지속가능한 신발 시장 규모는 2024년에 91억 2,000만 달러로 평가되었으며, 2024년부터 2031년까지 CAGR 5.7%로 성장하여 2031년에는 136억 4,000만 달러에 달할 것으로 예측됩니다.
지속가능한 신발은 환경에 미치는 악영향을 줄이고, 에너지와 천연자원을 절약하며, 직원과 소비자를 보호하고, 경제적으로 실행 가능한 기술을 사용하여 개발, 제조, 유통, 판매되는 신발을 말합니다.
오가닉 코튼, 대마, 재생 플라스틱, 버섯 가죽 등 친환경 소재를 사용하며, 동시에 윤리적 노동 조건과 직원에 대한 공정한 보상을 보장하는 것을 의미합니다.
또한, 지속가능한 신발은 전 세계 온실가스 배출량의 1.4%를 차지하는 신발 산업에서 발생하는 폐기물, 배출물, 오염을 줄이기 위해 노력하고 있습니다.
지속가능한 신발 시장을 형성하는 주요 시장 역학은 다음과 같습니다:
친환경 제품에 대한 소비자의 인식과 수요 증가 : 소비자의 환경 의식이 높아짐에 따라 지속가능한 신발 솔루션에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있습니다. 2018년 실시된 닐슨의 세계 설문조사에 따르면, 응답자의 81%가 "기업이 환경 개선 노력에 기여해야 한다"고 답했습니다. 이러한 감정은 구매 결정에도 반영되어 전 세계 소비자의 73%가 환경에 미치는 영향을 줄이기 위해 소비 습관을 꼭 바꾸고 싶거나 바꿀 의향이 있다고 답했습니다. 이러한 인식의 증가로 인해 친환경 신발에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있습니다.
플라스틱 폐기물과 그 환경적 영향에 대한 우려의 증가 : 플라스틱 오염에 대한 전 세계적인 우려는 소비자의 신발 선택에 영향을 미치고 있습니다. 유엔환경계획(UNEP)은 매년 약 3억 톤의 플라스틱 쓰레기가 발생하며, 최소 800만 톤이 바다로 흘러들어간다고 밝혔습니다. 이 무서운 추세로 인해 재활용 소재나 생분해성 대체 소재로 만든 신발에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있습니다. 예를 들어, 아디다스는 해양 플라스틱으로 만든 신발을 2018년 500만 켤레에서 2019년 1,100만 켤레를 판매했다고 보고했는데, 이는 지속가능한 신발에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있음을 보여줍니다.
지속가능성을 향한 규제 압력과 업계 이니셔티브의 증가 : 정부와 업계 단체는 패션 및 신발 산업에서 보다 지속가능한 관행을 옹호하고 있습니다. 2020년에 제정된 유럽연합의 순환경제 행동계획은 지속가능한 제품을 표준으로 삼고, 섬유 및 신발을 포함한 다양한 산업에서 폐기물을 최소화하기 위한 것입니다. 이러한 노력과 소비자의 요구에 부응하기 위해 주요 신발 브랜드가 가입한 지속가능한 의류 연합은 2020년까지 250개 이상의 브랜드, 소매업체, 제조업체가 자사의 지속가능성 성과를 측정하고 개선하기 위해 Higg Index를 사용할 것이라고 발표했습니다. 산업적 차원에서 지속가능성에 대한 관심이 높아지면서 지속가능한 신발 시장의 혁신과 성장에 박차를 가하고 있습니다.
주요 과제
지속가능한 소재의 높은 비용 : 오가닉 코튼, 재생 고무, 지속가능한 가죽과 같은 친환경 소재는 신발 제조에 사용되는 기존 소재보다 더 비쌉니다. 지속가능한 소재의 높은 비용으로 인해 지속가능한 신발의 소매 비용이 높아져 가격에 민감한 소비자에게는 매력적이지 않아 시장 도입이 제한됩니다.
제한된 소비자 인식과 수요 : 많은 소비자들이 지속가능한 신발의 장점을 모르거나 쇼핑할 때 우선순위를 두지 않습니다. 브랜드의 비효율적인 마케팅 및 교육 이니셔티브가 이러한 딜레마에 일조하고 있습니다. 또한, 지속가능성에 대한 진정성에 대한 의구심 때문에 고객들은 꺼리게 되고, 수요 확대가 제한됩니다.
주요 동향:
재활용 소재와 생분해성 소재 사용 증가 : 지속가능한 신발 시장에서는 페트병, 고무, 직물 등 재활용 소재의 사용이 증가하고 있습니다. 또한 파인애플 잎, 버섯, 기타 천연 소재로 만든 식물성 가죽 등 생분해성 대체 소재에도 각 브랜드가 주목하고 있습니다. 이러한 전환은 폐기물을 없애고 이 분야의 순환을 촉진하며, 환경 친화적인 제품에 대한 소비자의 수요 증가와 일치합니다.
투명성과 추적성 중시 : 지속가능한 신발 기업은 공급망의 투명성을 중시하여 고객이 재료의 출처와 제조 방법을 추적할 수 있도록 하고 있습니다. 여기에는 원자재 공급처, 노동 관행, 환경 영향에 대한 구체적인 정보가 포함됩니다. 공정무역, 요람에서 요람까지, B-Corp 인증은 소비자들이 브랜드의 지속가능성 약속에 대한 보증을 요구함에 따라 점점 더 중요해지고 있습니다.
협업과 파트너십 : 지속가능한 신발 분야에서는 대형 브랜드, 스타트업, 소재 개발 기업 간의 협업이 증가하고 있습니다. 이러한 협업은 경험, 자원, 기술을 결합하여 보다 지속가능한 상품과 프로세스를 창출하고자 하는 것입니다. 예를 들어, 나이키는 뉴라이트 테크놀러지와 협력하여 탄소 마이너스 물질인 에어카본을 신발에 채택했습니다. 이러한 협업은 지속가능한 방법론의 채택을 가속화하고 시장의 혁신을 촉진하는 데 도움이 됩니다.
Sustainable Footwear Market size was valued at USD 9.12 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 13.64 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2024 to 2031.
Sustainable footwear is created, developed, made, distributed, and marketed using techniques that reduce negative environmental consequences, conserve energy and natural resources, protect employees and consumers, and are economically viable.
It entails employing environmentally friendly materials such as organic cotton, hemp, recycled plastics, and mushroom leather, while also assuring ethical working conditions and fair remuneration for employees.
Furthermore, sustainable footwear strives to reduce waste, emissions, and pollution produced by the footwear industry, which is responsible for 1.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The key market dynamics that are shaping the sustainable footwear market include:
Growing Consumer Awareness and Demand for Eco-friendly Products: Consumers are increasingly looking for sustainable footwear solutions as their environmental consciousness grows. According to a Nielsen global survey conducted in 2018, 81% of respondents strongly believed that businesses should contribute to environmental improvement efforts. This emotion is reflected in purchase decisions, with 73% of worldwide consumers stating that they would definitely or probably change their consumption habits to decrease their environmental effects. This increased awareness is driving the need for ecological footwear options.
Rising Concerns over Plastic Waste and its Environmental Impact: Global concern over plastic pollution influences consumer footwear selections. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) claims that around 300 million tons of plastic garbage are produced each year, with at least 8 million tons ending up in our oceans. This frightening trend has resulted in an increase in demand for footwear created from recycled materials or biodegradable alternatives. For example, Adidas reported selling 11 million pairs of shoes manufactured from ocean plastic in 2019, up from 5 million in 2018, illustrating the increased demand for sustainable footwear.
Increasing Regulatory Pressure and Industry Initiatives for Sustainability: Governments and industry associations are advocating for more sustainable practices in the fashion and footwear industry. The European Union's Circular Economy Action Plan, enacted in 2020, intends to make sustainable products the norm and minimize waste in a variety of industries, including textiles and footwear. In response to such initiatives and consumer demand, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, which includes major footwear brands, announced that by 2020, over 250 brands, retailers, and manufacturers would use their Higg Index to measure and improve their sustainability performance. The growing emphasis on sustainability at the industrial level is fueling innovation and growth in the sustainable footwear market.
Key Challenges:
High Cost of Sustainable Materials: Eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled rubber, and sustainable leather alternatives are more expensive than traditional supplies used in footwear manufacturing. This greater cost of sustainable materials raises retail costs for sustainable footwear, making it less appealing to price-sensitive consumers and limiting market adoption.
Limited Consumer Awareness and Demand: A large proportion of consumers are unaware of the benefits of sustainable footwear or do not prioritize it in their shopping decisions. Brands' ineffective marketing and education initiatives contribute to this dilemma. Furthermore, there is suspicion about the veracity of sustainability claims, which causes customer reluctance and limits demand growth.
Key Trends:
Increased Use of Recycled and Biodegradable Materials: The sustainable footwear market is experiencing an increase in the use of recycled materials such as plastic bottles, rubber, and fabric. Brands are also looking at biodegradable alternatives, such as plant-based leathers made from pineapple leaves, mushrooms, and other natural materials. This transition eliminates waste and encourages circularity in the sector, which aligns with rising consumer demand for environmentally friendly products.
Emphasis on Transparency and Traceability: Sustainable footwear companies are emphasizing supply chain transparency, allowing customers to track the origin of materials and manufacturing methods. This contains specific information about raw material sources, labor practices, and environmental impact. Fair Trade, Cradle to Cradle, and B-Corp certifications are becoming increasingly significant as consumers look for assurances about a brand's sustainability promises.
Collaborations and Partnerships: The sustainable footwear sector is seeing an increase in collaborations between major brands, startups, and material developers. These collaborations seek to combine experience, resources, and technology to create more sustainable goods and processes. For example, Nike collaborated with Newlight Technologies to include AirCarbon, a carbon-negative substance, in its footwear. Collaborations like these help to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices and encourage market innovation.
Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the sustainable footwear market:
Asia Pacific:
According to VMR Analyst, the Asia Pacific region is estimated to dominate the sustainable footwear market during the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific region's middle class is growing rapidly, driving consumer expenditure on sustainable products. According to the World Economic Forum, Asia's middle class is expected to increase to 3.5 billion people by 2030, accounting for 65% of the global middle-class population. McKinsey & Company predicted that by 2022, 76% of urban consumers in China are classified as middle class. This increasing middle class, with its increased purchasing power, is more likely to invest in sustainable footwear solutions, driving regional market growth.
Furthermore, the Asia Pacific region, specifically China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, dominates global footwear production. According to the World Footwear Yearbook 2020, Asia produced 87.4% of worldwide footwear in 2019, with China alone accounting for 55.8%. As these manufacturing hubs adopt more environmentally friendly processes, the sustainable footwear market sees increased innovation and growth. For example, the Vietnam Leather, Footwear, and Handbag Association (LEFASO) claimed that in 2019, over 25% of Vietnamese footwear manufacturers used recycled materials in their manufacturing processes, a statistic that is likely to rise significantly in the future years.
North America:
North America is estimated to exhibit substantial growth during the forecast period. Major North American footwear companies are making major sustainability commitments, which is fueling the market's expansion. For example, Nike, a large footwear company based in North America, announced that in fiscal year 2020, 78% of all Nike shoes and apparel featured some recycled material, with the objective of using 50% recycled polyester by 2025. Similarly, Adidas said in 2021 that more than 60% of its products would be created from sustainable materials by 2025. These corporate initiatives increase the availability and variety of sustainable footwear solutions in the North American market.
Furthermore, government policies and initiatives in North America promote sustainable practices in the fashion and footwear industries. For example, California's Transparency in Supply Chains Act mandates large retailers and manufacturers doing business in the state to declare their efforts to eliminate slavery and human trafficking from direct supply networks. This act, which affects numerous footwear companies, has indirectly fostered more sustainable and ethical practices. Also, the Canadian government's Greening Government Strategy seeks to lessen the environmental impact of government activities, such as procurement methods. Such activities are fostering a more favorable climate for sustainable footwear in North America.
Europe:
Europe region is estimated to exhibit significant growth during the forecast period. Europe has established strict environmental rules, which are boosting the sustainable footwear market. According to the European Commission, the Circular Economy Action Plan, established in 2020, seeks to make sustainable products the norm. The plan focuses on textiles and footwear, with the goal of ensuring that by 2030, all products on the EU market are designed to last longer and be easier to reuse, repair, or recycle. This regulatory drive is promoting innovation and growth in sustainable footwear throughout the region.
Furthermore, European consumers have a significant preference for sustainable items, especially footwear. According to a 2020 European Commission survey, 94% of EU citizens value environmental protection. Also, 33% of EU customers said they often buy products with eco-labels, indicating a sizable market for sustainable footwear. This high level of consumer knowledge and demand is a major driving force in Europe's sustainable footwear market.
The Sustainable Footwear Market is segmented based on Type, End-User and Geography.
Athletic
Non-Athletic
Based on Type, the market is segmented into Athletic and Non-Athletic. The non-athletic segment is estimated to dominate the sustainable footwear market. This segment includes a wide range of styles such as casual shoes, boots, and sandals, appealing to a diverse consumer base that values sustainability in their daily fashion choices. Non-athletic footwear's adaptability and aesthetic appeal, combined with rising environmental awareness, create enormous demand, propelling it to the forefront of the sustainable footwear landscape.
Men
Women
Children
Based on End-User, the market is segmented into Men, Women, and Children. The men segment is estimated to hold the majority share in the forecast period within the sustainable footwear market due to male consumers' growing awareness of environmental issues and the growing need for sustainable sporting footwear. As manufacturers introduce more eco-friendly solutions for men, this category is expanding rapidly. Furthermore, men's increasing purchasing power and interest sustainably strengthens this segment's market position.
North America
Europe
Asia Pacific
Rest of the World
Based on Geography, the Sustainable Footwear Market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The Asia Pacific region is estimated to hold the largest share of the sustainable footwear market during the forecast period driven by rising disposable incomes, rapid urbanization, and a growing preference for sustainable fashion trends. Countries such as China and India are major contributors to this increase, as consumers prioritize environmentally friendly items. The region's growing middle class and increased awareness of environmental issues are driving demand for sustainable footwear solutions, positioning it as a key participant in the global market landscape.
Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.