Skechers
| Company type | Public (until privatization in 2025) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Footwear and apparel |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Founder | Robert Greenberg |
| Headquarters | Manhattan Beach, California , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Robert Greenberg (founder) |
| Products | Footwear, apparel, accessories |
| Website | www |
Skechers USA, Inc. is a global American company specializing in footwear and apparel, with its main office located in Manhattan Beach, California. Established in 1992 by Robert Greenberg, it ranks as the third largest footwear brand worldwide in terms of sales.
History
Robert Greenberg, who had earlier founded LA Gear in 1983, started Skechers in 1992 initially concentrating on men's casual street shoes; the brand's early offerings featured utility-inspired boots that gained popularity within the grunge fashion scene. The company swiftly broadened its product range to include casual and athletic footwear for women and children, eventually going public in 1999. In 2011, Skechers introduced a performance-oriented sportswear collection aimed at athletes and secured marathon runner Meb Keflezighi as a brand ambassador.
Expanding its footprint globally, Skechers has become the third largest footwear company internationally. In January 2019, the firm undertook an expansion of its corporate headquarters in the South Bay, effectively doubling its office space, design facilities, and showrooms. By 2023, Skechers earned a spot on the Fortune 500 list, underscoring its robust financial results and sustained business expansion.
Litigation
In 2012, Skechers resolved a $40 million class action lawsuit following allegations from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission that its advertisements for Shape-Ups shoes were deceptive.
Adidas initiated a trademark infringement suit against Skechers in 2015 concerning the Skechers Onix model, accusing it of imitating the Adidas Stan Smith design. This matter was confidentially settled by May 2018.
In 2019, Nike filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Skechers, asserting that certain Skechers models copied elements from Nike’s VaporMax and Air Max 270 sneakers.
Forced labor investigation
French authorities began investigating Skechers and other companies in 2021 over possible links to forced labor involving Uyghurs in China. A December 2023 report by Sheffield Hallam University further highlighted potential associations with forced labor practices. Skechers has denied these accusations, affirming that no evidence indicates forced labor within its supply chain. Despite ongoing concerns, Skechers opened a retail location in Ürümqi, Xinjiang, in September 2024, which was met with criticism from the Worker Rights Consortium.
Privatization
On May 5, 2025, Skechers announced an agreement to be acquired by private equity firm 3G Capital. Following regulatory approval expected in Q3 2025, the transaction will lead to Skechers being removed from the New York Stock Exchange and transitioning to private ownership.
Products and advertising
Skechers develops, markets, and sells lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel, and accessories for both adults and children. Its prominent lines include Skechers Sport, Slip-ins, D'Lites, the charitable Bobs collection, Mark Nason, Skechers Work, Go Walk, Go Run, and Go Golf. Since 2020, some models have incorporated Goodyear rubber soles to improve longevity.
The brand has utilized endorsements from celebrities such as musicians Ringo Starr, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Snoop Dogg; television figures like Martha Stewart; as well as athletes including baseball player Clayton Kershaw, boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, and football icons such as Joe Montana. Since 2010, Skechers has maintained a consistent presence as an advertiser during the Super Bowl.
In 2019, Skechers launched a comparative marketing campaign called "Just Blew It," which spotlighted failures of a competitor’s product to strengthen its market position.
Since 2021, Skechers has sponsored the W Racing Team (WRT) in sports car racing; WRT’s parent company handles European distribution from Liège, Belgium.
The Skechers Performance division features endorsements by distance runner Meb Keflezighi, along with golfers Brooke Henderson and Matt Fitzpatrick. In 2022, the brand entered the pickleball arena by sponsoring leading players and supporting the first nationally televised tournament in the United States. In 2023, it expanded into soccer and basketball with technical footwear endorsed by England’s Harry Kane and NBA stars Julius Randle, Terance Mann, and Joel Embiid. By 2024, Skechers became the official kit sponsor for Indian football club Mohun Bagan Super Giant, succeeding Nivia Sports.
Philanthropy
In 2010, Skechers launched the Skechers Foundation to back various charitable causes. Collaborating with the Friendship Foundation, it organizes an annual walk in Manhattan Beach aimed at generating donations for organizations that assist students with special needs. Through its Bobs charity initiative, the company provides new footwear globally, supporting programs such as Head Start, educational foundations, homeless shelters, disaster relief operations, and animal welfare groups including Petco Love and Woodgreen Pets Charity. By the year 2020, Bobs had distributed more than 16 million pairs of shoes. In 2024, Skechers donated $20,000 to support the men’s and women’s soccer teams at Austin High School.
Entertainment
Skechers ventured into the entertainment sector by partnering with MoonScoop Entertainment and animator John Massé. This collaboration resulted in the creation of the animated series Zevo-3 along with several direct-to-DVD productions by SD Entertainment, which include:
- Hydee and the Hytops: The Movie (2011)
- Twinkle Toes (2012)
- Twinkle Toes Lights Up New York (2016)