Sales of Sports Products Surge in Spring, Led by Running Shoes
Hoka One One and Keen See Sales Jump Over 38 and 22 Times
Running Shoes from Asics, Nike, and Others in High Demand
Sales of sports-related products such as running shoes have significantly increased on major fashion platforms favored by the 2030 generation. This is due to the running trend that began last year spreading again as the weather warms up, along with an increase in outdoor activities like spring outings.
According to Abley, a fashion platform operated by Able Corporation, sports brand transaction amounts nearly doubled (80%) compared to the previous year over the past two weeks (March 6?19). Among these, transactions for 'running shoes' increased more than 2.5 times (155%).
Related keyword searches also rose. During the same period, searches for 'running' on Abley increased more than threefold (220%) compared to the previous year, and searches for 'functional shorts' also rose by about 75%.
Sports brands such as Hoka One One caused a sensation. On Abley, the transaction amount for the global sports outdoor brand Hoka One One increased by a staggering 38 times (3744%) compared to a year ago. The outdoor shoe brand Keen also saw its transaction amount increase more than 22 times (2145%) year-on-year. Additionally, the global sports brand New Balance’s transaction amount on Abley rose more than threefold (207%).
Running shoes from brands like Asics and Nike are highly preferred. During the same period, Asics’ 'NovaBlast 4' product transaction amount increased more than 25 times (2432%) compared to the previous year, and the 'Jolt 4 Extra Wide' product transaction amount more than doubled (112%). Nike’s 'Revolution 6' (519%) and Hoka One One’s 'Bondi 8 Wide Running Shoes' (64%) also showed strong transaction growth.
This trend was similar on other fashion platforms. According to 29CM, a fashion platform operated by Musinsa, running shoe transaction amounts increased about 70% year-on-year from March 1 to 20. During the same period, running-related keyword searches jumped more than fourfold compared to a year ago. The company explained this was due to increased demand for sports activities among its main customer base of women aged 25 to 39.
A 29CM representative said, "Interest in functional running shoes, apparel, and accessories is rising mainly among female customers. We plan to develop collaborative content with domestic and international sports brands to cater to female customers who choose sports brands based on functionality and personal taste."
Popularity of brands such as Hoka One One, Keen, Asics, and New Balance was reaffirmed on this platform as well. According to Musinsa’s monthly ranking, last month in the sports and leisure category, Hoka One One’s 'Women’s Bondi 9 Wide Black' ranked 6th, and 'Men’s Bondi 9 Wide Black' ranked 21st. Keen’s 'Jasper Sneakers Beige' ranked 15th, and 'Jasper Rock Sneakers Safari Blue' ranked 24th. Additionally, Asics’ 'Libre CF Indoor Shoes' ranked 27th, and New Balance’s 'NBPFEF752S Silver' ranked 30th.
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