Outdoor Footwear Trends Add Spring to Shopper’s Steps

LOWA General Manager Peter Sachs was asked about how the footwear industry has evolved during the pandemic and had a lot of great insights to share. You can read the full article with insights from leaders of different footwear brands on WWD's website here. 

Just like spring itself, the outdoor footwear market is poised for growth. Between brands moving swiftly to meet heightened expectations and consumers’ shifting priorities, moods and behaviors, the season is shaping up to be a fusion of comfort, practicality and style.

The outdoor footwear and apparel market is expected to reach $27 billion by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5 percent from 2019 to 2015, according to data by Brand Essence Research — and that’s pre-pandemic. 

Researchers at Technavio said just the hiking and trail footwear market alone is expected to grow by $4 billion during 2021-25, which speaks volumes to what consumers want and need now. That need is a universal desire to be immersed in nature — or at least get outside. Peter Sachs, general manager at outdoor footwear brand LOWA, told WWD that the footwear market has evolved in the past year due to many more shoppers in pursuit of easygoing outdoor activities.

“The first obvious change is that the market has grown as consumers are trying to spend time outside. The second thing is that this is a bottom-up growth where walkers want something for longer walks and are exploring local trails. Day hikers are taking trips to state and national parks and want better support, traction, waterproofing and the other attributes a hiking boot offers,” Sachs said.

Written content courtesy of WWD –– continue reading here. 

Photo courtesy of Felix Meyer.