In 2024, footwear in India experienced high single-digit growth, with increases across all categories, although growth rates were down from the previous year, driven primarily by shifting consumer behaviour. The growth observed in 2024 was below expectations. This slowdown can primarily attributed to sluggish volume growth, and the absence of substantial increases in average selling prices. The mass segment faced challenges due to elevated inflation and restrained consumer spending, which impact

Despite inflationary pressures and shifting consumer priorities in key markets around the world, Inditex SA reports growth and cements its position as one of the top three industry players in apparel and footwear thanks to its investment in product innovation and omnichannel strategies. As uncertainty remains over the world economy, the company’s diversified portfolio, expansion in high-potential markets

Nike Inc remains the industry leader in the global apparel and footwear market despite having faced turbulent performance in 2024 with declining retail sales in leading markets. The shifting consumer landscape and Nike’s strategic re-evaluation of its retailing strategies sees the company weathering the storm while continuing to face increasing competition from incumbent and challenger sportswear brands.

Footwear in South Africa recorded flat volume sales growth in 2024, with overall demand remaining below pre-pandemic levels. South Africans remained price-sensitive at the end of the review period, hindering stronger volume growth. Although there was some relief from loadshedding, alongside declining interest rates, the majority of local consumers continued to struggle due to rising rent, food prices, high unemployment, and job insecurity. As a result, they remained cautious with their spending,

Driven by innovation-centred product development and robust branding strategies within the athletic footwear market, On AG has established itself as the world’s fastest growing sportswear brand. On continued to outperform the global sports footwear industry in 2024, recording double-digit growth. Its direct-to-consumer (DTC) channel, in particular, stands out as the company’s most dynamic growth driver, while sports apparel and sports-inspired sportwear expansion represent key opportunities.

Due to inflation and an unstable economic outlook, in 2024 Vietnamese consumers have been increasingly inclined to save money and limit their expenditure where possible, including on footwear. Thus, many people have waited for significant discounts of up to 70% on footwear, or have hunted for discounts on companies’ live-streams instead of purchasing products in offline channels. Despite such regular discounts, footwear in Vietnam is expected to continue to record a retail volume decline in 2024

In 2024, footwear in Sweden recorded a 4% increase in retail value sales, while volume growth was positive. After strong growth in 2021, driven by a post-pandemic surge and high demand for sports footwear, the market began to stabilise, and retail volume declined in 2023. However, this correction in the sports goods segment continued into 2024, with sports footwear recording a decline in retail value. Consequently, it was women’s footwear that supported the retail volume rise in 2024.

In 2024, footwear in Brazil is projected to experience modest growth in both retail volume and current value terms, slightly surpassing the growth figures recorded in 2023. Women’s footwear continues to dominate; however, men’s footwear and children’s footwear have been gradually increasing their shares of sales, and this is set to continue in 2024, albeit at a cautious pace. This shift indicates a subtle yet noteworthy change in consumer preference across different demographics.

Despite still challenging circumstances in 2024, retail volume sales of footwear in Germany are improving following a noticeable decline in 2023 due to high inflation rates, while several insolvencies were filed among players. Despite fluctuating consumer confidence, where inflation, despite slowing, and rising production costs continue to pose challenges, there is some stability in the category.

Sustainability is increasingly popular within footwear in 2024 with the Israeli manufacturer Naot producing vegan shoes. Naot is also engaged in donating tens of thousands of shoes and sandals to natural disaster areas as well as to different organisations as part of their sustainability program. More footwear manufacturers are investing in eco-friendly materials, such as Feelgrounds that uses recyclable and natural fibres where possible in its shoes. They also have ranges called Mesh and Knit w

In 2024, Austria's footwear market continued to see positive retail value growth, with an uplift of 2%, while retail volume sales declined by 1%. The fall in demand was linked to high prices in the sector, with many Austrian shoppers becoming more cautious with their discretionary spending, particularly in non-essential categories.

Footwear registered strong current value growth in Ukraine in 2024. Footwear has been impacted by the same factors as apparel. The contraction of the potential consumer base as a result of millions of people, women and children in particular, leaving Ukraine because of the war has been the key factor. In addition, the category saw demand undermined by the fall in consumer spending power in view of continuous inflation and the rising prices of electricity, food and so on. As a result, a number of

Footwear is expected to be one of the apparel and footwear categories in Mexico most negatively affected in retail current value terms during 2024, with minimal growth expected following three years of double-digit expansion. This stagnation is due to two main factors. First, sales have already exceeded the pre-pandemic level, so are naturally stabilising. Second, the effects of inflation recorded in 2023, which have continued into the beginning of 2024, have influenced consumer behaviour. Some

Demand for footwear in Australia continues to rise, albeit slowly in 2024 compared to the previous three years, as headwinds from economic slowdown and soaring inflation over the review period force some consumers to reconsider their discretionary spending. As households feel under pressure from the high cost of living, subdued spending is evident across footwear, as consumers either trade down, postpone purchases, respond to discounting activities, seek distraction in other retail categories, o

Following an impressive performance the previous year due to the post-pandemic rebound for travel as the city reopened its borders, retail volume and value sales of footwear in Hong Kong have returned to their declining trend in 2024 due to broader economic uncertainty in the region. Various factors, including outbound travel, mean that local consumers have shifted their attention to footwear to be found in overseas markets. For instance, the favourable exchange rate has made Japan one of the to

Sports footwear is outperforming standard footwear with strong double-digit increases in volume sales. Casual and comfortable trends in footwear and a focus on fitness have accelerated lifestyle changes in the post-pandemic period, to the benefit of sportswear and sneakers. International brands like adidas, Nike, and Puma are very popular in Turkey for their sports footwear and athleisure ranges. At the end of 2023, Skechers have launched Hands Free Slip-ins which are designed in a wide fit with

Footwear is seeing low volume sales in Hungary in 2024, while value is better supported by high prices. The “sneakermania” trend is helping to drive sales, with the consumer audience for limited-edition and prestigious sneakers leading the charge. Notably, limited-edition sneakers tend to sell out quickly, which gives them a more exclusive and desirable image, inspiring collectors to hunt for these products and being prepared to pay a high price tag to obtain them. There is a growing group of Ge

Retail volume sales of footwear in Chile are rising in 2024, following 2023’s decline as a result of economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures. Value growth in 2023 was strongly influenced by price increases within the category, where the average price rose by 11%. This had a particularly negative impact on demand for children’s footwear, while women’s footwear was more resilient.

Over 2024, footwear witnessed a better sales performance in Norway, with stagnant volume sales after the decline in the previous year. Consumers invested heavily in footwear during 2021-22 as life returned to normal post-pandemic, notably sports footwear. Following this surge in demand, volume sales dissipated over 2023 and purchasing behaviour is still normalising in 2024. Falling inflation has put downward pressure on unit prices and value sales 2024. While Norwegian consumers have been relati

Footwear with multi-functional benefits continue to be popular in Taiwan since they can be used for different occasions. Outdoor brands such as Salomon and Hoka have become the biggest winners in outdoor and performance footwear. In the face of economic uncertainty consumers tend to prioritise multi-purpose footwear. Brands like The North Face and Arc'teryx have extended their sports footwear lines as part of strategic efforts to expand the brand's influence from outdoor apparel into the sports

Footwear in Portugal performed better than apparel in 2024, driven by sales of lower cost synthetic and textile footwear, predominantly in sports footwear. The category made a good recovery post-pandemic as the economy re-opened, and consumers returned to offices. Leather footwear has been losing ground to synthetic and textile in recent years contributing to lower unit prices. Retailers use of discounting campaigns to sell stocks has also reduced average prices. As many footwear products are im

While the polarisation trend is evident in both high-end and low-end footwear in Poland, mid-priced footwear is showing resilience. Local Polish brands are managing to hold their ground due to customer loyalty and quality products. Brands that provide traditional, durable, and well-crafted footwear at mid-tier prices are seeing stable growth, as customers increasingly seek value for their money in the face of rising living costs. In Poland, brands such as CCC and WOJAS have benefited from the st

Children’s footwear is the fastest growing category in Romania’s broader footwear category. Rising demand for durable and stylish options for kids has fuelled sales growth. Parents are willing to invest more in their children’s shoes to provide comfort and ensure healthy development of the feet. Since children’s feet are also growing, the frequency of purchase is often greater than for adults.

In 2024, footwear is the standout performer in the Morocco’s apparel and footwear industry, in terms of volume and current value growth. While inflationary pressures have dampened consumer demand in many apparel categories, footwear is witnessing healthy growth due to higher levels of engagement in sports and outdoor activities. Activities such as football, athletics, biking, trekking, yoga, running, and cross fit remain popular in the weekly routines of Moroccans, supporting the demand for spec