Strong mid-year results for athletic footwear market

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Jul 31, 2015

Athletic footwear sales grew 8% in the first half of 2015, according to the NPD Group, and momentum is building as the back-to-school season approaches.

“June is a prelude to back-to-school, making this mid-year performance a positive indicator for the back-to-school season,” said Matt Powell, sports industry analyst, the NPD Group. “These sales results in the first half of 2015 bode well for a strong second half of the year.”
 
The average selling price for athletic footwear, which includes running, walking, cross training, casual athletic, and various sports footwear, increased by 7%. In 2014, the men’s and women’s athletic footwear categories were up 1% and 2%, respectively, and this year they each sit at 8%.

Ads

The increase in sales was driven by retro running shoes, which more than doubled in sales. Women’s classics grew by 77% and men’s classics grew by 20%. The children’s category had major increases in classics and cross training.
 
Sales for the running category increased by 1% from January to June, which was driven by women and children. Men’s running shoe sales were relatively flat. The walking and cross training categories increased by 12% for women and 4% among men.
 
By June 2015, Nike/Jordan brand had a 58% dollar share of the market, followed by Skechers and New Balance each with 5%, then Asics and Adidas each with 4%.