Wolverine Worldwide Named Company of the Year by Footwear News
Footwear Industry’s Highest Honor Recognizes Company’s Transformation and Resurgence
Receiving the industry’s top honor comes just two years after Wolverine Worldwide launched a comprehensive strategy to transform the Company.
“Being named Company of the Year by Footwear News is a testament to the innovation, drive, and resilience of our global team of brand builders,” said Chris Hufnagel, President and CEO of Wolverine Worldwide. “Two years ago, we set a new vision and bold plan to transform our Company – premised on creating awesome products and telling amazing stories. Working together, our team is building a new Wolverine Worldwide from the ground up, and we’re incredibly proud to see the world taking notice.”
Footwear News editors selected Wolverine Worldwide as Company of the Year for its transformative efforts that reignited its brand portfolio with industry-leading product innovations such as Merrell’s SpeedARC Surge BOA winning TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024 and Saucony being named to Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Wellness and Fitness Technology 2025 list, and dynamic partnerships with collaborators and partners like Jae Tips, Westside Gunn, Minted New York, Waffle House, University of
“During an intense and challenging period for the industry, it’s no easy feat to transform a company. Wolverine Worldwide has reemerged as a formidable player, thanks to a new, more-focused brand-building model that is paying off,” said Footwear News executive editor Katie Abel in the outlet’s announcement of the Company’s win.
For nearly four decades the FNAAs – often called the “Shoe Oscars” – have celebrated the footwear industry’s major style stars, best brands and brand stories, philanthropists, emerging talents, and industry veterans. Honorees hail from all corners of the industry – from athletic sneakers to hiking boots to running shoes to luxury heels – who demonstrate the ability to shape culture through footwear and a willingness to break down barriers for their customers and the greater good.
Being named Company of the Year is the culmination of an award-winning year for Wolverine Worldwide. In 2025, the Company was recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Dream Employers, America’s Best Employers for Women, and America’s Best Employers for Company Culture, and by Inspiring Workplaces as one of the Most Inspiring Workplaces in
ABOUT WOLVERINE WORLDWIDE
Founded in 1883, Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE:WWW) is one of the world’s leading designers, marketers, and licensors of branded casual footwear and apparel, performance outdoor and athletic footwear and apparel, kids’ footwear, industrial work boots and apparel, and uniform footwear. The Company’s portfolio includes Merrell®, Saucony®, Sweaty Betty®, Hush Puppies®, Wolverine®, Chaco®, Bates®, HYTEST®, and Stride Rite®. Wolverine Worldwide is also the global footwear licensee of the popular brands Cat® and Harley-Davidson®. Based in
Third-party brand names, trade names, or company names may be registered trademarks of their respective owners.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251030932174/en/
Emma Wach, emma.wach@wwwinc.com
ASSETS: https://bit.ly/wwwcoy25
Source: Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
