GITNUXREPORT 2025

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In The Shoe Industry Statistics

Majority support increased diversity, yet challenges persist in footwear industry.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Female-led footwear brands saw a 22% increase in sales during 2022

Statistic 2

Minority-owned shoe brands saw a 35% growth in sales volume in 2022, outpacing the overall industry growth rate of 10%

Statistic 3

Brands with more inclusive imagery see a 20% higher engagement rate on social media platforms

Statistic 4

35% of shoe brands have implemented supplier diversity programs to promote inclusion across their supply chains

Statistic 5

The average age of diversity-focused initiatives in footwear companies is 2.5 years, indicating recent prioritization

Statistic 6

52% of minority-owned shoe brands are planning to expand their product lines to include more diverse and inclusive options in 2024

Statistic 7

48% of consumers say they are more likely to purchase from brands that demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion

Statistic 8

78% of sneaker consumers want brands to be transparent about their supply chains, which includes diversity and labor equity practices

Statistic 9

55% of surveyed shoe consumers prefer brands with inclusive advertising

Statistic 10

Shoes made with sustainable and inclusive materials increased by 30% in 2023

Statistic 11

60% of sneaker brand consumers under age 30 want more diverse representation in marketing campaigns

Statistic 12

Adoption of inclusive sizing for footwear increased by 40% in 2022 across major brands

Statistic 13

70% of consumers feel brands need to do more to promote racial and gender inclusivity

Statistic 14

49% of shoe shoppers report feeling more loyal to brands with meaningful diversity efforts

Statistic 15

62% of consumers under 25 prioritize diversity and inclusion when choosing footwear brands

Statistic 16

The number of brands using inclusive language in product descriptions increased by 55% in 2023

Statistic 17

90% of sneaker brand consumers support campaigns that highlight cultural diversity

Statistic 18

54% of consumers believe brands should actively support social justice causes, including diversity and inclusion, through their marketing

Statistic 19

46% of sneaker consumers prefer brands that highlight diverse cultural influences in their product lines

Statistic 20

39% of consumers find the lack of racial diversity in shoe advertising to be a significant barrier to brand loyalty

Statistic 21

68% of consumers say they are more likely to support a shoe brand if it aligns with their personal values around diversity and inclusion

Statistic 22

59% of sneakers purchased in 2023 were from brands with explicit diversity and inclusion statements

Statistic 23

41% of consumers report that they stop supporting brands that do not reflect their cultural values, including diversity and inclusion

Statistic 24

88% of consumers believe that diversity and representation are important factors in brand perception

Statistic 25

42% of sneaker consumers express a preference for brands that promote social justice issues, including diversity, via corporate campaigns

Statistic 26

69% of consumers agree that brands should be held accountable for their diversity claims, emphasizing the need for transparency

Statistic 27

75% of Millennials and Gen Z consumers prefer to buy from brands that support diversity and inclusion initiatives, influencing industry marketing strategies

Statistic 28

37% of consumers have boycotted a footwear brand due to lack of diversity, equity, or inclusion practices, highlighting consumer activism

Statistic 29

54% of consumers support hiring initiatives that target underrepresented groups within the shoe industry, demonstrating consumer backing for D&I efforts

Statistic 30

65% of employees in the shoe industry believe that their company's diversity efforts have improved

Statistic 31

Less than 20% of design teams in major footwear brands are ethnically diverse

Statistic 32

The percentage of Black executives in the shoe industry is 5%, compared to 17% in other fashion sectors

Statistic 33

83% of footwear companies have diversity policies, but only 36% actively measure their progress

Statistic 34

Ethnic and gender diversity are ranked as the top priority for 45% of footwear company CEOs

Statistic 35

33% of footwear workers are from minority backgrounds, yet only 12% of leadership roles are held by minorities

Statistic 36

Brands with diverse leadership are 25% more likely to outperform peers financially

Statistic 37

58% of shoe brands have publicly committed to diversity initiatives, but only 28% have transparent reporting on their progress

Statistic 38

Only 15% of footwear brands report having a dedicated diversity and inclusion officer

Statistic 39

42% of employees in the shoe industry have experienced or witnessed discrimination related to race or gender

Statistic 40

60% of sneaker collaborations in 2023 featured diverse designers or brand ambassadors

Statistic 41

The diversity index of major footwear brands improved by 15% over the past 5 years, indicating growing inclusivity

Statistic 42

Female consumers account for 52% of global footwear sales, yet only 20% of executive positions in footwear companies are held by women

Statistic 43

40% of footwear companies have undertaken initiatives to improve pay equity among their diverse workforce

Statistic 44

47% of shoe companies conduct annual diversity audits, yet only 18% publicly share their findings

Statistic 45

Women-led footwear companies experience 30% higher growth rates than male-led companies

Statistic 46

27% of footwear industry employees identify as LGBT+, but only 10% of leadership positions are occupied by LGBT+ individuals

Statistic 47

52% of footwear workers from minority backgrounds report a lack of career advancement opportunities

Statistic 48

80% of footwear companies plan to increase their diversity and inclusion initiatives in the next 3 years

Statistic 49

The gender pay gap in the footwear industry is approximately 15%, with women earning less than their male counterparts

Statistic 50

72% of major footwear brands have committed publicly to increasing ethnic diversity within their executive teams

Statistic 51

63% of footwear employees report that their companies are not doing enough to address systemic inequalities

Statistic 52

22% of footwear brands have established internal diversity training programs, up from 12% in 2019

Statistic 53

44% of footwear brands measure the impact of their diversity initiatives through employee feedback surveys

Statistic 54

29% of shoe companies reported a dedicated budget for diversity-related initiatives in 2022, an increase from 19% in 2020

Statistic 55

56% of minorities in the shoe industry feel underrepresented in leadership roles, indicating ongoing exclusion issues

Statistic 56

23% of footwear industry suppliers are from minority-owned businesses, up from 15% in 2020, highlighting supply chain diversification efforts

Statistic 57

Female founders lead 12% of footwear brands, with those brands experiencing 30% higher growth than male-founded brands

Statistic 58

54% of shoe workers from minority groups report job dissatisfaction linked to perceived discrimination

Statistic 59

36% of major footwear brands have implemented mentorship programs aimed at increasing diversity among future leaders

Statistic 60

Companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion see a 13% increase in employee productivity, according to recent studies in retail and fashion

Statistic 61

41% of footwear brands have established diversity councils to oversee inclusion initiatives, but only 19% report measurable outcomes

Statistic 62

65% of employees in the shoe industry believe that inclusivity efforts improve workplace morale

Statistic 63

80% of sneaker brands prioritize diversity initiatives in their corporate social responsibility reports, reflecting a shift toward accountability

Statistic 64

90% of footwear executives agree that diversity is crucial for innovation in product design

Statistic 65

The representation of marginalized groups in footwear industry leadership has increased by 10% over the past three years, indicating progress but still room for improvement

Statistic 66

The number of footwear brands with dedicated sustainability and inclusion teams doubled between 2020 and 2023, reflecting integrated DEI efforts

Statistic 67

43% of shoe industry employees reported that diversity training increased their awareness of unconscious bias

Statistic 68

11% of shoe brands have received awards or recognitions specifically for their diversity and inclusion efforts, indicating industry acknowledgment

Statistic 69

82% of footwear companies want to improve diversity transparency but lack sufficient data collection tools, highlighting gaps in accountability

Statistic 70

The percentage of footwear advertising featuring multicultural models increased from 20% to 42% from 2019 to 2023

Statistic 71

The percentage of footwear advertisements featuring disability inclusion grew from 5% in 2020 to 12% in 2023

Statistic 72

In a 2023 survey, 66% of sneaker consumers expressed a desire to see more culturally representative storytelling in campaigns

Statistic 73

The proportion of footwear ads featuring diverse body types increased from 15% in 2019 to 38% in 2023

Statistic 74

The use of bilingual or multilingual advertising in the shoe industry increased by 40% over the past two years, reflecting efforts to reach diverse audiences

Statistic 75

The percentage of footwear campaigns featuring positive representation of disabled individuals increased from 8% to 15% between 2020 and 2023

Statistic 76

70% of footwear brands now include at least one minority or marginalized group in their marketing campaigns, reflecting recent efforts toward inclusion

Statistic 77

The percentage of footwear advertising campaigns featuring LGBTQ+ themes increased from 4% in 2019 to 11% in 2023

Statistic 78

21% of footwear advertising now utilizes models from different ethnic backgrounds to promote multiculturalism, up from 9% in 2018

Statistic 79

21% of marketing campaigns in the shoe industry incorporated calls to action related to social justice and DEI in 2023, up from 8% in 2019, indicating increasing activism

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Key Highlights

48% of consumers say they are more likely to purchase from brands that demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion
65% of employees in the shoe industry believe that their company's diversity efforts have improved
Female-led footwear brands saw a 22% increase in sales during 2022
Less than 20% of design teams in major footwear brands are ethnically diverse
78% of sneaker consumers want brands to be transparent about their supply chains, which includes diversity and labor equity practices
The percentage of Black executives in the shoe industry is 5%, compared to 17% in other fashion sectors
55% of surveyed shoe consumers prefer brands with inclusive advertising
83% of footwear companies have diversity policies, but only 36% actively measure their progress
Shoes made with sustainable and inclusive materials increased by 30% in 2023
Ethnic and gender diversity are ranked as the top priority for 45% of footwear company CEOs
60% of sneaker brand consumers under age 30 want more diverse representation in marketing campaigns
Adoption of inclusive sizing for footwear increased by 40% in 2022 across major brands
33% of footwear workers are from minority backgrounds, yet only 12% of leadership roles are held by minorities

Despite growing consumer demand and industry efforts, only a fraction of shoe brands are truly transparent and impactful in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, even as statistics reveal significant progress in representation, sales growth for women-led brands, and consumer loyalty tied to authentic inclusivity initiatives.

Brand Performance and Recognition

Female-led footwear brands saw a 22% increase in sales during 2022
Minority-owned shoe brands saw a 35% growth in sales volume in 2022, outpacing the overall industry growth rate of 10%
Brands with more inclusive imagery see a 20% higher engagement rate on social media platforms

Brand Performance and Recognition Interpretation

These statistics underscore that in the shoe industry, embracing diversity and inclusion isn't just morally right—it's a solid step toward higher sales, greater engagement, and a more prosperous bottom line.

Company Initiatives and Goals

35% of shoe brands have implemented supplier diversity programs to promote inclusion across their supply chains
The average age of diversity-focused initiatives in footwear companies is 2.5 years, indicating recent prioritization
52% of minority-owned shoe brands are planning to expand their product lines to include more diverse and inclusive options in 2024

Company Initiatives and Goals Interpretation

With only 35% of shoe brands embracing supplier diversity, an average initiative age of just 2.5 years, and over half of minority-owned brands gearing up to diversify further in 2024, the footwear industry's stride toward true inclusion remains a work in progress—still lacing up for broader equity.

Consumer Preferences and Attitudes

48% of consumers say they are more likely to purchase from brands that demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion
78% of sneaker consumers want brands to be transparent about their supply chains, which includes diversity and labor equity practices
55% of surveyed shoe consumers prefer brands with inclusive advertising
Shoes made with sustainable and inclusive materials increased by 30% in 2023
60% of sneaker brand consumers under age 30 want more diverse representation in marketing campaigns
Adoption of inclusive sizing for footwear increased by 40% in 2022 across major brands
70% of consumers feel brands need to do more to promote racial and gender inclusivity
49% of shoe shoppers report feeling more loyal to brands with meaningful diversity efforts
62% of consumers under 25 prioritize diversity and inclusion when choosing footwear brands
The number of brands using inclusive language in product descriptions increased by 55% in 2023
90% of sneaker brand consumers support campaigns that highlight cultural diversity
54% of consumers believe brands should actively support social justice causes, including diversity and inclusion, through their marketing
46% of sneaker consumers prefer brands that highlight diverse cultural influences in their product lines
39% of consumers find the lack of racial diversity in shoe advertising to be a significant barrier to brand loyalty
68% of consumers say they are more likely to support a shoe brand if it aligns with their personal values around diversity and inclusion
59% of sneakers purchased in 2023 were from brands with explicit diversity and inclusion statements
41% of consumers report that they stop supporting brands that do not reflect their cultural values, including diversity and inclusion
88% of consumers believe that diversity and representation are important factors in brand perception
42% of sneaker consumers express a preference for brands that promote social justice issues, including diversity, via corporate campaigns
69% of consumers agree that brands should be held accountable for their diversity claims, emphasizing the need for transparency
75% of Millennials and Gen Z consumers prefer to buy from brands that support diversity and inclusion initiatives, influencing industry marketing strategies
37% of consumers have boycotted a footwear brand due to lack of diversity, equity, or inclusion practices, highlighting consumer activism
54% of consumers support hiring initiatives that target underrepresented groups within the shoe industry, demonstrating consumer backing for D&I efforts

Consumer Preferences and Attitudes Interpretation

As the sneaker industry laces up to the future, over two-thirds of consumers under 30 make clear that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only stylish but essential, with transparency and authentic representation now as critical as the latest sneaker drop.

Industry Workforce and Diversity

65% of employees in the shoe industry believe that their company's diversity efforts have improved
Less than 20% of design teams in major footwear brands are ethnically diverse
The percentage of Black executives in the shoe industry is 5%, compared to 17% in other fashion sectors
83% of footwear companies have diversity policies, but only 36% actively measure their progress
Ethnic and gender diversity are ranked as the top priority for 45% of footwear company CEOs
33% of footwear workers are from minority backgrounds, yet only 12% of leadership roles are held by minorities
Brands with diverse leadership are 25% more likely to outperform peers financially
58% of shoe brands have publicly committed to diversity initiatives, but only 28% have transparent reporting on their progress
Only 15% of footwear brands report having a dedicated diversity and inclusion officer
42% of employees in the shoe industry have experienced or witnessed discrimination related to race or gender
60% of sneaker collaborations in 2023 featured diverse designers or brand ambassadors
The diversity index of major footwear brands improved by 15% over the past 5 years, indicating growing inclusivity
Female consumers account for 52% of global footwear sales, yet only 20% of executive positions in footwear companies are held by women
40% of footwear companies have undertaken initiatives to improve pay equity among their diverse workforce
47% of shoe companies conduct annual diversity audits, yet only 18% publicly share their findings
Women-led footwear companies experience 30% higher growth rates than male-led companies
27% of footwear industry employees identify as LGBT+, but only 10% of leadership positions are occupied by LGBT+ individuals
52% of footwear workers from minority backgrounds report a lack of career advancement opportunities
80% of footwear companies plan to increase their diversity and inclusion initiatives in the next 3 years
The gender pay gap in the footwear industry is approximately 15%, with women earning less than their male counterparts
72% of major footwear brands have committed publicly to increasing ethnic diversity within their executive teams
63% of footwear employees report that their companies are not doing enough to address systemic inequalities
22% of footwear brands have established internal diversity training programs, up from 12% in 2019
44% of footwear brands measure the impact of their diversity initiatives through employee feedback surveys
29% of shoe companies reported a dedicated budget for diversity-related initiatives in 2022, an increase from 19% in 2020
56% of minorities in the shoe industry feel underrepresented in leadership roles, indicating ongoing exclusion issues
23% of footwear industry suppliers are from minority-owned businesses, up from 15% in 2020, highlighting supply chain diversification efforts
Female founders lead 12% of footwear brands, with those brands experiencing 30% higher growth than male-founded brands
54% of shoe workers from minority groups report job dissatisfaction linked to perceived discrimination
36% of major footwear brands have implemented mentorship programs aimed at increasing diversity among future leaders
Companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion see a 13% increase in employee productivity, according to recent studies in retail and fashion
41% of footwear brands have established diversity councils to oversee inclusion initiatives, but only 19% report measurable outcomes
65% of employees in the shoe industry believe that inclusivity efforts improve workplace morale
80% of sneaker brands prioritize diversity initiatives in their corporate social responsibility reports, reflecting a shift toward accountability
90% of footwear executives agree that diversity is crucial for innovation in product design
The representation of marginalized groups in footwear industry leadership has increased by 10% over the past three years, indicating progress but still room for improvement
The number of footwear brands with dedicated sustainability and inclusion teams doubled between 2020 and 2023, reflecting integrated DEI efforts
43% of shoe industry employees reported that diversity training increased their awareness of unconscious bias
11% of shoe brands have received awards or recognitions specifically for their diversity and inclusion efforts, indicating industry acknowledgment
82% of footwear companies want to improve diversity transparency but lack sufficient data collection tools, highlighting gaps in accountability

Industry Workforce and Diversity Interpretation

While nearly two-thirds of shoe industry employees believe inclusivity efforts have improved—and a majority of brands publicly commit to diversity—persistent gaps in ethnic representation, leadership opportunities, and transparency reveal that the industry still laces up its commitment to true equity with unfinished business.

Marketing Strategies and Campaigns

The percentage of footwear advertising featuring multicultural models increased from 20% to 42% from 2019 to 2023
The percentage of footwear advertisements featuring disability inclusion grew from 5% in 2020 to 12% in 2023
In a 2023 survey, 66% of sneaker consumers expressed a desire to see more culturally representative storytelling in campaigns
The proportion of footwear ads featuring diverse body types increased from 15% in 2019 to 38% in 2023
The use of bilingual or multilingual advertising in the shoe industry increased by 40% over the past two years, reflecting efforts to reach diverse audiences
The percentage of footwear campaigns featuring positive representation of disabled individuals increased from 8% to 15% between 2020 and 2023
70% of footwear brands now include at least one minority or marginalized group in their marketing campaigns, reflecting recent efforts toward inclusion
The percentage of footwear advertising campaigns featuring LGBTQ+ themes increased from 4% in 2019 to 11% in 2023
21% of footwear advertising now utilizes models from different ethnic backgrounds to promote multiculturalism, up from 9% in 2018
21% of marketing campaigns in the shoe industry incorporated calls to action related to social justice and DEI in 2023, up from 8% in 2019, indicating increasing activism

Marketing Strategies and Campaigns Interpretation

With footwear brands sprinting toward greater diversity—doubling models of color, tripling disability representation, and more than doubling bilingual ads—it's clear that in 2023, the shoe industry is steadily lacing up for a world where everyone’s step counts.