2026 Footwear, Apparel, and Accessories Brand Heat Index Special Report

Oct 13, 2026

2026 US Footwear, Apparel, and Accessories Brand Heat Index is a special report measuring relative brand popularity across major footwear and apparel categories, and for the first time adding bags & luggage and outdoor equipment & sporting goods. Based on a survey of approximately 6,000 US consumers aged 14 to 55, the index assigns heat scores on a 0–100 scale and focuses on brands with the strongest upward trajectory. Results are segmented by gender and generational cohort, showing how brand heat varies across consumer groups, with category rankings and notable trends.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryGeneral

FormatPDF

Pages27

Reading Time9 min

AccessFree to download

About the Brand Heat Index

2026 Noteworthy consumer trends

Footwear

Athletic footwear

Casual footwear

Outdoor/rugged footwear

Dress footwear

Apparel

Athletic clothing

Casual clothing

Outdoor clothing

Dress clothing

Bags & luggage

Outdoor equipment & sporting goods

Conclusion

About the Authors

SPECIAL REPORT Contents About the Brand Heat Index ...............................................................................3 2026 Noteworthy consumer trends ..................................................................4 Footwear ................................................................................................................5 Athletic footwear .............................................................................................6 Casual footwear .............................................................................................. 8 Outdoor/rugged footwear........................................................................... 10 Dress footwear ................................................................................................11 Apparel .................................................................................................................. 14 Athletic clothing .............................................................................................. 15 Casual clothing................................................................................................ 17 Outdoor clothing ............................................................................................ 19 Dress clothing.................................................................................................. 21 Bags & luggage ................................................................................................... 23 Outdoor equipment & sporting goods............................................................24 Conclusion ........................................................................................................... 25 About the Authors ............................................................................................. 26 2 L. E. K. Consulting SPECIAL REPORT About the Brand Heat Index In a market where consumers are more selective, and loyalty is harder to earn, Brand Heat has become a leading indicator of sustainable growth. L. E. K. Consulting’s 2026 US Footwear, Apparel, and Accessories Brand Heat Index measures relative brand popularity across major footwear and apparel categories and, for the first time this year, includes bags & luggage and outdoor equipment & sporting goods. Importantly, our index breaks this down by gender and generational cohort, demonstrating how “heat” differs across consumer segments and allowing brands and retailers to enhance their strategic decision-making. The Brand Heat Index is based on a survey of thousands of U.S. consumers who have recently purchased footwear, apparel or related goods. Brands receive a heat score on a standardized index—the higher the score, the hotter the brand. L. E. K.’s Brand Heat Index methodology Survey of approximately 6,000 U. S. consumers | Including | Covering the past | Evaluating about | | --- | --- | --- | | consumers ages
14 to 55 | 12
months | 650
brands | Brands receive heat scores on an index of 0 to100 Following this framework, the Brand Heat Index identifies brands with the strongest upward trajectory among shoppers, rather than reflecting relative size or scale. The survey captures feedback on brands across four footwear and apparel use case categories: athletic, casual, outdoor or rugged, and dress. Bags & luggage and outdoor equipment are also assessed. Category definitions | s | Athletic | | Footwear
Athletic sneakers, basketball shoes, cleats | Apparel
Performance tops, athletic shorts, joggers, leggings, surf/ skate clothing | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | xample | Casual | Sandals, slip-ons, casual flats,
casual sneakers, chukka boots | | Denim, cotton T-shirts, sweaters, oxford shirts, khakis | | E | Outdoor | Hiking boots, trail shoes, winter
boots, work boots | | Hiking clothes, fishing clothes, fleeces, performance jackets | | | Dress | Heels, loafers, oxfords | | Su

FAQs

What does the Brand Heat Index measure in 2026?

It measures relative brand popularity across major footwear and apparel categories using a standardized heat score. Higher scores indicate hotter brands based on consumer purchase feedback.

How is the Brand Heat Index calculated and what is the survey sample?

The index is based on a survey of approximately 6,000 US consumers aged 14 to 55 who recently purchased footwear, apparel, or related goods. Brands receive heat scores on a 0–100 standardized index.

Which categories are included in the 2026 Brand Heat Index?

It covers four footwear and apparel use cases—athletic, casual, outdoor/rugged, and dress—plus bags & luggage and outdoor equipment & sporting goods.

Oct 13, 2026

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