Diabetic Footwear Market Analysis Report By Product, By Distribution Channel, By Region And Segment Forecasts From 2019 To 2025

Industry Insights

The global diabetic footwear market was valued at USD 5.78 billion, in 2018 and it is expected to grow with a CAGR of 7.6%, 2019 to 2025. This footwear is stretchable and can be adjusted depending upon the individual’s feet shape. Additionally, they protect against skin breakdown and provide better motion control. 

The popularity of specialty shoes is gaining traction among the obese population. These shoes are known to provide relief from flat foot pain. Increasing awareness about the adverse effect of obesity and the growing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases are positively affecting the market growth.

The use of diabetic footwear is prevalent among old-age people. Side effects associated with the use of synthetic medicines to cure diabetes are the prime reason people are opting for viable alternatives. To mitigate the impact of pre-diabetic cells, consumers prefer diabetic footwear and other similar alternatives. Further, the introduction of technically advanced footwear is projected to supplement the market growth during the forecast period.

Diabetic shoes are available in different forms namely- flexible inner sole, inserted sole, and hybrid shoes. Apart from being effective against diabetes, these specialty shoes are also used for posture improvement and protection against injuries. Thus, the versatile use of these shoes is expected to drive its demand in the coming year.

Product Insights

Among various footwear types, shoes maintained their dominant position accounting for 35.3% of the market share, in 2018. The growing popularity of diabetic shoes among working professionals in the developed regions is attributed to the growth of this segment. Moreover, these shoes provide additional protection against feet injuries thereby reducing the chances of fungal infections.

On the other hand, the slippers segment is projected to grow with the highest CAGR of 8.3% from, 2019 to 2025. The convenience associated with the use of slippers is proliferating their demand. Moreover, the introduction of diabetic slippers made up of advanced materials such as cotton, nylon, and leather are projected to provide lucrative opportunities for the manufacturers.

Distribution Channel Insights

Offline channels dominated the diabetic footwear market in terms of revenue, in 2018. Specialty stores along with pharma outlets are the major sales channel. The growing trend of urbanization in emerging countries and rising consumers’ purchasing power are expected to boost the sales of diabetic footwear through specialty outlets.

The online segment is projected to account for 45% of the market share, by 2025. Rising e-commerce platforms and omnichannel marketing are attributed to the growth of online sales of the products. Additionally, online platforms offer various other benefits such as discounts, coupons, free home delivery, price comparison, and easy return policy. Thus, convenience associated with online purchasing is anticipated to drive the sales of diabetic footwear through this channel. 

Regional Insights

Among all the regions, North America accounted for the highest revenue of USD 1.97 billion, in 2018. Growing awareness about the ill effect of obesity and diabetes is positively affecting the market growth. Further, the availability of wide varieties of diabetic footwear products with advanced features is driving the growth in this region.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow with the highest CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. Changing food habits amid a busy lifestyle have resulted in a rise in the number of people suffering from obesity and diabetes. Growing awareness among consumers about diabetes and related diseases is expected to create lucrative opportunities in emerging countries such as China and India in the region.

The Middle East and Africa are also witnessing a surge in the demand for diabetic footwear and the region is expected to reach over USD 400 million, by 2025 end. Increasing urbanization and infrastructural development provide a huge opportunity for manufacturers to establish new production units in this region.

COVID-19 Impact Insights

The diabetic footwear market has been negatively affected due to the outbreak of COVID-19. The pandemic has forced people to stay indoors and led to the closure of various fitness centers and gyms, thereby, adversely affecting the market growth. In addition, the pandemic has led to an economic crisis, significantly reducing consumers’ purchasing power. China is one of the major exporters of raw materials required for the footwear industry. However, various countries are refraining from Chinese imports following the COVID-19 outbreak. Owing to the restarting of various economic activities, there has been a rise in the demand for diabetic shoes, however, for the market to recover fully, it will take two or three more years. Companies can focus on mergers and acquisitions along with the introduction of cost-effective products to revive their sales.

Diabetic footwear Market Share Insights

Leading players in the market include Orthofeet Inc., Aetrex Worldwide, Podartis Srl, and Dr. Zen Products, Inc. among others. These market players are focusing on expanding their geographical presence to cater to a larger consumer base. The introduction of new products with added features is anticipated to be a crucial factor in market growth. During the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2018, Sensoria Health in collaboration with Optima Molliter announced to develop smart footwear. Later in October 2019, Sensoria Health, Optima Molliter, and Microsoft introduced Motus Smart footwear. 

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2015 to 2025. For this study, Million Insights has segmented the global diabetic footwear market report based on the product, distribution channel, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025)
    • Slippers
    • Sandals
    • Shoes

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025)
    • Offline
    • Online

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025)
    • North America
        • U.S.
        • Canada
        • Mexico
    • Europe
        • Germany
        • U.K.
        • France
    • the Asia Pacific
        • India
        • China
        • Japan
    • Central & South America
        • Brazil
    • Middle East & Africa
        • South Africa
        • UAE
        • Saudi Arabia