Sports Protective Equipment Market Growth Analysis - Market Size, Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook Report (2025-2034)

The global sports protective equipment market reached a value of nearly USD 10.00 Billion in 2024. The market is assessed to grow at a CAGR of 5.10% during the forecast period of 2025-2034 to attain a value of around USD 16.44 Billion by 2034. The market is being driven by the growing participation in sports and outdoor recreational activities, rising emphasis on sustainability, surging concerns regarding concussions, technological advancements, and the increasing trend of customisation and personalisation.

Global Sports Protective Equipment Market Growth

The growing popularity of recreational and professional sports worldwide is bolstering the sports protective equipment market development. As more individuals increasingly engage in action and extreme sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding, and mountain biking, the demand for specialised protective gear such as elbow guards, knee pads, and wrist protection, among others, is surging. In addition, concerns regarding concussions and their long-term impact in compact sports such as hockey, football, and rugby, among others, are significantly rising. This is bolstering the demand for advanced head protection equipment with excellent impact resistance and smart mouthguards.

Sports leagues globally are increasingly adopting wearable sensors and smart protection equipment to improve safety and injury prevention. For instance, the NFL requires quarterbacks and offensive linemen to wear position-specific helmets with enhanced padding in areas prone to impacts. Similarly, the Rugby Union has adopted smart mouthguard technology to promptly identify concussions. In the forecast period, advancements in technologies such as impact sensors and artificial intelligence are expected to drive the development of custom-fit helmets, mouthguards, and pads that can improve comfort while providing superior protection.

Key Trends and Recent Developments

Increasing focus on sports safety; technological advancements; rising trend of customisation and personalisation; and technological advancements are favouring the sports protective equipment market expansion.

October 2024

WestGroupe launched an innovative sports protective eyewear collection, Versport, which is designed to offer athletes enhanced protection. The eyewear collection features extended lens height, ventilated nose pads, adjustable band and mini-band, and safety bevel to ensure the optimal safety of athletes.

October 2024

ORB Innovations announced the launch of the ORB Sport™ Smart Mouthguard, a wearable smart mouthguard for fitness enthusiasts and athletes. The ORB Sport Smart Mouthguard monitors data, providing athletes with a comprehensive view of their performance while protecting against dental injuries like fractured teeth.

November 2023

Absolutely Ridiculous announced the launch of its new Youth Glove model to bring the brand’s most popular products to young baseball and softball players. The gloves are available in creative designs such as Cookies & Creams, Strawberry, Cherry, and Cotton Candy.

November 2023

G8RTech, Inc. announced the launch of the G8RSkin Ice™, a solution engineered to decrease the risk of injury among hockey players, especially in regard to lacerations and concussions. The solution, made with Kevlar™, consists of a cut-resistant and lightweight collar and a balaclava-like shell.

Rising focus on sports safety

There is a growing awareness regarding the long-term health impacts of sports-related injuries, especially concussions, head injuries, and joint injuries, among others. This is surging the demand for high-quality protective gear that offers superior protection and enhanced comfort. Moreover, stringent safety standards imposed by regulatory bodies such as FIFA and the NFL are driving the demand for protective gear that meets high safety standards.

Technological advancements

Technological advancements and innovations are driving the sports protective equipment demand growth. The development of smart sports protective equipment equipped with sensors, GPS, and communication devices that can provide athletes with real-time data on their performance and health is anticipated to fuel the market in upcoming years.

Growing trend of personalisation and customisation

Personalisation and customisation have emerged as some of the most significant sports protective equipment market trends. Customisation enables athletes to own safety equipment tailored to their specific measurements and needs, hence enhancing the protection and overall performance of athletes.

Increasing emphasis on sustainability

With the growing emphasis on sustainability, key players are developing sports protective equipment from biodegradable and recyclable materials. They are also attempting to adopt eco-friendly and energy-efficient manufacturing practices to optimise production and lower their carbon footprint.

Global Sports Protective Equipment Market Trends

Key players in the market are increasingly shifting towards sustainable and minimalist packaging solutions to lower their environmental impact and capitalise on the growing trend of sustainability. Various companies are also designing sports protective equipment with removable and interchangeable components to enhance its durability and functionality. Moreover, companies are developing energy-efficient designs and lightweight materials to reduce the need for excessive raw materials and maintain the safety standards required for sports safety equipment.

Advancements in custom moulding technologies and 3D scanning are leading to the development of personalised sports protective equipment to reduce the risk of injury and provide enhanced comfort. Moreover, companies are utilising gel-based padding or memory foam to conform to the body of athletes, which is expected to revolutionise the sports protective equipment market in the coming years.

Global Sports Protective Equipment Industry Segmentation

The report titled “Global Sports Protective Equipment Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Product Type

• Helmets and Other Headgear
• Protective Eyewear
• Face Protection and Mouth Guards
• Pads, Guards, Chest Protectors, and Gloves

Market Breakup by Area of Protection

• Head & Face
• Trunk & Thorax
• Upper Extremity
• Lower Extremity

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Specialty Retail Store
• Multi-Retail Stores
• Online Stores and Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Global Sports Protective Equipment Market Share

As per the sports protective equipment market analysis, speciality retail stores focus specifically on sports-related equipment and gear. Stocking high-quality equipment and gear, speciality retail stores also offer expert guidance and product testing options, boosting their appeal among consumers. Meanwhile, multi-retail stores stock a diverse range of products, including sports equipment, protective apparel, and fitness gear, supporting shoppers to find different brands and types of protective equipment and gear in one location.

Conversely, online stores enable customers to conveniently purchase sports protective equipment from the convenience of their homes at competitive prices. Features such as detailed product reviews and free returns and exchanges are boosting the appeal of online channels to purchase protective equipment and gear.

Competitive Landscape

Key sports protective equipment market players are integrating advanced technologies and sensors in sports protective gear to enhance its functionality and safety. With the increasing emphasis on sustainability, sports protective equipment companies are developing innovative equipment from recycled and biodegradable materials while utilising eco-friendly manufacturing processes.

PUMA SE

PUMA SE, established in 1948 and headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, is one of the world’s largest sporting equipment and goods manufacturers. Some of its prominent brands include STICHD and COBRA PUMA GOLF, among others. With nearly 21,000 employees, the company achieved net sales of EUR 8.602 billion in 2023.

Nike, Inc.

Nike, Inc., headquartered in Oregon, United States, and founded in 1964, is involved in the development, design, manufacturing, and marketing of footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories, and services. It has established its position as one of the world’s largest suppliers of athletic shoes and apparel.

ASICS Corporation

ASICS Corporation, headquartered in Kobe, Japan, and established in 1949, is a leading manufacturer and seller of athletic footwear, equipment, and apparel. In 2023, category profit in its Core Performance Sports, Sports Style, and Onitsuka Tiger categories exceeded JPY 10 billion.

Amer Sports Corporation

Amer Sports Corporation, headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, is one of the world’s most recognised and respected sports and outdoor brands. Established in 1974, the company boast 11,400 employees in over 100 countries across the world. Some of its prominent brands are Arc’teryx, Wilson, Salomon, EvoShield, ATEC, and Louisville Slugger, among others.

Other key players in the sports protective equipment market are Adidas AG, Under Armour, Inc., BRG Sports, and Shock Doctor, Inc., among others.