Running Shoe Sales in the UK 2025: Market Growth and Consumer Trends

As we step into 2026, running shoe sales in the United Kingdom remain a dynamic and resilient segment of the broader athletic footwear market. Industry research indicates that the UK running shoes market—already valued at several billion dollars—continues to expand as consumers prioritise health, fitness and active lifestyles. The overall athletic footwear sector in the UK is projected to grow at a moderate compound annual growth rate through the latter part of the decade, with running footwear playing a significant role in that expansion.

Participation in running and related activities remains robust across the UK. Recent participation data suggest that a significant portion of the population runs regularly, with up to 40 per cent reporting weekly runs and a growing share running multiple times per week. This sustained interest, coupled with broader trends such as increasing female participation and a notable rise in first-time runners at events, supports ongoing consumer demand for performance and everyday running shoes.

Retail market dynamics in 2026 reflect both opportunity and challenge. While some segments of UK high-street retail face footfall declines, particularly outside major shopping destinations, demand for running footwear is outperforming broader adult footwear categories, with positive unit sales growth and stronger average selling prices observed. This trend highlights running shoes as a relative bright spot within an otherwise cautious retail environment.

Product innovation continues to influence consumer buying behaviour. Major brands are releasing new running models with advanced cushioning, improved stability and performance-enhancing materials, which contribute to continued consumer engagement and spending. Anticipated 2026 releases across leading and emerging brands further signal industry confidence in running footwear as a core growth category.

Looking ahead, running shoe sales in the UK are expected to remain steady and growth-oriented through 2026 and beyond, bolstered by cultural shifts toward fitness, digital commerce channels, and an increasingly diverse running community that spans casual joggers to performance enthusiasts.

As a runner myself, I am super excited about the growth in active participation in both running and, more broadly sport. That is why I am keen that we establish the right partnership with running brands and retailers, ensuring that we have a combined approach to dealing with the kit waste from these activities.

Keep on running! - but please ensure you get rid of unwanted kit responsibly.