• In June 2025, Kontoor Brands successfully acquired Helly Hansen, a major global outdoor and workwear label. This strategic move broadens Kontoor’s portfolio and strengthens its reach across new categories and geographies, leveraging Helly Hansen’s strong brand presence.

• In 2025, Dick’s Sporting Goods unveiled a 2.4 billion proposal to acquire Foot Locker, aiming to merge suburban multi‑sport merchandising with urban basketball culture. The deal is set to enhance product offerings, vendor negotiation power, and expand consumer reach.

In this report, the Running Apparel Market has been segmented by Product Type, Material, Distribution Channel, End Use, and Geography.

Running Apparel Market, Segmentation by Product Type

The Running Apparel Market has been segmented by Product Type into Clothing, Footwear, and Others.

Clothing
Clothing dominates the running apparel market, contributing to approximately 55% of the overall share. This includes t-shirts, shorts, jackets, and compression wear designed for performance and comfort. Growing health awareness and the popularity of athleisure fashion have fueled demand across all age groups.

Footwear
Footwear accounts for around 35% of the market, driven by innovations in shock absorption, lightweight materials, and breathable fabrics. The segment has witnessed consistent growth as runners prioritize performance enhancement and injury prevention.

Others
The 'Others' segment, contributing about 10%, includes accessories such as headbands, arm sleeves, and running belts. Though a smaller share, this category is gaining traction with the rising trend of personalized gear and smart wearables among urban fitness enthusiasts.

Running Apparel Market, Segmentation by Material

The Running Apparel Market has been segmented by Material into Cotton, Polyester, Nylon, Spandex, and Wool

Cotton
Cotton holds around 18% of the running apparel market due to its natural comfort and breathability. However, its limited moisture-wicking ability compared to synthetic materials restricts its use in high-performance gear.

Polyester
Polyester leads the market with over 40% share, favored for its lightweight, quick-drying, and durable properties. It remains the top choice for performance-focused runners and sports brands.

Nylon
Nylon accounts for nearly 15% of the market and is valued for its stretchability, abrasion resistance, and smooth texture. It is commonly blended with other fibers to improve fit and durability.

Spandex
Spandex captures around 12% market share, known for offering high elasticity and compression support. It is widely used in running tights, leggings, and supportive wear for enhanced movement.

Wool
Wool contributes about 5% to the market, primarily used in cold-weather gear for its insulation and temperature regulation. Merino wool in particular is gaining popularity for its natural odor resistance.

Running Apparel Market, Segmentation by Distribution Channel

The Running Apparel Market has been segmented by Distribution Channel into Online Retail Channel and Offline Retail Channel

Online Retail Channel
The online retail channel represents approximately 45% of the market, driven by the growth of e-commerce platforms and mobile shopping apps. Consumers prefer the convenience, wide product selection, and competitive pricing available through online portals.

Offline Retail Channel
Offline retail continues to hold a strong presence with around 55% market share. Sporting goods stores, brand outlets, and department stores offer hands-on product trials and personalized customer service, making them popular among traditional shoppers.

Running Apparel Market, Segmentation by End Use

The Running Apparel Market has been segmented by End Use into Professional, Amateur, and Fitness

Professional
The professional segment accounts for about 25% of the market, driven by athletes and competitive runners who seek high-performance gear. This segment demands apparel with advanced moisture control and aerodynamic designs.

Amateur
Amateur users contribute nearly 40% of the market, consisting of recreational runners and hobbyists. These consumers prioritize comfort, affordability, and versatile designs suitable for occasional use.

Fitness
The fitness segment leads with around 35% share, comprising gym-goers and casual fitness enthusiasts who use running gear for training, cardio, and general workouts. The demand is fueled by the rise of active lifestyles and athleisure trends.

Running Apparel Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Running Apparel Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Running Apparel Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America
North America holds a dominant share of around 35% in the running apparel market. The region benefits from a strong presence of premium sports brands, high fitness awareness, and widespread marathon culture.

Europe
Europe captures nearly 25% of the market, supported by a large population engaged in outdoor activities and the increasing popularity of sustainable sportswear. Countries like Germany and the UK lead regional sales.

Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific is witnessing rapid growth with a market share of about 20%. Rising urbanization, fitness trends, and expansion of e-commerce platforms are major drivers in countries like China, India, and Japan.

Middle East and Africa
This region accounts for around 10% of the market. Increased participation in fitness events and growth in youth sports culture are contributing to the steady rise in demand for running apparel.

Latin America
Latin America contributes approximately 10% to the market, with Brazil and Mexico leading the regional demand. The rising influence of sports influencers and local fitness campaigns is driving product adoption.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Running Apparel Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers

• Rising health awareness and fitness participation
• Growth in recreational and competitive running events
• Advancements in moisture-wicking and stretchable fabrics

• Increased influence of sportswear fashion trends - The Running Apparel Market is experiencing notable growth due to the increased influence of sportswear fashion trends that blend performance with everyday style. Consumers are increasingly adopting athletic-inspired clothing not just for exercise but also for casual and leisure settings. This shift has elevated running apparel from a functional necessity to a fashion-forward lifestyle choice.

  The rise of athleisure has fueled demand for running outfits that offer comfort, visual appeal, and technical features. Modern designs incorporate bold patterns, vibrant colors, flattering fits, and breathable fabrics, making them suitable for both workouts and daily wear. This cross-functionality has expanded the market beyond athletes to fashion-conscious consumers.

  Social media, fitness influencers, and celebrity collaborations have further accelerated this trend. Popular culture has normalized wearing running leggings, tops, and jackets in non-sport contexts, especially among millennials and Gen Z. As a result, brand image, aesthetic quality, and design innovation have become major purchase drivers alongside functionality and performance.

  As fashion continues to intersect with sportswear, companies that prioritize both style and substance in their running apparel lines are poised for sustained growth. The ability to offer apparel that performs well during runs and also aligns with lifestyle fashion trends creates strong brand differentiation and broader consumer appeal.

Restraints

• High cost of branded performance apparel
• Seasonal demand variation limiting year-round sales
• Sustainability concerns over synthetic fabric usage

• Intense market competition from local manufacturers - While brands dominate premium and performance-driven segments, regional and local companies are rapidly gaining ground by offering similar aesthetics and basic functionality at lower prices. This has created pricing pressure and margin constraints for established players.

  Local manufacturers often benefit from reduced labor costs, agile production models, and shorter supply chains, enabling them to respond quickly to consumer preferences and trends. Their ability to offer affordable, trendy apparel has made them popular among budget-conscious customers, especially in emerging markets where price sensitivity is high.

  This heightened competition affects brand loyalty and reduces differentiation, particularly when consumers perceive minimal performance advantages between high-end and low-cost alternatives. The presence of counterfeit products and copycat designs further complicates market dynamics, eroding trust and diluting the value proposition of branded running apparel.

  To stay competitive, premium brands must emphasize innovation, authenticity, and customer experience. Without clear value justification or strong brand narratives, they risk losing market share to fast-growing local players that deliver acceptable quality at more accessible price points.

Opportunities:

• Innovation in sustainable and recycled running fabrics
• Expansion in women’s and youth running segments
• Growth of personalized and smart running gear

• E-commerce driving access to niche apparel brands - The expansion of e-commerce, which is driving access to niche apparel brands. Online platforms enable small and emerging players to reach global audiences without the need for large-scale retail infrastructure. This shift has diversified consumer choices and promoted unique, specialized product offerings in the market.

  Digital storefronts, social media integration, and performance marketing allow niche brands to target specific consumer segments—such as trail runners, marathoners, or eco-conscious athletes—with highly tailored messaging. These brands often emphasize values such as sustainability, body inclusivity, or technical innovation, which resonate with increasingly discerning consumers.

  E-commerce also supports the growth of direct-to-consumer (D2C) models, enhancing customer relationships and reducing dependency on third-party retailers. Features like customized recommendations, virtual try-ons, and subscription-based services offer convenience and personalization that deepen brand loyalty and improve retention.

  As digital adoption grows, the ability to build community, tell authentic brand stories, and offer seamless shopping experiences positions niche running apparel brands to thrive. Companies leveraging online platforms to differentiate themselves and scale efficiently will be well-positioned in this rapidly evolving market landscape.