Athletic Footwear Industry: Trends and Consumer Behaviour

Athletic footwear is a big industry and it's always evolving. The largest manufacturing companies place their production facilities in the Asia-Pacific. According to IndexBox data, Vietnam ($5.9B), China ($5.1B) and Belgium ($2.8B) are the world's largest supliers of athletic footwear, together comprising 68% of global exports. Indonesia, Germany, France and the United States lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 18%. In terms of the main exporting countries, Indonesia, with a CAGR of +20.2%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

There are a few major trends that are affecting the athletic footwear industry. The first is the athleisure trend, which has seen consumers become more interested in buying shoes that they can wear both for exercise and for everyday activities. This has led to an increase in sales of sneakers and other athletic shoes. The second trend is the growing popularity of barefoot and minimalist shoes, which have been designed to provide a more natural fit and feel. This has led to some companies discontinuing their production of traditional running shoes. Finally, the rise of online shopping has had a major impact on the industry, as consumers are now able to purchase shoes from a wide variety of retailers without leaving their homes.

In order to stay ahead of the curve, it's important to understand the latest trends and consumer behaviours. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most important trends shaping the industry today.

The current state of the athletic footwear industry

The athletic footwear industry is currently in a state of flux. Consumer behavior is changing, and new trends are emerging. Athletic footwear companies are struggling to keep up with the changes, and many are struggling to maintain profitability.

The biggest change in consumer behavior is the move away from traditional sporting goods stores. Consumers are now more likely to purchase their athletic footwear online or at a discount retailer. This shift has been driven by the increasing availability of online retailers and the decreasing cost of shipping.

Another trend that is affecting the industry is the growing popularity of athleisure wear. Athleisure wear is casual clothing that is designed to be worn both for exercise and for everyday activities. Many consumers are now choosing to purchase athleisurewear instead of traditional athletic clothing. This trend has been driven by the increase in popularity of yoga and other forms of exercise that can be done in casual clothing.

The athletic footwear industry is also being affected by the increasing popularity of minimalist shoes. Minimalist shoes are designed to provide as little support and cushioning as possible. This trend has been driven by the belief that traditional running shoes are unnecessary and can actually cause injuries.

These changes in consumer behavior are causing challenges for many athletic footwear companies. Many companies are struggling to adapt to the changes and are seeing their sales and profits decline.

The most popular brands and styles

In the athletic footwear industry, there are a few key brands and styles that are particularly popular with consumers. Nike and Adidas are two of the most well-known brands in the industry, and their products are often highly sought-after by consumers. Other popular brands include Asics, Puma, and Reebok. In terms of specific styles, running shoes are typically the most popular type of athletic shoe, followed by cross-trainers and basketball shoes.

When it comes to purchasing athletic footwear, most consumers tend to make their decisions based on a combination of factors including price, comfort, style, and performance. However, each individual consumer will typically have their own unique set of preferences when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes for them. Cross-training and walking shoes are also becoming more popular. And when it comes to color, black is still the most popular choice.

So what does this all mean for you? If you're in the business of selling athletic footwear, make sure you have a good selection of all the popular brands and styles. Keep your inventory fresh and up-to-date so that you can always offer your customers the latest and greatest products.

The trend towards sustainable and ethical production

The athletic footwear industry has come under fire in recent years for unsustainable and unethical production practices. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the negative environmental and social impacts of the industry, and are calling for change.

There is a growing trend towards sustainable and ethical production in the athletic footwear industry. More and more brands are beginning to adopt sustainable manufacturing practices, and consumers are beginning to demand it.

Sustainability is no longer just a "nice to have" - it's becoming a necessity. The athletic footwear industry needs to catch up to this trend if it wants to stay relevant and meet consumer demands.

How consumer behaviour is changing

In recent years, there has been a shift in the athletic footwear industry. Consumers are now more interested in buying shoes that are comfortable and stylish, rather than simply functional. This change in behaviour has been driven by a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of athleisure wear and the rise of social media.

As athleisure wear has become more popular, consumers have become more interested in buying shoes that can be worn both for exercise and for everyday activities. This has led to a demand for more stylish and comfortable athletic footwear. Brands have responded by offering more fashionable options, such as sneakers with embellishments or trendy colour schemes.

Social media has also played a role in changing consumer behaviour. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have made it easy for people to discover new brands and trends. As a result, consumers are now much more likely to buy shoes that they have seen online and that they think will look good on them.

What the future of the industry looks like

The athletic footwear industry is in a period of transition. The traditional sporting goods companies are losing market share to newer, more nimble companies that are better at meeting to the needs of today's consumers.

There are a number of trends that are reshaping the industry. The first is the move towards more casual and lifestyle-oriented shoes. This is being driven by the athleisure trend, which has seen people wanting to wear sneakers even when they're not working out.

Companies like Nike and Adidas are responded by launching more lifestyle-focused lines, such as Nike's Roshe and Adidas' Stan Smith.

Another trend is the increasing popularity of barefoot and minimalist shoes. These shoes have less padding and support than traditional running shoes, and are designed to mimic the feel of running barefoot. They've become popular with runners who want a more natural running experience, and with people who are looking for a shoe that can be worn both for exercise and for everyday use.

The final trend is the growing popularity of online shopping. More and more consumers are buying their shoes online, either through the websites of sporting goods retailers or directly from the brands themselves. This shift is being driven by convenience and by the increasing

Conclusion

Although the athletic footwear industry has been growing steadily for years, there are still many opportunities for growth. In order to tap into these opportunities, it is important to understand the latest trends in consumer behaviour. This will allow companies to better target their marketing and product development efforts.

One of the latest trends is the move towards more sustainable and environmentally-friendly products. Consumers are becoming more aware of the impact their purchases have on the planet, and they are increasingly interested in supporting brands that share their values. Athletic footwear companies that can address this trend will be well-positioned for success in the coming years.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform