The Western European protective footwear market is likely to reach €1446.0 million ($1692.6 million) in 2021, according to a new analysis from Frost & Sullivan’s Future of Personal & Protective Equipment (PPE) Growth Partnership Service programme.

The Western European protective footwear market continues to pick up pace, driven by technology advancements and end-user preference for comfortable, aesthetically appealing, ergonomically designed, lightweight footwear that offer mandated protection levels.

Iberia will be a hotspot while Germany, the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, and Benelux will witness robust growth due to the adoption of premium products and booming end-user industries. Protective footwear manufacturers must develop service and product portfolios with strong branding to differentiate their products and reap rich dividends in a highly consolidated and fragmented market, the report said.

“Stringent enforcement of safety regulations is increasing safety consciousness among end users,” said Visionary Science Research analyst Sanjana Prabhakar. “This trend is forcing manufacturers to innovate and develop premium, protective footwear using composite, lightweight microfiber; semi-permeable fabric; and anti-slip, breathable, dual-density, and anti-bacterial materials.”

Some of the major players in this sector are: U Group, Cofra, Honeywell, Atlas, Uvex, Elten, Dunlop Boots, and Delta Plus.

“On the flip side, private labels and low-cost imports can impact the protective footwear market, causing price pressures and restraining average price growth,” noted Prabhakar. “Further, customer needs are constantly changing, leading to barriers to entry and product sophistication.