South Korea Athletic Footwear Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Aerobic Shoes, Running Shoes, Walking Shoes, Trekking and Hiking Shoes, Sports Shoes), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets and Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Brand Outlets, Online Channels), and South Korea Athletic Footwear Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035

South Korea Athletic Footwear Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The South Korea Athletic Footwear Market Size was estimated at USD 3,906.2 Million in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 5.19% from 2025 to 2035
• The South Korea Athletic Footwear Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 6,812.6 Million by 2035

According to a research report published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the South Korea Athletic Footwear Market is anticipated to reach USD 6,812.6 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.19% from 2025 to 2035. The market is being driven by growing technological and material advancements, such as cushioning systems, lightweight and breathable textiles, and sustainable materials, all of which add to the appeal of athletic footwear.

Market Overview

The South Korea athletic footwear market refers to the industry that produces, sells, and distributes footwear made especially for sports and athletic activities in South Korea is known as the athletic footwear market in that country. Many styles of sports and performance shoes designed for running, walking, training, trekking, hiking, and other physical activities are available in this market. Additionally, consumer interest has been heightened by celebrity endorsements and partnerships between sports brands and well-known athletes, which has led to market growth. E-commerce platforms have been essential because they give customers flexibility and a multitude of options. The regional athletic footwear market is being driven to new heights by a combination of factors, including changes in lifestyle, technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and successful marketing strategies.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the South Korea athletic footwear market based on various segments and regions and forecasts revenue growth and analyses trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the South Korea athletic footwear market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, product launch, and development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the South Korea athletic footwear market.

Driving Factors

South Korea's athletic footwear market is expanding rapidly, mostly due to rising consumer consciousness of fitness and health. The growing popularity of athleisure clothing has also played a big role in the spike in demand for athletic footwear. Furthermore, the market has advanced due to technological advancements and industry innovation. Additionally, manufacturers are now creating eco-friendly athletic footwear to satisfy the demands of consumers who care about the environment, as a result of the increased emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly products. Major sporting events and the increase in sports participation have also increased demand for athletic footwear with a focus on performance.

Restraining Factors

It is difficult for new entrants or niche players to get traction in major cities like Seoul and Busan because of the high retail density and brand penetration already present.

Market Segmentation

The South Korea athletic footwear market share is classified into product type and distribution channel.

• The running shoes segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The South Korea athletic footwear market is segmented by product type into aerobic shoes, running shoes, walking shoes, trekking and hiking shoes, and sports shoes. Among these, the running shoes segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This dominance is fueled by the nation's growing interest in running as a fitness activity, which is reinforced by consumers' growing health consciousness and the popularity of running competitions.

• The specialty stores segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The South Korea athletic footwear market is segmented by distribution channel into supermarkets and hypermarkets, specialty stores, brand outlets, and online channels. Among these, the specialty stores segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. General retailers are unable to match the specialized, brand-driven atmosphere that specialty stores provide, where customers can browse entire product lines, get professional advice, and interact with the brand's identity.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the South Korea athletic footwear market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Nike Korea
• Adidas Korea
• FILA Korea Ltd.
• Descente Korea Ltd.
• Puma Korea
• Others

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at South Korea, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the South Korea Athletic Footwear Market based on the below-mentioned segments:

South Korea Athletic Footwear Market, By Product Type

• Aerobic Shoes
• Running Shoes
• Walking Shoes
• Trekking and Hiking Shoes
• Sports Shoes

South Korea Athletic Footwear Market, By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Brand Outlets
• Online Channels