The sports protective gear market has seen considerable growth due to a variety of factors.
• The market for sports protective equipment has seen robust growth in the past few years. The market, which was valued at $4.22 billion in 2024, is predicted to increase to $4.54 billion in 2025, recording a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%. Factors such as increased awareness of sports-related injuries, expansion of organized sports leagues, popularity of extreme and adventure sports and the influence of professional athletes contributed to this growth during the historic period.
The Sports Protective Gear market is expected to maintain its strong growth trajectory in upcoming years.
• In the next few years, we can expect a significant increase in the market size of sports protective gear. It is predicted to expand to $6.27 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%.
This growth during the projected period can be ascribed to several factors such as an increase in youth sports involvement, the creation of eco-friendly and sustainable designs, the expansion of the action sports culture, the rise in specialized protective gear, and improved disposable income, along with innovations in helmet design. Major trends anticipated during this forecast period encompass technological advancements in material design, alongside increased customization and personalization, the incorporation of smart technologies, and athlete collaborations.
The swell in individuals engaging in sports and leisure activities is predicted to bolster the expansion of the sports protective gear market. Sports and leisure activities encompass physical games and hobbies that enhance pleasure and fitness, including team sports, individual sports, hiking, cycling, and swimming. Such undertakings are known to encourage physical wellness, boost social engagement, enhance mental health, and foster team spirit and discipline among participants. Sports protective gear assists participants by ensuring safe gameplay and preventing injuries. These items, which include helmets, pads, and guards are designed to absorb impact and minimize the chance of getting hurt during physical activities. For instance, data from the Outdoor Industry Association, a non-profit organization in the US, showed that the number of outdoor recreation participants leaped from 164.2 million in 2021 to 168.1 million in 2022, exhibiting a growth rate of 2.3 percent. Thus, the escalating participation in sports and leisure activities is expected to spur the growth of the sports protective gear market.
The sports protective gear market covered in this report is segmented –
1) By Type: Combine Sports Gear, Single Sports Protector
2) By Area Of Protection: Head And Face, Trunk And Thorax, Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity
3) By Distribution Channel: Exclusive Stores, Multi-retail Stores, E-commerce Portals
4) By Application: Professionals, Hobbyist
Subsegments:
1) By Combined Sports Gear: Helmets, Pads, Mouthguards, Chest Protectors, Shin Guards
2) By Single Sports Protector: Goalkeeper Gloves, Ankle Supports, Wrist Guards, Headgear, Back Protectors
Advancements in technology are being recognized as a key trend in the global sports protective gear market. Leading market participants are focusing on employing artificial intelligence in their sports protective equipment to assist sports professionals and athletes in enhancing the viewing experience and altering the appearance and feel for sports fans. For example, in October 2023, G-form, a protection firm based in the US, unveiled its innovative Terra Knee and Elbow Guards that uses the cutting-edge RE ZRO technology, signifying a significant development in sustainable mountain bike protection. This green gear, which is fully recyclable and biodegradable, is designed to disintegrate within 3-5 years in landfills. The guards utilize lightweight, ventilated materials and SmartFlex impact absorption tech for optimal safety and comfort, aligning with CE certification norms. G-Form's dedication to sustainability and high performance sets it as a frontrunner in protective gear, with an aim to broaden its RE ZRO range in 2024 to encompass more sports use cases.
Major companies operating in the sports protective gear market include:
• Adidas AG
• Amer Sports Oyj
• Bauer Hockey LLC
• BRG Sports Inc.
• Dunlop Sports Group Americas Inc.
• Mizuno Corporation
• Nike Inc.
• Puma SE
• Under Armour Inc.
• Vista Outdoor Inc.
• Yonex Co. Ltd.
• Rawlings Sporting Goods Compnay Inc.
• Riddell Sports Group Inc.
• Schutt Sports Group
• Bell Sports Inc.
• Giro Sport Design Inc.
• K2 Sports LLC
• Tecnica Group S.p.A.
• Zoggs International Ltd.
• DeMarini Sports Inc.
• Black Diamond Equipment Ltd.
• Head Sport GmbH
• Helly Hansen AS
• O'Neills Irish International Sports Company ltd.
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the sports protective gear market in 2024. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the sports protective gear market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.