Trail Running Shoes Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Light, Rugged, Off Trail), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2025

Report Overview

The global trail running shoes market size to be valued at USD 8.9 billion by 2025 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% during the forecast period. The rising popularity of trail running is projected to drive product demand. The increasing popularity of outdoor sports and recreational activities is anticipated to further support market growth. Rising safety concerns during off-road running have increased the demand for shoes designed specifically for trail running.

Increasing participation in trail running is anticipated to drive the demand for shoes over the forecast period. Growing female participation is also driving the demand for trail shoes. From 2014 to 2017, female participation in running increased from 22% to 34%. According to the American Trail Running Association, the majority of trail runners are in the age group 40 to 59 years, accounting for 53% of all the participants, while the age group of 20 to 39 years accounted for 34% of the participants in 2018. Also, as per the Physical Activity Council, the participation rate in outdoor activities increased from 53.9% in 2013 to 59.2% in 2018. Increasing demand for trail running shoes among participants to maintain safety and reduce the chances of injuries and fatigue is expected to drive the market in the near future.

The growing popularity of trail running events, such as Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), is also supporting the market growth. The demand for entry in this event witnessed a 68% rise from 2016 to 2019. In 2019, the event received 26,000 applications from 10,000 places. There are around 4,300 races certified and recognized by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA), and around 10,000 events take place worldwide.

Consumers prefer trail running shoes over regular running shoes owing to the build quality and trail-specific designs. These footwears are beefier to handle the rough and rugged terrain, which reduces the chances of a sprained ankle. The rugged sole offers better traction on muddy and wet trails compared to other types of footwear. Also, the growing trend of ethical consumerism is creating more opportunities for new players in the market. Projects such as Clean Run, a cross-brand open-source platform collaboration to accelerate the development of sustainable trail running shoes, are used in increasing consumer awareness.

The growing trend of ultra-trail running is driving the demand for gadgets, clothing, safety equipment, and footwear required for trail running. Ultra-trail running witnessed an average of 14% year-on-year growth over the past 25 years. The participants belonging to this group are the core consumers of trail running shoes. They prefer this type of footwear to maintain a grip over dirt, mud, gravel, roots, and rock slabs, along with minimizing foot injuries.

Trail Running Shoes Market Trends

Trail running shoes offer foot comfort via the trail-specific design and attractive features that are factoring to become more popular than ordinary running shoes among a wide range of users. Simultaneously, these shoes can tolerate rough and tough terrain while reducing the risk of sprained ankle. Owing to all these characteristics, the global market is anticipated to grow substantially.

In addition, as more women are taking up trail running, the demand for trail running shoes has grown. The demand for trail running shoes has risen dramatically as a result of higher safety concerns for off-road running. Therefore in the forecast period, the global trail shoe market is expected to rise due to the growing popularity of trail running activities.

However, in order to reach out to customers the high-quality trail running shoes need additional attention. Despite, the promising vast advances in hiking experiences for majority, there is a lack of awareness. While the price tag is still out of reach for many, the lack of prior experience wearing these shoes is a major stumbling block for consumers considering long-term use.

The expanding ethical consumerism trend is opening up more options for the trail shoe market. Consumer awareness is raised through projects like a cross-brand open-source platform, and the Clean Run partnership to promote the development of trail running shoes.

Type Insights

By Type, the market is segmented as light, rugged, and off-trail running shoes. Light trail running shoes was the largest segment in 2018 and is estimated to register the fastest CAGR over the forecasted period. Consumers prefer purchasing these types of shoes for fire roads, gravel paths, and rolling hills. The shoes are preferred by beginners as they are lightweight and provide high traction on the soil. The minimal cushioning ensures the safety of the feet while making the runners feel more in touch with the trail.

Rugged trail running shoes are also estimated to witness strong growth over the forecasted period. These shoes are highly preferred by consumers who prefer running on hiking trails. The sturdy material and enhanced underfoot protection increase the use of these shoes on a range of terrains. Also, the diverse lug pattern provides grip and stopping power at any angle. The demand for off-trail running shoes is estimated to grow steadily over the forecasted period.

Distribution Channel Insights

By distribution channel, the market is segmented into online and offline. The offline distribution channel held the largest market share in 2018. Consumers prefer purchasing footwear and other accessories from the stores to find the right fit, to understand the mechanism and functionality of shoes, and choose from the available variety of cushioning. The segment is projected to continue its dominance over the forecast period.

The online segment is estimated to register the fastest growth during the forecast period. An increase in social media marketing is supporting the growth of online distribution channels. Factors such as the availability of a wide range of products with an option to compare them based on features and prices, swift product delivery, and easy return policies are anticipated to drive the segment growth. Consumers prefer multi-brand online retailers to save time. Discounts offered by several manufacturers is shifting consumer preference from brick and mortar to online stores. The availability of attractive discounts and increased focus of the companies on direct-to-consumer retail are other factors expected to boost growth.

Regional Insights

North America is estimated to be the largest market for trail running shoes over the forecast period. A significant rise in outdoor activity and focus of people on health is driving the demand for outdoor equipment, activewear, and footwear among others, which in turn is anticipated to fuel the regional growth. As per the American Trail Running Association, 83% of runners wore trail-specific shoes while training on trails in 2019, compared to 78% in 2018. Also, 83% of runners wore trail-specific shoes while racing on the same surface during the year, compared to 77% in 2018.

Asia Pacific is estimated to be the fastest-growing region over the forecasted period. The demand is majorly driven by China, owing to the growing number of participants and races in the country. In China, in the last five years, the number of trail running events increased from almost zero to 1,500 in 2019. Also, several races, such as Ultra Gobi and Hong Kong 100 - both meeting the western standards - are gaining popularity in the region. The trend of trail running is supported by a boom in marathon running. Asia Pacific witnessed a 262.9% growth in marathon running from 2008 to 2018, whereas the worldwide growth was 49.4% during the same period.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is a niche in some regions and very fragmented in nature. The key players focus on product development and innovation to increase the performance of the shoes. For instance, Brooks Sports Inc., an American company engaged in the manufacturing of running shoes for men and women, launched midsole DNA AMP in 2017. This technology absorbs the foot strokes impact and channels it upward, providing enhanced performance to the runners.

Recent Developments

• In March 2022, New Balance stated that it will expand its green leaf product variety to include some footwear, focusing on high-volume models, including colorways from two of the brand's most popular footwear brands, Fresh Foam 1080v12 and the 574. Polyester and leather are two of New Balance's most high-volume climate-impacting materials, and this program is intended to assist the company's aim of sourcing 100% preferred leather and 50% recycled polyester.

• In March 2022, Wolverine, a 139-year-old boot and clothing brand, has announced a collaboration with 343 Industries, the creators of the popular Halo franchise, to make exclusive boot inspired by the Master Chief.

• In May 2022, ASICS launched the GEL-CUMULUS 24, a flexible running shoe that provides maximum comfort for various distance runners.

Some of the prominent players in the trail running shoes market include:

• VF Corporation

• New Balance Athletics, Inc.

• Wolverine World Wide Inc.

• Brooks Sports, Inc.

• Adidas AG

• Nike Inc.

• Skechers U.S.A, Inc.

• Asics Group

• Deckers Outdoor Corporation

• Amer Sports

Trail Running Shoes Market Report Scope

Global Trail Running Shoes Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2015 to 2025. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global trail running shoes market report on the basis of type, distribution channel, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025)

  • Light Trail Running Shoes

  • Rugged Trail Running Shoes

  • Off Trail Running Shoes

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025)

  • Online

  • Offline

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • The U.K.

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

  • Central & South America (CSA)

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa (MEA)