Core Viewpoint - The youth running shoe market is evolving with a focus on specialized products for specific needs, driven by the increasing demand for performance and functionality among adolescents [1][3][15] Market Trends - The youth running shoe market has diversified into categories such as test shoes, arch support shoes, and everyday campus shoes, indicating a growing space for these segmented demands [1][3] - A significant portion of the demand is driven by middle school students preparing for physical fitness tests, with many actively seeking recommendations for suitable running shoes [2][3] Product Development - Multiple sports brands are launching products tailored for physical fitness tests, including models like Anta Mach 4 PROv2 and Li Ning YOUNG, reflecting the trend towards specialized footwear [5][7] - The popularity of carbon plate shoes among middle school students has led to a phenomenon of "equipment competition" in schools, although experts caution against their long-term use due to potential foot development issues [5][6] Consumer Insights - The youth demographic is increasingly focused on the performance attributes of running shoes, with many seeking specific features to enhance their test scores [5][7] - Brands are recognizing the need for products that cater specifically to the unique requirements of adolescents, as traditional adult and children's lines do not adequately address this age group's needs [10][12] Market Growth - The global youth sports market is projected to reach 331.92 billion yuan in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.47% from 2024 to 2030, indicating robust growth potential [15] - The Chinese youth sports market is expected to reach 98.91 billion yuan in 2024, driven by policies promoting physical education and increased parental investment in specialized sports gear [15] Future Directions - Future market evolution for youth running shoes is expected to focus on three main areas: professional validation through authoritative testing, age-specific design, and integrated product systems that combine shoes with protective gear and training resources [15]

Core Insights - The rising demand for specialized running shoes among teenagers is driven by the need to improve physical fitness test scores for middle school entrance exams [1][2][3] - The market for youth running shoes is evolving into more segmented categories, including "test shoes," "arch support shoes," and "campus daily shoes" [1][5][6] - Major sports brands are responding to this trend by developing products specifically designed for the youth segment, focusing on performance and functionality [7][8] Market Trends - The popularity of carbon plate running shoes has surged among middle and primary school students, leading to a phenomenon of "equipment competition" in schools [2][3] - Brands like Anta, FILA, and Li Ning are launching products tailored for physical tests, with Anta's Maher series being a notable example, achieving sales of 500 million yuan in 2024 [3][8] - The youth sports market is projected to grow significantly, with a forecasted compound annual growth rate of 10.47% from 2024 to 2030, reaching a market size of 98.91 billion yuan in China by 2024 [8] Product Development - Brands are shifting their focus from lightweight, everyday training shoes to functional running shoes that enhance speed and cater to specific scenarios [7][8] - There is a lack of dedicated youth product lines among major brands, as they often rely on adult and children's lines to meet the needs of the adolescent demographic [4][8] - Future product strategies will likely include professional validation of functionality, age-specific designs, and integrated product systems that combine shoes with protective gear and training apps [8]