FDRA: families are footing the tariffs bill as shoe prices jump again
The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) has responded to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, highlighting continued increases in footwear prices and the growing role tariffs are playing in driving inflation across the industry.
New analysis from FDRA shows overall inflation rose 4.2% year-over-year in May, marking the fastest pace in three years, while footwear prices jumped 5.2%, the fastest increase in nearly four years.
Price increases were seen across categories, including men's (5.4%), women's (6.2%), and children's footwear (2.3%).
The FDRA said these rising costs are not just the result of broader economic trends but are increasingly tied to tariff policies affecting the footwear supply chain.
Matt Priest, CEO of FDRA, said: “Families are feeling the squeeze, and the footwear industry is seeing it play out in real time. While there are many factors contributing to inflation, tariffs are playing an outsized role in driving up the cost of everyday essentials like shoes.
“These are not discretionary items - they're a necessity - and the longer these policies remain in place, the more pressure they put on American households.”
FDRA supports 500 companies and brands worldwide, representing 98% of the US footwear industry.
