The study found that 96% of Americans aged 16 and over own at least one pair of athletic shoes, although just 58% of the population participates in sports and recreation in any three-month period.

The analysis also found that 75% of Americans assert that fashion comes before comfort, performance and durability when determining which athletic shoe to buy. ‘Athleisure’ footwear is starting to encroach on the street shoes market and the study found that a quarter of all Americans now own four or more different types of athletic shoes for a combination of fashion and sport functions.

On average, those earning less than $40,000 per year spent $122 annually on athletic shoes while those making more than $80,000 spend nearly twice as much, $211 annually. This wealthier segment tends to buy new trends and sports sandals, mainly for fashion purposes rather than as practical footwear. Males aged 16 to 24 spent the most on athletic footwear, $220 per year.