The average selling price of athletic footwear was down in the low single digits, while units rose only slightly.

The slowdown in athletic footwear’s growth rate was driven by the performance in the running segment, the largest category within athletic. Within the running category, both lifestyle and performance slowed.

The basketball category continued to be challenged, given the shift in fashion away from the basketball silhouette.

According to the same source, classics continued to be a force to be reckoned with in athletic footwear, with sales for this category up about a third. Nearly every major brand posted an increase in this category.

Looking at channel performance, athletic footwear sales within department stores, national chains, and athletic specialty/sporting goods were all essentially flat in the quarter. The shoe chain channel achieved the best results with sales up in the mid-single digits.