Wolverine Worldwide Raises 2026 Outlook as Merrell and Saucony Sales Grow

US based footwear company Wolverine Worldwide has raised its financial forecast for 2026 after reporting strong second-quarter results, driven by continued growth in its Merrell and Saucony brands.

The company recorded revenue of US$506.4 million in the second quarter, up 6.8% compared with the same period last year. On a constant-currency basis, revenue increased 6.1%.

Merrell was the company’s best-performing brand, with sales rising 11.1% to US$175.5 million. Saucony also delivered strong growth, with revenue increasing 9.9% to US$158.6 million.

The Wolverine brand posted a 6.6% increase in sales to US$39.6 million, while Sweaty Betty revenue declined 2.4% to US$40.3 million.

The company’s gross margin fell to 46.5% from 47.2% a year earlier, mainly due to the impact of higher US tariffs. Price increases and other measures partly offset the impact.

Despite this pressure, Wolverine improved its operating performance, with its operating margin rising to 9.3%. Diluted earnings per share increased 15.6% to US$0.37, while adjusted diluted earnings per share rose 14.3% to US$0.40.

Commenting on the results, Chris Hufnagel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wolverine Worldwide, said:

“Our team delivered another good quarter, ahead of our expectations — led again by Merrell and Saucony — along with more progress in Sweaty Betty and Wolverine. We’re executing our strategies, elevating our brands, and driving consistent, profitable growth. Based on our strong start to the year and the progress we’re seeing across the business, we’re raising our outlook for 2026.

Following the strong quarter, Wolverine Worldwide raised its 2026 revenue outlook to US$1.98 billion–US$2.00 billion, compared with its previous forecast of approximately US$1.96 billion–US$1.98 billion.

The company now expects full-year diluted earnings per share of US$1.48–US$1.58, while adjusted diluted earnings per share are forecast at US$1.55–US$1.65.