The Top 20  Best Shoe Brands in the World

Shoes are not just useful accessories but stylistic ones; they are telling about their owner as well. The world market of shoes is filled with exceptional brands, which combine the qualities of the beautiful, comfortable and efficient. Nike and Adidas are major sportswear brands, and Gucci is a luxury good maker, but the choices are almost limitless. Using the above shoe manufacturer examples we look at the company background, shoes available in a particular company and some of the most popular shoe models.

Learn which shoe brands are the most popular ones worldwide and if you are interested in Nike, Adidas, Converse, Gucci, and others. Learn more about each brand, their most famous shoe lines, portfolio’s hit numbers which position them in the global shoe industry.

1.Nike

Overview:

It was in the year of 1964 Blue Ribbon Sports began their journey and after 1971 officially it started bearing its own name Nike which is today the largest sportswear manufacturing company in the whole world. The Swoosh symbol and the phrase “Just Do It” are internationally recognized logos of athletic performance. Nike is a shoe manufacturing company which has adopted a remarkable place in the society by producing quality and trendy sports; wearing shoes such as football boots, basketball shoes, aerobic shoes, track shoes and among others.

Types of Shoes:

• Sports shoes (for running, playing basketball, soccer, Tennis, etc.)
• Lifestyle sneakers
• Sandals and slides
• Training and gym shoes

Best-Selling Models:

• Nike Air Force 1: An iconic streetwear staple.
• Nike Air Max: Which is famous for its exterior displayed air-cushioning unit.
• Nike Dunk: Well liked in athletic wear, as well as fashionable wear.
• Nike React Infinity Run: A favorite among runners.

2. Adidas

Overview:

Adidas was founded by Adolf Dassler in the year 1949 and is still among the biggest producers of sports footwear and Fashion sport. The brand with the three stripes, Adidas’ athletic shoes are targeted at performance, while their shoes for ordinary usage are trendy wearable shoes. Sustainability is a big theme, and there have been moves to make environmentally-friendly shoes such as the Parley which uses recycled ocean plastic.

Types of Shoes:

Running shoes

Soccer and basketball shoes

Lifestyle and casual sneakers

Slides and sandals

Best-Selling Models:

• Adidas Ultra Boost: A top choice for runners.
• Adidas Yeezy: High-fashion and streetwear fw14 collection done in collaboration with Kanye West.
• Adidas Stan Smith: One of the timeless tennis shoes that can easily make anyone go weak in their knees.
• Adidas NMD: Famous for its style and comfort of this shoe.

3. New Balance

Overview:

New Balance, established in 1906, is very appreciated today for its high quality comfort and performance. Although it originally specialized in arch supports, the company diversified into manufacturing a range of shoes but with special emphasis on running and lifestyle shoes. New Balance adopted big width shoes and has a line of products that is labeled Made in USA.

Types of Shoes:

• Running shoes
• Cross-training shoes
• Lifestyle and retro sneakers

Best-Selling Models:

• New Balance 990 Series: It has been much loved by cult followings due to the aspects of quality and comfort that are unique to it.
• New Balance 574: A functional and fashionable shoe.
• New Balance Fresh Foam: Provides more comfort to those who mostly engage in running exercises.

4. Converse

Overview:

Converse was founded in year 1908 and it is a well known brand that deal solely with sneakers. Its product line is dominated by the Chuck Taylor All-Stars shoes which have placed the company in the market for over a century.Converse shoes mix and match sportswear culture and street essence which makes them preferable to artists and other individuals interested in fashion.

Types of Shoes:

• High-top and low-top sneakers
• Skate shoes
• Fashion designers and fashion brands partnerships

Best-Selling Models:

• Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star: An enduring classic.
• Converse One Star: Skate and streetwear scenes are familiar with them.
• Converse Chuck 70: Corporate version on a traditional All Star sneaker.

5. Vans

Overview:

Vans is a California brand that was started in the year 1966 as a silhouette of skate-shoes but has shot to fame to become a clothier. The company that started in 1966 is famous for designing and manufacturing shoes with basic yet solid looks — Vans are appreciated by skaters, musicians, and fashion lovers.

Types of Shoes:

• Skate shoes
• Lifestyle sneakers
• Slip-ons
• Joint projects with artists and companies

Best-Selling Models:

• Vans Old Skool: A timeless skate shoe.
• Vans Slip-On: It is known due to its form and flexibility.
• Vans Sk8-Hi: Especially for the skaters, this is a type of shoes with a high top.

6. Crocs

Overview:

That was established in the year 2002, and initially, the company deal with the production of boating shoes but later ventured into other categories. Popular because of its unique foam clogs, Crocs are valued for its functionality and peculiar design. This is so because it has stakeholders, which include designers and influencers, who often incorporate the brand to their clothing.

Types of Shoes:

• Foam clogs
• Sandals and slides
• Casual sneakers

Best-Selling Models:

• Classic Clog: The shoe that started it all.
• Crocs Literide Clog: A variation of the usual style but much classy and modish.
• Crocs Swiftwater Sandal: Ideal for outdoor adventures.

7. Birkenstock

Overview:

The company has been in the market since the year 1774; thus, it deserves that call of being the comfort footwear. The anatomically correct shaped footbed has been characteristic of Birkenstock company’s sandals which enhance natural foot flexing. Capes of sandals have turned to a fashion vanguard offering emphasis to quality materialism along with the workmanship.

Types of Shoes:

• Sandals
• Clogs
• Slip-ons

Best-Selling Models:

• Birkenstock Arizona: The classic two-strap sandal for men and women.
• Birkenstock Boston: A shoe in fashion circles that can be worn for so many occasions and still be considered as a clog.
• Birkenstock Gizeh: A chic, thong-style sandal.

8.Clarks Originals

Overview:

Clarks is a-brand that relates with quality shoes and it designs in a special manner; this shoe manufacturing company originated from Britain and was established in 1825. This brand reveals the harmonization of the classical and modern models to create shoes for almost any type of occasion..

Types of Shoes:

• Desert boots
• Loafers
• Casual shoes

Best-Selling Models:

• Clarks Desert Boot: A traditional everyday wear, that is suitable for almost any occasion.
• Clarks Wallabee: The most preferred by the creative and the artists.
• Clarks Bushacre: Desert boot, a cheaper version of the classic Chukka boot.

9. Timberland

Overview:

The company Timberland was established in 1952, and became famous for its efficient footwear. This brand, well known for its production of waterproof boots has diversified into casual wear and environmentally sensitive products.

Types of Shoes:

• Waterproof boots
• Hiking shoes
• Casual and lifestyle footwear

Best-Selling Models:

• Timberland 6-Inch Premium Boot: A specific product which is known as a logo and the product which the company is famous for – the waterproof boot.
• Timberland Earthkeepers: A more sustainable option.
• Timberland Euro Hiker: Attitude of student about the restaurant : Everyone seems to do this a favorite for outdoor people

10. Allen Edmonds

Overview:

Allen Edmonds is an American producer of men’s dress shoes that was established in 1922. It specializes in excellent quality workmanship and fine taste with various lines of safe leather shoes.

Types of Shoes:

• Dress shoes
• Loafers
• Boots

Best-Selling Models:

• Allen Edmonds Park Avenue: A classic Oxford shoe.
• Allen Edmonds Strand: A formal dress shoe which has a cap toe and has been perforated.
• Allen Edmonds Dalton Boot: A stylish dress boot.
  

11. OOFOS

Overview:

OOFOS was established in the year 2011 and it’s still young in the market, but it has been receiving a lot of traction for producing recovery footwear. The ultimate in comfort, the OOfoam technology’s deftly engineered to absorb impact and cushion your feet.

Types of Shoes:

• Recovery sandals
• Clogs
• Flip-flops

Best-Selling Models:

• OOFOS OOriginal Sandal: The ultimate recovery sandal.
• OOFOS OOahh Slide: Perfect for anything you plan to wear after exercise.
• OOFOS OOlala: This classic is a modern fashion reinterpretation of the recovery sandal.

12. Sorel

Overview:

Sorel is a Canadian based company that was started in 1962 and focuses mainly in boots suitable for winter weather. Arguably the best-known boots for both functionality and fashion are Sorel boots that can be worn in the course of outdoor activities and in urban environments at the same time.

Types of Shoes:

• Winter boots
• Rain boots
• Casual sneakers

Best-Selling Models:

• Sorel Caribou Boot: A winter essential.
• Sorel Joan of Arctic: The perfect work wear winter boot with style and class.
• Sorel Kinetic Sneak: A fusion of Sport Performance Wear and Fashion Wear.

13. Hunter

Overview:

Launched in 1856, Hunter is a British heritage brand which specializes in manufacturing and selling the world’s finest boot, the Wellington Boot. Hunter combines performance with looks and imageURLs Nice assortment of waterproof boots for those who brave elements and trendy people.

Types of Shoes:

• Rain boots
• Casual shoes
• Sandals

Best-Selling Models:

• Hunter Original Tall Boot: A staple for rainy weather.
• Hunter Chelsea Boot: An all-climate boot that is designed to look fashionable and trendy.
• Hunter Play Boot: An Australian inspired version of the boot but not as heavy or serious.

14. Puma

Overview:

Puma originated in 1948 with Rudolf Dassler, an emigrant from Germany, and the brother of Adolf Dassler of Adidas fame. Puma has emerged as a key competitor in the global sportswear market to provide not only fashionable and performance-oriented footwear for active-sport and everyday use.

Types of Shoes:

• Running shoes
• Soccer shoes
• Lifestyle sneakers

Best-Selling Models:

• Puma Suede: A timeless classic.
• Puma RS-X: A bold, chunky sneaker.
• Puma Future Rider: An old school sneaker with a new school appeal.

15. Wolverine World Wide

Overview:

Wolverine World Wide is an American corporation which is manufacturing the durable work and outdoor shoes and was established in the year 1883. The rocking is clear and fallacious for it deals with a brand that is associated with durability and manufacture of shoes meant for testing grounds.

Types of Shoes:

• Work boots
• Outdoor and hiking shoes
• Casual shoes

Best-Selling Models:

• Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot: A traditional superior leather boot with ever lingering classic touch.
• Wolverine Raider Boot: A versatile work boot.
• Wolverine Overpass: A long lasting yet light duty functional work shoe.

16. Deckers Brands

Overview:

Deckers Brands is the controlling company of some of the most successful footwear brands such as UGG, Teva, and HOKA ONE ONE. Deckers Brands was established in 1973 and has become a popular brand in casual as well as in the performance footwear industries.

Types of Shoes:

• Sheepskin boots (UGG)
• Cross trainers, trail and running shoes (HOKA ONE ONE)
• Sandals (Teva)

Best-Selling Models:

• UGG Classic Boot: The iconic sheepskin boot.
• HOKA ONE ONE Clifton: A top-rated running shoe.
• Teva Original Universal: A good, long lasting sandal mostly for out-doors activities.

17. Skechers

Overview:

Skechers shoes company can be considered as relatively new; it was founded in 1992, and the company offers comfortable and inexpensive shoes. The brand is just more targeted to men though the company offers it’s customers so may varieties such as casual, lifestyle, athletic shoes and so much more, Skechers is more known for its memory foam technology.

Types of Shoes:

• Athletic shoes
• Lifestyle sneakers
• Sandals and casual shoes

Best-Selling Models:

• Skechers D’Lites: A very solid sneaker that brings a certain vibe from the 90’s.
• Skechers Go Walk: Steerage with which many people prefer it for walking and comfort.
• Skechers Arch Fit: It remains a good option for people who find wearing uncomfortable shoes a problem.

18. Reebok

Overview:

Reebok was established in 1958 and has been an important player in sportswear, particularly the fitness and cross training shoes. Presently part of the Adidas group Reebok has not lost its concept of performance focused footwear and apparels.

Types of Shoes:

• Running shoes
• Cross-training shoes
• Lifestyle sneakers

Best-Selling Models:

• Reebok Classic Leather: A timeless sneaker.
• Reebok Nano: Crossfitters’ favorite.
• Reebok Zig Kinetica: An avant garde and stylish concept for a sneaker.

19. ASICS

Overview:

ASICS was founded in the year 1949 This is a japan based firm that only deals in athletic footwear for runners. The shoes have a GEL cushioning system, which manufactures superior shock protection.

Types of Shoes:

• Running shoes
• Tennis shoes
• Cross-training shoes

Best-Selling Models:

• ASICS GEL-Kayano: A high ranking stability running shoe.
• ASICS GEL-Nimbus: As is known, this billiards table features very soft cushioning.
• ASICS GT-2000: Deserves recommendations for marathon lovers.

20. Gucci

Overview:

Gucci was founded in 1921 and it is the world class fashion house that deals with the luxurious elegant Italian touch footwear. Among the favorite shoes which we are connected with luxury, Gucci shoes have been in the list.

Types of Shoes:

• Luxury sneakers
• Loafers
• Dress shoes

Best-Selling Models:

• Gucci Ace Sneakers: Pretty much a luxury sneaker with a comfortable design and a beautiful color.
• Gucci Princetown Loafer: An iconic slip-on loafer.
• Gucci Horsebit Loafer: Fashionable and beautiful products for the special occasions that may always remain in trend to a certain extent.

Conclusion

Regardless of what the sandals’ use and blood relation to athletic shoes; be it for performance, style or durability, the best shoe companies in the world today present a myriad of choices for the consumer. Nike, Adidas, Converse, Gucci, and the rest have switched the world’s population with some of the most remarkable and charming footwear brands.