Carl Lewis
$20 million
Steve Madden’s net worth is estimated at $276 million. Born Steven Madden on March 23, 1958, in Cedarhurst, New York, the fashion designer founded Steve Madden, Ltd. in 1990 with just $1,100 in capital. The company, traded publicly as SHOO on Nasdaq, reported revenue of $2.53 billion in fiscal year 2025, according to Reuters. Madden’s wealth is derived almost entirely from his equity stake in the publicly traded company.
Updated March 2026: According to Reuters, Steve Madden Ltd. reported FY2025 revenue of $2.53 billion, up 11% year-over-year. In February 2026, the company withheld its 2026 earnings guidance due to uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariff policy. Madden’s ownership stake in SHOO, tracked by GuruFocus, places his net worth at approximately $276 million.
Steven Madden was born on March 23, 1958, in Cedarhurst, on Long Island in New York. He developed an early interest in footwear and fashion, eventually studying business. His first job in the industry came working for a shoe company on Long Island, where he learned the mechanics of design, manufacturing, and retail. The experience gave him a direct understanding of the footwear business before he struck out on his own.
Madden founded Steve Madden, Ltd. in 1990 from Queens, New York, with $1,100 in starting capital — money he earned from selling shoes out of the trunk of his car. The brand took off in the early 1990s by targeting young women with fashion-forward, affordable footwear, and the company went public in 1993.
In 2002, Madden was convicted of stock fraud and money laundering related to his involvement with the Stratton Oakmont brokerage firm — the same firm depicted in The Wolf of Wall Street. He served approximately 26 months in federal prison (2002–2005) but retained his role as design chief during and after his incarceration. Following his release, he helped lead the company’s continued expansion into international markets and multiple brand extensions. In 2019, Madden was inducted into the Footwear News Hall of Fame. FY2025 revenues hit $2.53 billion, per Reuters.
Steve Madden was married to Wendy Ballew from 2005 until their divorce in 2015. Together they have three children: twin sons Jack and Stevie Madden, and a daughter named Goldie Ryan Madden. Madden resides in Manhattan, where he purchased a $12.2 million condominium at 252 East 57th Street in 2017.
Steve Madden’s net worth is estimated at approximately $276 million as of 2026, according to GuruFocus insider tracking of his Steve Madden, Ltd. (SHOO) equity stake. The company reported $2.53 billion in FY2025 revenue, per Reuters.
Steve Madden was born on March 23, 1958, in Cedarhurst, New York, making him 67 years old as of March 2026. He founded his namesake shoe company in 1990 at age 32 and continues to serve as its design chief.
Yes, Steve Madden was convicted in 2002 on charges of stock fraud and money laundering connected to his involvement with Stratton Oakmont, the brokerage firm later depicted in The Wolf of Wall Street. He served approximately 26 months in federal prison between 2002 and 2005, during which he retained his design chief role at the company he founded.
Steve Madden’s exact height has not been publicly confirmed through official sources. He is generally described as average height in media appearances and public events related to his footwear brand.
Steve Madden was married to Wendy Ballew from 2005 to 2015. The couple had three children together: twin sons Jack and Stevie Madden, and a daughter named Goldie Ryan Madden. Madden has not publicly confirmed any subsequent marriage or relationship.
Steve Madden resides in Manhattan, New York City. In 2017, he purchased a $12.2 million condominium at 252 East 57th Street, a building on Manhattan’s Billionaires’ Row, per 6sqft.