Nike weighs divesting Converse as sales slump
Analysts say Converse's reliance on the Chuck Taylor line has led to a sharp sales decline, prompting speculation that Nike could consider selling the brand.
Nike's Converse brand is experiencing a prolonged sales slowdown, with analysts attributing the decline to a lack of new products and heavy dependence on the Chuck Taylor sneaker. BNP Paribas analyst Laurent Vasilescu noted a 44% drop in demand for the brand in the quarter ending November 2025 and said he would not be surprised if Nike eventually decides to sell Converse.
The situation mirrors challenges faced by VF Corp's Vans, which has also struggled due to its focus on skater shoes with distinctive checkered patterns. Market observers see the sales deterioration as a signal that Nike may need to reassess its ownership of the heritage label.
"We’ve never seen a 44% decline in demand for a brand," Vasilescu said, referring to Converse's recent performance.
The broader market context includes mixed signals for U.S. equities and rising oil prices, but the specific concerns around Converse highlight the risks of overreliance on legacy products in the footwear industry.