Waterproof Socks Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, By Product Type (Mid-Calf Length Socks, Ankle Length Socks, Knee Length Socks, and Calf Length Socks); By Application; By Consumer Orientation; By Sales Channel; By Distribution Channel; By Region; Segment Forecast, 2023 – 2032
- Published Date:Dec-2023
- Pages: 116
- Format: PDF
- Report ID: PM4115
- Base Year: 2022
- Historical Data: 2019-2021
Report Outlook
The global waterproof socks market was valued at USD 28.51 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period.
The surge in the number of adventure enthusiasts and professionals who are willing to spend more on their dryness and comfort and their growing awareness about the potential benefits offered by waterproof socks, such as enhanced moisture control during the treks and providing a dry and cozy experience, are key factors likely to people global market growth.
A sock is a form of cloth that’s worn on the feet and often covers some part of the ankle and the knee. Socks were invented thousands of years ago by the Ancient Greeks are were typically made from matter animal hair. Since their invention, socks have primarily served two purposes: absorbing perspiration and keeping the feet warm in cold conditions. One of the latest additions to the realm of socks and footwear is waterproof socks. As their name implies, waterproof socks are socks designed to keep the wearer’s feet dry in wet environments.
The magic of waterproof socks lies in their construction. These socks are typically made of three layers of material. There are two layers of soft fabric with one layer of the waterproof membrane inside. The innermost layer of the sock is soft and cozy, whereas the middle layer has the function of stopping the water from reaching the innermost layer and foot. The outer layer of the sock is exposed to all elements and protects the wearer against everything they’d encounter on their adventure. With the rising demand for multifunctional footwear and the introduction of outdoor activities, the waterproof socks market is projected to develop in the upcoming years.
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In addition, the continuous increase in research & development activities led to the creation of new waterproof socks especially tailored to thrilling water-centric activities, including kayaking, along with other advantageous characteristics instilling confidence in every paddle stroke, exposure to wet environments, and guaranteed protection from splashes, the need and adoption for these socks worldwide is growing drastically over the years.
- In August 2023, Timberland announced the launch of its newly developed waterproof iteration of Motion Six Hiker. The newly designed waterproof collection is for six ways of motion and has an updated style, which offers lightweight comfort and enhanced rebound.
In recent years, manufacturers across the globe have been focusing on the development and incorporation of advanced materials and fabrics that are not only waterproof but also breathable and allow moisture and sweat to easily escape while preventing external moisture from entering the socks, which in turn, generating huge growth potential for the market over the years.
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However, the high cost associated with waterproof socks as compared to traditional socks due to the specialized materials and innovative manufacturing process of these socks and their limited use for some specific outdoor activities, such as hiking and water sports, are likely to restrain the global market growth.
The research study provides a comprehensive analysis of the industry, assessing the market on the basis of various segments and sub-segments. It sheds light on the competitive landscape and introduces Waterproof Socks Market key players from the perspective of market share, concentration ratio, etc. The study is a vital resource for understanding the growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges in the industry.
Industry Dynamics
Growth Drivers
- Growing consumer demand for multifunctional sportswear and the emergence of outdoor activities
There is a drastic increase in the popularity and demand for multifunctional sportswear, especially among adventure enthusiasts participating in activities such as hiking, cycling, jogging, snow sports, and mountain biking, among others, along with the continuous expansion of different types of outdoor activities like camping, fishing, trekking, and hiking that led to surge in demand for waterproof socks due to its ability to protect against cold and wet conditions, which are among the primary factors influencing the global waterproof socks market growth.
- For instance, according to the data from the 2022 Outdoor Participation Trends Report, the number of people in the United States who went hiking was around 58.7 million, and the number of people who went backpacking stood at around 10.3 million.
Report Segmentation
The market is primarily segmented based on product type, application, consumer orientation, sales channel, and region.
By Product Type |
By Application |
By Consumer Orientation |
By Sales Channel |
By Region |
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By Product Type Analysis
- Mid-calf length socks segment accounted for the largest market share in 2022
The mid-calf length socks segment accounted for the largest market share, which is majorly driven by its significant popularity among outdoor enthusiasts who are engaging in several outdoor activities and the ability of mid-calf socks to offer a balance between shorter-ankle-length and longer knee-high options that makes them an ideal and preferred choice for activities and footwear choices.
The ankle-length socks segment will grow at a significant rate on account of its widespread adoption among people with specific foot conditions, such as prone to blisters and fungal infections, along with the growing popularity of these socks as a fashion treatment among the young generation that has expanded market beyond its functional use.
By Application Analysis
- Water sports segment held a significant market share in 2022
The water sports segment held the majority of the market share. The growth of the segment market can be largely attributed to the rising popularity of participation in water sports and the growing need and preferences for waterproof equipment among individuals who are engaging in several water-based recreational activities, as these socks help them to keep their feet dry and comfortable and also enhances the overall experience.
- For instance, according to the Watersports Participation Survey 2021, almost 11.8 million people around the world took part in some boating activities in 2021, which is almost double the number of people who participated in 2020.
By Consumer Orientation Analysis
- Male waterproof socks segment led the industry market in 2022
The male waterproof socks segment led the industry market with a considerable share in 2022 due to the higher popularity and proliferation of sports and adventure activities among male athletes and adventurers and the continuous surge in the participation of the male population in several outdoor activities, including camping, trekking, and hiking, among others. As male consumers are more informed about the numerous benefits of waterproof socks, the need and demand for such products among them is rapidly increasing.
By Sales Channel
- Online retailers segment is expected to witness the highest growth
The online retailers segment is projected to grow at the highest growth rate during the anticipated period, which is largely attributed to the rapid emergence of various online shopping platforms offering greater benefits in terms of convenience and accessibility, wider product selection, product recommendations, global reach, and ease of payment and security, among others. Besides this, the rising smartphone penetration and easy access to fast internet facilities all over the world have resulted in more people opting for online shopping channels rather than conventional retail or offline shopping, generating huge growth potential for the market over the years.
Regional Insights
- Asia Pacific region dominated the global market in 2022
The Asia Pacific region dominated the global market. The regional market growth is highly attributable to the increasing popularity of snow activities and hiking and the presence of a larger customer base in countries like India and China willing to spend on recreational and adventure activities. Also, several countries in the APAC region, such as New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and various Southeast Asian nations, are popular tourist destinations that create significant demand for waterproof socks to cater to the needs of tourists engaged in outdoor activities.
The Europe region held the second largest market share and is expected to emerge as the fastest growing region with a healthy CAGR, owing to the availability of favorable weather conditions from cold and wet winters to wet and mild summers, which keep the product in demand throughout the year, as they protect against the snow, rain, and damp conditions. Growing advances in waterproof and breathable materials across the region that have made waterproof socks more comfortable and functional have also been driving consumer interest in the product.
Key Market Players & Competitive Insights
The waterproof socks segment is highly fragmented in nature with the robust presence of regional and global market players. Several established market players are extensively focusing on leveraging their reputation and expertise to offer a wide and diverse range of waterproof socks in order to cater to demand from consumers for various activities.
Some of the major players operating in the global market include:
- Bridgedale Outdoor Ltd.
- Footland Inc.
- Happy Socks
- Injinji Inc.
- Lennon Performance Products Ltd.
- Neo Sport
- Northern Diver
- NRS
- Okamoto Corporation
- Randy Sun
- Recreational Equipment Inc.
- Rocky Brands
- Sealskinz
- SexShell
- Stance
Recent Developments
- In September 2023, KLIM, announced about the launch of its new range of products for the 2024 snow season which includes innovative and performance-driven mountain shells and new-technical riding socks. The new socks line is made with a Teton Merino Wool blend that is designed to keep feet warm and enhance the performance of the company’s waterproof and breathable footwear.
Waterproof Socks Market Report Scope
Report Attributes |
Details |
Market size value in 2023 |
USD 29.70 million |
Revenue Forecast in 2032 |
USD 43.57 million |
CAGR |
4.3% from 2023 – 2032 |
Base year |
2022 |
Historical data |
2019 – 2021 |
Forecast period |
2023 – 2032 |
Quantitative units |
Revenue in USD million and CAGR from 2023 to 2032 |
Segments Covered |
By Product Type, By Application, By Consumer Orientation, By Sales Channel, By Region |
Regional scope |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America; Middle East & Africa |
Customization |
Report customization as per your requirements with respect to countries, regions and segmentation. |
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