By now, you’ve likely heard about the round of tariffs that President Donald Trump put on about 185 countries and territories last week. In addition to a blanket 10% tax on all imports to the U.S., many countries will receive even higher tariffs tomorrow, with a handful of trading partners having taxes of up to nearly 50% on their imported goods.
So far, we’ve seen huge changes in the value of major athletic brands, with Nike, Lululemon, On, and more all seeing stock prices nose-dive. And, unfortunately, things may get worse.
While this can all seem a little eye-glazing if you don’t usually follow trade wars, these "Liberation Day" tariffs stand to have a big impact on the things you buy, including the major athletic brands we just listed and more.
Here’s an example: China and Vietnam were slapped with high tariffs (104% and 46%, respectively) and they collectively produce nearly 70% of the shoes the U.S. imports each year. These countries are also the top two sources of imported clothes in America. So, the workout gear and sneakers you buy are all subject to price increases as the companies you love have to shell out more to import the same stuff as usual.
Economists predict that you’ve got about a month or two before prices increase, making now the time to load up on new athletic shoes, workout leggings, and more. Plenty of Americans are doing just that. So if you’ve been eyeing a particular workout top or running shoe, it’s not a bad idea to nab it while it’s still in stock—and before the prices potentially get jacked up.
Because blind panic-buying never helped anyone (or your budget), we’re breaking down our favorite products from top athletic brands that stand to be hit by tariffs. These companies are transparent about using overseas manufacturing, allowing us to get a decent sense of how much tariffs may impact them. Keep in mind that even if a product you’ve been eyeing isn’t currently on sale, picking it up now vs. a month down the road may ultimately save you money.
Lululemon
Lululemon is a Canadian company that manufactures its goods in China, which currently has a 104% tariff, Vietnam (46% tariff), Cambodia (49% tariff), Sri Lanka (44% tariff), and Indonesia (32% tariff).
The mega-popular Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant is our favorite legging from the brand thanks to its incredibly comfortable Nulu fabric and just-right fit. The interior pocket is a perk, too. Matching perfectly with those leggings is the Lululemon It's Rulu Ribbed Cropped Half Zip, which combines fashion and sweat-wicking function. We’re also into the brand’s cult-classic Energy Bra. It offers excellent support for medium-impact activity while avoiding the dreaded uniboob. Cross straps in back also help to take weight off your shoulders.
Vuori
Vuori is headquartered in California but sources its manufacturing to Southeast Asia. The company isn’t specific about which countries it uses, but that likely includes Vietnam (46% tariff) and Indonesia (32% tariff).
The Vuori Restore Half Zip Hoodie does double duty as a coat and sweatshirt for those in-between spring nights. Made with brushed organic French terry, this hoodie is incredibly soft and roomy enough for layering. Perfect for lounging or lifting, the Vuori Performance Jogger is a multi-purpose bottom with a tapered fit that looks good all day. Top that off with the brand’s bestselling (and moisture-wicking) Pose Fitted Tee, which is equally versatile and matches well with workout gear, jeans, and shorts.
Nike
Nike has a massive global footprint, making finished products across 37 countries and sourcing materials from 15 countries. Most of its gear is created outside the U.S., including in countries like Cambodia (49% tariff), Indonesia (32% tariff), and Vietnam (46% tariff).
Nike Swoosh Medium Support Padded Sports Bra
The Nike Pegasus 41 is one of our consistently favorite running shoes. This workhorse trainer has been around for more than 43 years, with the latest update featuring an extra-padded collar, more breathable mesh upper, and a new lacing system. Our favorite sports bra, the Nike Swoosh Medium Support Padded Sports Bra, has pads sewn in place to prevent things from shifting around mid-workout and provides superior support without feeling overly tight. Plus, it’s chic enough to double as a top. For those times when you just want to slip your feet into your sneaks and go, there’s the Nike Women's Reina EasyOn Shoe. This sneaker features a bendable heel for hands-free access, along with a specialized sockliner that adjusts to your foot for a secure fit.
On
On is a Swiss athletic shoe brand, but its goods are mostly made in Vietnam (46% tariff) and Indonesia (32% tariff). On’s shoes aren’t cheap at baseline, making it likely they’ll get even more expensive in the near future.
Rated our favorite shoe for HIIT workouts, the On Cloudpulse is the brand’s first-ever training shoe. It offers plush cushioning, along with a plastic-nylon plate to deliver an ideal mix of responsiveness and stability through hybrid training. The On Cloudmonster 2 features the brand’s Speedboard for a bouncy, reactive feel, whether you’re doing a road race or easy training run. If walking is more your speed, the On Cloudrunner 2 is an editor favorite. This shoe is lightweight (just 8 ounces) and won’t cause chafing, even as you log extra miles.
Hoka
While Hoka was born in the French Alps, most of its gear is produced in China (104% tariff) and Vietnam (46% tariff), with more manufacturing in Cambodia (49% tariff), Philippines (18% tariff), and Dominican Republic (10% tariff).
The Hoka Skyward X is our favorite shoe for every level, with its bouncy foam and high midsole walls that cradle your feet. It ultimately delivers a soft, light feel to support all types of runners over long distances. When you want to work out at a slightly slower pace, consider the Hoka Mach 6. Rated our best overall walking shoe, these sneakers deliver plush cushioning and pillowy insoles to support your feet with every step, whether you’re headed to the store or out to log some serious mileage. While plenty of shoes have a breaking-in period, the Hoka Clifton 9 manages to bypass that. They feel like an extension of your feet, too.
Brooks
The brand known for its shoe’s support and durability started in Philadelphia, but the majority of Brooks’ factories are in China (104% tariff), Vietnam (46% tariff), and Taiwan (32% tariff).
Brooks Ghost 16
The Brooks Ghost 16 is a bestseller, providing an airy feel, whether you’ve been running for years or are new to the sport. The breathable upper won’t turn your feet into puddles of sweat, either. If overpronation is an issue, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is here to help. This sneaker delivers thanks to enhanced stability, supporting your feet throughout your stride. For tempo runs, consider the Brooks Hyperion 2. It’s supportive but slightly less cushiony than your standard Brooks shoe, making it easier to switch between speeds whenever the need strikes.
Athleta
Athleta, and its parent company Gap, is a little vague about where its athletic goods and gear are made. But many of the company’s products are reportedly manufactured in Vietnam (46% tariff).
Athleta covers a wide range of workout gear, but we love the Athleta Solace Bra for low-impact workouts like yoga and Pilates. The stylish bra provides lift and gentle support, without leaving you feeling squashed. Pair that with the Athleta Interval High Rise Legging, our favorite compression legging. These bottoms hold you in but avoid that squeezed-in sensation, with a flattering high waistband that won’t roll down during your workout. Whether you have a date with your couch or just want to toss something over your gym gear after a long sweat session, the Athleta Easy Fleece Crew Sweatshirt features stretchy fleece with a brushed interior that’s cozy against your skin.
Alo
Alo is headquartered in Los Angeles, but the company reportedly has manufacturing facilities in Turkey (10% baseline tariff), Indonesia (32% tariff), Portugal (20% tariff), Vietnam (46% tariff), and China (104% tariff).
The Alo Airlift Suit Up Bra is our favorite supportive sports bra thanks to its built-in cups and adjustable straps to get that just-right fit. The flattering design also allows this bra to double as a workout top. Down below, slip into the Alo High-Waist Airbrush Legging, which gently smooths you out. The high waistband and medium-compression performance fabric hold you in without sacrificing on comfort. When your work at the gym is done, slip into the Alo Recovery Mode Sneaker, which is packed with bouncy foam for extra foot support.
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