History of the TLD

The .shoes top-level domain was created as part of ICANN’s expansion of generic TLDs and was delegated to the DNS root zone in late 2013, with general availability in 2014. It was designed to provide the global footwear industry with a dedicated online namespace. The registry has been managed by Donuts / Identity Digital since delegation.

Main Use and Industry Position

This TLD is used by businesses, designers, retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, bloggers, and individuals connected to footwear. It allows sites to clearly signal a focus on shoes, making it ideal for branding and niche marketing.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Compared to generic extensions like .com or .net, .shoes conveys specific industry relevance. It is similar to other niche TLDs such as .fashion or .shop, giving visitors immediate context. It is less universally recognized than .com but strengthens industry-focused branding.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

Pros

• Strong niche relevance for footwear-focused sites

• Supports branding and clear recognition

• Open registration for individuals and businesses

Cons

• Less universal recognition than legacy TLDs

• Can feel limiting if business expands beyond shoes

• SEO benefits may vary compared to .com
  
  

Registration Criteria

Anyone can register a .shoes domain on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no special eligibility requirements beyond standard naming rules. Character requirements and reserved names follow registry policy.

Summary

.shoes is an active generic top-level domain dedicated to the footwear industry. It offers clear branding opportunities and open availability while following standard gTLD rules.