Hiking Shoes Statistics

Hiking footwear global market statistics

• The global hiking footwear market size stands at US$19.70 billion as of 2023.
• For the fiscal year ending May 2021, hiking footwear sales grew 20% over the same period in 2019.
• A drop of about 8% in worldwide sales took place in 2020.
• A 3.1% CAGR increase is expected by 2033, with worldwide sales expected to reach up to US$26.73 billion.

Hiking footwear sales by channel

• In 2023, hiking shoe sales via physical retail are at US$14.45 billion.
• This figure is anticipated to reach US$18.10 billion by the end of 2033, which is equivalent to a revenue growth of 25.28%.
• Hiking footwear sales through e-commerce as of 2023 are at US$5.25 billion, netting itself a market share of 26.65%.
• By 2033, sales of hiking shoes are expected to grow via online retailers at a CAGR of 5.1%
• These sales are forecasted to reach US$8.63 billion by the end of 2033, which makes up about 32% of the total global hiking footwear sales projected in the same year.
• The revenue growth in e-commerce sales by 2033 is 64.38%.
• Based on 2033 projections, the market share for e-commerce will increase by 21.13%, while physical share will see a 7.68% decline in market share.

Hiking shoes market by country

• By 2033, hiking footwear sales in the United States are expected to increase at a CAGR of 3.9% and reach US$8.63 billion in total.
• This projected US figure is 32.28% of worldwide sales in 2033.
• The China market value for hiking shoes is projected to be at US$4.49 billion by 2033, which is 16.79% of the expected global sales.
• The United Kingdom sees a total of US$1.94 billion in hiking footwear sales by the end of 2033.
• This estimated hiking footwear sales increase in the UK is 7.25% of the 2033 global sales projection.

Waterproof hiking footwear statistics

• Based on 2023 data, the overall market value for waterproof hiking footwear is US$1.2 billion.
• That figure is projected to increase at a CAGR of 4.22% by 2033, reaching total sales of US$ 1.81 billion.
• This estimated waterproof hiking footwear sales make up 5.61% of the forecasted 2033 global sales.
• In North America, the United States sits at a 24.20% market value share as of 2023.
• Back in 2022, Europe took hold of more than 25.50% of the waterproof boots market share.
• By 2033, rubber waterproof boots are forecasted to shoot up to 49.60% market share.

Longevity of hiking shoes

• Most hiking shoes are engineered to last for 800 miles.
• That’s anywhere between 9 to 18 months for most hikers, depending on the frequency and heaviness of use.
• Hiking footwear companies advise trail-goers to wear hiking shoes a minimum of 500 miles.
• That’s about 1 whole adventure on the Colorado Trail (487 mi) or the Alaska Long Trail (500 mi).
• These manufacturers, however, tell hikers that they can push past the 500-mile mark but no more than 1000 miles.
• Lower-quality hiking shoes have a measly 350 miles of shelf life.
• Such trail shoes are 30% flimsier than quality hikers made by household brands.

Hiking shoe durability FAQs

When should you change your hiking shoes?

• Signs of wear and tear on the hiking shoe’s sole unit are prime indicators that a replacement may be necessary.
• It’s almost always time to buy a new pair when the hiking shoe’s treads and lugs are unusually smooth and worn down.
• A new one may be necessary when underfoot pain happens too soon and too often.

Do leather hiking shoes last longer?

• Compared with synthetic hikers, hiking shoes made with leather are more durable.
• Those with uppers made with one-piece leather sheets tend to last longer.
• Authentic full-grain leather is naturally waterproof, which adds to the longevity of hiking shoes made with it.

Can hiking shoes be worn daily?

• Unsurprisingly, many people wear hiking shoes for everyday use, particularly when a lot of standing around is involved.
• That said, certain man-made surfaces may wear down the treads and lugs of a pair quickly, leading to loss of traction on natural terrain.
• Most hiking shoes are also not ideal for driving as they are bulkier and less responsive.
• While sneakers are synonymous with casual wear, urban hiking shoes are gaining popularity in the everyday footwear scene.

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