Athletic footwear encompasses shoes specifically designed for sports and physical activities, offering features that enhance performance, comfort, and durability. The industry includes a variety of products such as running shoes, training shoes, and lifestyle sneakers. A major driver of market growth is the increasing participation in sports and fitness activities, fueled by rising health awareness among consumers.

Market Overview:
The athletic footwear market size was valued at USD 132.45 billion in 2023 and is expected to be worth USD 138.72 billion in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 210.94 billion by 2032, recording a CAGR of 5.38% during the forecast period.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted the growth of the athletic footwear market. Widespread travel restrictions, lockdowns, and social distancing measures resulted in the cancellation or postponement of numerous sporting events and fitness activities. With limited outdoor movement and reduced consumer spending on non-essential goods, the demand for athletic footwear witnessed a significant decline during this period.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED IN THE REPORT
Nike, Inc. (U.S.)
Adidas AG (Germany)
Mizuno Corporation (Japan)
PUMA SE (Germany)
Under Armour, Inc. (U.S.)
Deckers Outdoor Corporation (U.S.)
FILA Holdings Corporation (South Korea)
On Holding AG (Switzerland)
New Balance Athletics, Inc. (U.S.)
Lululemon Athletica Inc. (Canada)
Competitive Landscape:
Top Brands Introduce Innovative Products to Expand Consumer Reach
Leading players in the athletic footwear market are actively launching new products equipped with advanced technologies to meet the evolving safety, comfort, and performance needs of consumers. Many manufacturers are integrating smart features such as embedded sensors to provide users with real-time data and insights during workouts or athletic activities, enhancing the overall fitness experience and broadening their appeal to tech-savvy customers.

Notable Industry Development:
August 2024: Puma unveiled its latest innovation in athletic footwear with the launch of MagMax NITRO running shoes. This new model incorporates the brand’s cutting-edge NITROFOAM™ technology, designed to deliver enhanced cushioning and superior energy return. According to the company, MagMax NITRO provides "supermax" comfort and propulsion, aiming to improve performance for both casual runners and professional athletes. The launch reflects Puma’s continued focus on blending advanced technology with performance-driven design to meet the evolving needs of the athletic footwear market.

Segmentation:
Running Shoes See Surge in Demand Amid Growing Marathon Participation

By product type, the athletic footwear market is segmented into training shoes (CrossFit/cross-training), running shoes (performance), lifestyle shoes (skateboarding), outdoor shoes (trail), and others. Among these, the running shoes segment held the largest market share in 2023, driven by the rising number of marathons worldwide. The increase in marathon events and growing interest in long-distance running have significantly contributed to the rising demand for performance-oriented running shoes.

Men Dominate End-User Segment with Increased Sports Involvement

Based on end users, the market is categorized into men, women, and children. The men’s segment emerged as the leading contributor to market share in 2023, largely due to the growing participation of men in various sports and fitness activities. This demographic trend has fueled consistent demand for high-performance athletic footwear across multiple categories.

Hypermarkets and Supermarkets Attract More Shoppers with Extensive Product Range

In terms of distribution channels, the market is divided into hypermarkets/supermarkets, specialty stores/sporting goods stores, departmental stores, online stores/e-commerce, and others. The hypermarkets/supermarkets segment led the market in 2023, benefiting from increased customer footfall. These retail outlets offer a broad assortment of athletic footwear from various brands, allowing consumers to explore and compare products conveniently under one roof.

Regional Overview

Geographically, the athletic footwear market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa. Each region presents unique growth opportunities influenced by cultural trends, economic conditions, and levels of sports participation.

Regional Insights:
North America Leads the Global Athletic Footwear Market Driven by Growing Health Awareness

North America emerged as the dominant region in the global athletic footwear market, fueled by a heightened focus on health, wellness, and active lifestyles. A growing number of individuals in the region are engaging in regular fitness routines, sports, and outdoor recreational activities, contributing significantly to the demand for high-performance athletic footwear. The United States, in particular, plays a pivotal role due to its large consumer base and strong sports culture. Additionally, the presence of major athletic footwear brands and manufacturers, including Nike, Under Armour, and Skechers, provides the region with a competitive edge and strengthens its leadership in the global market.

Asia Pacific to Witness Rapid Growth Due to Rising Income Levels and Sports Participation

The Asia Pacific region is projected to experience substantial growth in the coming years, driven by rapid urbanization, expanding middle-class populations, and increasing health consciousness. Countries such as India and China are at the forefront of this growth due to their booming economies and rising disposable incomes. As consumers in these countries gain greater purchasing power, their willingness to invest in premium, branded sports footwear has significantly increased. Furthermore, government initiatives promoting sports participation and fitness, along with a growing interest in global sports trends, are expected to accelerate market expansion across the region.

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Drivers and Restraints:
Rising Sports Participation to Accelerate Market Expansion

The growing global emphasis on health and wellness—especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic—has significantly increased participation in sports and fitness activities. Individuals are increasingly engaging in activities such as running, cycling, hiking, and gym training to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. This shift in lifestyle has fueled the demand for athletic footwear, which is essential for enhancing comfort, performance, and injury prevention during physical activities. As a result, the market is witnessing strong growth driven by evolving consumer preferences and active lifestyle trends.

Environmental Concerns Over Shoe Waste May Limit Market Growth

Despite the positive outlook, the market faces a key challenge in the form of environmental sustainability. The large-scale production and disposal of athletic footwear contribute to growing concerns over non-biodegradable waste and environmental degradation. Most athletic shoes are made using synthetic materials and complex manufacturing processes, making them difficult to recycle. These sustainability issues, if not addressed, could pose a restraint on market growth, as both regulators and consumers demand more eco-friendly solutions.