The platform boots market is anticipated to expand at a mild CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period. The valuation of the market as of 2023 is US$ 432.4 million, and it is expected to be valued at US$ 658.8 million by 2033.
An increasing clamor for a perfect balance of comfort and style coupled with many other reasons is expected to increase the demand for platform boots during the forecast period.
Platform boots have a thick sole, usually in the range of 4-9 cm, and carry an image of one of the most stylish-looking footwear. Moreover, wearing even simple platform shoes help us look way more appealing as compared to wearing any other kind of shoes. With so much to offer, the sales of platform boots are expected to increase in the coming times.
Platform running shoes are also known for providing wider toe boxes. This avoids the development of complex conditions like Morton’s neuroma or hammertoe deformity.
Even the stats point towards the fact that the platform boots market is in for growth. The historical CAGR for the market is 3.5%, and the expected CAGR for the forecast period is 3.8%. Though not much difference is observed in the CAGR, the good thing about the market is that it is progressing, and this progress is more palpable when the economic condition of developing nations further improves, and people in such countries start using the platform boots.
Road Ahead for the Platform Boots Market
With the world becoming a small place because of rapid technological advancements taking place in air, water, and land routes, the road ahead for the platform boots market is filled with optimism. With development activities taking place at a rapid pace throughout the world, and an increase in the adoption of Western Culture, the growth of the platform boots market seems inevitable as of now.
Moreover, the growth of E-Commerce platforms is also expected to increase the demand for platform boots during the forecast period. The best thing associated with E-Commerce stores is that they are known for providing huge discounts on the MRP, which makes such types of shoes extremely affordable on this platform.
Threat to Platform Boots Market
Rise in the adoption of desert boots: The desert boots are mainly meant for their sole, which is made up of creep rubbers. These soles are softer than any other type of soles, which allows us to walk comfortably even for long hours.
Rise in the adoption of service boots: These are rugged, durable leather shoes. They are known for offering sophistication when worn along with casual outfits.
Segment-Wise Insights
Rubber is the Widely used Material Type
Rubber is the most widely used material and dominated the market with a share of 28.4% in 2022. It is used for preparing soles in almost all types of platform boots. It is mainly because of the usage of rubber, that the platform boots offer such comfort.
Carbon rubber, solid rubber, DRC, Duralon, and gum rubbers are the different kinds of rubbers that are used for manufacturing platform boots. Polyurethane is a kind of artificial leather, which is used for making shoes flexible. It is believed to be a very close alternative to genuine leather. When gathered, these produce wrinkles exactly like natural leather. Moreover, these cost less than real leather.
Likewise, synthetics have been used keeping in mind the ethical rights of animals. These are made up of textiles and polyurethane to give the feel of genuine leather. Moreover, synthetics do not require much preparation and make less use of chemicals, which also supports cost reduction. Also, these are cost-effective and durable.
Wide platform boots have a higher market share
The wide platform boots have a higher market share as compared to medium platform boots.
The reason is these provide a better room for toes, because of which the comfort factor associated with the wider boots is much more as compared to its counterpart. Moreover, the wide platform boots do not put much strain on ankles and soles, as a result of which the risk of falling is less as compared to medium platform boots. Additionally, with the sole thickness being more as compared to medium platform boots, these provide much more value for money.
Based on the end user, women have a higher market share of 59.3% in 2022, as compared to men
Increasing interest among women in exploring different kinds of footwear is expected to drive the sales of platform boots. Moreover, an increase in the disposable income of women as compared to what it was probably five years back has also led to women dominating this segment.
However, if we talk about men, they are touted to be a significant segment. An increasing interest amongst men to try different kinds of sneakers, and to invest more money in their looks is something that drives the men’s segment during the forecast period.
Online Sales Channel has the Leading Market Share
Amongst the sales channel, the online sales channel has the leading market share. The reason is the humongous growth of E-Commerce giants.
The E-Commerce giants are known to provide branded platform boots at discounted rates. Moreover, the goods are delivered to our houses and we hardly need to pay any transportation charges. On certain occasions, they offer discounts up to as high as 70%, and if customers do not like the product, they return them on the spot. This surge in the demand for platform boots.
Regional Insights
What is the North America Market Outlook?
The North American platform boots market, which had a market share of 31.3% in 2022, is expected to perform decently during the forecast period.
Undoubtedly, North America is a region that holds a lot of potential for platform boots. But the region also has some amazing alternatives to platform boots, which in a way pose some threat to the market. That being said, because of the style factor associated with platform boots, the market has a lot to offer.
How is Europe Performing in the Market?
The European platform boots market, which had a market share of 28.4% in 2022, is expected to be one of the most significant markets for the platform boots.
Being home to some of the most fashionable cities like Milan, London, Paris etc., there is a huge demand for platform boots in this region. Moreover, with an ability to provide comfort along with fashion is expected to surge the sales of platform boots in Europe. Moreover, Europeans love to carry themselves with a sense of elegance, and the platform boots fulfill their wish.
Competitive Landscape
Key Players Focus on Sustainable Development Going Forward
Apart from focusing on men and women, the key players have now started focusing on the children’s segment as well. For this, they are launching a versatile mix of everyday staples blended with latest fashion, and they are laying a lot of emphasis on the designing part as well.
Recent Developments
· In August 2022, the new brand H&M moved and announced that it is embarking on a mission to democratize sportswear, and get the whole world moving.
· In June 2022, Carvela and Mint Velvet chose St. David’s Cardiff for regional debuts. Spanning 2130 sq. ft. on the Grand Arcade, Carvela’s first standalone Welsh Boutique features its unique range of shoes, bags, and accessories.
