July 10, 2026 Press Release

ICYMI: FDRA Warns New Tariffs, Rising Costs, and Consumer Price Pressures Will Shape Footwear Industry in Second Half of 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) hosted a press call to discuss the latest tariff developments, key findings from FDRA’s Q2 Executive Survey, and growing cost pressures confronting footwear companies and consumers. During the briefing, FDRA President & CEO Matt Priest outlined how rising tariffs, increasing material costs, and renewed freight pressures are creating significant challenges for the industry as companies prepare for the back-to-school season and the remainder of 2026.

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.