BOULDER, CO – 08/07/2025 – The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today released its first-ever category-specific Outdoor Footwear Trends Report for 2025, providing in-depth analysis and actionable insights into the evolving outdoor footwear market. This report marks a significant step for OIA in offering focused analysis on specific segments within the broader outdoor industry, beginning with footwear.
This inaugural report leverages trusted OIA data combined with insights from Circana, Civic Science, and RunRepeat to offer a holistic view of the outdoor footwear landscape. Designed to inform strategic decision-making, the report goes beyond raw data to provide actionable intelligence, enabling businesses to stay ahead of market trends, optimize resource allocation, and refine marketing strategies. The OIA aims to provide valuable resources for stakeholders navigating the evolving outdoor recreation sector.
“This report represents a significant milestone for OIA, as we delve into specific categories to provide more granular and actionable insights,” said Kelly Davis, Director of Research at the Outdoor Industry Association. “By focusing on footwear, we offer a comprehensive understanding of the trends shaping this market segment, empowering our members to make informed decisions and capitalize on emerging opportunities.”
Key Findings:
- Market Growth: Despite a 9% decrease in unit sales, retail sales revenue increased by 1%, totaling $5.15 billion, highlighting the impact of rising prices.
- Running Dominance: Road running shoes continue to lead the market with $2.4 billion in sales, while a growing trend of using running shoes for hiking is impacting hiking boot sales.
- Regional Variances: The South Atlantic region shows the highest outdoor activity participation, and Nevada leads the US in footwear ownership, averaging 19 pairs per person.
- Consumer Preferences: The average American owns six pairs of shoes, with consumers increasingly opting for versatile footwear that can transition between activities like walking and running.
About Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Andriana Rogers | Director of Marketing Communications, OIA | arogers@outdoorindustry.org
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