The Global Diabetic Footwear Market size is expected to reach $13 billion by 2030, rising at a market growth of 8.0% CAGR during the forecast period. In the year 2022, the market attained a volume of 1,75,471.8 thousand Units experiencing a growth of 8.0% (2019-2022).
Diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, has been on the rise in many European countries. Type 2 diabetes, which is often associated with lifestyle factors, has shown a particularly notable increase. Therefore, Europe segment generated $2,105.7 million revenue in the market in 2022. Europe has been experiencing a rise in diabetes prevalence, attributed to factors such as sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and an aging population. In order to prevent complications such as foot ulceration, the demand for specialized products such as diabetic footwear increases in tandem with the prevalence of diabetes. As a result, these factors will help in the expansion of the segment. Some of the factors impacting the market are rising number of diabetic patients worldwide, growing aging population in several nations and lack of understanding of the importance of diabetic footwear.
The global increase in the prevalence of diabetes presents a significant public health challenge. With rising urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary changes, there has been a substantial surge in the number of individuals diagnosed with diabetes worldwide. This increase is particularly noticeable in low- and middle-income countries, where rapid urbanization has led to shifts in dietary patterns and reduced physical activity levels, contributing to the diabetes epidemic. Additionally, the risk of developing diabetes tends to grow with age. Changes in metabolism often accompany aging, reduced physical activity, and an increased likelihood of other health conditions such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases. As a result, a larger proportion of the aging population is diagnosed with diabetes, contributing to the overall rise in diabetes prevalence. Neuropathy can lead to decreased awareness of pain and discomfort, making older adults less likely to notice foot injuries or abnormalities without careful examination. Therefore, these aspects will drive the demand for diabetic footwear in the coming years and these factors will boost the demand in the market.
However, there may be a deficiency in educational initiatives targeting healthcare professionals and individuals with diabetes. A lack of awareness programs and educational campaigns focused on the benefits of diabetic footwear can result in a reduced understanding of its role in preventing foot complications. Healthcare professionals, including general practitioners and even some specialists, may not receive adequate training on diabetic foot care during their education. Limited exposure to the importance of specialized footwear and its role in preventing complications can lead to a lack of proactive patient recommendations. These aspects are expected to limit the growth of the market.
Additionally, the pandemic disrupted global supply chains, affecting the production and distribution of various goods, including diabetic footwear. Lockdowns, social distancing measures, and economic uncertainties influenced consumer behavior. Many retail outlets, including those specializing in medical and orthopedic footwear, faced challenges such as temporary closures, reduced foot traffic, and changes in consumer shopping habits. This affected the sales of diabetic footwear through traditional brick-and-mortar channels. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic moderately impacted the market.
End User Outlook
On the basis of end user, the market is bifurcated into men and women. In 2022, the women segment witnessed the maximum revenue share in the market. With an increasing importance on health and wellness, more women are proactively managing chronic conditions like diabetes. This proactive approach extends to foot health, and women are seeking footwear that provides the necessary medical support and aligns with their lifestyle and fashion preferences. Traditional diabetic footwear has often been associated with a clinical and utilitarian appearance. However, the industry is shifting towards more stylish designs. This evolution in fashion trends is particularly appealing to women, who are increasingly looking for diabetic footwear that complements their style. These factors will help in the growth of the segment in future.
Type Outlook
Based on type, the market is segmented into shoes, sandals, and slippers. In 2022, the sandals segment garnered a significant revenue share in the market. Sandals are inherently associated with comfort and ease of wear. In the context of diabetic footwear, individuals with diabetes often prioritize comfort due to potential foot sensitivity and neuropathy. Sandals provide an open and breathable design, reducing the risk of friction and pressure points that can lead to foot complications. As a result, there will be increased demand in the segment.
Distribution Channel Outlook
Based on distribution channel, the market is divided into specialty stores, footwear stores, online platform, and others. The specialty stores segment recorded the maximum revenue share in the market in 2022. Specialty stores often employ knowledgeable staff, including footwear specialists, podiatrists, and diabetes educators. These professionals can provide expert guidance on selecting the most appropriate diabetic footwear based on an individual’s specific foot conditions, such as neuropathy or foot deformities. The personalized consultation offered in specialty stores enhances the shopping experience and ensures customers make informed decisions about their footwear. Therefore, there will be increased demand in the segment.
Regional Outlook
By region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA. The North America segment procured the highest revenue share in the market in 2022. North America, particularly the United States and Canada, has a relatively high prevalence of diabetes. The increasing number of individuals diagnosed with diabetes has contributed to a growing demand for specialized diabetic footwear to prevent complications, including foot ulcers. The aging population in North America is more prone to diabetes and related complications. As older people are at a higher risk of developing foot problems, there is an increasing need for diabetic footwear to address this demographic’s specific foot care requirements. These aspects will pose lucrative growth prospects for the segment.
The market research report covers the analysis of key stake holders of the market. Key companies profiled in the report include New Balance Athletics, Inc., SKECHERS USA, Inc., Orthofeet, Inc. (Webster Equity Partners), DJO Global (Enovis Corporation), Drew Shoe Corporation, Wolverine World Wide, Inc., Podartis Srl, I-Runner (Healer Health LLC), Pilgrim Shoes and Aetrx Worldwide, Inc.
Strategies Deployed in Diabetic Footwear Market
Apr-2023: Skechers took over Sports Connection Holding, a Scandinavia-based operator of distributor business. This acquisition aimed to broaden the company’s customer reach in Europe.
Sep-2022: Aetrx Worldwide, Inc. unveiled Foot.com Data Portal, a dedicated platform. The launched product would support shoe manufacturers around the world to create better-fitting footwear. Additionally, customers could view and extract global 3D foot data broken down by gender, foot size, country, and more.
Jun-2022: Skechers signed an agreement with Lodha, a real estate developer. The agreement involves Lodha setting up a new 1.1 million square foot distribution center for Skechers in Maharashtra, India. This new distribution has the potential to expand the footwear company’s business and distribution capabilities. Additionally, this new center demonstrates Skecher’s devotion to the Indian market.
Jun-2021: Aetrex Worldwide, Inc. introduced Albert 3DFit, a sleek and modern 3D foot scanner. The launched product would be designed to revolutionize the retail industry by making 3D fit technology available to stores of all sizes. Additionally, the launched product could calculate the client’s 3D foot measurements in less than 10 seconds with accuracy up to 1 millimeter.
Sep-2020: Aetrex came into partnership with EOS, a leading German 3D printer manufacturer. The partnership was focused on developing its thinnest orthotic insole. Orthotic insole is a removable shoe insert, also known as a foot orthosis, which is used for therapeutic purposes.
Oct-2019: New Balance collaborated with FIGS, a medical apparel company. Following this collaboration, New Balance launched its first capsule collection for bringing functional and fashionable footwear to the healthcare community. This collection was launched with two styles for women and one for men, the FIGS x New Balance collection focuses on lightweight and durable performance features that meet the unique demands of medical professionals, residents and students.
Jun-2019: New Balance launched the Zante Generate shoe with a 3D printed midsole, the first 3D printed sneaker. The launched product would be the optimal balance of flexibility, strength, and durability due to the Zante Generate’s intricate honeycomb midsole structure.
Feb-2019: Skechers acquired Future Group’s stake in the joint venture. The acquisition of Future’s stake in the joint venture broadens the footwear company’s retail network in the South Asia region. Further, the acquisition advances the acquiring company’s operations and intensifies its growth plans.
Scope of the Study
Market Segments covered in the Report:
By End User (Volume, Thousand Units, USD Billion/Million, 2019-2030)


    • Women
    • Men


By Type (Volume, Thousand Units, USD Billion/Million, 2019-2030)


  • • Shoes
    • Sandals
    • Slippers


By Distribution Channel (Volume, Thousand Units, USD Billion/Million, 2019-2030)


  • • Specialty Stores
    • Online Platform
    • Footwear Stores
    • Others


By Geography (Volume, Thousand Units, USD Billion/Million, 2019-2030)


  • • North America


o US
o Canada
o Mexico
o Rest of North America


  • • Europe


o Germany
o UK
o France
o Russia
o Spain
o Italy
o Rest of Europe


  • • Asia Pacific


o China
o Japan
o India
o South Korea
o Singapore
o Malaysia
o Rest of Asia Pacific


  • • LAMEA


o Brazil
o Argentina
o UAE
o Saudi Arabia
o South Africa
o Nigeria
o Rest of LAMEA
Companies Profiled


  • • New Balance Athletics, Inc.
    • SKECHERS USA, Inc.
    • Orthofeet, Inc. (Webster Equity Partners)
    • DJO Global (Enovis Corporation)
    • Drew Shoe Corporation
    • Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
    • Podartis Srl
    • I-Runner (Healer Health LLC)
    • Pilgrim Shoes
    • Aetrx Worldwide, Inc.


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