Robert Greenberg founded Skechers in 1992, following his previous establishment of the athletic footwear company LA Gear. The brand’s initial product line consisted of rugged men’s utility boots that capitalised on the grunge fashion trend prevalent in the early 1990s. As consumer demand grew, the company diversified its offerings to include casual, athletic, and lifestyle footwear for women and children.

Significant milestones in the company’s development include:

• 1992 – Skechers is established in Southern California.
• 1995 – The first retail store opens in Manhattan Beach, California.
• 1997 – Expansion continues with the opening of the first New York City store.
• 1999 – Skechers becomes a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SKX.
• 2000s – The company expands internationally and launches e-commerce operations.
• 2010s – Introduction of advanced comfort and performance technologies establishes Skechers as a major global athletic footwear brand.
• 2020s – Rapid international expansion continues, strengthening the company’s position among the world’s largest footwear manufacturers.2

The global headquarters of Skechers are situated in Manhattan Beach, California, USA. This facility serves as the central hub for product design, marketing, global operations, and corporate management. To support its international business, the company also maintains regional offices and distribution centres across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.3

Skechers offers a comprehensive range of products designed for various activities and demographics. Key product categories include:

• 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

These items are generally organised into the following collections:

• Lifestyle – Footwear intended for everyday casual wear.
• Performance – Gear for running, training, walking, golf, basketball, soccer, pickleball, and other sports.
• Kids – Footwear specifically designed for children.
• Work – Safety and occupational footwear meeting industry standards.
• Apparel & Accessories – Clothing and complementary items.4

A defining characteristic of the Skechers brand is its emphasis on comfort through proprietary technologies. These innovations are engineered to enhance cushioning, support, breathability, and ease of use across different footwear lines. Notable technologies include:

• Memory Foam cushioning
• Arch Fit® podiatrist-certified arch support
• Hands Free Slip-ins® for hands-free entry
• Air-Cooled Memory Foam®
• Hyper Burst® lightweight cushioning
• Max Cushioning®
• Goga Mat® insoles
• Relaxed Fit® and Wide Fit designs5

Skechers operates one of the most extensive retail networks in the footwear industry. Its global footprint comprises:

• More than 5,000 company-owned and partner-owned retail stores worldwide.
• Online stores serving numerous countries.
• Wholesale partnerships with department stores, sporting goods retailers, and footwear specialists.
• Distribution reaching approximately 180 countries and territories.6

Brand recognition for Skechers has been built significantly through endorsements by celebrities and athletes. Over the years, ambassadors have included entertainers alongside professional athletes from disciplines such as golf, running, basketball, soccer, and cricket. The company also sponsors sporting events and individual athletes to promote its performance footwear lines.7

Skechers positions itself in the market by combining several key strategic pillars:

• Comfort-focused design
• Affordable pricing
• Broad consumer appeal
• Continuous product innovation
• Global retail expansion

Unlike competitors that may focus primarily on elite sports, Skechers targets a diverse consumer base ranging from everyday walkers and families to professional athletes.8

The company has invested in improving logistics efficiency, upgrading distribution facilities, and adopting responsible business practices. Furthermore, Skechers supports charitable initiatives and community programmes through financial donations, strategic partnerships, and awareness campaigns.9

In recent years, Skechers has reported sustained global growth, expanding both its international operations and product portfolio. In 2025, investment firm 3G Capital agreed to acquire Skechers in a transaction valued at over US$9 billion. Following this acquisition, the company is expected to continue operating under its existing leadership team and brand identity.10

Skechers identifies itself as “The Comfort Technology Company®,” highlighting its commitment to innovation in footwear designed for everyday comfort and performance. The company’s stated mission is to provide stylish, functional, and accessible products for individuals of all ages and lifestyles.

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