随着新学年临近，儿童鞋价格的大幅上涨正在加重美国家庭的经济负担。鞋类价格在上半年上涨3.2%，这是除2021和2022年疫情年份外34年来最快的增速[1]。2024年上半年，儿童鞋履销售额下滑3%，但平均售价却上升7%，销售对数则下降9%，反映出消费者在面对更高价格时被迫减少购买[1]。
面对价格上涨，家庭采取多种应对方式。由于7至10岁儿童每6至9个月需要更换一次鞋履，青少年通常每年更换一次[1]，许多父母通过寻求折扣、转向二手市场或减少购买数量来应对。二手零售商Goodwill和ThredUp都报告了返校季期间鞋类购买需求的增加[1]。
低收入家庭承受的压力尤其明显。一名波士顿郊区食品服务员周收入约700美元，扣除每月2200美元的租金和水电费后，仅余600美元用于其他开支[1]。切尔西马萨诸塞州学区主管表达了这一困境："如果你要在养家糊口和买鞋之间做选择，你会选择养家糊口"[1]。业界将价格上涨的原因归咎于特朗普的关税政策和伊朗战争推高石油衍生产品成本[1]。
Shoe prices have climbed significantly as families prepare for the new school year, creating financial strain across American households.[1] In the first half of 2024, children's shoe prices rose 3.2%, marking the fastest rate of increase in 34 years outside of the pandemic years 2021 and 2022.[1] The pricing surge reflects a combination of factors, including tariff policies and rising costs for petroleum-derived materials linked to geopolitical tensions.[1]
The market data reveals the full scope of the pressure on consumers. Children's shoe sales revenue declined 3% while unit sales fell 9%, even as average prices climbed 7% compared to the same period last year.[1] Adult footwear showed a similar pattern, with revenue up just 1% despite a 7% drop in units sold and an 8% jump in average prices.[1] Children aged 7 to 10 require new shoes every 6 to 9 months, while teenagers typically need replacements annually, intensifying the burden on household budgets.[1]
The financial reality has forced difficult choices for lower-income families. A food service worker in suburban Boston earning roughly $700 weekly faces monthly rent of $2,200 plus utilities, leaving approximately $600 for all other expenses.[1] A school district administrator in Chelsea, Massachusetts, captured the dilemma plainly: "If you have to choose between feeding your family and buying shoes, you're going to choose to feed your family."[1] In response, parents are reducing purchase quantities, hunting for discounts, and turning to second-hand markets, with retailers like Goodwill and ThredUp reporting increased demand for back-to-school shoes.[1]