Demand for footwear by consumers in the United States is forecasted to increase four per cent a year till 2023, says Footwear: United States. Footwear can be non-athletic (leather, textile, rubber and plastic, other materials, such as disposable shoes) or athletic (textile, leather and rubber and plastic). Ice skates, roller skates, toy footwear, and orthopedic extension footwear are excluded.

Advances will be driven by rising income levels, which will allow consumers to purchase more and higher value footwear. Increasing complexity of footwear designs in terms of materials and assembly will contribute to price gains. Sales will remain supported by footwear's position as a functional necessity, but also as a piece of recreation equipment, and as a means to project a fashionable and professional appearance.

In addition to a broad shift to textile uppers, there's been movement toward shoes made of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, those made without animal products, made with recycled plastic, made with sustainably sourced wool, hemp, and other natural materials. Trends like these impact the mix of products footwear producers consume, as well as their expectation of innovation from plastic resin manufacturers and compounders; rubber and leather suppliers; and coating, adhesive, and sealant producers.