Athletic Footwear Global Market Report 2026

Athletic footwear encompasses a range of shoe types specifically designed to accommodate the unique movements associated with different sports and is utilized during sports, exercise, or recreational activities. These shoes offer sports-specific features such as cushioning, stability, traction, flexibility, and durability.

Primary categories of athletic footwear comprise running shoes, sports shoes, trekking/hiking footwear, among others. Specifically crafted for running and jogging, running shoes are geared towards facilitating forward movement while ensuring protection for both the forefoot and heel. These shoes play a role in averting conditions such as shin splints, stress fractures, tendonitis, and related concerns. Catering to men, women, and children, they are retailed through supermarkets/hypermarkets, specialty stores, brand outlets, and various online distribution channels.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are impacting the athletic footwear market by increasing costs of imported raw materials, synthetic fabrics, rubber soles, and finished footwear products manufactured across global supply chains. Asia-Pacific manufacturing hubs such as China and Vietnam are most affected, while North America and Europe face higher import costs and pricing pressure at the retail level. These tariffs are contributing to higher consumer prices and margin pressure for brands. However, they are also encouraging nearshoring, diversification of sourcing locations, and investment in automated and localized footwear manufacturing.

The athletic footwear market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides athletic footwear market statistics, including athletic footwear industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a athletic footwear market share, detailed athletic footwear market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the athletic footwear industry. This athletic footwear market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The athletic footwear market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $88.81 billion in 2025 to $94.49 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in sports and fitness participation, expansion of global footwear retail networks, rising consumer preference for branded athletic shoes, increasing influence of sports endorsements, improved manufacturing scale efficiencies.

The athletic footwear market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $120.19 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for eco-friendly athletic footwear, rising adoption of smart and connected footwear features, expansion of online and omni-channel retailing, growing focus on personalized footwear solutions, increasing innovation in lightweight and durable materials. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of sustainable footwear materials, rising demand for customizable athletic shoes, growing integration of digital design and manufacturing, expansion of direct-to-consumer online channels, enhanced focus on comfort and performance optimization.

The increasing number of sports tournaments is anticipated to support the expansion of the athletic footwear market. Sports tournaments are organized competitions where large groups of players compete in a defined format to identify an overall winner. A growing number of individuals are taking part in local and regional tournaments to showcase their abilities and gain opportunities to represent their country at the global level. Athletes and sports enthusiasts participating in such tournaments are required to wear athletic footwear to ensure safety and fair competition. For example, in March 2025, according to the Department of Health and Aged Care, an Australia-based government body, the 2024 National Participation Report highlighted a 10% increase in outdoor football participation and an 11% rise in overall football participation. As a result, the growing number of sports tournaments is expected to contribute to the growth of the athletic footwear market over the forecast period.

Leading players in the athletic footwear space are increasingly prioritizing the development of advanced innovations, such as powered footwear systems, to boost athletic performance, deliver customized support, and enhance overall comfort and efficiency for users. Powered footwear systems are technologically advanced shoes that integrate electronics, sensors, and motorized or energy-assisting components to improve wearer performance, comfort, or foot biomechanics. For example, in October 2025, Nike, a US-based sportswear company, introduced Project Amplify, a novel powered footwear system created for running and walking. Project Amplify features a lightweight motor, drive belt, and rechargeable battery cuff integrated into a carbon-fiber-plated running shoe. The system is designed to support natural lower-leg and ankle motion, effectively functioning as an additional set of calf muscles for the wearer. Users can operate the shoe with or without the robotic component, providing greater versatility than conventional running shoes. By incorporating power assistance, the footwear is intended to help everyday athletes walk or run faster and longer while using less energy, potentially extending daily commutes or increasing jogging and walking distances. This development represents a move away from traditional footwear that depends solely on human muscle power, bringing robotics-based enhancement into mainstream athletic footwear.

In September 2023, Agilitas Sports Private Limited, an India-based athleisure solutions company, acquired Mochiko Shoes for an undisclosed sum. Through this acquisition, Agilitas seeks to enhance its supply chain strength and expand manufacturing capabilities to support the fast-growing sports footwear segment, while also aligning with the Government of India's Make in India initiative. Mochiko Shoes Private Limited is an India-based sports footwear manufacturer and a key production partner for several global brands.

Major companies operating in the athletic footwear market are Nike Inc., Adidas AG, Lining, VF Corporation, Puma SE, ANTA Sports Products Limited, Skechers USA Inc., Under Armour, New Balance Athletics Inc., Lotto Sport, Li-Ning Company Limited, ASICS Corporation, ASICSTIGER, Deckers Brands, Columbia Sportswear Company, Fila, Fila Korea Ltd., Mizuno Corporation, On AG, Brooks Running Company, ECCO Sko A/S, K-Swiss Inc., Diadora Sport S.p.A., Umbro, Keen Inc., Saucony, Warrior, Salomon, Tecnica Group S.p.A., La Sportiva, Vivobarefoot, Helly Hansen, Topo Athletic, Hummel International Sport & Leisure A/S

North America was the largest region in the athletic footwear market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the athletic footwear market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the athletic footwear market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The athletic footwear market consists of sales of walking shoes, court sport shoes, minimalist shoes, hockey shoes, and climbing shoes. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

Athletic Footwear Market Global Report 2026 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses athletic footwear market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for athletic footwear ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The athletic footwear market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. This section also examines key products and services offered in the market, evaluates brand-level differentiation, compares product features, and highlights major innovation and product development trends.
• The supply chain analysis section provides an overview of the entire value chain, including key raw materials, resources, and supplier analysis. It also provides a list competitor at each level of the supply chain.
• The updated trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it evolves and highlights emerging technology trends such as digital transformation, automation, sustainability initiatives, and AI-driven innovation. It suggests how companies can leverage these advancements to strengthen their market position and achieve competitive differentiation.
• The regulatory and investment landscape section provides an overview of the key regulatory frameworks, regularity bodies, associations, and government policies influencing the market. It also examines major investment flows, incentives, and funding trends shaping industry growth and innovation.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.
• The total addressable market (TAM) analysis section defines and estimates the market potential compares it with the current market size, and provides strategic insights and growth opportunities based on this evaluation.
• The market attractiveness scoring section evaluates the market based on a quantitative scoring framework that considers growth potential, competitive dynamics, strategic fit, and risk profile. It also provides interpretive insights and strategic implications for decision-makers.
• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• Expanded geographical coverage includes Taiwan and Southeast Asia, reflecting recent supply chain realignments and manufacturing shifts in the region. This section analyzes how these markets are becoming increasingly important hubs in the global value chain.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The company scoring matrix section evaluates and ranks leading companies based on a multi-parameter framework that includes market share or revenues, product innovation, and brand recognition.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Product Type: Running Shoes; Sports Shoes; Trekking Or Hiking Shoes; Other Product Types
• 2) By End User: Men; Women; Kids
• 3) By Distribution Channel: Hypermarkets Or Supermarkets; Specialty Stores; Brand Outlets; Online Channels
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Running Shoes: Road Running Shoes; Trail Running Shoes; Racing Flats; Cushioned Running Shoes
• 2) By Sports Shoes: Basketball Shoes: Soccer Cleats; Tennis Shoes; Training Shoes; Cross-Training Shoes
• 3) By Trekking Or Hiking Shoes; Lightweight Hiking Shoes: Mid-Cut Hiking Boots; Backpacking Boots; Approach Shoes
• 4) By Other Product Types: Casual Athletic Shoes: Slip-On Athletic Shoes; Sandals And Slides
• Companies Mentioned: Nike Inc.; Adidas AG; Lining; VF Corporation; Puma SE; ANTA Sports Products Limited; Skechers USA Inc.; Under Armour; New Balance Athletics Inc.; Lotto Sport; Li-Ning Company Limited; ASICS Corporation; ASICSTIGER; Deckers Brands; Columbia Sportswear Company; Fila; Fila Korea Ltd.; Mizuno Corporation; On AG; Brooks Running Company; ECCO Sko A/S; K-Swiss Inc.; Diadora Sport S.p.A.; Umbro; Keen Inc.; Saucony; Warrior; Salomon; Tecnica Group S.p.A.; La Sportiva; Vivobarefoot; Helly Hansen; Topo Athletic; Hummel International Sport & Leisure A/S
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Taiwan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain.
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; South East Asia; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
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