NSGA Survey: Average Price of Sports Footwear Rises in 2005

With advances in average prices outnumbering declines more than two to one for the 22 categories of athletic and sports footwear surveyed by NSGA, the average price point for all footwear rose 2.0% in 2005. In 2005, the average price rose to $40.33 versus $39.32 in 2004 and $38.88 in 2003. In 2004, the average price rose 1.7%; in 2003, it had declined 0.3%.

More than 2% increases in major categories, jogging/running (+4.2%), gym shoes/sneakers (+2.6%), and walking shoes (+2.4%), led the increase. Among major categories, only tennis shoes (down 1.7%) and basketball shoes (down 1.0%) showed declines.

The 2.0% increase in 2005 and the 1.1% increase in 2004 followed downturns in the three previous years, 0.3%, 3.0% and 0.4% respectively. However, the year_s overall average just matched the 2000 average price of $40.32, the highest in the history of the NSGA survey.

With a 5.4% increase in their average price, hunting boots held the No. 1 position as the most expensive shoe in the 2005 sports footwear market. The $67.33 average hunting boot price point placed it ahead of golf, running/jogging and basketball shoes, the average prices of which were $61.48 (+1.9%), $53.55 (+2.6%) and $52.58 (-1.0%), respectively.

The average price for 2005 and the percent change from 2004 for other shoe categories are: aerobic, $42.35 (+2.0%); baseball/softball, $40.53 (+2.4%); boat/deck, $29.96 (-0.9%); bowling, $37.92 (0.0%); cheerleading, $36.69 (-1.1%); cross training, $46.34 (+1.0%); fitness, $41.61 (-1.9%); football, $45.26 (-2.4%); hiking, $48.95 (+2.3%); skateboard, $42.7 (-3.8%); soccer, $34.68 (+2.1%); sport sandals, $25.23 (+7.7%); tennis, $34.54 (-1.7%); volleyball, $54.04 (0.0%); walking, $43.02 (+2.4%); and water sport, $20.21 (-0.7%).

The average prices of three categories surveyed for 2005, but not 2004, were $49.15 for track shoes; $51.76, for trail running shoes; and $38.81, for wrestling shoes.

The information on average shoe prices will be included in the NSGA report _The Sporting Goods Market in 2006,_ to be published by the Association in May. Based on a consumer study of 100,000 U.S. households, the report summarizes 2005 retail sales totals _ in units and dollars _ for 22 types of athletic and sports shoes as well as products in more than 20 sport categories.

Also featured are purchaser demographics _ annual family income, age and gender of product user, education of household head and sales according to region of the country. Place-of-purchase data allow for analysis of the industry_s channels of distribution. Consumer purchases on the Internet are reported.

The report, which NSGA has published for almost two decades, provides selected product sales history for the last 10 years. This allows the analysis of long-term trends. Brand share reports on individual shoe categories are available separately.

The 78-page report is prepared for NSGA by Irwin Broh & Associates, a research company nationally recognized for its work in the sports and leisure field. Cost of the report to NSGA members is $225, to non-members, $325. Pre-publication discounts are now available. Sustaining NSGA retailer/dealer members and manufacturer members receive the report free. For additional information, contact NSGA, 1601 Feehanville Drive, Suite 300, Mount Prospect, Ill. 60056-6035. Phone: (847) 296-6742; fax: (847) 391-9827; or visit the NSGA website, www.nsga.org.