Europe Athletic Footwear Market Outlook, 2028

Athletic footwear refers to shoes that are designed for sports and other outdoor activities. The global consumption volume indicates a trend towards these being used as casual and fashion footwear by people of all age groups. The market offers a variety of footwear with options in colour, design, and price to cater to the needs and purchasing abilities of individual customers. Furthermore, in Europe, the invention of the first modern running shoe is attributed to a New Zealand athlete named Arthur Lydiard, who worked with a local shoe company in the 1960s to create a shoe specifically designed for long-distance running. The resulting shoe, called the Arthur Lydiard Track Shoe, featured a lightweight design and cushioning that was specifically tailored to the needs of long-distance runners. Moreover, there are significant cultural differences between different European countries, and these can impact the athletic footwear market. For example, in some countries, such as Italy and France, there is a strong tradition of luxury fashion, which has influenced the design and marketing of athletic footwear in these markets. In other countries, such as Germany, there is a strong focus on functionality and performance. Furthermore, there has been a trend towards athleisure fashion, which involves wearing athletic clothing and footwear as part of everyday outfits. This trend has helped boost sales of athletic footwear in Europe as people increasingly seek out comfortable and stylish footwear options.

According to the research report Europe Athletic Footwear Market Outlook, 2028 the Europe Athletic Footwear market was valued at more than USD 34 Billion in 2022. In Europe, there is a wide variety of athletic activities that people participate in, from hiking and mountaineering to cycling and skateboarding. This has led to a more diverse range of athletic footwear products being available to cater to the specific needs of different sports and activities. Furthermore, athletic footwear brands are constantly innovating and introducing new technologies to improve the performance and comfort of their products. This includes features such as improved cushioning, better traction, and breathable fabrics. Consumers are often willing to pay a premium for products that offer the latest technology and innovation. Moreover, rising disposable incomes across Europe have contributed to an increase in consumer spending on leisure activities, including sports and fitness. This has helped to drive demand for athletic footwear as people seek out high-quality products that can withstand regular use. In addition, major sports events and sponsorships can have a significant impact on the athletic footwear market in Europe. For example, the UEFA European Football Championship (Euro) and the Olympic Games can boost sales of athletic footwear as fans seek out shoes and apparel that are associated with their favourite teams and athletes.

Based on product type, the market is divided into running shoes, training and walking shoes, sports shoes, aerobic and gym wear shoes, trekking and hiking shoes, and others (cross-training shoes, walking shoes, dance shoes, etc.). Running, training, and walking shoes had the highest market share during the forecast period. There is a growing awareness of the importance of physical activity and the impact of footwear on overall health. Consumers are more likely to invest in high-quality footwear that provides support, comfort, and protection during physical activity. Sports shoes are expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Sports culture is deeply ingrained in many countries across Europe, with a significant portion of the population participating in sports and fitness activities. This culture of sports participation creates a high demand for athletic footwear that is designed specifically for these activities.

According to the report, the market is segmented into six major countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, and Russia. Germany is one of the largest markets for Athletic Footwear in Europe. Berlin, the capital city of Germany, is known for its vibrant street art scene, and the city's graffiti artists have collaborated with brands such as Adidas and Puma to create limited-edition athletic footwear designs. Furthermore, the German government has introduced a Green Button certification for textiles, including athletic footwear, which ensures that products are produced under fair and environmentally sustainable conditions. However, the popularity of athletic footwear collaborations has been on the rise in the UK, with brands such as Nike and Adidas partnering with artists and designers to create unique and limited-edition designs. Furthermore, the UK has a long history of athletic footwear manufacturing, with brands such as Clarks, Dr. Martens, and Reebok all having originated in the country. Moreover, the French athletic footwear market has seen an increase in the popularity of minimalist and barefoot-style shoes, which are designed to mimic the feeling of running barefoot. Moreover, the Tour de France, one of the most famous cycling races in the world, takes place annually in France and has inspired several athletic footwear designs.

Based on the report, the market distribution channel was segmented into hypermarkets and supermarkets, specialty stores, brand outlets, online channels, and others. Among them, hypermarkets and supermarkets have the largest market share in the European athletic footwear market. Hypermarkets and supermarkets often offer competitive pricing on athletic footwear, as they purchase products in bulk and can negotiate lower prices from suppliers. This attracts price-sensitive customers who are looking for good value for their money. Furthermore, hypermarkets and supermarkets offer a wide range of products, including athletic footwear, which makes them a popular choice for consumers. These stores are usually located in central and accessible locations, making it easy for customers to visit and purchase products. Some of the popular hypermarkets and supermarkets in Europe where athletic footwear is sold include Carrefour, Tesco, Auchan, Lidl, Aldi, E. Leclerc, Intermarché, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Asda, and many more. Online distribution had the highest CAGR during the forecast period in the Europe athletic footwear market due to the increasing trend of online shopping and the convenience it offers. Some of the popular online channels where athletic footwear is sold in Europe are Amazon, Zalando, Decathlon, JD Sports, Foot Locker, ASOS, Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Under Armour, and many others.

According to the report, the market is segmented into tennis shoes, soccer shoes, basketball shoes, cricket shoes, and others. Among them, soccer shoes will be the market leader in 2022, with more than 60% higher revenue generation. Soccer shoe manufacturers are constantly improving the technology and materials used in the production of soccer shoes, such as improving the fit and comfort of the shoes, making them more durable, and enhancing the grip and traction of the soles. This has made soccer shoes a preferred choice among players. Furthermore, soccer shoes have also become a fashion trend, with many consumers purchasing them for their stylish designs and colours. This has led to increased sales of soccer shoes among non-soccer players as well. Tennis shoes are projected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Tennis is a popular sport in Europe, with a large number of people participating in the sport at all levels, from amateur to professional. This popularity translates into a high demand for tennis shoes, as players require specialized footwear to play the sport. Moreover, in some European countries, owning a pair of high-end tennis shoes is considered a status symbol. Brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Puma have capitalized on this trend by releasing limited-edition tennis shoes that are highly sought after by consumers.

The European athletic footwear market is governed by various regulatory norms aimed at ensuring consumer safety and promoting fair competition. Some of the key regulatory bodies and regulations governing the market include The European Union (EU) has established various regulations aimed at ensuring the safety and quality of products sold within the region. The REACH regulation, for example, governs the use of chemicals in products sold within the EU, while the CE marking indicates that a product meets certain safety, health, and environmental requirements. Furthermore, the European Footwear Confederation (CEC) is a trade association that represents the interests of the European footwear industry. The organization works to promote fair competition and ensure that footwear products meet certain quality standards. Moreover, the European athletic footwear market is also subject to various international regulations, such as those established by the World Trade organization (WTO) and the International Organisations for Standardizations (ISO).

Celebrity endorsements and sponsorships also have a significant impact on the European athletic footwear market, as they can help to increase brand awareness, boost sales, and enhance brand image. Furthermore, some of the most successful brands at leveraging celebrity endorsements and sponsorships in the European athletic footwear market include Nike, Adidas, Puma, and Reebok. There are several celebrities and influencers who have endorsed athletic footwear brands in Europe. For instance, Cristiano Ronaldo the Portuguese football star has endorsed Nike and has a lifetime contract with the brand. He has been a brand ambassador for Nike for over a decade and has been featured in many of their advertising campaigns. Furthermore, Lionel Messi the Argentine footballer has endorsed Adidas and has been a brand ambassador for the company since 2006. He has been featured in several advertising campaigns for the brand. Moreover, the British Formula One driver has endorsed Puma and has been a brand ambassador for the company since 2018. He has collaborated with Puma on several collections and has been featured in their advertising campaigns.

Based on the end-user, men will emerge as the largest end-user segment in 2022. In Europe, men are often encouraged to be physically active and engage in sports from a young age. This cultural norm drives demand for athletic footwear among men. Furthermore, many women are becoming more health-conscious and are prioritizing regular exercise as a part of their daily routine. This has led to increased demand for athletic footwear that is comfortable, supportive, and suitable for various types of workouts. In addition, with the rise in childhood obesity rates and the growing awareness of the importance of physical activity, parents are encouraging their children to participate in sports and outdoor activities. This has led to an increase in demand for athletic footwear for kids.

Companies Mentioned in this Report:

Asics Corporation, Nike, Inc, Addidas , Under Armour, Inc., Puma , New Balance, Skechers Inc., Fila Holding Corporation, Brooks Sports, Inc., Amer Sports, Mizuno corporation, La Sportiva S.p.A., VF Corporation, Bata Corporation, Li Ning Company , Lotto Sport Italia S.p.A. , Columbia Sportswear Company, Cofra S.r.l.

Considered in this report

• Geography: Europe
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• Europe Athletic Footwear market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Athletic Footwear market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered in the report:

• Germany
• United Kingdom
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Russia

By Product Type:

• Running Shoes, Training and Walking Shoes
• Sports Shoes
• Aerobic and gym wear shoes
• Trekking & Hiking Shoes
• Others (cross-training shoes, walking shoes, dance shoes, etc.)

By Sports Type:

• Tennis Shoes
• Soccer Shoes
• Basketball Shoes
• Cricket Shoes
• Others

By End User:

• Men
• Women
• Kids

By Distribution Channel

• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Brand Outlets
• Online Channels
• Others (General retail, B2B, etc.)

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, government-generated reports, and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by making telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations and organizations related to the Athletic Footwear industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.