Trail Running Shoes Market – Trends Forecast Till 2030

Market Snapshot

Market Overview

The global Trail Running Shoes market size was estimated at USD 8.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 12.1 billion in 2030 at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

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 2016 to 2021, female participation in running increased from 20% to 37%. 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 36% of the participants in 2020. 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 2020. 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 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.

Delvens Industry Expert's Standpoint

Trail running shoes are increasingly favoured over ordinary running shoes due to their trail-specific design and features that enhance foot comfort and safety on rugged terrains. These shoes, known for their durability and ability to reduce the risk of injuries like sprained ankles, are expected to witness substantial growth in the global market. The rising participation of women in trail running and heightened safety concerns for off-road activities are significant factors driving this demand.

Despite the promising growth, the market faces challenges. High-quality trail running shoes often come with a higher price tag, making them less accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, there is a lack of awareness and prior experience among consumers regarding the benefits of these specialized shoes, which can deter long-term adoption. The expanding trend of ethical consumerism is creating new opportunities for the trail shoe market. Initiatives such as the Clean Run partnership, a cross-brand open-source platform, are instrumental in promoting the development of sustainable trail running shoes. These projects not only enhance consumer awareness but also align with the growing demand for eco-friendly products, thus broadening the market appeal. the trail running shoe market is set for significant growth driven by the increasing popularity of trail running activities, particularly among women, and the trend towards sustainable and ethically produced footwear. However, addressing the challenges of high costs and consumer awareness will be crucial for manufacturers to fully capitalize on this market potential.

Market Portfolio

Key Findings

• On the basis of Type, the trail running shoe market is segmented into light, rugged, and off-trail running shoes. Light trail running shoes dominated in 2020 and are projected to grow the fastest due to their lightweight design and high traction, making them ideal for fire roads, gravel paths, and rolling hills. Rugged trail running shoes are favoured for hiking trails because of their sturdy material and enhanced underfoot protection, providing grip on diverse terrains. Off-trail running shoes are expected to see steady growth, catering to those needing footwear for extreme and unmarked paths, offering greater protection and support.

• On the basis of distribution channel, the trail running shoe market is segmented into online and offline. The offline distribution channel held the largest market share in 2020, as consumers prefer purchasing footwear and other accessories in-store to ensure the right fit, understand the shoe's mechanism and functionality, and choose from various cushioning options. This segment is expected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period. However, the online segment is estimated to register the fastest growth during the forecast period. The increase in social media marketing supports the growth of online distribution channels. Factors such as the availability of a wide range of products with options to compare features and prices, swift product delivery, and easy return policies drive the segment's growth. Consumers increasingly prefer multi-brand online retailers to save time. Additionally, discounts offered by several manufacturers are shifting consumer preference from brick-and-mortar to online stores. The availability of attractive discounts and the increased focus of companies on direct-to-consumer retail are other factors expected to boost the growth of the online segment.

• The market is also divided into various regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa. The North American region is expected to lead the trail running shoes market share due to the presence of major industrial manufacturers and key players in the area. Innovations in production, as well as strategic mergers, collaborations, partnerships, and product launches, will be significant factors driving market share. These activities are anticipated to generate substantial profits and revenues for investors and leading global players. The U.S. is projected to show the highest production and supply chain efficiency, capturing the maximum market share. Consequently, the region is expected to witness a surge in sales and demand for trail running shoes.

Regional Analysis

North America to Dominate the Market

• North America is projected to be the largest market for trail running shoes, driven by a significant rise in outdoor activities and health-conscious behaviours. The increasing focus on fitness and outdoor adventure is boosting demand for outdoor equipment, activewear, and footwear. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region, with China leading the way due to the growing number of participants and trail running events. The trend is further supported by a surge in marathon running in the region, contributing to the popularity and growth of the trail running shoe market.

Competitive Landscape

• NIKE INC.
• ASICS GROUP
• NEW BALANCE ATHLETICS INC.
• SKECHERS U.S.A INC.
• ADIDAS AG
• VF CORPORATION
• SALOMON
• DECKERS OUTDOOR CORPORATION
• ALTRA RUNNING
• WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE IN
• MONTRAIL
• THE NORTH FACE
• BROOKS SPORTS INC.
• INOV-8
• SAUCONY
• LOWA
• TECNICA
• UNDER ARMOUR
• PUMA
• ZAMBERLAN

Recent Developments

• In March 2022, New Balance announced plans to expand its Green Leaf product line to include select footwear, focusing on high-volume models. This includes specific colorways from two of the brand's popular footwear models, the Fresh Foam 1080v12 and the 574. The initiative targets two of New Balance's most climate-impacting materials, polyester and leather, and aims to support the company's sustainability goals. The program is designed to help New Balance achieve its objective of sourcing 100% preferred leather and 50% recycled polyester, enhancing the environmental impact of its products.

• In March 2022, Wolverine, a venerable 139-year-old boot and clothing brand, announced an exciting collaboration with 343 Industries, the creators of the popular Halo franchise. This partnership resulted in the creation of exclusive boots inspired by the iconic character Master Chief.

Reasons to Acquire

• Increase your understanding of the market for identifying the most suitable strategies and decisions based on sales or revenue fluctuations in terms of volume and value, distribution chain analysis, market trends, and factors.
   
• Gain authentic and granular data access for the Trail Running Shoes Market to understand the trends and the factors involved in changing market situations.
   
• Qualitative and quantitative data utilization to discover arrays of future growth from the market trends of leaders to market visionaries and then recognize the significant areas to compete in the future.
   
• In-depth analysis of the changing trends of the market by visualizing the historic and forecast year growth patterns.

Report Scope