Athletic Shoe Market Size, Share, Analysis, Trends, Growth, Forecasts, 2034

Athletic Shoe Industry Prospective:

The global athletic shoe market size was worth around USD 147.94 billion in 2024 and is predicted to grow to around USD 245.14 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 5.18% between 2024 and 2034.

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Athletic Shoe Market: Overview

An athletic shoe is specially designed footwear to be worn during physical activity. Athletic shoes are worn during intense or light physical workouts such as walking, running, trekking, and gym. The key features of an athletic shoe are better comfort, foot support, balance, and traction compared to conventionally worn casual shoes.

In addition to this, athletic shoes are generally more expensive than other counterparts due to their special features. During the forecast period, the demand for athletic shoes is expected to grow driven by several favorable factors.

For instance, the rising number of people undertaking physical sports for health care reasons is one of the largest growth propellers for the industry.

Furthermore, the rapid global expansion of athletic shoe providers worldwide will help the industry players reach remote locations and new consumers. A major drawback for the industry is the high cost of most athletic shoes and brands, as well as the vast amount of waste generated by the sportswear industry. Market players can opt for more sustainable means of producing raw materials to stay aligned with the growing environmental awareness of their consumers.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global athletic shoe market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 5.18% over the forecast period (2025-2034)
• In terms of revenue, the global athletic shoe market size was valued at around USD 147.94 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 245.14 billion by 2034.
• The athletic shoe market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the rising health consciousness among consumers.
• Based on the type, the running shoes segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market as per industry projections.
• Based on the end-user, the men segment is anticipated to command the largest market share.
• Based on region, Asia-Pacific is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Athletic Shoe Market: Growth Drivers

Rising health consciousness among consumers to fuel market growth rate in the future

The global athletic shoe market is expected to benefit from the increasing number of health-conscious buyers worldwide. Athletic shoes are specially designed to be worn during physical workouts. These shoes reduce the risk of injury during intense workouts and provide necessary comfort during lighter physical activities such as brisk walking. The sedentary lifestyle of the modern population is one of the leading causes of several health-related concerns at a considerable young age.

According to the latest reports, heart attacks are generally common in people from older age groups. However, recent statistics indicate that heart attacks and strokes are becoming increasingly common in people in their 30s.

Similarly, other serious conditions, such as diabetes, are rapidly spreading across people of all age groups. The ordinary population is increasingly realizing the importance of developing a workout plan that best fits their lifestyle, encouraging them to invest in good athletic shoes that survive for longer durations.

Increasing the sale of the shoes through online sales mediums will be critical to the overall revenue generated by the industry

The producers and distributors of athletic shoes are actively investing in developing a robust supply chain to keep up with the growing demand for the products through online sales mediums. It includes product sales through established e-commerce websites like Amazon or brand-owned websites. Online sales allow brands to reach a broader audience with relatively less investment compared to establishing brick-and-mortar facilities.

In addition, e-commerce platforms offer several discounts and other forms of monetary assistance that encourage consumers to purchase discounted products. The companies operating in the global athletic shoe market are expected to garner higher revenue by establishing a more seamless and extensive footprint through e-commerce platforms.

Athletic Shoe Market: Restraints

Higher cost of the shoes will limit the market’s overall growth rate in the future

The global athletic shoe industry is expected to be restricted by the high cost of the shoe variants compared to casual shoes. Athletic counterparts are specially designed shoes made using cutting-edge technologies and specially designed materials.

For instance, using shock-absorbing materials increases the overall cost of the product. The final price is further impacted by the extensive cost of branding and advertisement that the companies incur to generate consumer awareness.

Athletic Shoe Market: Opportunities

Surge in launch of new products with stylish appearance and better performance to create new opportunities for growth

The global athletic shoe market is expected to generate growth opportunities due to the increasing launch of new products. Brands are focusing on improving product designs, outer appearance, and longevity of the shoes. In addition, by improving post-sales services, companies can generate higher brand loyalty among customers.

In March 2025, Reebok, one of the leading global developers of athletic shoes, announced a partnership with Syntilay. The companies will collaborate to launch 3D printed and Artificial Intelligence (AI) printed footwear, which will be available for global customers at a starting price of USD 150.

In addition, brands are also focusing on using sustainable and environmentally responsible raw materials, such as recycled plastic, to stay aligned with the expectations of environmentally-conscious buyers.

Athletic Shoe Market: Challenges

Growing sales of counterfeit and low-grade products to challenge further market penetration in the future

The global athletic shoe industry is expected to be challenged by the rising concerns over the sale of counterfeit products. According to official statistics, sports companies are estimated to lose over EUR 510 million in the European Union due to the sale of unoriginal sports goods, including athletic shoes.

In addition, counterfeit product selling has become easier despite growing sales through online channels, including reputed e-commerce platforms.

Athletic Shoe Market: Report Scope

Athletic Shoe Market: Segmentation

The global athletic shoe market is segmented based on type, end-user, and region.

Based on the type, the global market segments are trekking & hiking shoes, running shoes, aerobic shoes, sports shoes, walking shoes, and others.

In 2024, the highest growth was listed in the running shoes market, which dominated nearly 35.01% of the final revenue. Running is a common form of everyday exercise adopted by several people across the globe since it is associated with several health benefits.

For instance, running promotes bone strength, along with improved cardiovascular health and better posture. Walking shoes are primarily common among senior citizens and buyers with special needs.

Based on the end-user, the athletic shoe industry divisions are women, men, and children. In 2024, the highest growth was listed in the men segment. They held control over 55.05% of the final revenue.

According to recent trends, the women's segment is expected to continue growing rapidly in the coming years, fueled by the rising rate of sports undertaken by the female population. The children segment will generate significant revenue with increased sports participation among children at school and college levels.

Athletic Shoe Market: Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific to fuel market expansion rate during the forecast period

The global athletic shoe market will be led by Asia-Pacific during the forecast period. The region contributed nearly 36% of the global share in 2024, led by countries such as India, China, South Korea, and others. Asian countries form a considerably large part of the consumer groups with India and China acting as homes to nearly 50% of the world population.

In addition, the purchasing power of the regional buyers has been growing over the years with increased sources of job opportunities. China is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of athletic shoes, offering manufacturing services to international brands such as Nike and Adidas, to name a few. North America is a prominent market with high returns on investments.

Countries such as the US and Canada are home to some of the most prestigious brands offering athletic shoes not only to everyday buyers but also to sports personalities.

In January 2025, Adidas partnered with Grigor Dimitrov, a leading tennis player. The company has signed a multi-year partnership with the star player to provide him with the best performance footwear as per the demands of modern tennis events.

Athletic Shoe Market: Competitive Analysis

The global athletic shoe market is led by players like:

• Under Armour
• Nike
• On Running
• Reebok
• Asics
• Adidas
• New Balance
• Fila
• Puma
• Hoka One One
• Brooks
• Mizuno
• K-Swiss
• Saucony
• Salomon

The global athletic shoe market is segmented as follows:

By Type

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

By End-User

• Women
• Men
• Children

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa