Sports Protective Gear Market Report 2025

The sports protective gear market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $4.22 billion in 2024 to $4.54 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to awareness of sports-related injuries, growth of organized sports leagues, rise in extreme and adventure sports, influence of professional athletes.

The sports protective gear market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $6.27 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising youth sports participation, sustainable and eco-friendly designs, expansion of action sports culture, rise of specialized protective gear, increasing disposable income, innovations in helmet design. Major trends in the forecast period include technological advancements in material design, customization and personalization, integration of smart technologies, collaborations with athletes.

The growing number of individuals engaging in sports and recreational activities is projected to drive the expansion of the sports protective gear market. Sports and recreational activities encompass physical games and leisure pursuits that promote enjoyment and fitness, including team sports, individual sports, hiking, cycling, and swimming. These activities contribute to physical health, enhance social interaction, improve mental well-being, and foster teamwork and discipline among participants. Sports protective gear helps individuals play safely and prevents injuries. Items like helmets, pads, and guards are designed to absorb impact and minimize the risk of trauma during physical activities. For instance, according to the Outdoor Industry Association, a non-profit organization based in the US, the number of outdoor recreation participants increased from 164.2 million in 2021 to 168.1 million in 2022, reflecting a growth of 2.3 percent. Thus, the rising participation in sports and recreational activities is expected to boost the growth of the sports protective gear market.

Heightened awareness of sports injuries is anticipated to further accelerate the growth of the sports protective gear market in the coming years. Sports injuries refer to physical harm or damage to the body that occurs during sports or exercise activities and can affect various body parts, including muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. To maximize effectiveness in preventing injuries, players should wear the appropriate protective gear for their specific sport and ensure it fits correctly. For example, in December 2022, the National Safety Council, a non-profit public service organization in the US dedicated to improving health and safety, reported that sports and leisure injuries increased by 20% in 2021 and by an additional 12% in 2022. Therefore, the growing awareness of sports injuries is driving demand for sports protective gear.

Technological innovations are emerging as a significant trend in the global sports protective gear market. Major industry players are focusing on integrating artificial intelligence into protective gear to assist sports professionals and athletes in various ways, enhancing the spectator experience while also influencing the overall appeal for sports enthusiasts. For example, in October 2023, G-Form, a US-based protective equipment company, launched its innovative Terra Knee and Elbow Guards, featuring the groundbreaking RE ZRO technology. This represents a significant advancement in sustainable mountain biking protection, as the eco-friendly gear is 100% recyclable and biodegradable, designed to decompose within 3-5 years in landfills. With lightweight, breathable materials and SmartFlex impact absorption technology, these guards offer both comfort and safety, adhering to CE certification standards. G-Form’s dedication to sustainability and performance positions it as a leader in protective gear, with plans to expand its RE ZRO line in 2024 to encompass additional sports applications.

Major companies in the sports protective gear market are pursuing strategic partnerships to offer top-tier helmets and protective gear in the bicycle security sector, leveraging Hiplok's innovations. Strategic partnerships involve companies utilizing each other's strengths and resources to achieve shared benefits and success. For instance, in March 2022, Uvex Sports Group GmbH & Co. KG, a German manufacturer of sports protective equipment, announced a partnership with Hiplok. The innovative British company Plus 8 Industries Limited, operating under the Hiplok brand, has primarily been acquired by the family-owned Uvex sports firm. This collaboration will allow Hiplok to maintain its rapid growth and reinforce its leadership position in cycling accessory innovation. Under the new arrangement, the co-founders will continue to lead the company as it pursues its ambitious goals for both domestic and international growth and product development. Hiplok is a UK-based brand under Plus 8 Industries Limited, a company specializing in sports protective gear.

In November 2023, Norwest Equity Partners (NEP), a US-based management firm, acquired United Sports Brands for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aims to strengthen USB's market position and broaden its international presence. United Sports Brands is a US-based sporting goods company that specializes in sports protective gear.

Major companies operating in the sports protective gear market are Adidas AG, Amer Sports Oyj, 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., Rawlings Sporting Goods Compnay Inc., Riddell Sports Group Inc., Schutt Sports Group, Bell Sports Inc., Giro Sport Design Inc., K2 Sports LLC, Tecnica Group S.p.A., 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 2024. 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.

Sports protective gear encompasses equipment designed to safeguard athletes and sports enthusiasts from injuries to various body parts such as fingers, knees, waists, ankles, and wrists. This gear aims to enhance joint stability, protect muscles and joints during physical activities, and prevent subsequent injuries.

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.

The sports protective gear market research report is one of a series of new reports that 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.

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