Sustainable footwear (athletic or non-athletic) is made from natural fibers as well as upcycled and repurposed materials. The plant-based vegan leather sector, for instance, derives fibers from mushrooms, apples, and even cacti. Furthermore, shoe soles are being created from materials such as cork and algae. Some footwear is made from biodegradable materials, and some is recycled or repurposed to minimize its environmental footprint.
Market Drivers and Forecast
According to OMR Research, the North American sustainable footwear market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period (2023–2029). The key driver of the market is the increasing sustainability initiatives by governments, companies, and individuals or consumers in general. Consumers expect adaptability, comfort, efficiency, sustainability, and performance in almost all products, including footwear. As a result of this consideration, businesses are incorporating social and environmental concerns into their innovative sustainable footwear manufacturing. Over the years, sustainability has been identified as an important trend. Manufacturing innovations will continue to gain traction. Many important market participants, like Nike and Adidas, contributed to the development of environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.
Furthermore, there is a growing trend among individuals toward health consciousness, for which they prefer to exercise, run, hike, and participate in other activities on a regular basis. Consumers in the region have prioritized their physical fitness and mental wellness by participating in different sports and fitness activities as well. As a result, the athletic sustainable footwear segment is expanding. According to the Physical Activity Council’s Overview Report for 2021, the total number of participants in the physical activities organized in the US (including exercise, hiking, yoga, water sports, winter sports, and others) was 232.6 million.
Besides, government initiatives to grow sustainable businesses in the region are further boosting the market’s growth. For instance, the Canadian government pledged to help with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals include good health and well-being, clean water and sanitation, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, and others. Under responsible consumption and production, the government aims to ensure sustainable production and consumption of products, allowing less harm to the environment, promoting sustainable lifestyles, and increasing resource efficiency.
Additionally, the popularity of traditional artisan processes and materials such as vegetable-tanned leather, hand-woven grasses, and block-printed cotton is fueling the sustainable footwear sector.
Recent Developments
The key companies in the market include Benebone LLC, Allbirds, Inc., Converse Inc. (Nike Inc.), Everlane, Inc., MATT & NAT, Sketchers USA, Inc., Native Canada Footwear Ltd., Nothing New, Off The Hook, Reebok America, Inc., ROTH’S, Inc., TOMS Shoes, LLC, and others. These companies are engaging in different mergers and acquisitions, investments, expansions, and other operations to help the market grow. Some of the most recent market developments include-
• In February 2023, a US-based company, OrthoLite, the category pioneer and global leader in sustainability, performance, and comfort insoles and footwear material solutions, announced its 500th footwear brand partner. OrthoLite is currently the preferred insole supplier for 500 footwear manufacturers worldwide, in all categories - athletic, running, comfort, golf, lifestyle, and fashion. OrthoLite insoles are found in over 500 million pairs of shoes each year.
• In January 2023, a Vancouver, Canada-based vegan footwear company, Grounded People, announced the launch of its first collection of sustainable shoes, São Paulo. These shoes are available in two styles—high-top and low-top—and two colors—khaki and black. The uppers and laces are made entirely of recycled cotton. The soles of the khaki shoes are made of gum tree rubber, while the soles of the black shoes are made of recycled automobile tires.