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!
How the Best Shoes Brands Were Determined
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.
13 Best Shoes Brands Rankings:
1. Nike
This athletic apparel and footwear titan needs no introduction, dominating sports and shoe culture through revolutionary technology and endorsem*nt 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:
- Air Force 1
- Air Jordan
- Air Max
- Roshe
- presto
Groundbreaking Nike shoe technology:
- Air cushioning
- Flyknit
- Flywire cables
- Zoom Air
Nike by the numbers:
- Founded in 1964
- $44.5 billion revenue in 2022
- More than 1,000 retail stores globally
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.
2. Adidas
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:
- Superstar
- Stan Smith
- SL Loop
- Continental 80
- UltraBoost
Notable Adidas shoe technology:
- Boost foam midsoles
- Primeknit uppers
- Torsion system for support
Adidas impact by the numbers:
- Founded in 1924 by Dassler brothers
- $23 billion in annual revenue
- 750 million pairs of shoes sold annually
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.
3. New Balance
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:
- Fresh Foam running series
- Minimus minimalist trainers
- 4040 and Disney collabs
New Balance core credentials:
- Founded in 1906 in Cambridge, MA
- 5 factories in New England + 1 in UK
- Wide fit range beyond standard D+
- Takes stand on social issues
New Balance by the numbers:
- Estimated annual revenue over $4 billion
- Market share leader in running specialty
- Among top 10 athletic footwear brands
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.
4. Converse
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:
- Chuck Taylor All-Stars
- Jack Purcell
- Chuck 70
- Chuck Taylor All Star CX
- Chuck Taylor All Star Lugged
Converse by the numbers:
- Founded in 1908 in Malden, Massachusetts
- Top selling sneaker in history (Chucks)
- Chuck Taylors worn by over 1 billion people
- Over 750 million pairs sold to date
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.
5. Vans
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:
- Old Skool
- Sk8-Hi
- Slip-On
- Authentic
- Era
Vans growth figures:
- Founded in 1966 by Paul Van Doren
- Acquired by VF Corporation parent in 2004
- More than 2,000 retail stores globally
- Named Footwear Brand of the Year multiple times
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.
6. Crocs
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:
- Classic Clog
- Classic Lined Clog
- Classic Fuzz Lined Clog
- Classic Platform Clog
- Classic Slides
Crocs growth statistics:
- Founded in 1999 in Niwot, Colorado
- Estimated $2.1 billion revenue in 2020
- Sold over 300 million pairs to date globally
- Donated over 50 million pairs to healthcare workers
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.
7. Birkenstock
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:
- Arizona (two strap sandal)
- Boston (closed-toe clog)
- Madrid (one strap slide)
- Gizeh (toe thong sandal)
- Mayari (double toe loop sandal)
Birkenstock legacy credentials
- Founded in 1774 in Germany
- Family-owned for nearly 250 years
- Opened first US office in 1966
- Focus on quality natural materials
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.
8. Clarks Originals
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:
- Desert Boot (ankle suede boot)
- Wallabee (moccasin shoe)
- Desert Trek (rugged outdoor boot)
- Tawyer (oxford shoe)
- Weaver (derby shoe)
Clarks Originals legacy credentials
- Founded in 1825 in England
- Developed iconic Desert Boot in 1950
- Known early on for sheepskin slippers
- Focus on quality natural materials
- Family-owned for nearly 200 years
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.
9. Timberland
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:
- Premium 6-inch Boot (padded leather ankle boot)
- Euro Hiker (leather mid boot)
- Field Boots (waterproof outdoor boots)
- Classic 2-Eye Boat Shoe (hand-sewn boat moccasin)
- FlyRoam Hiking Boots (performance hiking boots)
Timberland legacy credentials
- Founded in 1928 in Boston, USA
- Known early on for waterproof leather boots
- Iconic for six-inch work boots since the 1970s
- Focus on eco-conscious footwear and apparel
- Maintains New England outdoor heritage
10. Allen Edmonds
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:
- Park Avenue (cap toe oxford)
- Fifth Avenue (sleek cap toe balmoral)
- McAllister (wingtip balmoral shoe)
- Higgins Mill (chromexcel leather boot)
- Strand (elegant wingtip dress shoe)
Allen Edmonds credentials
- Founded in 1922 in Wisconsin, USA
- Focus on handcrafted men’s footwear
- Known for inventing casual moccasin in the 1930s
- Iconic for brogue styles and leather soles
- Supply shoemaking to US Presidents
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.”
11. Oofos
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:
- OOahh (quilted slide sandal)
- OOmg (low-cut clog)
- OOlala (strappy thong sandal)
- OOahh Sport (athletic slide sandal)
- OObound (trail running slide)
Oofos legacy credentials
- Founded in 2011 in Boston, USA
- Focus on active recovery and arch support
- Known for proprietary OOfoamTM technology
- Iconic for effortless post-workout slides
- Draws pros like nurses, runners and fitness buffs
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.
12. Sorel
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:
- Caribou (bomber waterproof leather boot)
- Out N About Plus (faux fur snow boot)
- Joan of Arctic (faux fur lace-up wedge)
- 1964 Premium T (handcrafted original)
- Madson Chukka (streetwear hiker boot)
Sorel legacy credentials
- Founded in 1962 in Canada
- Known early on for durable work boots like the Caribou
- Focus on warmth, waterproofing and traction
- Iconic for bombproof snow protection
- Draws die-hard brand devotees
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.
13. Hunter
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:
- Original Tall Boot (iconic Wellington rain boot)
- Original Short Boot (hits below knee)
- Original Refined Chelsea (rubber Chelsea rain boot)
- Original Tour Packable (lightweight rain boot)
- Original Insulated Boot (cold weather snow boot)
Hunter legacy credentials
- Founded in 1856 in Scotland
- Royal warrant by Queen Elizabeth II
- Known early on for equine rain boots
- Iconic for durable, waterproof wellies
- Focus on quality natural rubber
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.
Interesting Frequently Asked Questions
Which shoe brand has been around the longest?
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.
Which brand is the most popular based on search volume?
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.
Which brand has gained the most brand value over the last 5 years?
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.
Which sustainable shoe brand is the most climate friendly?
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.
