The global athletic footwear and apparel market continues to witness robust growth, driven by increased awarness among people to remain fit and a rise in fitness conditioning industry worldwide.
According to a report published on businessresearchcompany.com, the running shoe market “will grow from $50.98 billion in 2024 to $54.23 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%”. As more consumers embrace running for health and recreation, demand for professional running shoes, high-performance sportswear, and related accessories has increased.
The growth of marathon and road running events has further propelled the need for advanced performance footwear and gear. These days runners are not only seeking comfort but also high-performance shoes and smart wearables to enhance their training and competition experiences.
What is a running shoe?
Statista defines a running shoe that is “designed specifically for running activities. These shoes are engineered to provide support, cushioning, and stability to enhance running performance and reduce injury risk.”
What are different segments of running shoe market?
The different segments of running shoe market are as follows:
1) By Product Type: Stability Shoes, Motion Control Shoes, Cushion Shoes
2) By Type: Road, Treadmill, Trail, Mud, Snow
3) By Closure: Lace-Up, Single-Pull Lace, Bungee Lace, Other Closures
4) By Distribution Channel: Online, Offline
5) By End User: Men, Women, Kids
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Which are the major brands in the global running shoe market?
According to the report the major brands in the global running shoe market are as follows:
Salomon, Nike Inc., Adidas AG, VF Corporation, Puma SE, Skechers USA Inc., Under Armour Inc., New Balance Athletics Inc., ASICS Corporation, Deckers Brands, Columbia Sportswear Company, FILA Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Reebok International Limited, Mizuno Corporation, Brooks Running Co., The North Face Inc., Merrell, Vans Inc., La Sportiva SPA, Scott Sports SA, Saucony Inc., Vasque, Inov-8 Inc., Karhu Holding BV, Topo Athletic Inc., Pearl Izumi Inc., Lotto Sport Italia SpA, Newton Running Company, Altra Running, Zoot Sports.
The Rise of Chinese Sportswear Brands
The tide has been changing though as among global sportswear players, Chinese brands have rapidly gained international recognition. Once considered regional competitors, they have successfully evolved into globally competitive brands, bolstered by the rising influence of Chinese trend culture. Overseas consumers are increasingly drawn to Chinese sportswear brands for their fashionable designs, strong value-for-money proposition, and rich cultural elements.
Through strategic initiatives—such as collaborations with global ambassadors, sponsorship of major sporting events, and expansion of international distribution channels—leading Chinese brands have significantly enhanced their global influence. Companies like Li-Ning, ANTA, and Xtep have heavily invested in research and development, technological innovation, and sustainable practices, allowing them to deliver high-quality, performance-driven products that meet global standards. As consumer preferences shift, more international buyers are embracing Chinese brands, reinforcing their global market share and driving their premiumization and internationalization strategies.
Marathon Boom in China Drives Demand
The boom in marathon events across China reflects a broader cultural shift towards health and fitness. On March 21, ChinaDaily published a report which mentioned that China held 749 road races in 2024. These road races attracted over 7.04 million participants. This massive growth has driven demand for professional running gear—including advanced running shoes, moisture-wicking apparel, and GPS-enabled smartwatches—further fueling the performance running market.
As marathons become a key marketing platform, sports brands are seizing the opportunity to strengthen their presence. Running shoes, deeply aligned with the spirit of marathon events, naturally lend themselves to sports marketing strategies. The broad exposure and high engagement at these events have made marathon sponsorships a critical battleground for sports brands aiming to boost visibility and brand loyalty.
China pits humanoid robots against humans in half-marathon
Earlier this month, 21 humanoid robots joined thousands of runners at the Yizhuang half-marathon in Beijing on Saturday, the first time these machines have raced alongside humans over a 21-km (13-mile) course.
Prakhar Sachdeo
The Sportz Planet Desk
