India’s footwear market is thriving, offering a dynamic mix of style, comfort, and quality. As the world’s second-largest producer of footwear, the country has a rich heritage of craftsmanship combined with modern innovation.
Over the years, India’s footwear industry has evolved, driven by globalization and technological advancements. A major shift has been in material usage—traditional designs now incorporate more durable and affordable options like rubber, synthetic leather, and high-performance fabrics, striking a balance between comfort and practicality.
According to Statista, India’s footwear market generated $28.2 billion in revenue in 2024 and is expected to grow at a 3.04% CAGR (2024-2029). The largest segment—boots—will reach $10.7 billion by 2025. Moreover, the industry is projected to hit USD 36.05 billion by 2030.
Here’s a look at 10 leading Indian footwear brands making waves in the industry. From affordable everyday wear to high-end designs, these brands have gained a strong foothold in the Indian market through innovation, quality, and sustainability.
1. Bata
Bata brings back nostalgic memories of school days, standing out as a go-to brand for reliable and trusted footwear. Although it feels like an Indian brand, Bata was founded in 1894 by Tomas Bata in the Czech Republic and is now headquartered in Switzerland.
Bata’s journey in India began in 1931 with its first outlet in Kolkata. Recognizing the need for durable footwear for people who traveled barefoot, the company introduced rubber sandals, flip-flops, and chappals, which quickly gained popularity. Over time, Bata seamlessly integrated into the local culture, becoming a household name.
In May 2021, Gunjan Shah took over as the Managing Director and CEO of Bata India, bringing fresh strategies to the brand while maintaining its legacy of innovation and customer-centric approach.
Bata sells over 47 million pairs of footwear annually and serves more than 120,000 customers daily. The brand is committed to delivering comfortable, stylish, and long-lasting footwear for various occasions. Notably, Bata’s Batanagar factory was the first in India to receive ISO: 9001 certification, reinforcing its dedication to quality and excellence.
2. Woodland
For adventure lovers, Woodland is a must-have. While many assume it’s an Indian brand, Woodland was originally founded in Canada by Avtar Singh in the 1980s and entered the Indian market in 1992 when its parent company, Aero Group, saw retail opportunities in the country.
Initially, Aero Group specialized in winter boots for Canada and Russia. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the company pivoted to the Indian market, launching Woodland as a rugged, adventure-focused footwear brand.
70% of Woodland’s products are manufactured in-house, while the rest are sourced from China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. Known for its hand-stitched leather boots and hiking footwear, the brand is popular for its durability and excellent grip.
Woodland also leads in sustainability with its Proplanet initiative, promoting eco-friendly materials and practices. As it recovers from the pandemic, the brand is focusing on expanding offline stores to regain pre-pandemic sales levels.
3. Liberty
What began in 1954 with just four pairs of shoes per day has grown into an industry giant. Liberty Shoes, founded by Dharam Pal Gupta, Purshotam Das Gupta, and Rajkumar Bansal, now produces 50,000 pairs daily and boasts an annual turnover of ₹700 crore.
Originally named Pal Boot House, Liberty blends global fashion trends with Indian craftsmanship, offering stylish and durable footwear. The brand has over 400 showrooms in India and is present in more than 25 countries.
Liberty’s portfolio includes 10 sub-brands, such as Fortune, Gliders, Prefect, Senorita, Tiptop, Windsor, Coolers, Footfun, Force 10, and Warrior.
Its ISO 9001-certified manufacturing facility ensures high standards, making Liberty a leader in comfort, durability, and affordability.
4. Paragon
Founded in 1975 in Kerala by Thomas John and Paul K.J., Paragon started by producing 1,500 pairs of rubber footwear daily. Today, it is one of India’s most trusted brands, with a daily production of 400,000 pairs.
Paragon offers a wide variety of footwear using PU, PVC, and EVA materials, catering to different consumer preferences. The brand has 500 distributors and generates an annual turnover of ₹1,600 crore.
Paragon operates multiple sub-brands, including Paragon, Stimulus, and Eeken, ensuring a strong presence in both urban and rural India through 30,000+ retail stores.
5. Red Tape
Red Tape is one of the first Indian footwear brands to enter the UK market, quickly gaining popularity for its fashion-forward designs.
Founded in 1996 by Irshad Mirza and Rashid Ahmed Mirza, the brand initially focused on premium leather footwear but later expanded into apparel and accessories.
Red Tape’s footwear is designed in UK and Italian studios, blending European aesthetics with Indian affordability. The brand has 390 stores in India and exclusive outlets in Dubai, Sharjah, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
A standout product is the Red Tape Derby Shoes, offering a sleek, semi-formal look suitable for office wear and social events.
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6. Khadim’s
Khadim’s is a prominent player in the Indian footwear market. Founded by Satya Prasad Roy Burman, the brand began as a small shoe store in Chitpur, Kolkata, initially catering to the wholesale market.
In the 1990s, Khadim’s expanded into retail, opening stores to connect directly with customers.
By the early 2000s, the company had evolved into a full-fledged entity, handling everything from manufacturing to retail.
It holds the largest presence in East India and ranks among the top three players in South India. Its distribution network is robust, with 544 distributors.
Currently led by CEO Suman Barman Roy, Khadim India Ltd. operates with the core vision of “Fashion for Everyone,” positioning itself as an accessible fashion brand for all age groups and occasions.
Today, Khadim’s runs 846 stores across 23 states and one union territory, offering stylish and affordable footwear to millions.
7. Relaxo
Founded in 1976 by brothers Mukand Lal Dua and Ramesh Kumar Dua, Relaxo Footwear is a well-established brand recognized for providing quality and affordable footwear.
Headquartered in New Delhi, Relaxo is one of India’s leading footwear manufacturers, producing a wide range of slippers, sandals, sports shoes, and casual footwear. Its popular brands include:
- Relaxo – Durable rubber slippers
- Flite – Stylish semi-formal slippers
- Sparx – Sports shoes and activewear footwear
- Bahamas – Colorful flip-flops for casual wear
Additionally, Relaxo offers brands like Boston, Mary Jane, and Kid’s Fun. The company’s extensive distribution network includes over 650 distributors, 70,000+ retailers, and 399 Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs).
With its focus on affordability and style, Relaxo has earned the trust of generations, making it a preferred choice for families across India. Today, the company ranks among India’s top 500 most valuable companies and is listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
8. Lakhani
Founded by the Lakhani family, the company has built a strong reputation as a trusted manufacturer of sports shoes, beach slippers, leather shoes, and canvas footwear.
With an annual production capacity of 55.5 million pairs, Lakhani caters to diverse customer needs through its flagship brand.
Its state-of-the-art manufacturing units in Dhar, Faridabad, Haridwar, and Noida ensure high-quality production standards. As of March 31, 2023, the company reported a revenue of $12.5 million, reflecting its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
By incorporating advanced technologies like PU (Polyurethane) and EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), Lakhani continues to offer stylish, comfortable, and competitively priced footwear for the Indian market.
9. Inc.5
Inc.5 was founded in 1998 by Almas Nanda and her brother Amin Virji, who transformed the women’s footwear segment by introducing stylish, sophisticated, and comfortable shoes.
It all began with a small 100-square-foot store in Mumbai’s Heera Panna Shopping Center, where Almas, inspired by global fashion trends, challenged the notion that comfort and style couldn’t coexist.
In 2001, the siblings expanded their grandfather’s footwear business, Regal Shoes, merging it with Inc.5. Over time, the brand diversified into men’s and kids’ footwear while maintaining a strong focus on women’s styles.
Today, Inc.5 has an annual turnover of ₹163 crore and a strong retail presence in major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, continuing to redefine stylish footwear in India.
10. Red Chief
Manoj Gyanchandani began his journey in the footwear industry in his early 20s, initially exporting leather shoes while managing his family business. In 1995, he founded Leayan Global Private Limited to export leather shoes to Europe.
Realizing the lack of organized players in India’s leather footwear segment, he launched Red Chief in 1997 under the same company, focusing on high-quality leather shoes for Indian customers. The brand started in Kanpur, selling through multi-brand outlets before expanding nationwide.
In 2011, Red Chief opened its first exclusive store in Kanpur.
Today, Red Chief operates 175 exclusive outlets across 16 states, including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Its products are also available in 3,000+ multi-brand stores. With an annual turnover exceeding ₹324 crore, Red Chief has become a well-known name in India’s leather footwear market.
Finding Your Perfect Footwear
India’s footwear industry is as diverse as its culture, with nearly 75% of production driven by small businesses in the unorganized sector. While timeless classics like Juttis and Kolhapuri chappals remain popular, there’s a growing preference for branded footwear that blends comfort with contemporary style.
International giants like Puma, Nike, and Adidas have carved out their space, but homegrown brands continue to shine with unique offerings. Whether you’re looking for everyday comfort, formal elegance, or trendy casuals, there’s a perfect pair waiting for you.
Next time you shop for shoes, take a moment to explore the incredible variety available. Embrace the craftsmanship, style, and innovation of Indian brands while stepping into comfort and tradition.
Happy shoe hunting!
