Footwear Retailers Expand Store Presence in 2026 with Ambitious Plans

Several footwear companies, including Birkenstock, Hoka, Salomon, and Boot Barn, plan to open new stores in 2026. Birkenstock aims to open around 40 new stores, reaching its 150 store target ahead of schedule, while Boot Barn plans to operate 1,200 stores across the US, more than double its current footprint. Academy Sports + Outdoors plans to open 20 to 25 stores, focusing on legacy and existing markets. Clarks is expanding its Cloudsteppers concept store with three new locations in the US.