Leading U.S. footwear companies, including Nike, Adidas, and Skechers, are calling on the Trump administration to exclude shoes from reciprocal tariffs, citing severe economic risks. The Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA) submitted a joint letter signed by 76 companies on April 29, warning that tariffs as high as 37.5% on children’s shoes could devastate the industry.
In the letter, the FDRA emphasized that such tariffs would “leave Americans scrambling for affordable shoes,” with hundreds of businesses at risk of closure. The group stressed the existential threat to jobs and affordability, particularly for working families reliant on budget-friendly footwear options.
Industry analysts note that increased production costs could drive price hikes across retail markets, disproportionately affecting lower-income households. While the Biden administration has not yet responded, the appeal highlights growing tensions between U.S. trade policies and domestic business interests ahead of pivotal economic negotiations.
