In 2022, North America dominated the global fishing footwear market. The fishing footwear market in North America is mainly driven by factors such as growing participation in recreational fishing, an increase in commercial fishing activities, and rising efforts by manufacturers to develop durable, comfortable, and high-quality fishing footwear products. In North America, a growing number of people are engaging in freshwater, saltwater, and fly-fishing activities. People in the region are mainly involved in fishing to enjoy the splendor of nature. According to a report by the Outdoor Foundation and Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, ~52.4 million Americans aged six and over across the country took to the nation’s waterways to enjoy recreational fishing in 2021. In addition, approximately 2.3 million Americans fished in 2021 as compared to 2019. The high number of people engaging in recreational fishing is boosting the region’s fishing footwear market growth. Commercial fishing operations contribute billions of dollars annually to the region’s economy. A growth in recreational and commercial fishing activities creates a huge demand for fishing footwear. Fishing footwear offers different advantages and high levels of protection to fishermen.
Rise of Recreational Fishing Drives Fishing Footwear Market Growth
Fishing is gaining immense popularity as an outdoor activity in many parts of the world, especially in the US, the UK, and Australia. According to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), in 2021, over 52.4 million Americans aged six and above participated in recreational fishing. The rate of participation in recreational fishing is increasing at a steady rate in the US. Recreational fishing is becoming an important part of outdoor tradition in the US. People enjoy fishing as it helps to reduce day-to-day stress and promotes mental as well as physical well-being. According to a study conducted by The Outdoor Foundation and Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, 80% of the people who participated in recreational fishing in 2021 in the US fished in groups of 2–5 anglers. The study claimed that females mostly preferred fishing to spend more time with family and friends, while men stated their purpose for fishing was to spend more time outdoors. Most Americans participate in recreational fishing as a means of escaping the daily stress of life and enjoying the splendor of nature. Recreational fishing is also becoming popular in the UK. According to the Angling Trust Marine Recreational Fisheries report, resident sea anglers in the UK spend US$ 1.47 billion on the sport every year. Thus, increasing interest in recreational fishing is driving the demand for various fishing equipment, apparel, and footwear, which bolsters the growth of the fishing footwear market.
Fishing Footwear Market: Segmental Overview
Based on product type, the fishing footwear market is segmented into boots, shoes, and others. The boots designed for fishing primarily provide protection and comfort for anglers while fishing. They also help keep the feet dry, provide traction on slippery surfaces, and provide support during long hours of fishing. For anglers who catch fish from shore, structure, or on a boat, ankle boots are best suited. However, they offer less coverage of legs compared to knee boots and offer sufficient traction when a boat’s deck takes on water. Based on category, the fishing footwear market is divided into men and women. Men’s fishing footwear products are available in different styles, designs, and features. There are so many brands in the market that offer different types of footwear for men for a range of fishing applications. The demand for men’s fishing footwear is increasing with the growing participation of men in fishing activities. Based on end use, the market is bifurcated into residential/ recreational and commercial. In residential/recreational fishing, footwear is used as it provides full protection from water and weather, improved levels of comfort and support, increased stability and traction, and optimizes temperature regulation. The demand for fishing footwear for recreational purposes is increasing continuously with the growing number of people participating in recreational fishing activities. In many countries across the globe, the popularity of recreational fishing is increasing as it promotes physical and mental well-being and offers a chance to connect with nature.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Fishing Footwear Market
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries reported economic growth. Fishing footwear manufacturers invested in research to develop advanced technology and improve production efficiency. Major market players also focused on geographic expansion through merger and acquisition strategies to cater to a broad customer base. The consumer goods industry announced a slowdown of manufacturing operations and shutdown, as well as projected a slump in fishing footwear sales after the emergence of the COVID-19 outbreak. Thus, major companies involved in fishing footwear production faced severe challenges during the initial phase of the pandemic due to sudden government restrictions on the manufacturing of nonessential commodities. In 2021, several consumer goods companies began recovering from the losses incurred in 2020 with the revival of production operations. Manufacturers were permitted to operate at full capacities, which helped them cope with the demand-supply gap. With economies reviving their operations, the demand for fishing footwear started rising globally as the industry resumed its operations at full capacity.
Fishing Footwear Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments
Shimano Singapore Pte Ltd, Grundens LLC, Aftco Manufacturing Co Inc., Huk Gear, Korkers Products LLC, Bryant Sales Co LLC, Guntersville Breathables Inc, Pelagic Inc, Vista Outdoor Inc, and Rocky Brands Inc are a few players operating in the global fishing footwear market. Players operating in the global fishing footwear market focus on providing high-quality products to fulfill customer demand.