Athleisure Footwear to Dominate Market with $355B Sales by 2021: Trends & Forecasts
Discover how athleisure sneakers are set to become the largest footwear category by 2020, driving massive growth in the $355 billion global athletic wear market by 2021.
As the demand for comfortable, versatile footwear surges across the U.S., athleisure sneakers are poised to overtake traditional fashion shoes as the leading footwear category in 2020. Market research firm The NPD Group highlights that sport leisure footwear experienced a 7% growth in the year ending August 2019, while fashion footwear declined by 5% and performance footwear dropped 7%. This shift marks a significant transformation in consumer preferences towards shoes that blend style with everyday functionality.
Matt Powell, Senior Industry Advisor at NPD, explains, "Brands are increasingly adapting to the evolving market where consumers prioritize athleisure footwear over conventional performance or fashion styles. The American fitness lifestyle has changed; people now seek shoes that support a healthy yet casual lifestyle, favoring versatility over technical features."
The rising popularity is largely fueled by running and basketball-inspired designs, with men’s and children’s segments leading the charge. Although fashion footwear is expected to make a modest comeback in 2021 through comfort-focused silhouettes featuring lower, thicker heels, athleisure remains the dominant trend.
Globally, athletic wear sales are projected to reach $355 billion by 2021, up from $290 billion in 2017, driven by the integration of sportswear into everyday attire, according to Morgan Stanley.
Industry giants like Nike, Adidas, and Lululemon have capitalized on this trend. Nike's shares recently soared to an all-time high following strong earnings, supported by its emphasis on stylish athleisure products. InfluencerDB's analysis of 5.5 million Instagram posts from 2018 ranks Nike as the fifth top brand in influencer marketing, with an Earned Media Value exceeding $168 million, just behind Zara.
Mark Parker, Nike’s CEO, stated during the latest earnings call, "Our inclusive design approach spanning competition, fitness, and casual play opens new growth opportunities. The global shift toward active lifestyles is accelerating, driving high demand for athletic products. Our strategic focus targets these growth areas."
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