May 9, 2025
A fresh pair of Adidas kicks might leave you light on your feet. Your wallet may feel the same.
The German footwear giant, which makes the popular Samba, Stan Smiths and carbon-plated racing shoes setting running records across the globe, is warning customers that U.S. tariffs on imports from China and other Asian countries will drive the cost of its shoes higher.
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Even as the company announced better-than-expected first quarter earnings, CEO Bjørn Gulden said Adidas will cost more in the U.S.
“Although we had already reduced the China exports to the US to a minimum, we are somewhat exposed to those currently very high tariffs,” Gulden said. “What is even worse for us is the general increase in US tariffs from all other countries of origin.”
He added that Adidas cannot currently make its shoes in the U.S.
Adidas isn’t alone: Tariffs hit big brands everywhere
Tariff headaches aren’t exclusive to Adidas, which co-signed a letter with bitter rival Nike and other shoe brands asking President Trump for a tariff exemption.
“Many companies making affordable footwear for hardworking lower and middle-income families cannot absorb tariff rates this high, nor can they pass along these costs,” the letter stated.
“Without immediate relief from the reciprocal tariffs they will simply shutter.”
Like Adidas, other industry leaders are making public-facing announcements that they are raising their retail prices due to the Trump administration’s tariffs.
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Fashion-focused platforms Shein and Temu, which rely heavily on inexpensive Chinese imports, each posted statements on their websites about price hikes, directly citing increased operating costs from tariffs.
President Trump introduced tariffs to push back against perceived unfair trade practices from China and other nations — and to encourage multinationals to set up factories in the U.S.
“Bring your factory here,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a recent interview with Tucker Carlson.
“That’s the best solution for getting away from a tariff wall. So move your factory from China, from Mexico, from Vietnam – bring it here.”
But critics say it will be nearly impossible for companies to produce goods in the U.S. as cheaply as overseas — so for now, businesses and consumers will continue to pay more for imports.
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Smart moves for savvy shoppers
With the looming reality of higher prices across multiple product categories, consumers should consider getting proactive about budgeting. Here are some ways to do that.
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1. Cut unnecessary expenses. Review subscriptions (streaming services, gym memberships, unused apps) and cancel anything non-essential. Small trims add up quickly, providing breathing room for unavoidable price hikes.
2. Shop smarter. Like most footwear brands, Adidas or Nike discount older models to clear inventory. Some brands, like New Balance, have a dedicated used shoe store online where buyers can get gently used models at much lower prices.
3. Buy local. You can bypass tariff trouble with locally sourced products and as a bonus, support your local economy. Visit farmers markets, boutique shops and local artisans frequently offer competitive pricing without import tariffs eating into the final cost.
4. Keep an eye on tariff-impacted goods. Follow news about tariffs and if possible, delay big-ticket purchases until prices stabilize. For essentials, look into alternative or generic brands that deliver similar quality at a lower cost.
5. Leverage technology to stay ahead. Use price-tracking apps and browser extensions to spot deals and compare prices across online retailers. Alerts for price drops can help you pounce on savings, providing additional cushioning in your monthly budget.
Adidas' warning is just one example of how economic policy decisions ripple through your daily spending. Staying informed, shopping smarter and adjusting your habits can help mitigate some of the pain — and maybe even uncover new ways to stretch your dollars further.
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Chris Clark is a Kansas City–based freelance journalist covering personal finance, housing and retirement. A former Associated Press editor and reporter, he writes plainspoken stories that help readers make smarter financial decisions.
