Report Summary

Athletic Footwear Market Size and Growth Insights

The Global Athletic Footwear Market size was valued at USD 130 billion in 2022 and is projected to achieve a valuation of around USD 200 billion by 2030. This growth represents a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5% over the forecast period spanning from 2023 to 2030. In comparison, the Global Athletic Wear Market boasted a valuation of over USD 350 billion in 2022.

Athletic footwear, specifically designed for sports and physical activities, plays a pivotal role in providing wearers with essential support, cushioning, and traction during activities such as running, walking, and sports participation. These shoes are tailored to the requirements of each sport or activity, incorporating features such as breathable mesh, cushioned soles, and specialized outsole patterns to optimize performance and reduce injury risks. Notable categories of athletic footwear include running shoes, basketball shoes, soccer cleats, tennis shoes, sports shoes, aerobic shoes, and trekking & hiking shoes, among others.

Several factors are contributing to the positive outlook of the athletic wear market. There is a surging interest in fitness, sports, and physical activity, accompanied by a growing affinity for athleisure fashion. Increased awareness of foot health is also playing a pivotal role in the market expansion. Technological advancements in footwear materials and design, coupled with a rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly footwear options, are creating lucrative opportunities for the athletic wear industry. Furthermore, innovations such as smart footwear that can calculate calories burned are poised to impact the athletic footwear industry positively.

Customizable footwear is gaining popularity, and e-commerce channels are expanding for footwear sales. Boutique and specialty footwear brands are gaining traction, and there is a growing emphasis on fashion-forward designs for athletic footwear. Comfort and functionality in footwear design are receiving increased focus, and developing markets with rising disposable incomes are fueling demand for performance-enhancing athletic footwear. Additionally, the industry is witnessing a trend toward experiential and immersive retail experiences and a shift toward direct-to-consumer sales models.

Conversely, the athletic footwear industry faces challenges, including the elevated expenses associated with producing high-quality athletic shoes, unpredictable fluctuations in raw material costs and availability, and growing environmental concerns stemming from pollution associated with the footwear industry.

What are the Major Growth Drivers and Opportunities in Athletic Footwear Market?

Surging Interest in Sports and Fitness Activities Drives Athletic Footwear Market

As people increasingly prioritize their health and recognize the significance of physical activity, the demand for athletic footwear is on the rise. This surge is driven by several factors, including the growing prevalence of obesity, heightened awareness of the health advantages associated with exercise, and the influence of fitness-oriented social media influencers. With more individuals actively participating in sports and fitness routines, there is a rising need for footwear specifically designed for these activities. Athletes and active individuals are seeking shoes that offer comfort, support, cushioning, and performance-enhancing features to optimize their performance and reduce the risk of injury. This trend has motivated manufacturers to innovate in terms of design, technology, and materials to meet the evolving requirements of athletes and fitness enthusiasts, consequently fueling athletic footwear market growth.

Furthermore, consumers increasingly prefer designer athletic shoes that incorporate elements of sports design, aligning with the athleisure trend. The global demand for running and cycling footwear is propelled by the ongoing shift towards more active lifestyles. With the surge in popularity of sports and fitness activities such as aerobics, swimming, jogging, and yoga, along with the increasing participation of women in these fitness activities, there is a growing demand for attractive and comfortable sports footwear suitable for daily use. Additionally, the prevalence of athleisure has grown significantly, exerting a substantial influence on the sports footwear choices of millennial parents. Athletic footwear enjoys widespread popularity across all age groups, as baby boomers, Generation X, Generation Z, and millennials alike actively engage in sports activities.

Technological Advancements Boost the Athletic Footwear Industry

Recent technological advancements have empowered athletic footwear manufacturers to pioneer new materials and designs, leading to substantial improvements in both performance and comfort. Innovations such as breathable mesh, lightweight materials, specialized cushioning systems, and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques play a pivotal role in reducing shoe weight, enhancing impact absorption, providing better ventilation and comfort, and mitigating the risk of injuries. Notably, advancements in outsole designs deliver superior traction and durability.

Furthermore, the integration of wearable tech enables personalized tracking and performance metric analysis, elevating athletic performance and appealing to consumers seeking state-of-the-art features. Notably, advancements in 3D printing technology now enable the production of customized athletic footwear tailored to individual athletes' specific needs.

As consumer awareness of these technological advancements grows, there is an increasing demand for athletic footwear incorporating these innovations, thereby fueling market expansion. Manufacturers are committed to investing in research and development to maintain competitiveness, further propelling the athletic footwear market with enhanced functionality and innovative designs.

Increasing Impact of Fashion and Lifestyle Trends on Athletic Footwear Adoption

Sneakers and sports shoes have evolved beyond functional footwear, now making a distinct fashion statement. They seamlessly blend style and performance, resulting in a surge in demand for fashionable and trendy designs in athletic footwear. Collaborations between athletic footwear brands and renowned fashion designers, celebrities, or influencers have further amplified their allure.

As consumers aspire to express their individual style and embrace the athleisure movement, they are increasingly drawn towards athletic footwear as a stylish and versatile choice. This fusion of fashion and sportswear significantly propels the athletic footwear market, compelling manufacturers to craft aesthetically appealing designs that cater to the ever-changing tastes and preferences of consumers.

What are the Athletic Footwear Market Segmentations and Bifurcations?

Athletic Footwear Market by Product Type

• Aerobic Shoes
• Running Shoes
• Walking Shoes
• Trekking & Hiking Shoes
• Sports Shoes
  • Basketball
  • Cricket
  • Tennis
  • Soccer / Football
  • Golf
  • Cycling
  • Baseball
  • Others

In 2022, the running shoes segment dominated the athletic footwear market, capturing substantial revenue share of over 30%. This dominance can be attributed to the widespread daily use of running shoes and their availability across a wide price range, encompassing both affordable athletic shoes and highly luxurious alternatives. Within the running shoes category, you can find options designed for various purposes, including training, advanced running, road running, trail running, track running, and racing.

The sports shoes segment is poised to gather substantial gains during the forecast period. The robust demand for sports shoes can be attributed to their performance-enhancing features, including specialized traction patterns and cushioning systems that offer support and mitigate the risk of injuries. Additionally, the popularity of sports such as basketball, soccer, cricket, golf, and tennis continues to drive growth within this segment.

Furthermore, the trekking and hiking shoes segment is expected to demonstrate a robust growth rate in the forecast period, propelled by technological advancements that have elevated comfort and flexibility for hikers. Moreover, the increasing interest in activities such as cardio, cross-training, and other unconventional forms of exercise is anticipated to bolster the demand for aerobic shoes during the forecast period.

Athletic Footwear Market by End-User

• Men
• Women
• Children

In 2022, the men's end-user segment held the largest share of revenue, exceeding 50%. This segment is anticipated to maintain its dominant position in the athletic footwear market till 2030, primarily due to the higher participation levels of men in sports and physical activities compared to women and children. The demand for sports shoes offering flexibility, stability, traction, and durability has notably surged among men.

On the other hand, women's athletic footwear is gradually gaining ground as the popularity of sports continues to grow among women, especially in markets that were previously unexplored. In most developed countries, there is a significant representation of women athletes at major sporting events compared to developing and underdeveloped countries. Furthermore, the overall awareness of fitness among women is notably high in advanced countries when compared to developing nations. However, this landscape is gradually changing in developing countries, aligning with the efforts undertaken by respective governments to encourage women's active participation in sports and fitness-related activities. This shift is anticipated to significantly boost the sales of women's athletic footwear in emerging markets.

Athletic Footwear Market by Distribution Channel

• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Brand Outlets
• Online Channels
• Others

In the athletic footwear market, specialty stores emerged as the dominant distribution channel. Specialty stores, such as sports retailers and dedicated athletic shoe outlets, play a pivotal role in propelling the market forward. These establishments provide a specialized and immersive shopping experience, featuring knowledgeable staff and a meticulously curated range of athletic footwear options. These stores are dedicated to meeting the unique needs of athletes and sports enthusiasts, offering expert guidance, personalized fitting services, and a thoughtfully selected array of performance-oriented footwear. Specialty stores serve as a destination for customers in search of top-quality athletic shoes, thus driving the market through their expertise and customized offerings.

Simultaneously, online distribution channels are poised for substantial growth during the forecast period till 2030. The global popularity of online shopping, driven by the convenience it offers, along with the vast product range and size availability, price comparison options, and customer review accessibility, is anticipated to fuel the growth of online sales in athletic footwear market.

What are the Regional and Country Trends in Athletic Footwear Market?

Global Athletic Footwear Market – Regional Trends and Insights

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
• Latin America

In 2022, North America dominated the global athletic footwear market. The region's substantial market share can be attributed to various factors, including a high level of sports participation and physical activity among the population, a growing interest in health and fitness, and the presence of major athletic footwear brands headquartered in the region. Notably, major sports events like the Super Bowl and NBA championships provide an additional boost to the market's prominence. The region's robust retail infrastructure and the presence of prominent athletic footwear brands also play pivotal roles in driving market growth. Moreover, the surge in athleisure and casual wear popularity fuels demand for athletic footwear in North America. Continuous innovation in technology and materials by North American manufacturers further propels the market, offering a wide array of performance-enhancing options for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Europe assumes a pivotal role in the global athletic footwear market, propelled by its fervor for sports and fashion-forward trends. The region hosts numerous prominent sports events that significantly elevate the demand for athletic footwear. Europe's distinction as home to renowned fashion capitals fosters the fusion of sportswear and high fashion. The ascent of athleisure trends has positioned athletic footwear as a fashion statement. Furthermore, Europe's strong focus on outdoor activities and fitness, including hiking and cycling, continues to drive the market, generating a demand for specialized athletic footwear.

Asia Pacific exerts a substantial influence on the athletic footwear market, driven by its large population, rapid urbanization, and rising disposable income. The region's expanding middle class, notably in countries like China and India, has spurred greater engagement in sports and fitness activities. Moreover, the increasing awareness of health and the impact of Western sports and fashion culture are bolstering the demand for athletic footwear. Major global sports brands are strategically focusing on this region for expansion, propelling the market through new product introductions and targeted marketing initiatives.

South America athletic footwear market is experiencing remarkable growth. Brazil, in particular, boasts a well-developed sporting culture. Sports enjoy immense popularity among large segments of the population and encompass a diverse range of activities. Consequently, Brazil stands out as one of the world's major marketplaces for athletic footwear, significantly propelling athletic footwear sales in South America. Additionally, rising health awareness, changing lifestyles, a growing preference for comfortable footwear, the demand for creative footwear designs, and increasing disposable income levels have all contributed to the growing consumer preference for athletic footwear in South America. International companies and brands specializing in athletic footwear are making substantial expansions in Brazil, further contributing to the athletic footwear market in South America. Brazil presents enticing investment opportunities across various sports sectors, with a target audience primarily comprising the high and middle-income population.

Report Scope

How is the Competition Scenario in Athletic Footwear Market?

Athletic Footwear Market – Competitive Landscape

Companies in the athletic footwear market are strengthening their industry position through various strategies. One such strategy is product innovation, where companies are investing heavily in research and development to create new and innovative products that meet the changing needs and preferences of consumers. This includes the use of advanced materials, improved cushioning systems, and the incorporation of smart technology. Additionally, companies are expanding their distribution networks and increasing their online presence to reach a wider customer base. They are also engaging in strategic partnerships and collaborations with other companies and athletes to increase brand visibility and drive sales. Finally, companies are placing greater emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices, in response to growing consumer demand for environmentally and socially responsible products. Through these strategies, companies in the athletic footwear market are working to maintain a competitive edge and solidify their industry position.

Some of key companies/brands operating in the athletic footwear market include Adidas, Aldo Group, ASICS, Brooks Sports, Fila, Hoka One One, K-Swiss, Lotto Sport, Maus Freres, New Balance, Nike, On Running, Puma, Reebok, Skechers, Under Armour, VF Corporation, Wolverine World Wide, and others.

Athletic Footwear Market Developments

• In June 2023, ASICS, a multinational Japanese corporation renowned for its sportswear, introduced the GEL-KAYANO. This innovation redefines comfort and stability in running shoes, incorporating cutting-edge technologies to deliver adaptive stability and unprecedented comfort with every step.
• In September 2022, Asics Corporation unveiled the Novablast 3, a unique footwear offering characterized by its geometric Origami design. Infused with Asics technology and distinctive cushioning, these shoes provide a dynamic and responsive running experience.
• In June 2021, Adidas unveiled the "Solarthon" golf shoe, prized for its lightweight and comfortable design. The brand also has plans to introduce limited-edition grey, blue, and white colorways for the Solarthon. This innovative shoe utilizes Adidas' Primeblue textile upper, made from recycled yarn containing a minimum of 50% Parley Ocean Plastic, aligning with the company's "End Plastic Waste" initiative.
• In May 2021, Nike unveiled the "ZoomX Invincible Run" running shoes, expanding its diverse range of athletic footwear. Drawing inspiration from the acclaimed "Nike React Infinity Run" shoes, this new product showcases Nike's commitment to innovation and performance.