Sports Protective Gear Global Market Report 2024

The global sports protective gear market has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.99 billion in 2023 to $4.31 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%. The growth observed in the historical period can be primarily attributed to several factors, including increased awareness of sports-related injuries and the importance of protection, the expansion of organized sports leagues creating higher demand for protective gear, the surge in popularity of extreme and adventure sports that necessitate specialized protective equipment, and the influential impact of professional athletes in advocating for the use of sports protective gear.

The global sports protective gear market is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.83 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to several key factors, notably the increasing participation of youth in sports activities, a shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly designs in protective gear, the expanding influence and culture of action sports, the rise in demand for specialized protective gear catering to specific sports or activities, the growth in disposable income enabling greater spending on sports equipment, and innovations specifically in helmet design contributing to market expansion. Furthermore, major trends expected in this period encompass technological advancements in material design for improved protective gear, a trend towards customization and personalization to meet individual needs, the integration of smart technologies within protective gear, and collaborations between protective gear manufacturers and athletes aimed at developing and endorsing specialized gear.

The surge in sports and recreational participation is poised to drive the expansion of the sports protective gear market. A significant contributor to this growth is the COVID-19 pandemic, which provided individuals with ample free time for sports and recreational activities. Sports protective gear plays a crucial role in ensuring safe participation by preventing injuries. In June 2022, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association reported a peak in sports and fitness participation among Americans at 232.6 million in 2021, the highest in the past five years. This increased engagement is expected to positively impact the sports protective gear market.

Growing awareness of sports injuries is anticipated to propel the sports protective gear market's growth in the foreseeable future. Sports injuries encompass physical harm or damage occurring during sports or exercise activities, affecting various body parts. Wearing appropriate protective gear is essential for injury prevention, emphasizing the need for awareness. The National Safety Council reported a 20% increase in sports and leisure injuries in 2021 and an additional 12% in 2022. This heightened awareness of sports injuries is a key driver for the sports protective gear market.

A prominent trend in the global sports protective gear market is the adoption of technological innovations. Market leaders are focusing on integrating artificial intelligence into protective gear, benefiting sports professionals and athletes in various aspects, including enhancing the spectator experience. Notably, in August 2021, Venture Catalysts invested in Altor, an India-based startup developing IoT and AI-enabled smart helmets. These smart helmets offer features that prioritize rider comfort and road safety. The technology instantly recognizes accidents, notifies emergency contacts, and tracks the accident's position. Investments in such innovations contribute to the development of advanced sports protective gear products.

Prominent companies within the sports protective gear market are strategically pursuing partnerships to deliver cutting-edge helmets and protective gear, particularly within the bicycle security sector, leveraging the innovative solutions offered by Hiplok. Strategic partnerships involve companies combining strengths and resources for mutual benefit and success. For example, in March 2022, Uvex Sports Group GmbH & Co. KG, a German sports protective equipment manufacturer, announced a strategic partnership with Hiplok, a creative British business operating under the brand name Plus 8 Industries Limited. Uvex's partnership with Hiplok aims to support the latter's rapid development, reinforcing its position as an industry leader in cycling accessory innovation. The co-founders of Hiplok will continue to lead the company under this new arrangement, pursuing ambitious objectives for both domestic and international growth and product development.

In a significant move in August 2021, Bauer Hockey LLC, a US-based manufacturer specializing in hockey equipment and protective gear, acquired ProSharp AB for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition enhances Bauer Hockey LLC's ability to offer enhanced in-store experiences and service options in collaboration with retail partners. Notably, the acquisition enables Bauer Hockey LLC to customize skate fit, optimizing player performance. The integration of ProSharp's product selection with Bauer Hockey's commitment to innovation is expected to elevate ProSharp to new heights. ProSharp AB, the acquired company, is a US-based sports protective equipment company.

Major companies operating in the sports protective gear market report are Adidas AG, Amer Sports Oyj, ASICS Corp., Bauer Hockey LLC, BRG Sports Inc., Dunlop Sports Group Americas Inc., Mizuno Corporation, Nike Inc., Puma SE, Under Armour Inc., Vista Outdoor Inc., Yonex Co. Ltd., Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., Rawlings Sporting Goods Compnay Inc., Riddell Sports Group Inc., Schutt Sports Group, Bell Sports Inc., Giro Sport Design Inc., K2 Sports LLC, Marker Volkl GmbH, Tecnica Group S.p.A., EssilorLuxottica SA, Zoggs International Ltd., DeMarini Sports Inc., Black Diamond Equipment Ltd., Head Sport GmbH, Helly Hansen AS, O'Neills Irish International Sports Company ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the sports protective gear market in 2023. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the sports protective gear market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the sports protective gear market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The primary types of sports protective gear include combined sports gear and individual sports protectors. Combined sports gear refers to protective equipment that serves multiple purposes, like helmets with integrated palm protectors. Sports protective gear is intended for safeguarding the head and face, trunk and thorax, upper extremities, and lower extremities. These protective gears are retailed through specialized stores, multi-retail outlets, and e-commerce platforms catering to both professional athletes and hobbyists alike.

This report provides sports protective gear market statistics, including sports protective gear industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a sports protective gear market share, detailed sports protective gear market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the sports protective gear industry. This sports protective gear 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 sports protective gear market consists of sales of shoulder guards, elbow guards, shin guards, knee pads, wrist guards, and a spinal vest. 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.