Skechers was founded in 1992 by Robert Greenberg, who had previously founded the athletic footwear company LA Gear. The company’s first products were rugged men’s utility boots inspired by the grunge fashion trend of the early 1990s. As demand increased, Skechers expanded into casual, athletic, and lifestyle footwear for women and children.

Key milestones include:

• 1992 – Skechers is established in Southern California.

• 1995 – Opens its first retail store in Manhattan Beach, California.

• 1997 – Opens its first New York City store.

• 1999 – Becomes a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker SKX.

• 2000s – Expands internationally and launches e-commerce operations.

• 2010s – Introduces advanced comfort and performance technologies, becoming a major global athletic footwear brand.

• 2020s – Continues rapid international expansion and strengthens its position as one of the world’s largest footwear companies. [2]

Skechers’ global headquarters are located in Manhattan Beach, California, USA, where the company oversees product design, marketing, global operations, and corporate management. The company also operates regional offices and distribution centers across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. [3]

Skechers offers a broad range of products, including:

• Athletic shoes

• Walking shoes

• Running shoes

• Casual sneakers

• Sandals

• Boots

• Work and safety footwear

• Golf shoes

• Basketball shoes

• Soccer and cricket footwear

• Apparel

• Bags and accessories

• Socks and lifestyle products

Its collections generally fall into several categories:

• Lifestyle – Everyday casual footwear.

• Performance – Running, training, walking, golf, basketball, soccer, pickleball, and more.

• Kids – Shoes designed for children.

• Work – Safety and occupational footwear.

• Apparel & Accessories – Clothing and complementary products. [4]

Skechers is widely known for emphasizing comfort through proprietary technologies, including:

• Memory Foam cushioning

• Arch Fit® podiatrist-certified support

• Hands Free Slip-ins® for easy step-in wear

• Air-Cooled Memory Foam®

• Hyper Burst® lightweight cushioning

• Max Cushioning®

• Goga Mat® insoles

• Relaxed Fit® and Wide Fit designs

These technologies are intended to improve cushioning, support, breathability, and ease of wear across different footwear categories. [5]

Skechers has established one of the largest retail networks in the footwear industry, operating through:

• More than 5,000 company-owned and partner-owned retail stores worldwide.

• Online stores in numerous countries.

• Wholesale partnerships with department stores, sporting goods retailers, and footwear specialists.

• Distribution across approximately 180 countries and territories. [6]

Skechers has built strong brand recognition through endorsements by celebrities and athletes. Over the years, its ambassadors have included entertainers, professional athletes, golfers, runners, basketball players, soccer players, and cricket players. The company also sponsors sporting events and professional athletes to promote its performance footwear lines. [7]

Skechers positions itself as a brand that combines:

• Comfort-focused design

• Affordable pricing

• Broad consumer appeal

• Continuous product innovation

• Global retail expansion

Unlike some competitors that focus primarily on elite sports, Skechers targets a wide range of consumers, from everyday walkers and families to professional athletes. [8]

The company has invested in more efficient logistics, distribution facilities, and responsible business practices. It also supports charitable initiatives and community programs through donations, partnerships, and awareness campaigns. [9]

In recent years, Skechers has continued to report strong global growth, expanding its international operations and product portfolio. In 2025, investment firm 3G Capital agreed to acquire Skechers in a deal valued at over US$9 billion, with the company expected to continue operating under its existing leadership and brand identity. [10]

Skechers describes itself as “The Comfort Technology Company®,” emphasizing innovation in footwear designed for everyday comfort and performance. Its mission is to provide stylish, functional, and accessible products for people of all ages and lifestyles. [11]

1. Skechers (about.skechers.com) | Manhattan Beach, CA

2. Brand | Skechers (about.skechers.com)

3. REACHING CONSUMERS

4. Skechers

5. Corporate Info – SKECHERS Philippines

6. In a trade-war whirlwind, shoemaker Skechers is sold for $9 billion to become a private company

7. skx-10k_20221231.htm

8. skx-10k_20201231.htm

9. Skechers Celebrates 20 Years on the New York Stock Exchange | Skechers (about.skechers.com)

10. sec.gov

11. Join Skechers: A Global Brand Rooted in Comfort