• Worldwide Sales: $23.71 billion
• Operating Income: $705 million
• Net Income: $645 million
• Total Assets: $12.361 billion
• Total Equity: $5.638 billion
• Best Known For: Athletic Shoes
• Founder: Adolf Dassler
• Founded: 1924
• Headquartered in: Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany
• Owned by: Adidas AG
• Number of Employees: 61,401
• Website: https://www.adidas.com/us

In second place, is another sportswear brand that probably needs no introduction: Adidas.

An extremely popular brand with an equally popular logo (and its own song), Adidas has spent the last century achieving worldwide popularity for several reasons.

It has a long history of outfitting renowned athletes and teams, thereby establishing a sense of authenticity and credibility.

On top of that, the company has consistently emphasized innovation, delivering technologically advanced products that blend performance and style.

Whether it's the Boost cushioning technology or Primeknit materials, Adidas has constantly pushed the boundaries to enhance athletic performance.

Moreover, Adidas has successfully captured the fashion and streetwear markets by collaborating with influential designers, artists, and celebrities. This fusion of sports and lifestyle has broadened the brand's appeal and made it a staple in popular culture.

Just like Nike, we’ve talked about Adidas contributions to sportswear before. They make a great crossbody bag, but we also really appreciate their line of running socks, which can be worn for a wide range of different sports.

• Worldwide Sales: $9.513 billion
• Operating Income: $719.68 million
• Net Income: $396.64 million
• Total Assets: $7.617 billion
• Total Equity: $2.855 billion
• Best Known For: Athletic Shoes
• Founder: Rudolf Dassler
• Founded: 1948
• Headquartered in: Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany
• Owned by: Puma SE
• Number of Employees: 18,071
• Website: https://us.puma.com/us/en

In third place, Puma has built a strong reputation for combining performance and style in its products. The brand continuously strives to evolve, incorporating advanced technologies and materials to improve athletic performance while maintaining a fashion-forward aesthetic. This approach has resonated with athletes and fashion-conscious individuals alike.

More than almost any other sportswear brand, Puma has successfully leveraged collaborations with high-profile celebrities, designers, and influencers, allowing them to stay relevant and tap into diverse markets. Whether it’s megastars like Rihanna or lesser-known independent fashion labels KidSuper, Puma has become a serious contender in sportswear simply by teaming up with other notable names.

So, while Puma’s heritage is as a company that makes popular soccer shoes, the company has successfully found footholds in other sports – from basketball to skateboarding – and the larger world of fashion.

But while there are a ton of reasons to add Puma products to your wardrobe, we love the brand for creating a fantastic alternative to Melin hats.

• Worldwide Sales: $8.11 billion
• Operating Income: $1.33 billion
• Net Income: $855 million
• Total Assets: $5.61 billion
• Total Equity: $3.15 billion
• Best Known For: Leggings
• Founder: Chip Wilson
• Founded: 1998
• Headquartered in: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Owned by: Lululemon Athletica, Inc.
• Number of Employees: 29,000
• Website: https://shop.lululemon.com/

Even though the brand is almost 25 years old, most people didn’t know about it until around 2011, when it brought in $1 billion in revenue. After just a little more than a decade, Lululemon absolutely exploded in popularity. Their SUPER popular leggings were everywhere and the company reported revenue of more than $8 billion.

Aside from their leggings, Lululemon is widely recognized for its commitment to creating high-quality and technically advanced athletic apparel. Their products are designed with precision, incorporating novel fabrics and features that offer both performance and comfort to customers engaging in various fitness activities.

This is ONE of the reasons Lululemon leggings are so expensive and why the company can charge similar prices for the rest of their product line

But that’s not the ONLY reason.

Lululemon has also established a strong community and lifestyle-oriented approach. The brand emphasizes the idea of active living and promotes a sense of belonging among its customers. Lululemon stores often serve as hubs for fitness classes, workshops, and events, fostering a supportive and engaging environment that extends beyond the apparel.

Furthermore, Lululemon's focus on mindful living and well-being has resonated with consumers seeking a holistic approach to their fitness journey. The brand emphasizes mental and physical wellness, and its products often reflect this philosophy.

And if that wasn’t enough, Lululemon's strategic marketing and branding efforts have also effectively targeted its core demographic through influencer partnerships, social media engagement, and community-driven initiatives, creating a sense of exclusivity and authenticity.

Aside from the aforementioned leggings, Lululemon also makes a fantastic crossbody bag and running belt, but their whole product line is worth exploring for anyone who wants high-quality athleisurewear that’s extremely comfortable.

• Worldwide Sales: $5.683 billion
• Operating Income: $486.29 million
• Net Income: $360.06 million
• Total Assets: $4.991 billion
• Total Equity: $2.088 billion
• Best Known For: Athleticwear
• Founder: Kevin Plank
• Founded: 1996
• Headquartered in: Baltimore, MD
• Owned by: Under Armour, Inc.
• Number of Employees: 16,400
• Website: https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/

“We must protect this house!”

These words introduced the world to what is now one of the biggest sports brands on the planet.

And even 20 years ago, their intention was clear: to dominate the world of athleticwear.

Since then, Under Armour

Though the brand has branched out significantly since its origins, it’s still probably best known for creating performance-driven apparel and gear for athletes who play demanding sports. To this end, Under Armour products are designed to boost athletic performance by incorporating revolutionary technologies, moisture-wicking fabrics, and ergonomic designs that cater to the needs of athletes across various sports.

But much like Puma, Under Armour has been extremely smart about branching out to build its brand. Almost immediately, the company worked to form strategic partnerships, endorsements, and sponsorships, which have played a crucial role in boosting its popularity.

The brand has had endorsements with athletes like Steph Curry and Jordan Spieth and even entire sports teams like Tottenham Hotspur. Under Armour has even collaborated with professional-wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson on his own product line.

Like other brands on this list, Under Armour's focus on innovation and technology has been a key driver of its popularity. The brand continuously invests in research and development to deliver cutting-edge products that meet the evolving demands of athletes and anyone else who just loves working out.

• Worldwide Sales: $5.3 billion
• Best Known For: Running Shoes
• Founder: William J. Riley
• Founded: 1906
• Headquartered in: Boston, MA
• Owned by: New Balance, Inc.
• Number of Employees: 5,497
• Website: https://www.newbalance.com/

New Balance has always been dedicated to producing high-quality athletic footwear and apparel has been a key driver of its success. Their products are known for their durability, comfort, and performance-enhancing features, making them the go-to choice for athletes and fitness lovers alike.

And yet, it’s really been in recent years that New Balance transformed from “shoes my dad loves” to the favorite shoes of celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Jack Harlow. The brand has even fought its way into the NBA to ink endorsements with players like Zach Levine, Kawhi Leonard, and more.

That’s because, along with fashion, New Balance has established a reputation for innovation. The brand continues to invest in research and development, introducing new technologies and materials to enhance athletic performance, like their Fresh Foam cushioning or lightweight and breathable fabrics.

Their legacy hasn’t hurt them, either. While they’ve recently enjoyed newfound popularity, New Balance has also cultivated a sense of authenticity and heritage thanks to a long-standing presence in the industry that dates back to 1906.

• Worldwide Sales: $5 billion
• Operating Income: $6.675B
• Best Known For: The Air Jordan Basketball Shoe
• Founder: Nike, Inc.
• Founded: 1984
• Headquartered in: Beaverton, Oregon, USA
• Owned by: Nike, Inc.
• Website: https://www.nike.com/jordan

We alluded to this earlier when we brought up Nike as the company’s most famous product also makes the list, as it is technically a subsidiary.

You can’t say “Nike” without thinking about the iconic “Air Jordans” that literally took the brand from a running shoe to a worldwide sensation (as recently documented in the movie, “Air”).

Unlike New Balance, the Jordan Brand has ALWAYS been cool – just like its namesake.

The Jordan Brand has always been focused on creating premium, high-quality, and (perhaps most importantly) super-stylish shoes and apparel.

The brand consistently delivers exciting designs, incorporating ambitious technologies and materials that cater to the performance needs of athletes. From the classic Air Jordan sneakers to modern basketball performance shoes, the brand has become synonymous with incredible basketball footwear.

Jordan also hasn’t settled for Michael’s endorsement. They still sponsor basketball players like Russell Westbrook and Zion Williamson, as well as athletes from other sports like Stefon Diggs and even teams like the North Carolina Tar Heels.

And the Jordan brand doesn’t stop there.

One of their secret weapons has been limited-edition releases and exclusive collections that create a sense of exclusivity and desirability, fueling the enthusiasm and loyalty of sneaker enthusiasts and collectors.

• Worldwide Sales: $3.66 billion
• Operating Income: $279.6 million
• Net Income: $152 million
• Total Assets: $3.147 billion
• Total Equity: $1.333 billion
• Best Known For: Athletic Shoes
• Founder: Kihachiro Onitsuka
• Founded: 1949
• Headquartered in: Kobe, Japan
• Owned by: ASICS Company
• Number of Employees: 10,000
• Website: https://www.ASICS.com/us/en-us/

ASICS has solidified its position as a top sportswear brand due to a commitment to innovation, performance, and athlete-centric designs.

Renowned for its exceptional running shoes, ASICS continues to push the boundaries of athletic technology, manufacturing footwear that offers superior comfort, support, and durability. Its ASICS gel, a hallmark of the brand, absorbs shock and provides a responsive feel, enhancing performance and reducing the risk of injuries.

In addition to its pioneering products, ASICS is yet another brand that has been smart about forming strategic collaborations and endorsements with world-class athletes, further cementing its reputation. Collaborations with professional athletes such as Novak Djokovic and Emma Coburn showcase the brand's dedication to excellence and performance-driven designs.

And while ASICS is still best known for its footwear, the brand has expanded its offerings, venturing into apparel and accessories. The company’s clothing lines combine style and functionality, utilizing ergonomic designs and moisture-wicking fabrics to enhance performance during workouts.

Will ASICS expand further in the future to find customers in athleisurewear like Nike, Adidas and Lululemon?

Time will tell, but it seems likely that we’ll continue to see this brand climb the rankings in years to come.

• Worldwide Sales: $3.4 billion
• Operating Income: $393.1 million
• Net Income: $125.7 million
• Total Assets: $3 million
• Best Known For: Outdoor Clothing
• Founder: Paul Lamfrom
• Founded: 1938
• Headquartered in: Portland, OR
• Owned by: Columbia Sportswear Company
• Number of Employees: 8,325
• Website: https://www.columbia.com/

Columbia Sportswear is a unique entry on this point as the only sportswear brand that got its start by making inroads in the world of outdoor activities.

With a rich heritage rooted in this kind of outdoor exploration, Columbia's products are designed to withstand the harshest conditions while providing optimal comfort and functionality. This product line includes versatile apparel, footwear, and accessories. From winter jackets to hiking boots to trail-running shoes, their products cater to a wide range of outdoor activities.

Renowned for this kind of innovative gear, Columbia Sportswear has consistently pushed the boundaries of design. Their use of one-of-a-kind materials, such as Omni-Heat thermal reflective technology, ensures superior insulation and warmth without compromising breathability.

Additionally, their OutDry Extreme technology offers exceptional waterproof protection, keeping adventurers dry and comfortable.

Columbia has also signed some big endorsements with names that loom large in the world of outdoor activities. This includes mountaineer Ed Viesturs and ultrarunner Timothy Olson.

So, even though many customers clearly love Columbia Sportswear products for their fashionable looks, these fashionable items are still rooted in functionality.

• Worldwide Sales: $3.21 billion
• Operating Income: $325.43 million
• Net Income: $257.11 million
• Total Assets: $1.3 billion
• Best Known For: Athletic Shoes
• Founder: Ettore and Giansevero Fila
• Founded: 1911
• Headquartered in: Seoul, South Korea
• Owned by: Fila Korea Ltd
• Number of Employees: 8,000
• Website: https://www.fila.com/

Fila is a worldwide brand today, but it traces its origins back to 1911 in Italy. Since then, it has solidified its position as a prominent sportswear brand with a rich history and enduring legacy.

While the '90s saw Fila rise to fame through high-profile sponsorships with NBA athletes like Jerry Stackhouse and Grant Hill, the brand has continued to maintain strong relationships with key athletes, particularly in the realm of tennis (i.e., Ekaterina Alexandrova and Ann Li).

The brand has also done a good job of keeping pace with emerging footwear technologies, which is one reason we included TWO Fila shoes on our list of the best barefoot shoes of 2023. We’re big fan of their women’s fanny pack, too.

At the same time, Fila has been relatively quiet on the streetwear front, but the brand did gain some serious popularity a few years back with the rerelease of its iconic Mindblower silhouette, which bore a colorway resemblance to YEEZY's, generating considerable attention.

Then, in 2019, Fila made headlines again when it announced a partnership with the mega-group BTS, further elevating its brand image.

Despite the anticipation for new collections from the collaboration, Fila continues to offer budget-friendly releases, as well. The brand's commitment to providing quality athletic apparel and footwear at affordable prices has garnered a dedicated following, transcending borders and cultures.

• Worldwide Sales: $2.3 billion
• Best Known For: Shoes
• Founder: Marquis Mills Converse
• Founded: 1908
• Headquartered in: Boston, MA
• Owned by: Nike
• Number of Employees: 4,400
• Website: https://www.converse.com/

Converse, an iconic American sportswear brand, has continuously evolved and remained at the forefront of innovation since its establishment in 1908. The brand's enduring popularity can be attributed to its ability to adapt and reinvent itself over the years.

Converse gained widespread recognition with its beloved Chuck Taylor silhouette, which has undergone numerous iterations throughout its century-long existence. Pushing boundaries and transcending sports, Conversion successfully transitioned into a skate brand by incorporating vulcanized soles into select models. This shift allowed the brand to sponsor promising young skaters like Louis Lopez, Sage Elsesser, and the 2019 Skater of the Year, Milton Martinez.

Although Converse’s presence in basketball has diminished, the brand maintains its on-court influence through partnerships with players such as Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

In recent times, Converse has demonstrated its commitment to innovation and collaboration. The brand introduced two new models, the Sponge CX Crater and the Aeon Active CX, in collaboration with A-COLD-WALL*.

Furthermore, Converse embarked on exciting collaborations with Rick Owens' DRKSHDW imprint, resulting in unique collections like Barriers, along with partnerships with other international designers.

With a legacy rooted in timeless designs, a strong presence in skateboarding, and strategic collaborations with up-and-coming fashion labels, Converse continues to captivate both sports and fashion enthusiasts alike, ensuring its enduring relevance in the sportswear industry.

• Worldwide Sales: $2.3 billion
• Operating Income: $173 million
• Net Income: $189.7 million
• Founder: Jeff and Joe Foster
• Founded: 1958
• Headquartered in: Boston, MA
• Owned by: Authentic Brands Group
• Number of Employees: 9,102
• Website: https://www.reebok.com/

Once a British heritage sportswear label, Reebok successfully capitalized on the wave of nostalgia that swept through the 90s, delving into its archives and collaborating with a diverse range of celebrities and brands. Collaborations with influential figures such as Cardi B, Maison Margiela, Danai Gurira, and Arianna Grande have breathed new life into the brand.

Reebok's retro models, particularly the timeless silhouettes from Allen Iverson's question and answer series, have garnered significant attention from young sneaker enthusiasts seeking a touch of nostalgia. This positioning has solidified Reebok's status as one of the premier sportswear brands globally.

And while the brand may still not command the same type of awe that its rival Nike garners, there’s no denying that Reebok has been a major pop culture influence for decades.

In addition to its iconic releases, Reebok continues to cater to the footwear community with innovative offerings like the Beatnik, a slipper designed for cold weather. These unique and functional designs demonstrate Reebok's commitment to catering to diverse consumer needs.

While the brand has seen success with its hyped releases, Reebok has not neglected its general releases. Timeless classics like the Club C have maintained their relevance, showcasing the brand's ability to balance nostalgia and contemporary style. Reebok has also expanded its range to include trail-ready sneakers and marathon runners, catering to athletes and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Reebok is another brand – like ASICS – that hasn’t found the same kind of success in athleisure that it has with footwear, but as we’ve already seen, “innovation” is a reoccurring them with sportswear brands.

Don’t be surprised if Reebok climbs this list in the future by applying its fashion sense and technology to other types of clothing.

• Worldwide Sales: $1.4 billion
• Best Known For: Athletic Clothing
• Founder: Benjamin Russell
• Founded: 1902
• Headquartered in: Bowling Green, KY
• Owned by: Berkshire Hathaway
• Number of Employees: 10,000
• Website: https://www.russellathletic.com/

Russell Athletic is an emblem of American sportswear. The company holds a significant place in the industry's history with a logo that is ubiquitous across all kinds of sports from little league all the way to the pros.

If you’ve ever played sports that involved equipment, you’ve seen the famous Russell logo.

Founded in 1902 by Benjamin Russell, the brand found prominence when Benjamin's son asked him to create clothing for his university’s football team. This humble request led to the invention of the sweatshirt (!!!), a timeless and essential piece in casual and sportswear fashion.

The brand's rich heritage is now making a comeback, too. Vintage Russell Athletic items have even become one of the most sought-after types of clothing in thrift stores.

Recognizing these skyrocketing interest, Russell Athletic capitalized by collaborating with KITH on a landmark collection comprising 96 pieces. The collaboration paid homage to the brand's roots, drawing inspiration from vintage Russell Athletic catalogs that showcased a plethora of color swatches for each garment. The collection featured 24 different colors, capturing the essence of the brand's colorful history.

Russell Athletic's enduring appeal lies in its ability to seamlessly blend classic designs with contemporary trends. While it may not have huge celebrity endorsements or a massive footwear line, the brand continues to be a go-to choice for those seeking timeless sportswear pieces that pay homage to American athletic history.

• Worldwide Sales: $1.34 billion
• Operating Income: $93.5 million
• Net Income: $63.8 million
• Total Assets: $1.52 billion
• Total Equity: $1.07 billion
• Best Known For: Athletic Shoes
• Founders: Olivier Bernhard, David Allemann, Caspar Coppetti
• Founded: 2010
• Headquartered in: Zurich, Switzerland
• Owned by: On Holding AG
• Number of Employees: 1,158
• Website: https://www.on-running.com/

On has quickly risen to become a top sportswear brand, despite being a relative newcomer to the scene. It’s the second newest company on our entire list.

Founded in 2010, On has made a significant impact with its innovative – and now iconic – CloudTec® technology, which features distinctive holes in the sole units of its sneakers. This impressive cushioning technology ensures a comfortable ride, while the brand's emphasis on lightweight construction and energy-returning technologies has made its shoes highly favored among runners.

On's success extends beyond the running community, too. Thanks to that CloudTec technology and some remarkable designs, the brand has gained recognition among casual sneaker wearers, as well. It’s becoming progressively more common to see people wearing On shoes off the track or trails with joggers and a casual shirt. Collaborations with renowned brands like Kith, Loewe, and notable publications have further elevated On's status and helped the brand to find new fans.

• Worldwide Sales: $980.3 million
• Best Known For: Bohemian Apparel (Including Workout Clothes)
• Founder: Dick Hayne
• Founded: 1984
• Headquartered in: Austin, TX
• Owned by: Urban Outfitters
• Number of Employees: 831
• Website: https://www.freepeople.com/

While Free People isn’t strictly a sportswear brand, the company has become hugely popular for their very fashionable women’s sportswear.

Free People found traction in the 80s among athletic women seeking sportswear due to its unique bohemian-inspired fashion aesthetic. Catering to 20-something women who appreciate vibrant colors and patterns, Free People has become a well-known name in the fashion industry.

While some of Free People's clothing comes with a higher price tag, many customers find certain pieces to be worth the investment. Top-rated items like the Osaka Relaxed Jeans, Look Into The Sun Gown, and Keep Rolling Tank have garnered positive reviews for their quality and on-trend appeal.

And with Taylor Swift recently being spotted wearing one of their skorts, the brand can probably get away with charging whatever it wants for the foreseeable future.

• Worldwide Sales: $280 million
• Best Known For: Sunglasses
• Founder: Jim Jannard
• Founded: 1975
• Headquartered in: Foothill Ranch, CA
• Owned by: Essilor Luxottica
• Number of Employees: 900 employees
• Website: https://www.oakley.com/en-us

As a brand known for our own running sunglasses, Oakley is technically the competition, but we still know they deserve a spot on this list.

In fact, we’ve even included them on our list of the best running sunglasses of 2023.

And while Oakley really only makes sunglasses, there’s no doubt they’re a top sportswear brand. Athletes from all kinds of sports insist on wearing Oakleys when they want to perform their best – despite the sun’s best efforts.

But Oakley sunglasses have recently enjoyed a resurgence in high fashion circles, too. With trends leaning towards bold and colorful frames as well as oversized lenses, Oakley's extensive archive of cycling shades has positioned the brand perfectly for a comeback.

Collaborations with esteemed fashion brands such as Vetements, Palace, and Samuel Ross's A-COLD-WALL* have further propelled Oakley into the limelight. These partnerships have garnered attention and cemented Oakley's status as one of the most sought-after sunglasses companies in the world.

So, while many of us may always associate Oakley with their famous wraparound style, more and more people are wearing these stylish shades anytime they simply want to look their best.

• Worldwide Sales: $90 million
• Best Known For:
• Founder: Tyler Haney
• Founded: 2013
• Headquartered in: Austin
• Number of Employees: 105
• Website: https://www.outdoorvoices.com/

Within two years of its founding, Outdoor Voices was already becoming known as the sportswear brand for the fashion-minded.

Initially, the brand gained attention for its minimalist aesthetic, focus on inclusivity, and the promotion of recreational activities over intense workouts.

Somewhat similar to what Lululemon has done, Outdoor Voices encourages individuals to "do things" rather than just focus solely on intense workouts. Doing so has created a sense of community and fun around movement. By promoting a balanced and joyful approach to exercise, the brand attracted an extremely loyal following.

But Outdoor Voices has also gained fans by placing a strong emphasis on quality and functionality. Their fabrics are known for their durability, comfort, and moisture-wicking properties, ensuring that customers can move freely and comfortably during various activities.

There’s no doubt about it: the last couple of years have been rough for Outdoor Voices. The brand struggled financially because of order fulfillment problems and operational challenges, which led to numerous layoffs and leadership shakeups.

But Outdoor Voices continues to thrive. We recently highlighted one of their products when we covered the best workout leggings of 2023.