Middle East & Africa Athletic Footwear Market Outlook, 2028

Athletic footwear is primarily used for sports and physical activities in the Middle East and Africa. The hot and dry climate in many parts of the region also makes it important for shoes to be lightweight and breathable. Furthermore, in some parts of the Middle East and Africa, traditional dress is still worn on a daily basis. Athletic footwear is often worn with traditional dress, particularly by younger people who want to mix traditional and modern styles. Moreover, the Middle East and Africa are diverse regions with a mix of cultures and influences. Athletic footwear culture in these regions is often shaped by a combination of local traditions and global trends, resulting in a unique and dynamic mix of styles and preferences. In addition, sports are an important part of the culture in the Middle East and Africa, and athletic footwear plays a crucial role in this. Popular sports include soccer, basketball, tennis, and running, among others. Brands like Nike and Adidas are popular for their range of shoes designed for specific sports, providing athletes with the necessary support and traction to excel in their chosen sport. Furthermore, religious holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which are celebrated by Muslims in many parts of the Middle East and Africa, are often associated with the purchase of new clothes and footwear. This has led to an increase in demand for athletic footwear during these holidays.

According to the research report Middle East & Africa Athletic Footwear Market Outlook, 2028 the Middle East & Africa Athletic Footwear market was valued at more than USD 3.5 Billion in 2022. According to the report, Saudi Arabia will lead the market in 2022. Saudi Arabia has a strong sports culture, with soccer being the most popular sport in the country. This has created a demand for high-quality athletic footwear among athletes and sports enthusiasts. Furthermore, In February 2022, Nike opened its largest store in the Middle East in the Saudi capital of Riyadh. The store covers an area of over 10,000 square meters and offers a wide range of Nike products, including athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories. Moreover, In January 2022, Adidas announced a multi-year partnership with the Saudi Professional League (SPL), the top professional football league in Saudi Arabia. Under the partnership, Adidas will become the official supplier of match balls for the SPL, as well as the official supplier of training and off-field apparel for all SPL clubs. In addition, In December 2021, Puma launched its City Pack collection in Saudi Arabia, featuring exclusive designs inspired by the country's major cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. The collection includes a range of athletic footwear and apparel, and is aimed at Saudi Arabia's fashion-conscious consumers.

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.). Among them, the running shoes, training shoes, and walking shoes had the highest market share of around 60% during the forecast period. Running shoes are popular in the Middle East and Africa, with consumers looking for lightweight and breathable designs from brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Asics. Training shoes are in high demand, with consumers preferring designs with good grip, stability, and support from brands such as Reebok, Under Armour, and New Balance. Walking shoes are sought after for their comfort and durability, with consumers preferring designs with good arch support and cushioning from brands such as Skechers, ECCO, and Clarks. Sports shoes are expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Due to the hot and humid climate in many parts of the region, consumers of sport shoes prefer lightweight, breathable designs that can keep their feet cool and comfortable during exercise.

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 Middle East and Africa athletic footwear market. Hypermarkets and supermarkets are convenient one-stop shops where consumers can purchase a wide variety of products, including athletic footwear. Consumers can browse and compare different brands and styles in one location, which saves them time and effort. Furthermore, hypermarkets and supermarkets often offer competitive pricing on athletic footwear products due to their large purchasing power and ability to negotiate with suppliers. This makes them an attractive option for price-sensitive consumers. Some of the popular hypermarkets and supermarkets in the Middle East and Africa where athletic footwear is sold include Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, Spinneys, Geant Hypermarket, HyperPanda, Choithrams, Massmart, Checkers, Game, Makro, and many more. Online distribution had the highest CAGR during the forecast period in the Middle East and Africa 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 the Middle East and Africa are Namshi, Souq, Jumia, Noon, Sivvi, Sporter, Sun & Sand Sports, Adidas Online Store, Nike Online Store, and Amazon Middle East.

The market is divided into tennis shoes, soccer shoes, basketball shoes, cricket shoes, and others, Based on Sports Footwear Type. Soccer shoes will be the market leader in terms of revenue generation in 2022. The popularity of soccer shoes in the region has led to the development of several local and regional brands, such as Diadora Middle East and Kelme Middle East, which offer unique designs tailored to the preferences and needs of consumers in the region. Furthermore, the high temperatures in the region mean that synthetic turf fields are becoming increasingly popular for soccer games. These fields require specialised soccer shoes with shorter studs for better traction, which has led to a higher demand for this type of footwear. Moreover, the region is home to several soccer teams, including Al Ahly SC in Egypt, Raja Casablanca in Morocco, and Al Hilal FC in Saudi Arabia, among others. Fans of these teams often purchase soccer shoes to show their support and allegiance. The cricket segment has a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The Middle East and Africa region is home to several international cricket teams, and many of the top players are seen as role models by young people in the region. As a result, when these players endorse specific brands or designs of cricket shoes, it can have a significant impact on consumer purchasing decisions. Furthermore, the sponsorship of local and international cricket teams is a major factor in driving sales of cricket shoes in the region. Many consumers are loyal to their favourite teams and will purchase the shoes endorsed by those teams or their players.

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.

The athletic footwear market in the Middle East and Africa is highly competitive, with several established brands already dominating the market. This can make it difficult for new players to enter the market and gain market share. Furthermore, import duties and taxes can significantly increase the cost of bringing athletic footwear into the region, making it more expensive for new players to compete with established brands. Moreover, the Middle East and Africa are diverse regions with different cultures and languages. New players may struggle to understand the local market and consumer preferences, making it challenging to design products that appeal to local customers. In the Middle East and Africa, there are several start-ups focused on athletic footwear. Some of them are FlipFlop, Sanfeet, Sudais Sports, Athleo, Wayes and many more.

Social media and influencer marketing have had a significant impact on the athletic footwear market in the Middle East and Africa, with many celebrities and influencers endorsing and promoting different brands. Furthermore, social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook have allowed athletic footwear brands to reach a wider audience in the Middle East and Africa. Influencers with large followings can help promote brands to their followers, increasing brand awareness and recognition. Some of the celebrities and influencers who have had an impact on the market include Mo Salah, The Egyptian soccer star has partnered with Adidas to promote their Predator and X soccer shoes. Furthermore, Omar Borkan Al Gala, a Saudi Arabian actor and model, has collaborated with Puma to promote their RS-X line of sneakers. Moreover, Basma Kahie, an Emirati influencer, has worked with multiple athletic footwear brands, including Puma, Adidas, and Nike.

There are several events and shows related to the athletic footwear market in the Middle East and Africa region, including

• Dubai Muscle Show: This is an annual fitness exhibition held in Dubai that attracts thousands of fitness enthusiasts and professionals from the region. The event includes a dedicated section for sports apparel and footwear, providing an opportunity for athletic footwear brands to showcase their latest products.
• Middle East Games Con: This is a popular gaming and pop culture event held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. In addition to gaming, the event features a fitness and sports zone that includes athletic footwear brands showcasing their latest products.
• Cairo Fashion & Tex: This is an international fashion and textile exhibition held in Cairo, Egypt that includes a dedicated section for sportswear and footwear. The event attracts exhibitors and visitors from across the Middle East and Africa, providing a platform for athletic footwear brands to reach a wide audience.
• Africa Health Exhibition: This is the largest healthcare exhibition and congress in Africa, held annually in Johannesburg, South Africa. In addition to healthcare, the event features a fitness and wellness zone that includes athletic footwear brands showcasing their latest products.
• Kenya International Sports Expo: This is an annual sports and fitness expo held in Nairobi, Kenya that attracts exhibitors and visitors from across East Africa. The event includes a dedicated section for sportswear and footwear, providing a platform for athletic footwear brands to showcase their latest products.

Companies Mentioned in this Report:

Asics Corporation, Nike, Inc, Addidas, Under Armour, Inc., Puma, New Balance, Mizuno corporation, Bata Corporation.

Considered in this report

• Geography: Middle East & Africa
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• Middle East & Africa 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:

• United Arab Emirates
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa

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.