The global athletic footwear and apparel market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the increasing popularity of healthy lifestyles and the widespread promotion of fitness. The global running shoe market, in particular, has seen a substantial increase in demand, with sales reaching $51.3 billion in 2024.

The growth of this sector is primarily fueled by the following factors:

  • Rising health awareness and mass adoption of marathon races
  • Increased participation in marathons and road running events
  • The growing preference for high-performance footwear and smart wearable devices among athletes

Chinese sportswear brands have gained increasing recognition in global markets, transitioning from regional players to internationally competitive brands. With the global rise of Chinese trend culture, overseas consumers have shown growing awareness and demand toward the fashion-forward designs, high value-for-money, and deep cultural elements embedded in Chinese brands.

Chinese Sports Brands Strengthen Global Presence

Chinese sports brands have strengthened their global presence through strategic initiatives such as collaborating with international ambassadors, sponsoring major sporting events, and expanding global sales channels. These efforts have significantly enhanced brand influence on the international stage. Leading Chinese sports brands such as Li-Ning, ANTA, and Xtep have ramped up investments in product research and development, technological innovation, and sustainable materials, enabling them to deliver internationally competitive products with superior performance, comfort, and quality.

These efforts have not only solidified their global market share but also accelerated their transition towards premiumization and internationalization. As consumer preferences evolve, a growing number of international buyers are choosing Chinese brands, further solidifying their global market share and accelerating their transition towards premiumization and internationalization.

Xtep: The Market Leader in Professional Running Shoes

Xtep has solidified its position in the running shoe sector by making running footwear its core product focus while leveraging extensive exposure through marathon sponsorships. Since initiating its strategic expansion into the running shoes’ category in 2007, Xtep has continuously deepened its presence in the running track.

After more than a decade of accumulation and refinement, Xtep has established a solid foundation in technology R&D and product innovation, successfully transforming from a mass sportswear brand into a professional running brand. This strategic approach has successfully positioned Xtep as a top choice among consumers in the running shoe market.

Designed specifically for running, running shoes play a critical role in ensuring safety and enhancing athletic performance. Xtep has built a solid foundation in running shoe technology and launched professional racing shoes with lightweight design, advanced carbon plate technology, and exceptional cushioning performance.

Xtep’s flagship product, the 160X product series, has consistently garnered global recognition and prestigious running shoe awards for its exceptional performance and advanced technology. The company achieved outstanding sales performance across all distribution channels in 2024, marking a significant leap in market share and reinforcing its leadership in the industry.

In addition, Xtep continues to expand its influence in the running industry through deep engagement in marathon events and the establishment of a comprehensive runner ecosystem. This comprehensive approach not only enhances the end-to-end sports experience for runners but also enables the brand to gain more accurate insights into the real needs of different runner groups, providing ongoing feedback and support for product development and service optimization.

Global Recognition and Awards

Xtep has been awarded the “Global Leading Brand in terms of Sales Volume of Running shoes in 2024” and “Top-Ranked Running Shoe Brand by Wearing Rate in China’s Marathons in 2024” by Frost & Sullivan, affirming its dominant position in both global sales and nationwide marathon participation.

Based on extensive market research, Frost & Sullivan has officially recognized Xtep International Holdings Limited for its outstanding market leadership in the global running shoe industry.

Xtep has established itself as a leading brand in the global running shoe industry, driven by its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.