Shoe Trouble

In Short: 76 major shoe brands—including Nike, Adidas, and Skechers—have begged President Trump to spare footwear from punishing new tariffs. They argue these levies could send sneaker prices soaring and crush the industry.

What’s Going On?

The U.S. has slapped eye-watering tariffs (up to 145%!) on imports from big trade partners, especially China. The footwear industry, already groaning under hefty duties (up to 37.5% on kids’ shoes), fears these new tariffs will stomp out profits and force price hikes. Companies like Adidas and Skechers have even pulled back their financial forecasts, spooked by the trade policy rollercoaster. The FDRA’s plea highlights an “existential threat” to both businesses and families—if costs rise sharply, jobs could vanish, shops could shut, and parents might think twice before shelling out £80 for junior’s trainers.

Insights: This isn’t just a shoe story—it’s a textbook case of how tariff wars ripple through entire industries. Beyond the boardrooms of Nike and Under Armour, this battle shows how unpredictable trade policies can kneecap business planning, stifle growth, and hit consumers where it hurts: their wallets. If Trump holds firm, expect price hikes, retail disruption, and a whole lot of grumpy shoppers.

How Does This Impact Law Firms?