Training Shoes Market Size, Share, Industry Analysis, By Usage Type (Professional and Recreational), By End-user (Male and Female), By Distribution Channel (Online and Offline), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global training shoes market size was valued at USD 55.76 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 58.40 billion in 2024 to USD 88.80 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.38% during the forecast period. Prominent players in the training footwear market have been investing in research and development to create innovative designs and incorporate the latest technologies to differentiate their products, thereby fostering the market share in the future.

Training shoes, also known as cross-trainers, are versatile footwear designed for various types of physical activities. These shoes are built to support multi-directional movement, providing stability and cushioning for activities such as gym workouts, fitness classes, and cross-training exercises. Moreover, training footwear is increasingly being adopted as casual footwear, attracting consumers who prioritize comfort and style in their everyday attire. This trend allows for a broader customer base, enhancing the market growth in the long run.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Increasing Health and Fitness Awareness to Fuel Market Growth

Health awareness campaigns and educational resources emphasize the importance of proper footwear to prevent injuries during exercise. As more people become aware of the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including exercise's role in preventing chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions, they are more likely to incorporate regular physical activity into their daily routines. This increased participation in fitness activities, such as running, weightlifting, aerobics, and group workouts, leads to a higher demand for training footwear, fueling market growth. For instance, according to the Government of the U.K., in November 2022, ~63.1% of individuals in the U.K., who are aged above 16 years and more, were physically active in some recreational activities.

Growing Technological Advancements in Footwear Materials and Designs to Propel Market Growth

Technological developments in the design and manufacturing of training footwear significantly increase demand by improving performance, comfort, and overall consumer satisfaction. Advancements in midsole materials, such as EVA foam or gel technology, provide better shock absorption and cushioning, extending comfort and reducing the risk of injury. These innovations attract athletes and fitness enthusiasts, who prioritize performance and protection during their workouts, driving demand for new and innovative training footwear products. For instance, in February 2024, Under Armour, a global footwear brand, announced the launch of its Ultimate (UA) Infinite collection. This new franchise in running footwear focuses on providing essential models that cater to both long-distance runs and everyday mileage.

Market Restraints

Fluctuating Rates of Raw Material to Impede Market Growth

Variations in raw material prices decrease the demand for training footwear in several ways by affecting both production costs and consumer behavior. When raw material prices fluctuate, particularly when they rise, the cost of producing training footwear products increases. Materials such as rubber, synthetic fabrics, foam, leather, and adhesives are key components in the manufacturing of training footwear products. A rise in the prices of these raw materials directly impacts the overall production cost, which can squeeze profit margins for manufacturers.

Market Opportunities

Aggregating Demand for Sustainable Products to Intensify Product Demand

Innovations in sustainable technology, such as biodegradable materials, non-toxic dyes, and waterless dyeing processes, make training footwear more attractive to eco-conscious consumers. As brands invest in research and development to create shoes with lower environmental impact, consumers are drawn to these innovations, driving demand for more sustainable training footwear. Furthermore, the use of natural materials, such as organic cotton, bamboo, and sustainably sourced rubber, also contributes to the eco-friendliness of training footwear products. Consumers who prioritize reducing their carbon footprint are drawn to products made from renewable resources, further boosting demand. For instance, Under Armour has committed to implementing sustainability and circular design principles in at least half of its products by 2027. Additionally, the company is developing the necessary initiatives and processes to launch a circular footwear program in the market at scale by 2030.

Evolving Brand Collaborations and Partnerships to Boost Market Growth

Collaborations between athletic shoe brands and designers, celebrities, or other high-profile figures often result in limited-edition training shoes. Besides, limited-edition collaborations often come with premium pricing, which can attract a different segment of consumers willing to pay more for unique or co-branded products. This increases the brand’s profitability, along with boosting the overall demand of the market. For instance, in February 2024, Reebok, an international sports goods company, announced a partnership with Source Sport Limited T/A Sports Hub Group (SHG), a brand licensee, to enhance the iconic Reebok brand. Through this collaboration, SHG will manufacture and distribute Reebok-branded soccer and basketball training footwear, apparel, uniforms, sportswear, training accessories, and souvenirs for men, women, boys, and girls across the U.K. and Ireland.

Market Challenges

Pervasiveness of High Competition to Hamper Market Growth

Major brands often have broad product portfolios that cover various types of training footwear products for different sports, fitness activities, and consumer preferences. This wide range of options makes it challenging for niche or specialized brands to stand out, as the larger brands can often cater to the same segments with more resources and visibility. Also, the production of specialized and innovative shoes involves high investments and market risks. Brands that fail to innovate new products lose market share to competitors who can offer the latest technology-driven solutions, limiting training shoes market growth.

Training Shoes Market Trends

Popularity of Customization and 3D Printing  to Drive Product Demand

Customization and 3D printing are revolutionizing the training shoe market by offering consumers personalized, high-performance footwear. 3D printing allows for precise customization, such as adjusting the shoe's structure based on pressure points, pronation (inward roll of the foot), or other specific needs. Therefore, athletes and fitness enthusiasts who require specialized footwear for enhanced performance or injury prevention are more likely to invest in customized training footwear, augmenting the market growth. For instance, in 2021, ASICS, a global sports footwear company, unveiled a concept for creating personalized shoe lasts at the ASICS EXPERIENCE TOKYO, a temporary experiential facility located in Harajuku. The company utilized CATIA on the 3DEXPERIENCE cloud platform to develop and manage the entire process.

Positive Outlook Toward E-sports and Digital Fitness to Expand Product Adoption

The growth of e-sports and digital fitness is increasingly influencing consumer behavior, including the demand for training shoes. The rise of digital fitness platforms, such as Peloton, Nike Training Club, and Apple Fitness+, has revolutionized the way people work out. These platforms often involve high-intensity interval training (HIIT), strength training, and cardio exercises, which require supportive and high-performance footwear. Therefore, the convenience of digital fitness encourages consistent physical activity, leading to more frequent purchases of training shoes as part of a consumer’s fitness routine. For instance, in May 2023, Reebok, an international sports goods company, launched a partnership with FARFETCH, a worldwide platform for the luxury fashion industry, to expand Reebok's business in Europe. FARFETCH re-platform its e-commerce sites in collaboration with Reebok, and expand the brand's luxury collaboration offerings in the region.

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Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic had an intense impact on the overall market. During the lockdowns and restrictions, demand for training shoes declined as gyms were closed, sports events were cancelled, and people were unable to engage in physical activities outside their homes. For instance, according to the annual report of Nike, Inc., revenue of the company decreased from USD 39,117 million in 2019 to USD 37,403 million in 2020. This was due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.However, the pandemic highlighted the importance of wearing proper footwear for physical activities to prevent injuries and long-term health issues, which led to increased awareness and demand for high-quality training shoes.

Segmentation Analysis

By Usage Type Analysis

High Performance and Versatility Preferences of Recreational Users to Enhance Segment Growth

Based on the usage type, the market is divided into professional and recreational.

The recreational segment is estimated to lead the market. Recreational users prioritize comfort and versatility, leading to increased demand for training shoes that provide all-day comfort and can be used for various activities. Besides, there is a growing trend toward maintaining an active lifestyle among the general population, driven by increasing health awareness and fitness trends.

The professional segment is anticipated to grab a substantial share in the long run. Professional athletes require training shoes with advanced performance features such as enhanced cushioning, support, stability, and durability. These shoes are designed to meet rigorous demands and often incorporate cutting-edge technology, thriving the segment’s growth.

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By End-user Analysis

Prevalence of Amateur Male Athletes to Surge Segment Growth

Under end-user, the market has been segregated into male and female.

The male segment is likely to lead the market during the projected period. Professional and amateur male athletes often require specialized and high-performance training shoes, which has led to a larger market share for products designed for men. Besides, several major sports brands have traditionally targeted male consumers more aggressively with endorsements, sponsorships, and advertising campaigns, reinforcing their dominance in the market.

The female segment is expected to clench a significant share of the market in the long term. There is an increasing trend of women participating in sports, fitness classes, running, and other physical activities. This increased involvement has driven demand for training footwear particularly designed for women.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Convenience and In-person Shopping Experience Facilities to Lift-up Segment Growth

Based on the distribution channel, the market is segmented into online and offline.

The offline segment is expected to clip the leading share of the overall market. Offline retail allows consumers to experience the brand’s store environment and product displays, which can enhance brand perception and loyalty. Besides, consumers purchase and take home training footwear immediately from physical stores, avoiding shipping delays and the need for returns.

The online segment is forecast to clutch a significant share in the upcoming years. Improved e-commerce technologies and the prevalence of online retailers, along with user-friendly websites and mobile apps, have made online shopping more accessible and efficient. Additionally, features such as virtual try-ons, detailed product descriptions, and customer reviews enhance the online shopping experience, surging segment growth.

Training Shoes Market Regional Outlook

Asia Pacific

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In 2023, Asia Pacific grasped the highest training shoes market share. In recent times, there has been a growing trend toward health and wellness, with more people involved in regular physical events, such as running, gym workouts, and sports. This increased participation in Asia Pacific, fuels the demand for training footwear in the region. For instance, according to the State Council Information Office of China (SCIO), in 2023, China experienced a revival in road running events, with marathons in major cities becoming highly sought after. This trend is predicted to persist into 2024, as evidenced by the Xiamen Marathon at the start of the year, which recorded over 130,000 entries.

Training shoes have evolved into a fashion statement in China, attracting younger consumers who prefer stylish and versatile footwear. Therefore, the trend of wearing athletic shoes as casual wear has gained popularity, further boosting the demand for training shoes in the country. Also, major sports events, such as the Olympics, have positively impacted the sales of training footwear as consumers purchase branded shoes to support their national teams, hence propelling market growth.

Europe

Economic growth, increasing consumer spending, and higher disposable incomes in many EU countries allow consumers to invest more in quality sports and fitness products, including training shoes. Furthermore, fitness and sports are increasingly valued in European culture, with many people participating in organized sports, fitness classes, and outdoor activities. This cultural emphasis supports the demand for training shoes.

North America

North America is home to several leading sportswear brands, including Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour. These brands invest heavily in innovation and marketing, driving growth in the training footwear market. Besides, the region has a well-developed retail infrastructure with numerous physical stores and specialty sports retailers that offer a wide range of training footwear products, driving market growth. For instance, in 2020, Nike made significant investments in custom software to develop its e-commerce platform, which is built on headless commerce, cloud-native technology, and microservices. This transformation aligns with Nike's broader digital strategy aimed at becoming a digital-first, direct-to-consumer brand, enabling it to meet the needs of its customers better and streamline its sales processes.

Also, in the U.S., brands continuously introduce new technologies and designs in training footwear products, catering to both performance and lifestyle needs. This innovation attracts American consumers seeking the latest features. Besides, many companies in the U.S. offer wellness programs that include fitness incentives, further encouraging the use of training shoes among employees.

Rest of the World

Fitness and sports are increasingly valued in South America and the Middle East & Africa, with many people participating in organized sports, fitness classes, and outdoor activities. This cultural emphasis supports the demand for training footwear in those regions. Also, e-commerce platforms provide convenience, a broad selection, and competitive pricing. Hence, the rise of online shopping has made it easier for consumers to access a variety of training footwear options among the residents of those regions. According to the International Trade Administration (ITA), in November 2023, the UAE emerged as the e-commerce leader among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The market experienced a remarkable 53% growth in 2020, achieving a record of USD 3.9 billion in e-commerce sales, which accounted for 10% of total retail sales.

Competitive Landscape

Key Market Players

The competitive landscape of the global training shoes market provides insights into various competitors. This includes an overview of each company, highlighting key trends, marketing strategies, financial performance, market potential, revenue generation, investments in research and development, new initiatives, strengths and weaknesses, and product and brand portfolios.

Major Players in the Training Shoes Market

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Nike, Inc., Adidas AG, Puma SE, Under Armour, Inc., and ASICS Corporation are some of the major players in the market. The market is highly competitive, with some global brands accounting for ~60% of the market share.

List of Key Companies Profiled

• Nike, Inc. (U.S.)


• Adidas AG (Germany)


• Puma SE (Germany)


• Under Armour, Inc. (U.S.)


• ASICS Corporation (Japan)


• Skechers USA, Inc. (U.S.)


• Reebok International Limited (U.S.)


• Brooks Sports, Inc. (U.S.)


• Mizuno Corporation (Japan)


• Fila (South Korea)

Key Industry Developments

• February 2024: Reebok, an international sports goods company, launched the ‘Nano X4 Shoe range’. This range is suitable for a variety of gym activities, including CrossFit and weightlifting.


• March 2024: Nike, Inc., a global sports goods manufacturing company, launched ‘Air Max Dn.’ This shoe features a new Dynamic Air unit that enhances heel-to-toe transitions, providing a smooth and responsive feel. This model is part of the Air Max collection and aims to redefine comfort and performance in training footwear.


• April 2024: Nike, Inc., a global sports goods manufacturing company, launched the ‘Nike Pegasus Premium range’ of shoes. This collection incorporates a new Air Zoom unit designed to contour to the foot's natural shape, offering improved energy return and comfort for everyday runners.


• August 2023: Adidas, a global sports equipment company, introduced its new line of running shoes called the Switch FWD, specifically designed for beginner runners. The training footwear is crafted with a focus on the concept of "forward momentum," aiming to enhance the running experience for those just starting their journey.


• October 2022: Under Armour, a global footwear brand, broadened its running shoe lineup in India with the launch of the ‘UA HOVR Phantom 3’. This shoe is specifically designed for athletes who are training for running and track competitions.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Expanding Product Innovation and R&D Investments to Support Product Adoption

Key players have been increasingly investing in R&D for new technologies such as improved cushioning systems, enhanced breathability, and ergonomic designs to differentiate products and meet evolving consumer demands. Additionally, there is an escalating consumer demand for sustainable products, prompting brands to invest in R&D for eco-friendly materials and production processes. Therefore, by developing training footwear products made from recycled or biodegradable materials, companies can tap into new opportunities, surging market growth in the long run. For instance, in 2023, Adidas launched a product range called Know the Carbon Footprint to provide consumers with more transparency regarding their purchases. Starting in 2024, the company has committed to replacing virgin polyester with recycled polyester wherever feasible. In 2021, the company already achieved a significant milestone, with ~91% of the polyester used in its products being recycled.

Report Coverage

The training shoes report analyzes the market in-depth. It highlights crucial aspects such as prominent companies, market regions, trend analysis, market segments, competitive landscape, usage types, distribution channels, and end-user areas. Besides this, it provides insights into the market trends and highlights significant industry developments. In addition to the aspects mentioned earlier, it encompasses several factors contributing to the market's growth over recent years.

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Report Scope & Segmentation