Nike may soon need to rethink its iconic slogan "Just Do It" as rising tariffs threaten to significantly impact sneaker prices.

The footwear titan manufactures nearly 50% of its shoes in Vietnam, a country now facing a staggering 46% tariff imposed under President Trump's recent trade measures. This development is set to take effect on April 9, causing sneaker enthusiasts to dig deeper into their pockets.

For example, fans of the classic Air Jordan 1 High could find themselves paying an additional $18 on top of the current price of $180. Other beloved models, like the Nike Air Force 1, could see price increases between $15 and $35. Industry insiders estimate that consumers may experience a 10% to 12% surge in prices for footwear produced in Vietnam.

The economics behind these increases reveal that while a Nike sneaker, priced at $115, may cost the company about $18 to produce, the new tariffs will add another $8.28 to each pair. Given that a standard shipping container can hold approximately 8,000 sneakers, the overall financial impact could be monumental.

However, the good news is that Nike may be able to negotiate with its factories to offset some of these costs, potentially alleviating the burden on consumers. Yet, expert analysts warn that without changes to these tariffs, we could be looking at widespread bankruptcies among consumer companies by the summer.

Gary Wassner, CEO of Hildun Corp, expressed concern over the situation, noting that many brands have spent years diversifying their supply chains from China, with Vietnam being a favored choice—until now. "These tariffs have undermined all of the progress in diversification," Wassner stated, highlighting the unpredictable road ahead for Nike and its competitors.

Stay tuned as the sneaker world braces for potential upheaval, and consider stocking up on your favorite sneakers before prices escalate!