Athletic Footwear Market Size, Share, and Trends 2024 to 2033

Athletic Footwear Market Size and Growth 2024 to 2033

The global athletic footwear market size was valued at USD 133.20 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach around USD 197.17 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5% from 2024 to 2033. Growing enthusiasm and awareness regarding the health benefits of sports and fitness activities are estimated to be the key trends driving the athletic footwear market growth.

Athletic Footwear Market Key Takeaways

• Asia Pacific dominated the market with the biggest market share of 36% in 2023.
• North America is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period.
• By type, the running shoes segment has contributed more than 37% of market share in 2023.
• By type, the trekking and hiking segment is expected to grow at a significant rate over the forecast period.
• By end use, the men's segment has held the largest market share of 57% in 2023.
• By end use, the women's segment is expected to expand rapidly during the projected period.

Athletic Footwear Market Size in the Asia Pacific 2024 to 2033

The Asia Pacific athletic footwear market size was estimated at USD 47.95 billion in 2023 and is predicted to be worth around USD 71.97 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 4.14% from 2024 to 2033.

Asia Pacific dominated the athletic footwear market globally in 2023. This trend is expected to persist, with the region maintaining its leadership position throughout the forecast period. The region is also anticipated to experience the highest growth rate, propelled by factors such as rising disposable incomes and the expanding reach of e-commerce platforms. Moreover, the growing interest in sports events like the Asian Games, the ICC Cricket World Cup, and the ACC Asia Cup is further driving the demand for athletic footwear across the region.

• In August 2022, the ranch luxury menswear brand Berluti expanded its digital footprint in China by launching Alibaba Group’s Tmall Luxury Pavilion. During the hard launch, Berluti will offer Tmall shoppers exclusive access to its global debut of Playoff sneakers.

North America is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period. The region boasts a strong culture of sports and leisure activities, which drives substantial demand for athletic footwear. Major sporting spectacles like the Super Bowl and NBA championships add further momentum to the market. Moreover, the region benefits from the presence of renowned athletic footwear brands and a well-established retail network, bolstering market expansion. Continuous advancements in technology and materials by manufacturers in North America contribute to market growth by giving athletes and fitness enthusiasts a diverse array of performance-enhancing choices.

• In November 2023, JD Sports, the leading global sports fashion retailer, and Instacart, the leading grocery technology company in North America, announced a new partnership to launch same-day delivery from more than 500 JD Sports and Finish Line stores nationwide via the Instacart App and website. JD Sports is one of the first sports-fashion retail partners to leverage Instacart's technologies, giving customers access to same-day delivery for more than 16,000 products, including popular athletic footwear and apparel brands like Nike, Jordan, Adidas, Puma, and more, delivered in as fast an hour.

Athletic Footwear Market Size in North America 2023 to 2033

The North America athletic footwear market size reached USD 38.63 billion in 2023 and is projected to expand around USD 58.17 billion by 2033, poised to grow at a CAGR of 4.17% from 2024 to 2033.

Athletic Footwear Market Overview

Athletic footwear, also known as sports shoes or sneakers, is specially designed footwear tailored for various physical activities, sports, and workouts. These shoes are crafted to ensure comfort, support, and protection for the feet during dynamic movements, high-impact exercises, and prolonged wear. They often feature cushioned midsoles, sturdy outsoles, breathable uppers, and other performance-oriented features customized for specific sports or activities. Sports footwear caters to a wide range of sports and recreational pursuits, including basketball, tennis, running, walking, soccer, and hiking.

Moreover, their utility extends beyond sports to everyday wear. This is because of the rising popularity of athleisure fashion trends. Athleisure encompasses comfortable and stylish sneakers suitable for both active pursuits and casual outings. Athletic footwear also plays a vital role in injury prevention and performance enhancement by giving athletes and fitness enthusiasts the necessary confidence and support to pursue their fitness objectives safely and effectively.

Athletic Footwear Market Growth Factors

• People are becoming more aware of health and fitness. This factor can contribute to market expansion.
• People are also realizing the importance of utilizing a proper type of shoes for sports activities, which can fuel the growth of the athletic footwear market.
• Technological advancements in material and design can drive the market growth of the athletic footwear market.
• Collaborations between athletic shoemakers, designers, and celebrity influencers can boost the athletic footwear market growth shortly.
• Growing e-commerce activities such as buying and selling services and products can propel the growth of the athletic footwear market.

Athletic Footwear Market Scope

Athletic Footwear Market Dynamics

Driver: Advancements in manufacturing techniques

Advancements in manufacturing techniques, materials, and cushioning technologies are elevating the support, energy rebound, and impact absorption capabilities of footwear. The use of lightweight materials reduces strain on the shoe by promoting agility and responsiveness. Enhanced comfort and breathability are achieved through moisture-wicking fabrics and well-ventilated designs. Upgrades in outsole construction provide improved durability and traction, which ensure better resilience on various surfaces. Furthermore, the integration of wearable tech enables the collection and analysis of performance metrics on an individual level. These technological breakthroughs not only improve athletic performance but also appeal to consumers seeking innovative features in their footwear choices.

• In January 2024, footwear brand New Balance opened four concept stores in Phnom Penh, marking its entry into the Cambodian athletic footwear market. MAP Active Cambodia, a sports and lifestyle brands importer and distributor that manages the stores, also intends to open two more New Balance stores in the country this year as part of a long-term plan to expand New Balance’s footprint in the country.

Restraint: Increasing competition among players

Rising competition among athletic footwear brands poses a significant obstacle to the athletic footwear market expansion. With an increasing array of brands and products available, companies face challenges in distinguishing themselves and capturing consumer attention in a crowded marketplace. Moreover, the growing price sensitivity among consumers prompts them to switch brands in pursuit of better deals, which can pose hurdles to building brand loyalty and retaining market share. As consumers seek versatile and comfortable footwear suitable for diverse occasions, the demand for casual and lifestyle footwear options rises, offering more style and fashion choices. Also, consumers desire personalized features and benefits, prompting companies to innovate and deliver specific solutions on a broader scale.

Opportunities: Athleisure's influence and growing sports participation

Consumers are attracted more towards designer athletic shoes that blend sports elements with fashion, aligning with the athleisure trend. The global demand for cycling and running footwear is propelled by a shift towards more active lifestyles among consumers. The rising popularity of fitness and sports activities like swimming, jogging, aerobics, and yoga presents abundant opportunities for players in the global athletic footwear market. Additionally, the growing participation of women in sports and fitness activities fuels the demand for stylish and comfortable sports shoes. Consumers, especially women, are investing more in athletic footwear. Also, the surge in Athleisure's popularity impacts the sports footwear preferences of millennial parents. Athletic footwear finds favor across all age groups, including baby boomers, Generation Z, Generation X, and millennials, as they all engage in sports and fitness activities.

• In October 2023, the Sports and athleisure footwear brand, Campus Activewear collaborates with Sonam Bajwa to launch the Chunky Sneaker collection. The brand aims to set new pathways with the launch of the Chunky Sneaker collection.

The rising popularity of eco-friendly footwear

The growing emphasis on sustainability is a notable trend shaping market dynamics. Consumers are increasingly mindful of the environmental impact of their purchases, and this trend is evident specifically in the U.S. athletic footwear market. Brands are investing in eco-friendly materials, manufacturing processes, and packaging to cater to environmentally conscious consumers. There's a rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly footwear as consumers prioritize products that minimize carbon footprints. Athletic footwear brands are continually innovating with new materials and technologies to enhance product performance in terms of comfort and durability.

Type Insights

The running shoes segment dominated the athletic footwear market in 2023. Running shoes cater to a diverse range of activities, including advanced running, trail running, and track running, among others. Their versatility and suitability for daily wear contribute significantly to their widespread popularity. Furthermore, the running shoe segment is propelled by the growing recognition of the importance of engaging in physical activities to prevent chronic illnesses. In response to consumer preferences, many companies are focusing on creating stylish athletic footwear options.

• In September 2023, CovationBio PDO launched a Saucony running shoe powered by Susterra. The launch is part of Saucony’s recent sustainability goals to have 90% of its products contain organic, recycled, or renewable materials by 2025, with 100% by 2030.

The trekking and hiking segment is expected to grow at a significant rate in the athletic footwear market over the forecast period. With advancements in technology, hiking footwear has become more comfortable and flexible for outdoor enthusiasts. These shoes are vital for protecting the feet and ankles during hikes, as they offer strength and durability and require a break-in period for optimal performance. Companies like Amer Sports, Nike, Puma, and Adidas have introduced specialized hiking and trail running footwear, capitalizing on innovations in fabrication, design, and product development. This has also led to the premiumization of hiking and trail running footwear in recent years.

End-use Insights

The men's segment dominated the athletic footwear market in 2023. Throughout history, men have been closely linked with sports and physical activities, and they remain a key demographic for athletic footwear. By Engaging in a diverse array of sports like basketball, soccer, running, and tennis, men rely on specialized athletic shoes tailored to their requirements. Many athletic shoe brands have expanded their offerings for men, focusing on attributes such as stability, durability, and performance enhancements when crafting athletic footwear.

The women's segment is expected to expand rapidly during the projected period. As women's interest in sports continues to rise, particularly in previously untapped countries, Traditionally, women have been less involved in sports and fitness activities compared to men. However, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in the participation of women in activities such as marathons, running, and jogging, contributing to the growth of the athletic footwear industry. Developed nations tend to have a higher proportion of female athletes participating in major sporting events compared to developing and underdeveloped countries.

• In May 2023, Green Market, a heritage company with more than 50 years of footwear-making experience, announced the launch of greenReActives®, a sustainably made line of indoor-outdoor women’s footwear that’s part shoe and part slipper.

Athletic Footwear Market Recent Developments

• In August 2023, Nike introduced the world’s first hydrogen-powered inland container ship, the “H 2 Barge 1, which will take products for Europe, sailing between Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Nike’s European Logistics Campus in Belgium.
• April 2023, Joe Freshgoods released new campaign images that showcase the Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 610 shoe and Rainier boot, in addition to clothing in tones of cream, brown, orange, and green.
• In August 2023, ASICS introduced the GEL-KAYANO 30, featuring adaptive technology for stability and comfort, continuing its legacy of performance-oriented footwear. The shoe combines advanced features like 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM, PureGEL, and FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning for enhanced shock absorption and overall comfort during runs.

Athletic Footwear Market Companies

• Adidas AG
• ASICS Corporation
• Fila Inc.
• Under Armour, Inc.
• Lotto Sport Italia S.p.A
• New Balance Athletics, Inc.
• Vans, Inc.
• Nike, Inc.
• Puma SE
• Reebok International Ltd.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Type

• Aerobic Shoes
• Running Shoes
• Walking Shoes
• Trekking & Hiking Shoes
• Sports Shoes

By End-user

• Men
• Women
• Children

By Geography

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