by Stef Calimlim (Content Editor)
Photos by Nati Melnychuk, Toa Heftiba and Jakob Owens on Unsplash
The footwear industry is a lucrative market and one of the fastest-growing industries globally. In 2020 alone, the global footwear market was estimated at $384 billion and is expected to reach $440 billion by 2026, according to ReportLinker. The report added that China is emerging as a strong market for non-athletic and athletic footwear primarily because of fitness- and national exercise program-related regulatory initiatives, rapid urbanization, and the increasing popularity of recreational sports and per-capita incomes.
In general, the growth of the global footwear market is attributed to the growing popularity of shoes in the fashion industry, and among celebrities and social media influencers, the increasing interest in fitness and sports among younger generations, and the rising adoption of comfortable, top-rated and trendy footwear among consumers in various age groups. Buyers, retailers and other sourcing professionals can find a wide range of these popular, stylish and comfortable pairs via Global Sources.
Women's sandals
Sandals for women offer a stylish option to pair with any outfit on any occasion. The women's sandals available in the market come in rubber, leather and suede styles, and strapped, wedge, slider, gladiator, high-heel, block-heel, flat, platform and sports designs. These may come with rhinestone, embroidered or floral strap embellishments. Manufacturers commonly use fabric, microfiber leather, PU, rubber or PVC upper materials and EVA, PU, TPR or phylon soles. A popular choice among consumers includes sandals that are not just stylish but are also comfortable and provide good arch support.
Men's sandals
Men's sandals relate well with young consumers. They are popular summer spring and summer footwear because they are comfortable, breathable, lightweight, affordable and stylish. Available in slip-on, strapped, clog and slide styles, the typical selection can be made of mesh, canvas, leather, fabric, EVA, PVC or PU upper and nonslip rubber outsole.
Men's sneakers
The sneaker industry is a multi-billion-dollar business that continues to grow, thanks to the rising popularity of the sneaker collections and the athleisure trend. What was once frowned upon in formal occasions and the workplace, wearing sneakers in such setups are now socially accepted and even commonplace. The marketplace has a wide variety of lightweight, wear-resistant, quick-dry, sweat-absorbent and comfortable men's sneakers for every type of sneakerhead. Some are designed specifically for runners, hikers, skateboarders and other athletes, while others are built for the fashion-conscious and on-the-go wearers. Choices vary from low-top to high-top sneakers with fly knit, mesh, PU, leather, cotton or other breathable fabric upper and nonslip TPR, rubber or EVA outsole. These are available in custom sizes, logos and colors.
Women's sneakers
Whether worn on formal occasions, for athletic use and causal or everyday wear, or paired with school or office outfits, sneakers for women remain are considered one of the most versatile footwear. The women's sneakers available in the marketplace range from platform, tennis, basketball, skateboard, dress, low-top, high-top, classic and air bubble sneakers. They generally have a PU, PU and mesh, canvas, rubber or fly knit upper and a TPR, rubber, phylon or EVA outsole, and come in various seams, stitching, colors, designs and sizes.
Wedge shoes
When sourcing wedge shoes, consider types that are both functional and fashionable - a combination of features popular among today's fashion-forward yet comfort-seeking consumers. Wedge shoes are a popular type of height-increasing footwear that are more comfortable to wear than high-heeled shoes. They can be made of leather, canvas, synthetic leather, plastic or fabric materials, come in various sizes, colors and designs. In an article posted by fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue, it included slick slides, classic espadrilles, cork wedge,s and wedge boots among some of the best wedges of 2021.
Men's socks
What do consumers look for when buying socks? Pairs that are comfortable to wear, durable, smooth, able to withstand wash after wash, have the right height and thickness depending on the purpose, quick-drying, sweat-absorbent, odor-resistant and anti-bacterial are some of the best-selling men's socks in the market today. They come in various designs and styles, including sports, Christmas, Halloween, crew, boat, reflective, seamless, dress, ankle, knee-length, compression, five-finger, yoga, winter and fashion socks. Some manufacturers also offer socks that are infused with aloe vera and vitamin E especially designed for those with dry skin and thick calluses. The socks can be made of neoprene, cotton, polyester, spandex, nylon, acrylic, bamboo fiber, modal, elastane or buyer-specified materials. They come in various colors, sizes, lengths and thicknesses.
Men's hiking boots
Comfort, durability, price, traction, weight and all-around performance are key factors among consumers when choosing the best men's hiking boots. The best-selling hiking boots for men that are offered in the market today are those that are lightweight and offer superb protection, good traction, insulation and water resistance, durability and comfort in various terrains and weather conditions. These come in various styles and designs and use high-quality leather and fabric, PU and mesh, cotton, PU, genuine leather, cow suede and mesh, nylon, rubber, EVA or buyer-specified materials.
Women's snow boots
Designed especially for snow sports and winter activities, the snow boots for women that are popular in the market boast durability, comfort, functionality, and nonslip and water-resistant properties. These women's snow boots are made of fleece, genuine leather, oxford, nylon and PU, cow suede, faux fur, PVC or polyester upper, plush or wool lining and suede, rubber, EVA, TPR or PVC outsole. Suppliers offer them in various styles, designs, sizes, colors and logos. According to Future Market Insights, the global snow boots market is poised to reach $2,010.7 million by 2027. Celebrity and commercial endorsements, and the growing popularity of snow sports are among the key drivers of the snow boots market growth.
