Foot Cushions Market

Foot Cushions Market Outlook (2022 to 2032)

The Global Foot Cushions Market recorded a valuation of US$ 1.26 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach US$ 2.27 billion by the end of 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 5.6% over the next ten years.

• According to Persistence Market Research, North America accounted for a leading market share of 28.1% in 2021.

Prolonged standing can lead to excruciating discomfort in the feet. Among the various remedies, utilizing foot cushions is the simplest solution. Ball-of-foot cushions alleviate foot issues such as bunions, flattened metatarsal arches, and even plantar fasciitis. By reducing pressure on the foot and evenly distributing body weight, they help minimize pain and discomfort.

Cushions that stick to the soles of feet are quick and easy to use. Most of these cushions can provide substantial support and shock absorption. This is crucial for people who struggle with pain as a result of calluses, sesamoiditis, blisters, bunions, corns, or plantar fasciitis. They provide treatment for problems such as Morton’s neuroma brought on by prolonged periods of standing, running, dancing, or other high-impact activities by minimizing friction between the shoe sole and the foot to reduce discomfort.

To provide all-day relief, the gel from cushion gel pads balances, relaxes, and relieves the forefeet, whether an individual is wearing high heels, running shoes, or loafers. Latex, polyurethane foam, and gels are among the materials that can be employed to produce certain types of cushions, including those resembling leather.

• In 2021, sales of foot cushions accounted for 32.1% share of the global orthotics market.

Sales Analysis of Foot Cushions (2017 to 2021) Vs. Market Outlook (2022 to 2032)

Sales of foot cushions increased at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2017 to 2021, mainly due to a rise in the workload for healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Demand for foot cushions will continue to be strong, offsetting any industry margin compressions, as the prevalence of plantar fasciitis, heel pain, blisters, bunions, and flattened metatarsal increases. Achilles tendonitis results in pain in the lower back of the leg, directly above the heel due to inflammation. The area could get sore, uncomfortable, and stiff. The discomfort is worse after exercise.

Thickening of the tendons and the formation of bone spurs in the surrounding area can occur in certain cases. The plantar fascia, a ligament connecting the heel to the forefoot and providing support to the arch, becomes inflamed in the case of plantar fasciitis. Excessive stress on the foot increases the risk of plantar fasciitis, with factors such as obesity, high arches, tight calf muscles, repetitive motions, and participation in new sports contributing to the risk.

• According to a 2019 article published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, approximately 1 in 10 adults aged 50 or older experience plantar heel pain. Elderly individuals are at a higher risk for these issues due to the fragility of their bones.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the number of people over 60 years old is steadily rising, with the population reaching 1 billion in 2019 and projected to reach 1.4 billion by 2030, according to the organization's analysis.

Bunions, also known as hallux valgus, are bony protrusions that form on the joint of the big toe. This condition arises when the big toe rubs against the adjacent toe, causing the development of a bunion. Arthritis, foot tension, and tight footwear are among the causes of bunions, which can also result from pressure from an individual’s walking style or the shape of their foot. Prolonged periods of standing and wearing narrow shoes can worsen the discomfort caused by bunions.

• As per a 2012 article published in the journal Deutsches Arzteblatt, approximately 23% of individuals aged 18 to 65 and 35% of those aged over 65 had hallux valgus. The use of appropriate footwear and orthotic devices can help distribute pressure and alleviate pain associated with this condition.

As per this study, the market for foot cushions is forecasted to expand at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2022 to 2032.

How is the Booming Sports Industry Benefiting Foot Cushion Manufacturers?

Over the decades, people's interest in sports has increased significantly due to various factors such as growing health awareness and the impact of social media. However, this has led to a rise in sports-related injuries, which also provides a lucrative opportunity for foot cushion manufacturers.

Overtraining, inadequate conditioning, and incorrect form or technique can all lead to sports injuries, and the risk of injury increases when warm-up routines are neglected. Sports injuries can result in bruises, strains, sprains, tears, fractures, and more. Soft tissues such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia are particularly vulnerable to damage from these types of injuries.

• As per a 2022 article published by the John Hopkins Medicine Organization, in the United States, around 30 million children and teenagers were engaged in various types of sports activities, and nearly 3.5 million injuries occur as a result of sports each year.

Sports can result in various types of injuries, including torn ankles, pulled muscles, and shin splints, among others. Shin splints are characterized by pain in the front of the lower leg, with symptoms that may include throbbing, aching, or stabbing pain on the inside of the lower thigh.

Individuals who engage in running or other repetitive physical activities, especially those who are new to fitness, may be more susceptible to developing shin splints. The primary cause of this condition is inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue surrounding the tibia, which is the larger bone in the lower leg that is surrounded by these structures.

People with flat feet are more likely to develop shin splits. The appropriate footwear, such as shoes that have shock-absorbing foot cushions, can provide necessary support and significantly reduce the risk of developing shin splints, while also offering pain relief to those who are already experiencing this condition. Therefore, the demand for footwear with foot cushions is expected to grow significantly.

How is Demand Growth for Foot Cushions Being Somewhat Restricted?

While, they play an important role in terms of providing relief from pain to people who are suffering from calluses, bunions, corns, bunions, or plantar fasciitis, these cushions offer minimal support to the foot. This modifies the body's mechanics and causes postural alterations, which may make one more susceptible to injury. Sometimes its use may worsen the pain and pressure on the knees and hips and other areas of the body.

Latex and leather are known to cause skin allergies. Natural rubber latex contains proteins derived from Hevea brasiliensis, which can lead to itching, skin redness, and rashes upon contact with the skin, due to sensitization. Similarly, leather can cause skin irritation, burning, and dryness due to leather allergy in some users, which is often caused by the chemical dimethyl fumarate used in the leather tanning process.

Strict import and export regulations concerning leather can affect the growth of the foot cushions market.

For instance:

• In January 2017, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade of Commerce Ministry in India issued a notification that banned the use of exotic skins and furs for leather, which has had an impact on the market.
• In April 2021, the United States also banned kangaroo leather.

Country-wise Insights

Why is the United States a Lucrative market for Foot Cushion Manufacturers?

The United States accounted for 16.7% share of the global market in 2021. Plantar heel pain cases and treatments are on the rise in the United States, where the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed, causing discomfort. This growth in demand can be attributed to the growing prevalence of this condition.

• According to a study published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders in July 2019, around 1 million people seek medical treatment for plantar heel pain, and products that can alleviate this pain are crucial.

Demand for foot cushions in the United States market is growing at a healthy pace due to the increase in cases of plantar heel pain.

How is the Demand for Foot Cushions Evolving in China?

China accounts for 11.8% of the global foot cushions market. Demand for foot cushions in China reached US$ 148.3 million in 2021.

The primary driver for this is the growing elderly population in the country.

• China has one of the highest global aging rates, according to data published by the WHO, with 254 million individuals aged 60 years or older in 2019.
• According to a study in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, one-third of individuals over 65 experience various types of foot discomfort.

What Can Foot Cushion Manufacturers Expect in India?

India is anticipated to account for a market share of 3.8%. The demand for foot cushions is expected to reach US$ 47.5 million by 2033. This need is driven by the rising incidence of diabetic foot ulcers in India.

• Over 69 million people in India have diabetes, according to a report that appeared in the Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery in December 2016.

Foot cushions are commonly used to prevent foot ulcers from being damaged by the sole of shoes and to provide pain relief to people with diabetes. India has the second-largest population of diabetic patients in the world, and according to the same study, 15% of people with diabetes experience foot ulcers at some point in their lives.

Category-wise Insights

What Makes Cloth/Leather Foot Cushions So Popular?

Sales of cloth/leather foot cushions were worth US$ 507.5 million in 2021, with the segment projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.6% through 2032. The affordability of these cushions is contributing to their demand.

Will Medical Applications of Foot Cushions Continue Exhibiting High Demand?

Medical applications accounted for a market revenue share of 52.1% in 2021. Foot cushions for medical applications offer significant benefits in managing health issues such as plantar fasciitis, heel pain, blisters, bunions, flattened metatarsal arches, and more.

Competitive Landscape

Leading manufacturers of foot cushions are implementing various methods such as mergers and acquisitions, partnerships and collaborations, and new product launches to meet consumers’ demand and expand their customer base.

• Valencia Capital, LLC acquired Acor Orthopaedic, Inc., as announced by Woodbridge International, a global merger and acquisition firm, in June 2022.
• In April 2022, Bayer revealed that it had sold its Environmental Science Professionals business to Cinven for US$ 26 billion.

Foot Cushions Industry Report Scope

Foot Cushions Industry Segmentation

By Material Type:

• Polyurethane
• Polypropylene
• Gel
• Cloth/Leather

By Application:

• Medical
• Sports & Athletics
• Personal

By Distribution Channel:

• Pharmacies
• e-Commerce Platforms
• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia
• Oceania
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)

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