Females accounted for half the athletic and sport footwear purchases in their most popular sports and activities in 2008, according to data contained in NSGA’s two primary research reports. That totaled $5.6 billion of the $10.1 billion in sales of footwear in those activities. The overall sport and athletic footwear market in 2008 is $17.2 billion.
According to NSGA's “The Sporting Goods Market in 2009,” females purchased 63% of the $4.2 billion in walking shoes ($2.6 billion) in 2008; 53% of the $2.3 billion in running/jogging shoes ($1.2 billion); 54.9% of the $1.6 billion in cross training shoes ($892.7 million); 30% of the $1.04 billion in hiking boots ($312.9 million); 63.3% of the $475 million in fitness shoes ($300.7 million); 82.2% of the $260 million in aerobics shoes ($213.7 million); 40% of the $59.7 million in cycling shoes ($23.9 million); 63.9% of the $54.3 million in bowling shoes ($34.7 million); and 40% of the $28.5 million in trail running shoes ($11.4 million).
“Women represent the majority of participants in most fitness activities,” NSGA Vice President of Information & Research Thomas B. Doyle said. “With the increased level of participation of females in sports and fitness activities, their footwear needs have moved beyond a sport look and require higher performance shoes that are designed for specific activities.”
