The average price increase of athletic footwear began slowing in 2007, according to preliminary data from the National Sporting Goods Association's initial sporting goods market data. The report, "NSGA Sporting Goods Market in 2008," puts the average price point for athletic footwear in 2007 at $43.03, which represents a 2.1 percent increase from 2006. In 2006, the average price rose to $42.16, up 3.4 percent from the year before.

On average, males spent more on athletic footwear than females, $44.98 versus $41.33. By age group, those between the ages of 14 and 17 edged out those aged 18 to 24 by pennies. The average price paid by the younger group was $53.04. Among males, the group between the ages of 25 and 34 paid the highest average price, $58.15. Among females, the group between the ages of 18 and 24 paid the highest average price, $48.89, followed by those age 65 and over.

The full study will be published in late spring. It is based on a consumer study of 100,000 households, and includes retail sales in both units and dollars for 22 different types of athletic and sports shoes, as well as products in more than 20 sports categories.

It also includes information on purchaser demographics, such as annual family income, age, gender, level of education, geographic region and place of purchase, including the Internet. Brand share is available separately. For more information, contact NSGA at 847-296-6742 or visit www.nsga.org.