Sneaker Brand Ownership: Nike, Adidas, and Beyond

A $131 Billion Market, A Handful of Owners

The global sneaker market is valued at over $131 billion and projected to surpass $215 billion by 2031, according to Allied Market Research. Sneakers have transcended their athletic origins to become fashion statements, cultural symbols, and even investment assets. The resale market alone generates billions annually.

But behind the thousands of sneaker models, collaborations, and limited-edition drops, a relatively small number of corporations control the market. Nike alone commands roughly 38% of the global athletic footwear market. Add Adidas, New Balance, Puma, and Skechers, and the top five companies account for approximately 70% of all sneaker sales.

This guide maps out who owns the major sneaker brands, how the market has evolved, and what the ownership landscape means for sneaker culture in 2026.

The Big Five Sneaker Corporations

1. Nike, Inc.

Headquarters: Beaverton, Oregon, USA Ticker: NYSE: NKE Global Footwear Market Share: ~38% Annual Revenue: ~$51 billion (FY 2025)

Nike is the undisputed leader of the global sneaker market. Founded by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports, Nike has grown into the world's most valuable apparel brand.

• Nike (flagship athletic brand)
• Jordan (basketball lifestyle, the highest-revenue sneaker sub-brand)
• Converse (acquired 2003 for $309 million; casual/lifestyle)

• The Jordan Brand alone generates over $7 billion in annual revenue
• Nike signed Victor Wembanyama to a rumored $100 million+ deal in 2025
• Converse, acquired for just $309 million, now generates over $2 billion annually
• Nike sold Hurley (surf brand) in 2019 and Cole Haan in 2012 to focus on athletic footwear and apparel

2025-2026 developments: Under CEO Elliott Hill (who replaced John Donahoe in late 2024), Nike has been refocusing on product innovation and wholesale partnerships after a period of declining market share. The company's renewed emphasis on performance running and basketball aims to counter gains by New Balance and On Running.

2. Adidas AG

Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Germany Ticker: Frankfurt: ADS Global Footwear Market Share: ~15% Annual Revenue: ~$24 billion (2024)

Adidas is the world's second-largest sneaker company and Nike's primary global competitor.

• Adidas (flagship athletic and lifestyle brand)
• Adidas Originals (heritage/lifestyle line)
• Y-3 (collaboration with Yohji Yamamoto)

• Reebok (sold to Authentic Brands Group in 2022 for $2.5 billion)
• TaylorMade (golf, sold in 2017)

• Adidas' sale of Reebok in 2022 simplified its portfolio to focus on the core Adidas brand
• The end of the Yeezy partnership with Kanye West in 2022 initially created a $1.2 billion revenue hole; Adidas sold remaining Yeezy inventory through 2023-2024
• The Samba and Gazelle silhouettes drove strong growth in 2024-2025, though Bank of America issued a double-downgrade on Adidas stock in late 2025, warning of potential overreliance on retro styles

3. New Balance Athletics

Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, USA Ownership: Privately held (Davis family) Global Footwear Market Share: ~6% (growing rapidly) Annual Revenue: ~$7.8 billion (2024 estimate)

New Balance is the largest privately held sneaker company and the industry's fastest-growing major brand.

• New Balance (athletic and lifestyle)
• New Balance Numeric (skateboarding)

• New Balance has been owned by the Davis family since Jim Davis purchased the company in 1972 for $100,000
• Revenue has approximately doubled since 2020, driven by the 550, 2002R, and 1906R silhouettes
• The brand's collaboration strategy (with Aime Leon Dore, JJJJound, Joe Freshgoods) has made it a cultural force
• New Balance is the only major sneaker company that manufactures some products in the United States and United Kingdom

4. Puma SE

Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Germany (same town as Adidas) Ticker: Frankfurt: PUM Annual Revenue: ~$9.5 billion (2024)

Puma has an intertwined history with Adidas. Both were founded in the same German town by feuding brothers: Rudolf Dassler (Puma) and Adolf Dassler (Adidas).

• Puma (athletic and lifestyle)
• Cobra Golf (acquired 2010)

• French luxury group Kering (parent of Gucci) held a majority stake in Puma until 2023, when it reduced its holding to approximately 15%
• The Artemis family (Francois-Henri Pinault, CEO of Kering) retains significant influence
• Puma has invested heavily in motorsport partnerships (Formula 1) and collaborations with Rihanna and A$AP Rocky

5. Skechers U.S.A.

Headquarters: Manhattan Beach, California, USA Ticker: NYSE: SKX Annual Revenue: ~$8.9 billion (2024)

Skechers has grown from a small California shoe company into the world's third-largest footwear brand by revenue, recently surpassing Adidas in U.S. market share for certain categories.

• Skechers (comfort and lifestyle footwear)

• Skechers has focused on comfort technology and broader lifestyle positioning rather than competing directly in performance athletics
• The brand has grown significantly in international markets, particularly India and China
• Skechers' market capitalization exceeded $10 billion in 2025

Other Notable Sneaker Brands and Their Owners

The Sneaker Resale Market

The secondary sneaker market has become a significant industry:

• StockX reported record-breaking 2025 sales with nearly 200 brands setting all-time annual sales records
• GOAT and eBay are major resale platforms
• The global sneaker resale market is estimated at $10 billion+
• Limited-edition collaborations and retro releases drive premium pricing

The resale market primarily benefits Nike (Jordan Brand dominates resale volume), New Balance (collaboration releases), and Adidas (Samba, Gazelle, legacy Yeezy).

Sneaker Market Trends in 2026

Performance running resurgence: On Running and HOKA have disrupted the running category. Nike and Adidas are investing heavily to recapture performance running market share.

Retro fatigue risk: After several years of retro silhouettes driving growth (New Balance 550, Adidas Samba), there are concerns about consumer fatigue with vintage-inspired designs.

Sustainability push: Major brands are investing in recycled materials and more sustainable manufacturing. Adidas' Futurecraft.Loop and Nike's Move to Zero initiatives aim to reduce environmental impact.

AI and customization: Nike's AI-driven design tools and personalization platforms are creating new product experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the biggest sneaker company?

Nike is the largest sneaker company by revenue and market share, controlling approximately 38% of the global athletic footwear market. The company generates over $51 billion in annual revenue.

Does Nike own Jordan Brand?

Yes. Jordan Brand is a wholly-owned division of Nike, Inc. Named after Michael Jordan, the brand generates over $7 billion in annual revenue and is the most valuable sub-brand in the sneaker industry.

Does Adidas still own Reebok?

No. Adidas sold Reebok to Authentic Brands Group in 2022 for $2.5 billion. Reebok is now managed by ABG and licensed to various manufacturers and retailers.

Is New Balance publicly traded?

No. New Balance is privately held by the Davis family. Jim Davis purchased the company in 1972 for $100,000, and the family has maintained ownership ever since, making it the largest privately held sneaker company.

Who owns Vans?

Vans is owned by VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC), which acquired the brand in 2004. VF Corporation also owns The North Face, Timberland, and other outdoor and lifestyle brands.

The Bottom Line

The sneaker industry is dominated by a small number of corporations, with Nike holding a commanding lead. However, the market is evolving rapidly. New Balance's rise, the emergence of On Running and HOKA, Adidas' post-Yeezy repositioning, and Nike's leadership transition are all reshaping the competitive landscape. For sneaker enthusiasts, understanding who owns which brand provides context for the product decisions, collaborations, and market dynamics that shape sneaker culture.

Explore sneaker brand ownership on WhoBrands or browse fashion and apparel brands.

Explore Related Brands

• Nike - World's largest sneaker brand
• Adidas - German athletic giant, Nike's main rival
• Converse - Classic sneaker brand, owned by Nike
• New Balance - Privately held, fastest-growing major brand
• Vans - Skateboarding icon, owned by VF Corporation
• Puma - German rival, founded by Adidas founder's brother

Browse all fashion & apparel brands

Sources

1. Allied Market Research. "Global Sneaker Market Report." 2025. 2. StockX. "Big Facts: Current Culture Index 2025." stockx.com 3. Nike, Inc. Annual Report FY2025. nike.com/investors 4. Adidas AG. Annual Report 2024. adidas-group.com/investors 5. Business of Fashion. "The Sneakers That Mattered Most in 2025." December 2025. 6. WWD. "The Most Important Sneaker Releases to Watch in 2026."

All brand ownership data verified through WhoBrands.com's research methodology. Last updated: February 5, 2026.