Industry recognition highlights Salomon’s global footwear momentum, Arc’teryx’s growing technical footwear business, Wilson’s Tennis 360 head-to-hand-to-toe offering, and Amer Sports’ brand-led growth.
Amer Sports, a global group of iconic sports and outdoor brands, including Arc’teryx, Salomon, Wilson, Peak Performanceand Atomichas been named Company of the Year by Footwear News. Footwear News Achievement Awards (FNAA) will recognize the group at the 40th anniversary awards ceremony on December 2 in New York City.
The recognition reflects a period of exceptional growth for Amer Sports, led by continued investment in its brands, product innovation, and deepening consumer connections around the world. Footwear has been a particularly important driver of the group’s momentum, with Salomon’s expanding global presence, Arc’teryx’s growing technical footwear business, and Wilson’s Tennis 360 full head-to-hand-to-toe offering.
“Being recognized as Footwear News’ Company of the Year is a testament to our exceptional talent across the globe and all the work that has led to this achievement,” said James ZhengCEO of Amer Sports. “Our growth comes from continued product innovation and a clear focus on the needs of our consumers and athletes, with strong momentum across our three growth engines: Arc’teryx, Salomon Softgoods, and Wilson Tennis 360. As we continue to make our mark in the sports and outdoor industry, we are grateful to Footwear News for this recognition and inspired to continue elevating the world through sport.”
“Amer Sports playbook adeptly positioned its brands at the intersection of technical performance and high-fashion streetwear in 2026. The company’s laser focus on product innovation across Salomon, Arc’teryx, and Wilson, coupled with ambitious DTC and retail expansion, helped it deliver quarter after quarter of robust growth — defying expectations during a very challenging year for many of its competitors,” said Michael AtmoreEditorial Director, FN; Editor-in-Chief, WWD; Chief Brand Officer, Fairchild Media Group.
Salomon: Performance innovation meets global cultural relevance
Born in the French Alps in 1947, Salomon continues to lead in mountain sports while its footwear has become one of the most sought-after names in the market. Combining decades of technical innovation with growing influence across sport and fashion, Salomon has become a key driver of Amer Sports’ growth and the defining voice of modern mountain sports culture.
Salomon is projected to surpass $2.5 billion sales in 2026, including 70% footwear, as the brand successfully translates its mountain sports heritage in a way that resonates with a global audience across categories. Innovation and performance in the mountains remain at its core as the brand expands into footwear for every terrain. Salomon is winning younger and more diverse consumers with popular franchises such as XT-6, XT-Whisperand ACS without compromising its on-mountain authenticity, setting itself apart from competitors and enhancing its unique role within the Amer Sports portfolio.
Arc’teryx: Building a new force in technical footwear
Arc’teryx has established footwear as an increasingly important part of its global growth strategy, extending decades of technical innovation beyond apparel and equipment. The brand has made significant investments in a dedicated footwear business, including a specialized team in Portland, Oregon that combines deep expertise in footwear design and development with the brand’s longstanding proficiency in solving problems for mountain athletes.
Footwear emerged as a breakout growth category for Arc’teryx in 2025 and continued to grow at strong double-digit rates across regions in the second quarter of 2026. The Norvan LD 4 trail running shoe has become the brand’s leading footwear volume driver, complemented by the Conseil trekking franchise and the Sylan 2 technical trail running shoe.
The expanding footwear assortment reflects the same emphasis on precision, athlete-led design, and technical performance that has established Arc’teryx’s reputation in outdoor apparel, positioning footwear as a significant long-term opportunity for the brand.
A brand-led approach to sustained growth
The success of Salomon and Arc’teryx, together with the growth opportunity across Wilson Tennis 360reflects Amer Sports’ strategy of investing in premium brands with distinct identities, strong technical foundations, and significant global growth potential. The group’s brand-direct operating model gives its businesses the focus and resources to accelerate product innovation, expand distribution, and build stronger consumer relationships while preserving what makes each brand unique.
That approach has translated into sustained business momentum. Amer Sports reported 27% revenue growth in 2025 and a further 32% increase in the first half of 2026, with strong double-digit growth across all segments and regions. Direct-to-consumer sales reached approximately 55% of group revenue in the second quarter, reflecting the company’s continued investment in closer connections with consumers.
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The Footwear News Achievement Awards celebrates its 40th milestone in 2026. Often referred to as the “Shoe Oscars,” this event recognizes the industry’s most outstanding designers, brands, companies, and industry legends. The red carpet and awards ceremony celebrate footwear’s influential style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents, and industry veterans.
Source: www.amersports.com
