World Footwear

Trade

Americans buy 7.5 pairs of shoes per year

Jan 22, 2015 United States
Americans buy 7.5 pairs of shoes per year
The number has been released by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) while announcing their ApparelStats 2014 and ShoeStats 2014 reports
"The industry continued to fire on all cylinders in 2013", stated AAFA President and CEO Juanita D. Duggan, adding: “As a result, apparel and footwear contributed a record 361 billion US dollars to the US economy in 2013, a bigger contribution than new cars, alcohol, toys, or practically any other industry."

The same source estimates that on average every American (including every man, woman, and child) "spent 1 141 US dollars to purchase 64 garments and 7 ½ pairs of shoes in 2013, more than any other country in the world." They added that the rebound in Made in USA clothes and shoes, first seen in 2011, continued in 2013 with US manufacturing of clothes up 6.2% and shoes up 8.5%.

Despite the growth registered, the AAFA notes that 97% of all clothes and 98% of all shoes sold in the US today are imported items. "The fact remains that the U.S. apparel and footwear market is dependent on international trade", commented Duggan, adding: "Therefore, we call on Congress and the Obama administration to take immediate action on long-pending trade legislation and trade agreements to help the industry's 4 million US workers, and the country's 316 million consumers."

Related Events

  • Jul
    15
    Jul 15-Jul 16, 2025 | St. Paul, Minnesota, United States

    Northwest Shoe Travelers Market

  • Jul
    15
    Jul 15-Jul 16, 2025 | New York, United States

    Première Vision New York

  • Jul
    16
    Jul 16-Jul 17, 2025 | Portland, United States

    Polymers in Footwear Portland

  • Jul
    22
    Jul 22-Jul 24, 2025 | San Diego; Las Vegas (summer edition), United States

    The IR Show

Related Organizations

  • L&HCA - Leather & Hide Council of America

    L&HCA - Leather & Hide Council of America

    United States
  • FFANY - Fashion Footwear Association of New York

    FFANY - Fashion Footwear Association of New York

    United States
  • SSIA - Shoe Service Institute of America

    SSIA - Shoe Service Institute of America

    United States
  • FDRA - Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America

    FDRA - Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America

    United States