Hey there, let’s lace up for something close to the ground—footwear, and specifically, India’s vibrant footwear market. It’s not just growing; it’s evolving. Indian footwear brands and retailers are navigating a dynamic landscape filled with new consumer expectations, shifting trends, and a massive opportunity. Let’s dig in and see what’s driving all of this.
A Market on the Move
The Indian footwear market is, without exaggeration, one of the world’s largest. It’s not only massive in terms of consumption but also one of the fastest-growing globally. With a market worth about a trillion rupees and an expected growth rate of 12% annually, India stands as the second-largest market in the world, right after China. That’s a lot of shoes, and even more so, a lot of growth potential.
But what’s driving this boom? One major factor is the rise of organized retail. For years, the bulk of Indian footwear purchases happened in local markets, through small, independent shops. Most shoes were unbranded, and people bought out of necessity rather than desire. However, a significant shift is underway. Consumers are now becoming more brand-conscious and are looking for shoes that make a statement, suit their lifestyle, and even elevate their social identity. This demand for branded products is driving a shift toward organized retail, with consumers increasingly buying from branded stores and shopping online. It’s about style, comfort, and making a statement—not just covering your feet.
Four Big Trends Defining Indian Footwear
So, what’s shaping today’s market? There are four big trends leading the way, and together, they paint a picture of where Indian footwear is headed. Let’s break it down.
- The Athleisure Boom Comfort has become king, and with it, the rise of sports and athleisure footwear. No longer confined to the gym, athleisure is now a lifestyle choice. Sneakers have taken over as an everyday staple, blending sportiness with style. People want shoes they can wear to a casual outing, to work on a laid-back Friday, or to the gym. Athleisure offers this versatility, and the data backs it up: the Indian sports and athleisure market is expected to more than double by 2025. Companies in this segment are racing to keep up with demand, capitalizing on the shift toward casual, comfortable style.
- The Quest for Premium Quality A major change in Indian consumer behavior is the growing desire for premium products. As disposable incomes rise, more people are willing to spend a little extra on quality. Consumers are seeking durability, comfort, and even a touch of luxury in their shoes, and they’re prepared to pay for it. This trend, known as “premiumization,” is shifting demand away from the mass-market segment toward mid-range and premium categories. People want to invest in shoes that last and that reflect their taste. So while the super-cheap segment is seeing a decline, the premium and mid-range categories are flourishing, with consumers looking for a balance of quality and value.
- Women and Kids Are Leading the Way Here’s a trend that might surprise you: the fastest-growing segments in footwear aren’t men’s—they’re women’s and kids’. The women’s footwear market is outpacing men’s, driven by more women joining the workforce and having more disposable income. Brands are catering to this demand by expanding their collections with styles that fit both work and play. Kids’ footwear is also booming as parents look for options beyond the basics. Fashion-conscious parents are willing to pay more for style, comfort, and quality for their children’s shoes, so this segment is seeing an upswing too. Women and kids have become major growth drivers for footwear brands, sparking innovation and catering to different tastes and needs.
- The Omnichannel Experience Omnichannel is a buzzword that’s reshaping the entire retail industry, and footwear is no exception. In today’s world, consumers expect a seamless shopping experience across channels—whether they’re browsing in-store, online, or on their phones. They want convenience, choices, and flexibility. Smart footwear brands are blending online and offline experiences, making it easy for shoppers to browse in one place, buy in another, and exchange in yet another. Footwear giants are investing heavily in online platforms, but physical stores remain crucial, especially since some people still like to try shoes on before buying. With omnichannel, brands can engage consumers wherever they are, providing an integrated, flexible shopping journey that’s more likely to inspire loyalty.
The Footwear Leaders
Now that we know the trends, let’s talk about some of the brands that are really making waves in the Indian footwear market. Each of these companies is taking a unique approach to meet consumer demands, making them ones to watch.
- Metro Brands: Metro has carved out a strong position in the premium segment with a unique multibrand retail model, offering a curated selection of brands all under one roof. This model allows Metro to cater to a variety of tastes, drawing in shoppers looking for quality, style, and options. Their store expansion strategy is particularly interesting; they’ve covered all major regions but are focusing a lot on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, tapping into growing markets where the middle class has rising spending power. They’ve built their own brands like Metro, Mochi, and Walkway, which accounted for 73% of their sales in fiscal 2024. Metro’s approach blends exclusivity with reach, making them a leading player in the organized retail space.
- Bata: Bata is a household name with a legacy, but that legacy has posed challenges in today’s premium-driven market. Known traditionally for affordable shoes, Bata is pivoting to appeal to a more style-conscious audience. They’re introducing casual and premium products and expanding through franchises to grow with less risk. It’s not easy for an established brand to reinvent itself, but Bata is making strides to stay relevant. They’re working on modernizing their image and adapting to current trends, but the journey is a challenging one. Their success largely hinges on how effectively they can balance their legacy with a fresher, premium appeal.
- Campus Activewear: In the booming athleisure space, Campus has been a strong contender. They’re capitalizing on the demand for sports and casual footwear but have faced recent challenges, such as distribution issues and fierce competition. Their response has been proactive—new product launches, increased brand spending, and a refined focus on mid-economy segments. Campus has shown resilience by fine-tuning its strategy, ensuring it stays at the forefront of the athleisure trend and appealing to a wide customer base with products that balance style and affordability.
- Relaxo: Known for its affordability, Relaxo is moving into a new chapter, too. While their volume growth has been relatively flat, they’re increasing their average selling price, gradually climbing into the premium market. Their gross margins have surged, reaching 58.1% in fiscal 2024, thanks to a combination of premium product lines and supply chain efficiency improvements. This is a big leap for a brand known for budget-friendly options, and it shows their commitment to evolving with the market. Relaxo’s large footprint in smaller cities also gives them access to growing consumer bases where competition is less intense but demand for quality is on the rise.
The Future of Indian Footwear
India’s footwear market is exciting, dynamic, and brimming with potential. As consumers prioritize comfort, style, quality, and convenience, brands must keep up by adapting to these preferences. The shift toward athleisure, the demand for premium quality, the influence of women and kids, and the rise of omnichannel shopping are redefining how people shop for shoes. The brands that succeed will be those that continue to innovate, embracing these trends while staying flexible enough to pivot as consumer demands shift further.
So, the next time you’re looking for a new pair, think about the trends shaping the choices in front of you. Are you in the athleisure crowd? Seeking a premium option? Or maybe looking for a brand that offers convenience across online and offline channels? India’s footwear future is bright, and it’s taking strides toward making sure your next pair is exactly what you’re looking for.