and social media analysis reveals public sentiment.

Our expert analysts are skilled in weaving these diverse data streams together. They apply a range of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques to uncover the deeper story, connecting the dots to deliver clear, actionable insights. This comprehensive, multi-layered process is how we transform raw data into a market intelligence report you can trust to inform your most important business decisions.

For a closer look at a Mintel Market Intelligence Report, take a look at the sample PDF report below:

Please Note: All of the figures, graphs, and tables in this sample report have been redacted.

£ 2,195 (Excl.Tax)

Download today with instant access
Multiple formats provided
Interactive databook included
Save up to 20% when you purchase multiple reports

Report Brochure Methodology Talk to a Reports Specialist

Next Starts Here

Whatever your business needs, we have the solution. From market intelligence reports to customised growth strategies.

Learn more

Trusted by global industry leaders

We’ve found it so useful working more closely with Mintel. They helped support our recent flagship event for our top suppliers by providing a really unique viewpoint on the future of online retailing.

Nick Carroll from their Retail Team was also an excellent panelist, sharing useful and actionable consumer insights. We definitely look forward to working with Mintel again on future projects.

Zac Steele, E-Commerce Trading Development Manager, Waitrose & Partners

Mintel is really good for getting a handle on a particular category quickly. If we are working on a new business pitch in an area we don’t have much experience in, it’s a brilliant way to get up to speed with what’s going on, what’s changing and what the key trends are in any category.

It’s very rare now that anyone will plough through a 200-page report – that’s why the summaries are really useful. We know they are backed up by a lot of detail, so if you need to go into something in more depth you know the information will be all there for you.

Pauline Robson, Managing Partner, Mediacom

We utilize Mintel Reports, Trends and Comperemedia to mine for insights across the numerous business verticals that Epsilon serves, such as CPG, automotive, telecom, healthcare/pharma, retail and financial services.

By integrating Mintel insight into new business opportunities, we have been able to gain the competitive edge necessary to advance partnerships with global brands and key business players.

For our organization, it’s about depth and breadth. Having one without the other doesn’t enable success in our business.

Virginia Harvey, Secondary Research Manager, Epsilon

Mintel helps us when we want to know something quickly – it provides fast answers to our questions. If we need to get a view of what’s going on in a particular market it’s very useful.

When carrying out background research, I find Mintel an excellent starting point.

The fact that it covers so many markets is a big plus for me– instead of having to buy specialist products in each area we are interested in, especially when we only require a brief view on a particular market, we can go to Mintel for help as a one-stop shop. I find Mintel a useful and valuable resource.

Ben Zeidler, Director - Research and Analytics, Tenth Wave

Working in a customer-obsessed organization means that data and insights have to be at our fingertips. Mintel’s reports help us support anecdotes with real quantifiable insights. The summary sections (which I really like) helps save time by giving a birds eye view of the content before spending time combing through the pages.

Our business review discussions are strengthened by the relevancy of the reports to help us better understand our customers. In addition, the customer service received from the team (especially in crunch periods) makes the process of understanding customer behavior even better.