8 Athletic Footwear Business Success Stories [2024]
Data shows that the global athletic footwear market will grow at a compound annual rate of 4.9% in the next few years.
Awareness and growing enthusiasm regarding the health benefits of sports and fitness activities fuel the market growth. Thus, more people are shopping for athletic footwear on the streets and online. Setting up an athletic footwear business online or at a strip mall can be a successful venture.
Here are some real life success stories of starting a athletic footwear business:
1. the DIFFERENCE ($150K/year)
Oliver Songolo, co-founder and CEO of DIFFERENCE, was inspired to create the first heelless running shoe brand after his father's research on the damaging effects of heel strikes. After years of planning and overcoming obstacles, including finding a manufacturer in China and obtaining a patent, DIFFERENCE launched in 2017. Despite initial marketing challenges, the company has found success through trade shows, speaking engagements, and an effective social media strategy, with average monthly revenue now reaching $12,500.
How much they make: $150K/year
How much did it cost to start: $200K
Current team size: 6
The DIFFERENCE co-founder developed a patented heelless running shoe that eliminates heelstrikes, grossing an average of $12,500 per month within the last two months, primarily targeting runners and the medical community.
2. Celer ($30K/year)
Sarah Anderson, the founder of Celer Ergonomics, came up with the idea for her athletic training brand after experiencing overuse injuries throughout her running career. With a background in engineering and kinesiology, as well as a passion for biomechanics, Sarah developed the RunCeler strap, a functional resistance band worn while running to promote improved running form and decrease the risk of injury. With four published patents and 20% month-over-month growth, Celer is focused on expanding its presence in the fitness community, particularly among runners.
How much they make: $30K/year
How much did it cost to start: $14.5K
Current team size: 1
Celer Ergonomics, a small 2-person start-up out of NYC, has developed the RunCeler strap, a functional resistance band worn over the sock and shoe while running to promote improved running form, reducing the risk of injury and improving performance, with 4 published patents and growing 20% month over month.
So... can you actually make money with a athletic footwear business?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
5. SPORTS SHOES
Looking for new Footwear, Clothing & Equipment for your next Run, Hike or Gym session? Discover our large range from adidas, Asics, Saucony & more now!
Where they're located: Wichita, Kansas, USA
Website traffic: 2.69M/month
So... can you actually make money with a athletic footwear business?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
7. Boombah
Where they're located: Ροβολιάρι, Thessaly and Central Greece, Greece
Website traffic: 190K/month
8. APEX
Apexfoot.com offers a complete line of orthopedic comfort shoes. Apex diabetic shoes are designed to help relieve foot pain and heel pain from plantar fasciitis, bunions, arthritis and more.
Where they're located: Языльский сельский Совет, Minsk Region, Belarus
Website traffic: 210K/month
- 4,818 founder case studies
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings