Global Sustainable Footwear Market Size By Type (Athletic, Non-Athletic), By End-User (Men, Women, Children), By Geographic Scope And Forecast

Sustainable Footwear Market Size And Forecast

Sustainable Footwear Market size was valued at USD 9.12 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 13.64 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2024 to 2031.

• Sustainable footwear is created, developed, made, distributed, and marketed using techniques that reduce negative environmental consequences, conserve energy and natural resources, protect employees and consumers, and are economically viable.
• It entails employing environmentally friendly materials such as organic cotton, hemp, recycled plastics, and mushroom leather, while also assuring ethical working conditions and fair remuneration for employees.
• Furthermore, sustainable footwear strives to reduce waste, emissions, and pollution produced by the footwear industry, which is responsible for 1.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Global Sustainable Footwear Market Dynamics

The key market dynamics that are shaping the sustainable footwear market include

Key Market Drivers

• Growing Consumer Awareness and Demand for Eco-friendly ProductsConsumers are increasingly looking for sustainable footwear solutions as their environmental consciousness grows. According to a Nielsen global survey conducted in 2018, 81% of respondents strongly believed that businesses should contribute to environmental improvement efforts. This emotion is reflected in purchase decisions, with 73% of worldwide consumers stating that they would definitely or probably change their consumption habits to decrease their environmental effects. This increased awareness is driving the need for ecological footwear options.
• Rising Concerns over Plastic Waste and its Environmental Impact Global concern over plastic pollution influences consumer footwear selections. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) claims that around 300 million tons of plastic garbage are produced each year, with at least 8 million tons ending up in our oceans. This frightening trend has resulted in an increase in demand for footwear created from recycled materials or biodegradable alternatives. For example, Adidas reported selling 11 million pairs of shoes manufactured from ocean plastic in 2019, up from 5 million in 2018, illustrating the increased demand for sustainable footwear.
• Increasing Regulatory Pressure and Industry Initiatives for SustainabilityGovernments and industry associations are advocating for more sustainable practices in the fashion and footwear industry. The European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan, enacted in 2020, intends to make sustainable products the norm and minimize waste in a variety of industries, including textiles and footwear. In response to such initiatives and consumer demand, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, which includes major footwear brands, announced that by 2020, over 250 brands, retailers, and manufacturers would use their Higg Index to measure and improve their sustainability performance. The growing emphasis on sustainability at the industrial level is fueling innovation and growth in the sustainable footwear market.

Key Challenges

• High Cost of Sustainable Materials Eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled rubber, and sustainable leather alternatives are more expensive than traditional supplies used in footwear manufacturing. This greater cost of sustainable materials raises retail costs for sustainable footwear, making it less appealing to price-sensitive consumers and limiting market adoption.
• Limited Consumer Awareness and Demand A large proportion of consumers are unaware of the benefits of sustainable footwear or do not prioritize it in their shopping decisions. Brands’ ineffective marketing and education initiatives contribute to this dilemma. Furthermore, there is suspicion about the veracity of sustainability claims, which causes customer reluctance and limits demand growth.

Key Trends

• Increased Use of Recycled and Biodegradable Materials The sustainable footwear market is experiencing an increase in the use of recycled materials such as plastic bottles, rubber, and fabric. Brands are also looking at biodegradable alternatives, such as plant-based leathers made from pineapple leaves, mushrooms, and other natural materials. This transition eliminates waste and encourages circularity in the sector, which aligns with rising consumer demand for environmentally friendly products.
• Emphasis on Transparency and Traceability Sustainable footwear companies are emphasizing supply chain transparency, allowing customers to track the origin of materials and manufacturing methods. This contains specific information about raw material sources, labor practices, and environmental impact. Fair Trade, Cradle to Cradle, and B-Corp certifications are becoming increasingly significant as consumers look for assurances about a brand’s sustainability promises.
• Collaborations and PartnershipsThe sustainable footwear sector is seeing an increase in collaborations between major brands, startups, and material developers. These collaborations seek to combine experience, resources, and technology to create more sustainable goods and processes. For example, Nike collaborated with Newlight Technologies to include AirCarbon, a carbon-negative substance, in its footwear. Collaborations like these help to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices and encourage market innovation.

Global Sustainable Footwear Market Regional Analysis

Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the sustainable footwear market

Asia Pacific

• According to Analyst, the Asia Pacific region is estimated to dominate the sustainable footwear market during the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific region’s middle class is growing rapidly, driving consumer expenditure on sustainable products. According to the World Economic Forum, Asia’s middle class is expected to increase to 3.5 billion people by 2030, accounting for 65% of the global middle-class population. McKinsey & Company predicted that by 2022, 76% of urban consumers in China are classified as middle class. This increasing middle class, with its increased purchasing power, is more likely to invest in sustainable footwear solutions, driving regional market growth.
• Furthermore, the Asia Pacific region, specifically China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, dominates global footwear production. According to the World Footwear Yearbook 2020, Asia produced 87.4% of worldwide footwear in 2019, with China alone accounting for 55.8%. As these manufacturing hubs adopt more environmentally friendly processes, the sustainable footwear market sees increased innovation and growth. For example, the Vietnam Leather, Footwear, and Handbag Association (LEFASO) claimed that in 2019, over 25% of Vietnamese footwear manufacturers used recycled materials in their manufacturing processes, a statistic that is likely to rise significantly in the future years.

North America

• North America is estimated to exhibit substantial growth during the forecast period. Major North American footwear companies are making major sustainability commitments, which is fueling the market’s expansion. For example, Nike, a large footwear company based in North America, announced that in fiscal year 2020, 78% of all Nike shoes and apparel featured some recycled material, with the objective of using 50% recycled polyester by 2025. Similarly, Adidas said in 2021 that more than 60% of its products would be created from sustainable materials by 2025. These corporate initiatives increase the availability and variety of sustainable footwear solutions in the North American market.
• Furthermore, government policies and initiatives in North America promote sustainable practices in the fashion and footwear industries. For example, California’s Transparency in Supply Chains Act mandates large retailers and manufacturers doing business in the state to declare their efforts to eliminate slavery and human trafficking from direct supply networks. This act, which affects numerous footwear companies, has indirectly fostered more sustainable and ethical practices. Also, the Canadian government’s Greening Government Strategy seeks to lessen the environmental impact of government activities, such as procurement methods. Such activities are fostering a more favorable climate for sustainable footwear in North America.

Europe

• Europe region is estimated to exhibit significant growth during the forecast period. Europe has established strict environmental rules, which are boosting the sustainable footwear market. According to the European Commission, the Circular Economy Action Plan, established in 2020, seeks to make sustainable products the norm. The plan focuses on textiles and footwear, with the goal of ensuring that by 2030, all products on the EU market are designed to last longer and be easier to reuse, repair, or recycle. This regulatory drive is promoting innovation and growth in sustainable footwear throughout the region.
• Furthermore, European consumers have a significant preference for sustainable items, especially footwear. According to a 2020 European Commission survey, 94% of EU citizens value environmental protection. Also, 33% of EU customers said they often buy products with eco-labels, indicating a sizable market for sustainable footwear. This high level of consumer knowledge and demand is a major driving force in Europe’s sustainable footwear market.

Global Sustainable Footwear MarketSegmentation Analysis

The Sustainable Footwear Market is segmented based on Type, End-User and Geography.

Sustainable Footwear Market, By Type

• Athletic
• Non-Athletic

Based on Type, the market is segmented into Athletic and Non-Athletic. The non-athletic segment is estimated to dominate the sustainable footwear market. This segment includes a wide range of styles such as casual shoes, boots, and sandals, appealing to a diverse consumer base that values sustainability in their daily fashion choices. Non-athletic footwear’s adaptability and aesthetic appeal, combined with rising environmental awareness, create enormous demand, propelling it to the forefront of the sustainable footwear landscape.

Sustainable Footwear Market, By End-User

• Men
• Women
• Children

Based on End-User, the market is segmented into Men, Women, and Children. The men segment is estimated to hold the majority share in the forecast period within the sustainable footwear market due to male consumers’ growing awareness of environmental issues and the growing need for sustainable sporting footwear. As manufacturers introduce more eco-friendly solutions for men, this category is expanding rapidly. Furthermore, men’s increasing purchasing power and interest sustainably strengthens this segment’s market position.

Sustainable Footwear Market, By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Rest of the World

Based on Geography, the Sustainable Footwear Market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The Asia Pacific region is estimated to hold the largest share of the sustainable footwear market during the forecast period driven by rising disposable incomes, rapid urbanization, and a growing preference for sustainable fashion trends. Countries such as China and India are major contributors to this increase, as consumers prioritize environmentally friendly items. The region’s growing middle class and increased awareness of environmental issues are driving demand for sustainable footwear solutions, positioning it as a key participant in the global market landscape.

Key Players

The “Sustainable Footwear Market” study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are Adidas, Nike, Allbirds, Rothy’s, Veja, Nisolo, Native Shoes, MATISSE FOOTWEAR, Amour Vert, and Threads 4 Thought.

Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.

Sustainable Footwear Market Recent Developments

• In June 2024, THE TROPIC FEEL, S.L. introduced All-Terrain Sneakers with a 5.5 mm thick rubber. These vegan sneakers contain 18% recycled content and are GRS-certified.

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Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market based on segmentation involving both economic as well as non-economic factorsProvision of market value (USD Billion) data for each segment and sub-segmentIndicates the region and segment that is expected to witness the fastest growth as well as to dominate the marketAnalysis by geography highlighting the consumption of the product/service in the region as well as indicating the factors that are affecting the market within each regionCompetitive landscape which incorporates the market ranking of the major players, along with new service/product launches, partnerships, business expansions and acquisitions in the past five years of companies profiledExtensive company profiles comprising of company overview, company insights, product benchmarking and SWOT analysis for the major market playersThe current as well as the future market outlook of the industry with respect to recent developments (which involve growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and restraints of both emerging as well as developed regionsIncludes an in-depth analysis of the market of various perspectives through Porter’s five forces analysisProvides insight into the market through Value ChainMarket dynamics scenario, along with growth opportunities of the market in the years to come6-month post-sales analyst support

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