Top 10 Manufacturers Leading the Running Shoes Market in 2025

Rising participation in marathons, growing recreational fitness trends, and continuous innovation in footwear technology are reshaping how athletes and everyday runners choose their shoes. Among the most significant developments in the running shoes industry, carbon-plated racing shoes, trail footwear, minimalist trainers, and neutral cushioned models have become central to both performance and lifestyle running.

The global running shoes market is on a strong growth path, fueled by health-conscious consumers and demand for specialized performance products. Deep Market Insights estimates the market will reach USD 26.9 billion by 2025 and expand further to USD 37.8 billion by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 6.9%. 

Additionally, in 2024, global running shoe sales surpassed 390 million pairs, marking a 7% increase from the previous year as both professional and recreational runners invested in new footwear technologies.

This list highlights the top 10 companies in the running shoes industry, shaping global trends through innovation, design, and strategic initiatives.

Current Growth Drivers

• Performance Innovation: Carbon-plated midsoles and advanced foams are elevating competitive running.
• Outdoor Participation: Growth in trail running is driving demand for durable off-road footwear.
• Sustainability: Brands are integrating recycled materials and bio-based midsoles.
• Digital Retail: Direct-to-consumer platforms and virtual fittings are accelerating adoption.

Leading Companies

1. Nike Inc. (USA) – Global leader with dominance across carbon, trail, and neutral running footwear.

• Feb 2025: Released Alphafly 3, advancing its carbon racing series.
• Oct 2024: Expanded Pegasus Trail lineup with improved off-road stability.
• Products: ZoomX Vaporfly, Alphafly, Pegasus 41, Pegasus Trail.

2. Adidas AG (Germany) – Combines high-performance innovation with sustainability initiatives.

• Jan 2025: Introduced Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2, a next-gen carbon racer.
• Sep 2024: Expanded Terrex trail series across North America.
• Products: Adizero Adios Pro, Ultraboost Light, Terrex Agravic.

3. ASICS Corporation (Japan) – Specialist in neutral cushioning with strong trail offerings.

• Mar 2025: Launched GEL-Nimbus 27 with bio-based midsoles.
• Jul 2024: Released FujiTrabuco Max 3 for advanced trail traction.
• Products: GEL-Nimbus, GEL-Cumulus, MetaSpeed Sky, FujiTrabuco.

4. Puma SE (Germany) – Blends lifestyle appeal with competitive running performance.

• Apr 2025: Debuted Deviate Nitro Elite 3, optimized for racing speed.
• Nov 2024: Expanded e-commerce reach for neutral trainers.
• Products: Deviate Nitro Elite, Velocity Nitro, Voyage Nitro Trail.

5. New Balance Athletics Inc. (USA) – Strong brand equity in versatile neutral trainers.

• Jun 2025: Released Fresh Foam Hierro 7, designed for trail runners.
• Dec 2024: Updated FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 for elite marathon use.
• Products: Fresh Foam 1080, FuelCell SuperComp, Fresh Foam Hierro.

6. Brooks Running Company (USA) – Specializes in neutral footwear with global consumer loyalty.

• Feb 2025: Launched Ghost Max, focused on sustainable cushioning.
• Aug 2024: Upgraded Cascadia 17 trail shoe for technical terrain.
• Products: Ghost, Glycerin, Cascadia.

7. HOKA (Deckers Outdoor Corporation, USA) – Innovator in maximalist cushioning and racing footwear.

• Mar 2025: Introduced Rocket X 2, advancing its carbon plate range.
• Nov 2024: Expanded Speedgoat line for trail specialists.
• Products: Clifton, Bondi, Speedgoat, Rocket X 2.

8. Saucony (Wolverine World Wide Inc., USA) – Strong presence across carbon, minimalist, and trail footwear.

• May 2025: Released Endorphin Elite 2 with advanced carbon technology.
• Oct 2024: Added lighter designs to the Peregrine trail collection.
• Products: Endorphin Pro, Kinvara, Peregrine.

9. Mizuno Corporation (Japan) – Precision-driven neutral trainers with a growing trail portfolio.

• Jan 2025: Released Wave Rider 28, improving Wave Plate performance.
• Sep 2024: Expanded trail footwear distribution in Europe.
• Products: Wave Rider, Wave Sky, Wave Mujin.

10. Under Armour Inc. (USA) – Known for performance-driven running shoes combining speed, comfort, and innovation.

• Mar 2025: Launched the HOVR Machina 3, featuring enhanced energy return and integrated digital tracking.
• Nov 2024: Expanded distribution in North America and Europe for elite and everyday runners.
• Products: HOVR Machina, HOVR Phantom, Flow Velociti Wind.

Wrapping Up

Running shoes are central to modern sport, fitness, and lifestyle, supporting elite competition and everyday wellness. These leading manufacturers will continue shaping the future of performance, sustainability, and accessibility in the global running shoe industry.