October 14, 2026 Press Release

FDRA Statement on September Consumer Price Index Report

New inflation data underscores continued pressure on consumers as voters say tariffs are raising everyday costs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) today responded to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which showed inflation accelerating in September as American families continue to face higher costs for everyday goods.

Overall inflation accelerated from 3.4% in August to 3.7% in September, the third-sharpest increase in more than three years. Footwear prices rose a comparable 3.4% year over year. Men’s footwear prices rose 4.5%, women’s prices increased 3.9%, and children’s footwear prices rose 0.4%.

“Today’s report is another reminder that the affordability challenges facing American families have not gone away,” said Matt Priest, President and CEO of FDRA. “Consumers are already navigating higher costs across their household budgets, and tariffs add another layer of expense to products people buy every day. Footwear companies are working hard to keep shoes affordable, but there is a limit to how much additional cost businesses can absorb before those pressures reach consumers.”

Read full release here.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Matt Priest, please contact fdracomms@cgagroup.com.

About FDRA: FDRA is governed and directed by footwear executives and is the only trade organization focused solely on the footwear industry. Serving the full footwear supply chain, it boosts its members’ bottom lines through innovative products, training, consulting on footwear design and development, sourcing and compliance, trade and customs, advocacy, and consumer and sales trend analysis for shoe retailers around the world. FDRA supports 500 companies and brands worldwide, representing 98% of the total U.S. footwear industry.

To schedule an interview with Matt Priest on the state of the footwear industry, please email fdracomms@cgagroup.com.