South Korea Footwear Market (2025-2031) | Value, Size, Analysis, Share, Outlook, Trends, Industry, Revenue, Companies, Forecast & Growth

Topics Covered in the South Korea Footwear Market Report

The South Korea Footwear Market report thoroughly covers the market by type and material. The market report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of the ongoing market trends, opportunities/high growth areas, and market drivers which would help the stakeholders to devise and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.

South Korea Footwear Market Synopsis

The South Korea Footwear Market is anticipated to experience steady growth over the forecast period, driven by rising consumer demand for premium and functional footwear. With a growing focus on health and fitness, athletic footwear is gaining substantial traction, contributing to increased market revenues. In addition, consumer preferences are shifting toward eco-friendly materials and sustainability, which is pushing manufacturers to innovate in terms of materials and production methods.

According to 6Wresearch, the South Korea Footwear Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% during 2025-2031.  The key driver for the South Korea footwear market is the growing consumer demand for sports and athletic footwear. The rising popularity of fitness activities, including running, hiking, and gym workouts, has led to increased sales of athletic shoes. Moreover, the rapid urbanization and higher disposable incomes in the country have boosted consumer spending on premium and branded footwear, further propelling South Korea Footwear Market growth. However, the market faces several challenges. One of the main obstacles is the fierce competition among domestic and international footwear brands, which results in frequent price wars and reduces profit margins. Another challenge is the fluctuating prices of raw materials such as leather, rubber, and plastics, which directly affect production costs. Moreover, the influx of counterfeit products undermines the brand value of major players and hampers market revenues in the premium segment.

South Korea Footwear Market Trends

One of the emerging trends in the South Korea footwear market is the rising demand for eco-friendly and sustainable footwear. Consumers, especially younger generations, are increasingly aware of environmental issues and are willing to spend on products made from recycled or biodegradable materials. This shift is pushing manufacturers to explore green manufacturing processes and innovate with sustainable materials, such as recycled plastics, organic cotton, and plant-based leathers. Another key trend is the rise of athleisure, blending casual and athletic styles. This trend has driven the demand for multifunctional footwear that can be worn both for sports and everyday activities.

Investment Opportunities in the South Korea Footwear Market

The South Korea footwear market offers numerous investment opportunities, particularly in the premium and eco-friendly footwear segments. With the increasing consumer awareness of sustainability, companies investing in green technologies and materials have a significant opportunity to capture market share. Brands that focus on sustainable, ethically produced footwear are likely to find considerable success, particularly among millennials and Gen Z consumers who prioritize environmental responsibility. Moreover, the booming athleisure trend presents lucrative investment opportunities for companies offering stylish yet functional footwear. The expansion of e-commerce platforms also provides an avenue for smaller players to reach a broader audience. By investing in digital marketing and online sales channels, companies can tap into the rapidly growing e-commerce market in South Korea, which has become an essential part of the retail landscape.

Leading Players of the South Korea Footwear Market

Leading players in the South Korea footwear market include global giants such as Nike, Adidas, and Puma, as well as domestic brands like Fila and Kumkang. These companies focus on brand differentiation through quality, sustainability initiatives, and strong marketing campaigns to maintain their competitive edge. Local manufacturers are also leveraging the trend toward customization, allowing consumers to design their own footwear to meet their personal preferences.

Government Regulations in the South Korea Footwear Market

Government regulations related to environmental protection and product quality have a significant impact on the South Korea footwear market. The South Korean government has implemented stricter regulations concerning the use of hazardous materials in footwear production, particularly in relation to chemicals used in leather processing. Manufacturers must adhere to these regulations, which are aimed at reducing environmental impact and improving product safety for consumers. Additionally, the government encourages local manufacturers to adopt more sustainable practices through tax incentives and grants for companies investing in eco-friendly production methods. This is in line with South Korea’s broader environmental goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting green industries.

Future Insights of the South Korea Footwear Market

The future of the South Korea footwear market looks promising, with increasing demand for premium and sustainable footwear driving market growth. As more consumers prioritize sustainability, the use of eco-friendly materials and innovative production processes is likely to become a dominant trend. Companies that can adapt to these changing consumer preferences by offering high-quality, environmentally conscious products are well-positioned for success in the coming years. Furthermore, the rapid adoption of e-commerce and digital retail strategies will continue to shape the footwear market’s future. As online shopping becomes more prevalent, particularly among younger consumers, companies that invest in their online presence, seamless delivery services, and personalized customer experiences will gain a competitive advantage.

Market Segmentation Analysis

The report provides a detailed analysis of the market segments, revealing the leading categories.

Athletic Footwear Dominates the Market - By Type

According to Ravi Bhandari, Research Head at 6Wresearch, the demand for athletic footwear in South Korea is rising significantly due to increased health awareness, fitness trends, and growing participation in outdoor sports activities. The trend of athleisure, blending athletic and casual fashion, has driven consumers to seek versatile footwear that caters to both performance and style.

Leather Footwear Gaining Popularity - By Material

Leather footwear maintains a strong foothold in the South Korea Footwear Market, particularly in the premium non-athletic category. Consumers are drawn to leather products for their durability, luxurious feel, and classic appeal, especially in formal and casual footwear. The emphasis on high-quality, long-lasting materials makes leather a preferred choice among working professionals and fashion-conscious individuals.

Key Attractiveness of the Report

• 10 Years of Market Numbers.
• Historical Data Starting from 2021 to 2024.
• Base Year: 2024
• Forecast Data until 2031.
• Key Performance Indicators Impacting the Market.
• Major Upcoming Developments and Projects

Key Highlights of the Report:

• South Korea Footwear Market Outlook
• Market Size of South Korea Footwear Market, 2024
• Forecast of South Korea Footwear Market, 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Footwear Revenues & Volume for the Period 2021 - 2031
• South Korea Footwear Market Trend Evolution
• South Korea Footwear Market Drivers and Challenges
• South Korea Footwear Price Trends
• South Korea Footwear Porter's Five Forces
• South Korea Footwear Industry Life Cycle
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Footwear Market Revenues & Volume By Type for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Footwear Market Revenues & Volume By Athletic for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Footwear Market Revenues & Volume By Non-Athletic for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Footwear Market Revenues & Volume By Material for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Footwear Market Revenues & Volume By Lather for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Footwear Market Revenues & Volume By Rubber for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Footwear Market Revenues & Volume By Plastic for the Period 2021 - 2031
• South Korea Footwear Import Export Trade Statistics
• Market Opportunity Assessment By Type
• Market Opportunity Assessment By Material
• South Korea Footwear Top Companies Market Share
• South Korea Footwear Competitive Benchmarking By Technical and Operational Parameters
• South Korea Footwear Company Profiles
• South Korea Footwear Key Strategic Recommendations

Market Covered

The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments:

ByType

• Athletic
• Non-Athletic

By Material

• Lather
• Rubber
• Plastic