Ice Skating Equipment Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By Product (Figure Skates, Hockey Skates, Speed Skates, Ice Skating Apparels, and Ice Skating Gears), By Distribution Channel (Offline and Online), and Regional Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Ice skating is a sport and recreational activity of gliding across a smooth ice surface using blades fixed on the bottoms of shoes. It is a fascinating winter activity that combines athleticism and adventure. As more people seek out fun and engaging ways to stay active, ice skating offers a unique blend of exercise, skill development, and social interaction, along with an exhilarating experience for individuals of all age groups.

The growth of ice skating as a sport has contributed to the demand for ice skating equipment. Figure skating, hockey skating, and speed skating are all highly competitive sports with dedicated athletes who require specialized gear to perform at their best, triggering the demand for protective gear and accessories and skates tailored to their specific needs and preferences.

The rise of indoor ice rinks in many communities is another appealing aspect of ice skating, ensuring its accessibility to every individual. These facilities provide a controlled environment for skating year-round, making the sport more accessible to a broad audience. For instance, Russia has 5,944 outdoor rinks, while Canada has 2,860 indoor rinks as of 2024. As more rinks open and existing ones expand, the need for equipment increases, fueling the ice skating equipment market growth.  

Furthermore, the growth of the ice skating equipment market is significantly driven by the influence of social media and the popular culture of the sport. Athletes, celebrities, and influencers often showcase their skating skills on TikTok and Instagram, along with numerous films and television episodes inspiring others to take up the sport. This trend has led to a surge in beginners seeking to try ice skating for the first time, heightening demand for essential ice skating equipment such as skates and helmets.

Furthermore, advancements in materials and technology have made ice skating gear more comfortable, durable, and performance-enhancing. Manufacturers are persistently innovating to create lighter, more responsive skates, protective gear that offers improved protection without compromising mobility, and accessories that enhance the overall skating experience, augmenting product adoption.

The sudden occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic reflected its negative impact on the global ice skating equipment market in 2020 and 2021. The pandemic affected the demand and production of all sorts of sports equipment, including ice skating. Demand plummeted drastically after government bodies imposed no-travel and country-wide lockdowns to curb the spread of the virus. Social gathering platforms such as ice rinks and other touristy places ideal for ice skating were shut and had no access for an extended period, which caused a drop in product demand.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report encompasses the following essential insights:

• Parent/related market overview


• SWOT analysis


• Porter’s Five Forces Analysis


• Supply Chain & Regulatory Analysis


• Recent Technological Advancements

Analysis by Product

The market is segmented into figure skates, hockey skates, speed skates, ice skating apparels, and ice skating gears based on the product. All three types of skates, including figure, hockey, and speed, are distinct disciplines within ice skating, each with its specialized equipment designed to the demand of the sport. The hockey skates segment is expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period owing to the wide popularity of the product. They feature sturdy boot designs that protect from impacts and ankle support, which is crucial for the physical nature of hockey. Additionally, hockey skates often have a lower cut around them, allowing for more flexibility and agility on the ice for new beginners, thus contributing to segmental growth.

Other ice skating equipment, such as speed skates and hockey skates, are also expected to grow significantly through the forecast period. Various industry participants operating in the ice-skating equipment market are undertaking modern technologies to have a strong position in the market. For instance, in December 2022, Alien Kinetics LLC, a Canada-based sports goods manufacturer, launched Driblades off-ice training technology to shorten the time it takes for kids to develop into more vital, balanced, and confident skaters.

Analysis by Distribution Channel

The market is segmented into offline and online based on the distribution channel. The offline channel continued to be successfully sold ice skating equipment as it allows for an individualized experience. Brick-and-mortar stores, such as specialty sports goods stores and brand outlets, display products on the specified shelves where the buyer can physically check the product details, including product material, quality, look, and feel, which enables the buyer to make quick purchase decisions.

On the other hand, the online channel segment is likely to hold a significant share of the market during the forecast period owing to the ease and convenience offered by online purchasing options. Moreover, online payment applications, such as Google Pay, Amazon Pay, and others, have provided robust payment gateway systems that have also supported online shopping activities. Online buying and home delivery, as well as online buying and store pickup options that save consumers time, are gaining consumer attention. The free home delivery facility offered by certain online retailers also attracts consumers. It also provides increased access to certain brands that are not available at nearby offline stores or solely sold through online platforms. It enables consumers to shop at any given time, unlike offline stores, where there are restrictions on store opening-closing timings.

Regional Analysis

The ice skating equipment market is segmented by geography into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America is expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period owing to the high popularity of sports and the strong presence of ice skating equipment manufacturers, especially in the U.S. The growing number of individuals taking sports as a profession and considering it a hobby further favors the market growth of the region.

Europe is projected to grow considerably throughout the forecast period. A growing number of ice rink establishments and numerous sporting events are held in nations including Austria, Denmark, Switzerland, Scotland, Finland, and some of Europe’s most popular snow destinations. The region invests in the necessary infrastructure to encourage more people to engage in physical activity, which has increased demand for ice skating equipment throughout the European region.

Key Players Covered

The report includes the profiles of various key players, including American Athletic Shoes Company (Massachusetts), Graf Skates AG (Switzerland), EDEA SRL (Italy), Jackson Ultima Skates, K2 Sports LLC (Newell Brands), Riedell Shoes Inc., John Wilson Skates Limited, Paramount Sk8s Inc., Rollerblade (Tecnica Group S.p.A), Roces S.r.l., SP-Teri Inc. and Winnwell Inc.

Key Industry Developments

• March 2024: Sparx Hockey, inventors of the innovative Sparx Skate Sharpener, announced that it has secured a 20th global patent, which has reinforced its leadership position in automated skate sharpening technology.