Fashion Footwear Rebound Lifts Market Outlook

Analysts say the increasing demand for boots is changing lifestyle and fashion footwear trends at retailers throughout the US.

A revival in fashion footwear is reshaping the fashion and lifestyle market, which Steven Madden Ltd. ranks as a possible standout, according to BTIG analyst Janine Stichter.

In a recent research note, Stichter described four major themes of footwear, including renewed interest in consumer demands for fashion-forward styles. She called Steven Madden "one of the best options in the small- and mid-cap names" and cautioned that the move toward fashion shoes may put pressure on companies like Deckers and VF Corp.

Fashion boots are driving the recovery with the help of rising average unit retail prices and good seasonal demand. Madden CEO Edward Rosenfeld recently suggested that tall-shaft boots and dress shoes are performing well, which strengthens the overall lifestyle and fashion shift underway. Other retailers, such as Caleres Inc. and Designer Brands Inc., also have claimed strength in women's flats, loafers, and boots.

However, there are still difficulties for canvas footwear. Stichter noted softer sales at Vans and Converse, part of Nike Inc., due to normalized demand for Adidas terrace styles.

Retailers report that winter weather has spurred sales of boots in all categories (women's, men's, and kids'). Analysts believe athletic footwear growth will plateau, with lifestyle and fashion trends, especially boots and brown tones of dress wearables, picking up steam in the build-up to 2026.