Middle East & Africa Sneakers Market Outlook, 2029

The Middle East and Africa boast rich cultural diversity, and this diversity significantly shapes the sneaker market in the region. Cultural influences, traditional aesthetics, and religious considerations play a role in shaping consumer preferences. Sneaker brands are adapting their designs to resonate with the cultural values and preferences of consumers in the MEA region, creating a fusion of global trends and local identity. A significant youth population in the Middle East and Africa is driving the demand for sneakers.

With a growing emphasis on youth culture, streetwear, and urban lifestyle, sneakers have become more than just footwear; they are symbols of identity and expression for the younger generation. The youth's interest in global fashion trends, music, and sports is fueling the adoption of sneakers as a fashion statement in the MEA region. The rise of e-commerce has been a game-changer for the sneaker market in the MEA region. Online platforms offer consumers in even the most remote areas access to a wide range of sneaker options.

E-commerce also facilitates the purchase of limited-edition releases and exclusive collaborations, connecting consumers with global sneaker culture. The convenience of online shopping aligns with the fast-paced lifestyle of urban centres in the Middle East and Africa. The passion for sports and an active lifestyle are driving forces behind the sneakers market in the MEA region. Sneakers are not only fashion statements but also functional footwear for sports and fitness activities. With a surge in health and wellness consciousness, consumers are opting for sneakers that offer both style and performance, contributing to the market's growth.

According to the research report, 'Middle East and Africa Sneakers Market Outlook, 2028', the Middle East and Africa Sneakers market is anticipated to grow with more than 5% CAGR from 2023-2028. Rapid urbanisation in many MEA cities has led to lifestyle changes, with an increasing emphasis on casual and streetwear fashion. Sneakers, with their versatile and comfortable design, align well with the urban lifestyle, contributing to their popularity in both casual and semi-formal settings. Cultural factors play a substantial role in shaping consumer preferences in the MEA region.

Sneaker brands often incorporate cultural elements, patterns, and colours into their designs to resonate with local tastes and aesthetics, thereby driving demand among consumers who seek culturally relevant footwear. The influence of global fashion trends, often driven by international celebrities, music, and social media, contributes to the demand for sneakers in the MEA region. Consumers are eager to embrace the latest styles and designs, leading to a continuous cycle of demand for new releases and trendy sneaker models.

The hosting of sneaker-related events, conventions, and cultural gatherings in the MEA region has fostered a sense of community and enthusiasm among sneaker enthusiasts. Events that celebrate sneaker culture contribute to the growth of the market by bringing together like-minded individuals and creating a platform for showcasing and trading sneakers.

Market Drivers

• Youthful Demographics: The MEA region has a significant youth population, and the preferences of the younger demographic heavily influence the demand for sneakers. Young consumers are often trend-conscious and use sneakers as a means of self-expression, driving continuous demand for the latest styles and designs.
• Urbanisation and Lifestyle Changes: Rapid urbanisation in many MEA cities has led to lifestyle changes, including a shift towards casual and streetwear fashion. Sneakers, with their comfort and versatility, have become integral to urban lifestyles, contributing to their popularity in both casual and semi-formal settings.

Market Challenges

• Economic Disparities: Economic disparities across countries in the MEA region pose a challenge for sneaker brands. While affluent consumers in certain areas may have the purchasing power for premium and luxury sneakers, economic disparities can limit the market potential in regions with lower income levels.
• Price Sensitivity: Many consumers in the MEA region are price-sensitive, and affordability remains a crucial factor in purchasing decisions. Brands need to balance offering quality and stylish sneakers with price points that cater to a diverse consumer base.

Market opportunity

• Cultural Fusion: The cultural diversity of the MEA region provides an opportunity for sneaker brands to embrace and celebrate local cultures. Collaborations with local artists, designers, and influencers can lead to the creation of unique and culturally relevant sneaker designs that appeal to consumers across different countries.
• Sports and Fitness Lifestyle: The rising interest in sports and fitness activities creates opportunities for performance-oriented sneakers. Brands can develop innovative designs that cater to the active lifestyle of consumers, offering functionality without compromising on style.

Based on the product types, they are segmented into low-top sneakers, mid-top sneakers, and high-top sneakers. Among them, in the Middle East and Africa, the low-top sneakers lead the market.

Many countries in the Middle East and Africa experience warm to hot climates for a significant part of the year. Low-top sneakers, with their ankle-baring design, offer a more breathable and comfortable option compared to their high-top counterparts. The lightweight and airy nature of low-tops makes them suitable for the region's weather conditions, contributing to their growing demand. The MEA region has seen a shift in fashion preferences towards more casual and relaxed styles. Low-top sneakers align well with this trend, as they exude a laid-back and easygoing vibe. In urban settings, where streetwear and casual fashion are prominent, low-top sneakers have become a staple in everyday wardrobes.

The influence of global streetwear culture, which emphasises comfortable and stylish casual wear, has permeated the MEA region. Low-top sneakers are a common feature in streetwear fashion, and their popularity is driven by the cultural impact of this global trend. The athleisure trend, which blurs the lines between athletic and casual wear, is gaining traction in the MEA region. Low-top sneakers perfectly fit within this trend, allowing individuals to achieve a sporty and comfortable look without compromising on style. The fusion of sporty aesthetics with casual fashion contributes to the growing demand for low-top sneakers.

In terms of end users, they are bifurcated into men, women, and kids. In the Middle East and Africa, kids significantly contribute to the market. Based on the distribution channel, which includes offline and online, offline leads the market.

The MEA region has a notably youthful population, and children represent a significant portion of this demographic. The high birth rates in many MEA countries contribute to a large and growing population of kids, making them a substantial consumer segment for various products, including sneakers. In many cultures across the MEA region, there is a strong emphasis on family and the well-being of children. Parents often prioritise providing quality and stylish footwear for their kids, including sneakers, as a way to ensure their comfort and expression of personal style from a young age. Economic growth in certain parts of the MEA region has led to an increase in disposable income for families.

With more financial resources, parents are willing to invest in premium and branded sneakers for their children, contributing to the overall growth of the kids' sneakers market. Sneakers are increasingly becoming a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations in the MEA region. Parents may choose to buy stylish and themed sneakers for their children, such as those featuring characters from popular cartoons or movies, contributing to increased sales in the kids' segment. Furthermore, offline as the distributing channel of the sneakers leads the market. In many cultures within the MEA region, there is a strong cultural preference for in-person shopping experiences.

Consumers value the tactile and sensory aspects of trying on footwear, feeling the material, and physically assessing the product before making a purchase. Offline retail allows for this hands-on shopping experience, aligning with cultural preferences. Personal interaction with sales staff and the ability to receive personalised assistance are valued in the MEA region. Offline stores provide an opportunity for consumers to interact with knowledgeable sales representatives, seek advice on sizing and styles, and receive a more personalised shopping experience compared to online channels.

Based on the report, the major countries covered include Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and the rest of the Middle East and Africa.

Saudi Arabia has one of the largest and most diversified economies in the Middle East. Its economic strength, driven by oil exports and government investments, contributes to higher consumer spending capacity. This economic strength often translates into a robust market for consumer goods, including fashion items like sneakers. Rapid urbanisation and modernization in Saudi Arabia, especially in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, have led to changes in lifestyle and fashion preferences. The youth population, in particular, tends to adopt global fashion trends, including a keen interest in sneakers as a popular footwear choice. There is a growing awareness and interest in fashion and style in Saudi Arabia.

Consumers, especially in urban areas, are increasingly conscious of the latest fashion trends, and sneakers are considered a fashionable and versatile footwear option. International sneaker brands and fashion retailers often establish a strong presence in Saudi Arabia. The availability of popular global brands and their marketing strategies contribute to the appeal of sneakers among consumers. Saudi Arabia has a well-established shopping culture, with modern malls and shopping centres that attract a large number of shoppers. These retail spaces often feature dedicated sneaker stores and sections, contributing to the visibility and accessibility of sneakers.

Social media plays a significant role in shaping fashion trends and consumer preferences. Saudi Arabia has a high social media penetration rate, and platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are widely used for fashion inspiration. Influencers and celebrities on these platforms can drive trends and contribute to the popularity of sneakers.

The key players in the market are investing resources in research & development activities to support growth and enhance their internal business operations. The report will include company analysis based on their financial performances, product benchmarking, key business strategies, and recent strategic alliances. Companies can be seen engaging in mergers & acquisitions, and partnerships to further upgrade their products and gain a competitive advantage in the market.

They are effectively working on new product development and enhancement of existing products to acquire new customers and capture more market shares. For instance, in May 2023, ASUSTeK Computer Inc. the company’s gaming laptop division, ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG), announced a multiyear partnership renewal with KOI e-sports to provide them with advanced gaming laptops and PCs for competitions. The company would also assist in training KOI e-sports staff to handle ASUS gaming systems more efficiently.

Considered in this report

• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report

• Sneakers market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type

• Low-Top Sneakers
• Mid-Top Sneakers
• High-Top Sneakers

By End Users

• Men
• Women
• Kids

By distributions

• Offline
• Supermarket/Hypermarket
• Specialty Stores
• Brand Outlets
• Others
• Online

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 the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting 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 making 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 Sneakers 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.


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