As the Q2 earnings season wraps, let’s dig into this quarter’s best and worst performers in the footwear industry, including Genesco (NYSE: GCO) and its peers.

Before the advent of the internet, styles changed, but consumers mainly bought shoes by visiting local brick-and-mortar shoe, department, and specialty stores. Today, not only do styles change more frequently as fads travel through social media and the internet but consumers are also shifting the way they buy their goods, favoring omnichannel and e-commerce experiences. Some footwear companies have made concerted efforts to adapt while those who are slower to move may fall behind.

The 7 footwear stocks we track reported a mixed Q2. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 2.6% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was 34% below.

While some footwear stocks have fared somewhat better than others, they have collectively declined. On average, share prices are down 2.4% since the latest earnings results.

Genesco (NYSE: GCO)

Spanning a broad range of styles, brands, and prices, Genesco (NYSE: GCO) sells footwear, apparel, and accessories through multiple brands and banners.

Genesco reported revenues of $546 million, up 4% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 2.6%. Despite the top-line beat, it was still a mixed quarter for the company with a decent beat of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates but full-year EPS guidance missing analysts’ expectations.

Mimi E. Vaughn, Genesco’s Board Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are pleased to report another quarter that exceeded expectations and our fourth consecutive quarter of positive comparable sales growth. The momentum from the second half of last year has continued in Fiscal 2026 highlighted by Journeys high-single digit comp increase as our strategic plan to accelerate growth continues to gain traction. Our focus on product elevation, enhanced customer experience, and strengthened brand positioning is resonating with our broader target teen customer base, as we outperform the market and drive increased share.”

Unsurprisingly, the stock is down 12.3% since reporting and currently trades at $28.94.

Is now the time to buy Genesco? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free for active Edge members.

Best Q2: Nike (NYSE: NKE)

Originally selling Japanese Onitsuka Tiger sneakers as Blue Ribbon Sports, Nike (NYSE: NKE) is a global titan in athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories.

Nike reported revenues of $11.72 billion, up 1.1% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 6.5%. The business had an incredible quarter with an impressive beat of analysts’ constant currency revenue estimates and a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates.

Although it had a fine quarter compared its peers, the market seems unhappy with the results as the stock is down 4.2% since reporting. It currently trades at $66.79.

Is now the time to buy Nike? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free for active Edge members.

Slowest Q2: Caleres (NYSE: CAL)

The owner of Dr. Scholl's, Caleres (NYSE: CAL) is a footwear company offering a range of styles.

Caleres reported revenues of $658.5 million, down 3.6% year on year, in line with analysts’ expectations. It was a disappointing quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates. 

Caleres delivered the slowest revenue growth in the group. As expected, the stock is down 15.2% since the results and currently trades at $12.69.

Read our full analysis of Caleres’s results here.

Wolverine Worldwide (NYSE: WWW)

Founded in 1883, Wolverine Worldwide (NYSE: WWW) is a global footwear company with a diverse portfolio of brands including Merrell, Hush Puppies, and Saucony.

Wolverine Worldwide reported revenues of $474.2 million, up 11.5% year on year. This result beat analysts’ expectations by 5.1%. Overall, it was an exceptional quarter as it also put up a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

The stock is up 12% since reporting and currently trades at $26.32.

Read our full, actionable report on Wolverine Worldwide here, it’s free for active Edge members.

Deckers (NYSE: DECK)

Established in 1973, Deckers (NYSE: DECK) is a footwear and apparel conglomerate with a portfolio of lifestyle and performance brands.

Deckers reported revenues of $964.5 million, up 16.9% year on year. This print surpassed analysts’ expectations by 7.2%. It was a very strong quarter as it also recorded an impressive beat of analysts’ constant currency revenue estimates and a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates.

Deckers delivered the biggest analyst estimates beat and fastest revenue growth among its peers. The stock is down 6.5% since reporting and currently trades at $98.16.

Read our full, actionable report on Deckers here, it’s free for active Edge members.

Market Update

As a result of the Fed’s rate hikes in 2022 and 2023, inflation has come down from frothy levels post-pandemic. The general rise in the price of goods and services is trending towards the Fed’s 2% goal as of late, which is good news. The higher rates that fought inflation also didn't slow economic activity enough to catalyze a recession. So far, soft landing. This, combined with recent rate cuts (half a percent in September 2024 and a quarter percent in November 2024) have led to strong stock market performance in 2024. The icing on the cake for 2024 returns was Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. Presidential Election in early November, sending major indices to all-time highs in the week following the election. Still, debates around the health of the economy and the impact of potential tariffs and corporate tax cuts remain, leaving much uncertainty around 2025.

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