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Apparel
Competitive Landscape

Understanding the Running Shoe Market

How ALTRA gained competitive insights and market segmentation clarity to enhance their product offerings and strategic positioning in the running shoe industry.

22
Minute Survey
$50K+
Target Income
18+
Age Range
12
Month Purchase Window

The Challenge

Our client aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the running shoe market and segment the audience into actionable groups. The primary objectives were to:

  • Identify key segments to shape product offerings, messaging, new product development, and acquisition/retention efforts
  • Test compelling value propositions to determine what resonates most to drive conversion
  • Understand the competitive landscape and emerging trends in the running shoe sector

Our Approach

Competitive Landscape Analysis

We performed an in-depth analysis of the competitive landscape to understand the positioning, strengths, and weaknesses of key players in the running shoe market:

Market Mapping

Identifying and mapping major competitors and their market shares

SWOT Analysis

Conducting comprehensive analysis for each major competitor

Trend Analysis

Identifying emerging trends and innovations in running shoes

Consumer Perception

Gathering data on consumer perceptions of different brands

Segmentation Research

We performed segmentation analysis to categorize the audience into distinct groups based on their running behaviors, preferences, and demographics:

Data Collection:Extensive surveys targeting US adults 18+ with $50K+ income who purchased running shoes within 12 months
Cluster Analysis:Using statistical techniques to identify natural groupings within the runner data
Profile Development:Creating detailed profiles for each segment with unique characteristics and preferences

The Results

The comprehensive study revealed several key insights that transformed our client's understanding of the running shoe market:

🏃‍♂️ Competitive Positioning

Deep insights into how different brands are perceived in terms of quality, innovation, and value across the running community.

📈 Market Trends

Identification of key trends including sustainable materials, customization options, and technological advancements in running shoes.

👟 Consumer Preferences

Clear understanding of the most important features for running shoe choice among different runner segments.

⭐ Brand Perception

Positive perceptions of the client's brand, highlighting competitive strengths and opportunities for improvement.

Business Impact

Enhanced Product Offerings

Tailored running shoe designs to meet the specific preferences of different customer segments.

Improved Marketing Strategies

Developed targeted messaging that resonates with key runner segments and demographics.

Boosted Customer Retention

Enhanced satisfaction and loyalty by focusing on the most valued shoe features across segments.

Strategic Positioning

Adjusted competitive strategies based on identified strengths and weaknesses in the market landscape.

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