1、SPECIAL REPORT2 L.E.K.ConsultingContentsAbout the Brand Heat Index.32026 Noteworthy consumer trends.4Footwear.5Athletic footwear.6Casual footwear.8Outdoor/rugged footwear.10Dress footwear.11Apparel.14Athletic clothing.15Casual clothing.17Outdoor clothing.19Dress clothing.21Bags&luggage.23Outdoor equ
2、ipment&sporting goods.24Conclusion.25About the Authors.26SPECIAL REPORTAbout the Brand Heat IndexIn 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.Consultings 2026 US Footwear,Apparel,and Accessories Bra
3、nd 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 con
4、sumer 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,t
5、he hotter the brand.L.E.K.s Brand Heat Index methodologyFollowing 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 c
6、ategories:athletic,casual,outdoor or rugged,and dress.Bags&luggage and outdoor equipment are also assessed.Category definitionsFootwearApparelExamplesAthleticAthletic sneakers,basketball shoes,cleatsPerformance tops,athletic shorts,joggers,leggings,surf/skate clothingCasualSandals,slip-ons,casual fl