Global Hiking Footwear Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

Global Hiking Footwear Market Size

The global hiking footwear market reached a value of about USD 19.95 billion in 2023. The market is further estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.40% in the forecast period of 2024-2032 to reach a value of around USD 26.94 billion by 2032.

Hiking Footwear Market Outlook

• As per industry reports, for the fiscal year ending May 2021, hiking footwear sales grew 20% over the same period in 2019.

• By 2033, worldwide hiking footwear sales are expected to reach up to USD 26.73 billion.

• Almost 80% of hikers start their hikes in trail runners, while only 13% begin in boots. Other footwear choices include low-top hiking shoes, sandals, and high-top trail runners.

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Hiking Footwear Market Growth

Hiking footwear, also known as hiking boots, is developed to protect the feet and ankles from injury during activities like hiking. It offers comfort and support to the wearer while walking over rough terrains. The different types of hiking footwear include trail hikers, trail shoes, and hiking boots.

The hiking footwear market is being positively impacted by the increasing sales of hiking footwear through online retail stores, driven by rising purchasing power and the growing importance of recreational activities for stress relief and mental health. Additionally, the growing interest in hiking as a leisure activity, with its associated health benefits like improved cardiorespiratory fitness, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of heart disease, is boosting the market’s growth.

Key Trends and Developments

Rising popularity of hiking as a recreational activity, flourishing adventure tourism industry, and growing adoption of eco-friendly footwear are factors supporting the hiking footwear market expansion

March 2024

Nike has transformed its iconic Air Max Plus sneaker into a rugged hiking boot, dubbed the Air Max Plus Hiker. The new design provides waterproof protection and a unique rust gradient pattern. Each pair comes with a mini pouch on the heel, adding a functional touch to the adventurous shoe.

November 2023

Nike's ACG line revived the Air Torre Mid hiking boot that featured a durable nylon underlay with suede overlays and hiking eyelets, along with a thick rubber outsole. The release was available on SNKRS app and select retailers.

August 2023

Mizuno launched a new black colour model of its Wave Neo Collection, which features Mizuno's latest running shoe technology. This launch expanded the range of eco-friendly options available to runners looking to minimise their environmental impact through their footwear choices.

Rising popularity of hiking as a recreational activity

One of the most significant trends driving the hiking footwear market growth is the growing popularity of hiking as an outdoor recreational activity. Hiking offers distinct excitement and thrills, especially for younger generations, and helps people connect with nature while revitalising their mind and body.

Flourishing adventure tourism industry

Young travellers are more inclined to experience unique adventures by exploring difficult-to-reach destinations or remote areas like mountains, canyons, and sub-tropical ranges. This trend is expected to create opportunities for prominent players in the hiking footwear market, as visitors need specialised footwear to explore these destinations safely.

Increasing adoption of eco-friendly and sustainable footwear

The surging demand for eco-friendly and sustainable footwear is a prominent trend. Vendors like La Sportiva and Adidas are manufacturing eco-friendly hiking and trail running shoes by using faux leather and ethically sourced synthetics to create vegan-friendly options.

Hiking Footwear Market Trends

The governments in various countries are taking initiatives to promote physical activities and manage hiking trails and spots to encourage more people to participate in this activity. Hiking is also relatively affordable and does not require extensive expenditure on equipment. Moreover, the importance of hiking footwear in enabling a smooth hiking experience and reducing the risk of an ankle injury is influencing the hiking footwear market development as manufacturers are introducing different types of hiking footwear, such as trail runners, trail shoes, light hiking boots, and heavy hiking boots. As a result, the rising demand for trekking and hiking shoes, along with the increasing sales of mountaineering boots, is contributing to the market's growth.

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Hiking Footwear Industry Segmentation

The EMR’s report titled “Hiking Footwear Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Design Style

• Low Cut

• Mid Cut

• High Cut

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Offline Retail Stores

• Online Retail Stores

Market Breakup by End User

• Men

• Women

• Kids

Market Breakup by Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East and Africa

Hiking Footwear Market Share

Mid-cut footwear designs are preferred as they offer adequate ankle support to hikers

Mid-cut hiking footwear offers better ankle support than low-cut designs, making it suitable for more challenging hikes and those who carry heavy backpacks. According to the hiking footwear market report, the mid-cut segment is expected to dominate due to its ability to provide a balance between ankle support and mobility.

In contrast, low-cut hiking footwear is designed for casual hiking and trail walking. It is often preferred for shorter, easier hikes. The low-cut segment is expected to grow at a moderate rate due to its popularity among casual hikers and those who prefer a more minimalist approach to hiking.

Meanwhile, high-cut hiking footwear offers the highest level of ankle support and is typically used for more extreme hiking conditions, such as mountaineering or backpacking. However, the high-cut segment is expected to grow at a slower rate due to its higher cost compared to low-cut and mid-cut designs.

Rising sales of hiking footwear via online retail stores can propel the hiking footwear market growth

Based on distribution channel, the online retail stores segment is expected to witness a significant growth in the market over the forecast period. The increasing sales of hiking footwear through these channels can be attributed to the rising purchasing power and the growing importance of recreational activities in one’s life to reduce stress and boost mental health.

As per hiking footwear market analysis, the expansion of e-commerce platforms, the growing inclination of people towards nature, and the increasing number of people taking part in hiking activities is providing impetus to the segment’s growth. Also, the rising adoption of marketing strategies by the key industry players in promoting their quality hiking footwear has resulted in the market expansion.

Leading Companies in the Hiking Footwear Market

Market players are investing in new product launches and expanding their product portfolios through mergers and acquisitions

Amer Sports Corporation was founded in 1950 and is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. The company is a leading global sports equipment, apparel, and footwear manufacturer. Its portfolio includes several well-known brands such as Salomon, Peak Performance, and Wilson.

PUMA SE was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Bavaria, Germany. The company offers a wide range of athletic and casual footwear, apparel, and accessories. PUMA's products cater to various sports and lifestyle segments, including football, running, training, and fashion.

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. was founded in 1883 and is headquartered in Michigan, United States. Company’s portfolio includes several well-known brands such as Merrell, Hush Puppies, and Saucony. The company focuses on providing high-quality footwear, apparel, and accessories for various outdoor and lifestyle activities, including hiking, running, and casual wear.

NIKE, Inc. was founded in 1964 and is headquartered in Oregon, United States. The company is a global leader in the design, development, and sale of athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories. NIKE's products cater to various sports and lifestyle segments, including running, basketball, football, and fashion.

Other key players in the global hiking footwear market include Mizuno Corporation and New Balance, Inc., among others.

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Hiking Footwear Market Analysis by Region

North America leads the market, driven by the increasing popularity of hiking as a recreational activity

North America is a mature market for hiking footwear due to the rising popularity of outdoor activities and hiking. For instance, according to an estimation by the Outdoor Foundation in 2018, around 146.1 million people in the United States participated in outdoor activities. This trend is expected to promote regional market growth.

Europe is also expected to hold a significant hiking footwear market share due to the higher acceptance and penetration of hiking footwear compared to other regions. Europeans are more likely to engage in hiking activities than their counterparts in the Americas. The region's well-developed hiking trail infrastructure and the increasing popularity of outdoor activities among the younger generation are driving the market growth.

Asia Pacific is also anticipated to witness substantial growth in the market due to the increasing number of tourists visiting mountains and hiking trails. For example, the Eye of Sea in Poland is a popular tourist destination that attracts many hikers. The region's growing middle-class population and rising disposable incomes are also contributing to the market's expansion.

Key Highlights of the Report

Hiking Footwear Market Report Snapshots

Hiking Footwear Market Size

Hiking Footwear Market Growth

Hiking Footwear Market Trends

Hiking Footwear Market Share

Hiking Footwear Companies

Hiking Footwear Market Regional Analysis