Influencer Marketing in Footwear Industry 2025

The Indian footwear market is expected to grow significantly, from $26 billion to $90 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by increasing disposable incomes, urbanization, growing fashion consciousness, and e-commerce expansion. The footwear market in India is a diverse and dynamic landscape, encompassing a wide range of brands, styles, and consumer preferences. From traditional handcrafted designs to high-performance athletic footwear, the industry caters to a broad spectrum of needs and desires. This report delves into the various segments of the footwear market, including women's footwear, men's formal wear, slippers and flip-flops, sneakers/casual footwear, sports and athletic footwear, and sneaker marketplaces. Within each segment, the report examines key brands, marketing strategies, and emerging trends. It also highlights the significant role of social media and influencer partnerships in shaping brand awareness and consumer engagement. By analyzing the competitive landscape and identifying key growth drivers, this report provides valuable insights into the Indian footwear market and its future trajectory.

This list presents a diverse array of Indian footwear brands, with a strong emphasis on handcrafted and artisanal designs. Many, like Fizzy Goblet, Needledust, and Aprajita Toor, offer luxurious and elegant shoes, often incorporating traditional Indian craftsmanship. Juttis are a recurring theme, with brands like Taur, RetroWalk, and Kottage Kulture specializing in these traditional shoes. Several brands, including Cai, Paio, Monrow Shoes, STFY, Zubiya, Dip Your Toes, Junipero, and Daisie, cater to the growing demand for vegan footwear. Comfort and customization are also key features, with brands like Tiesta, Inc.5, and Bombay Brown offering bespoke options and extended sizes. Many brands emphasize ethical and sustainable practices, with Coral Haze using vegan materials and Flutter by Preeti sourcing ethically. While some, like Bata India and Metro Shoes India, have a broad appeal, others cater to specific niches, such as bridal wear (Tinsel Toes, Around Always), modern Indian women (Oceedee, Eridani), and handcrafted Kolhapuris (Ira Soles).

The men's footwear market offers a diverse range of brands, catering to various consumer needs and preferences. Established companies like Metro Shoes India and Red Chief coexist with high-end custom brands like Modello Domani and Escaro Royale. Brands like Modello Domani and Escaro Royale emphasize craftsmanship and handmade leather footwear, while Lusso Lifestyle, The Alternate, and Niche cater to the vegan market. House of Pataudi incorporates heritage and cultural aesthetics, while Attitudist focuses on affordability and accessibility. To showcase their products and build brand awareness, all these brands utilize social media platforms like Instagram, highlighting features like global shipping, customization options, and the use of premium materials.

Footwear brands in this category cater to diverse consumer needs, with some focusing on comfort, style, and affordability, while others prioritize sustainability and specific needs. Crocs India offers global comfort, Paragon Footwear provides trusted durability, and Aqualite India and Lakhani Armaan deliver everyday comfort and style. Greensole champions eco-friendly practices, while Ludic and The Chupps Life create lifestyle-focused brands. The Chupps Life has also partnered with major sports teams. Lehar Footwear and Today Footwear emphasize their long-standing presence in the market, and Ortho+Rest offers ergonomic and eco-conscious footwear for specific requirements. These brands actively engage with their audience on Instagram, showcasing their products and highlighting their brand values, which often center around affordability, comfort, and style. Some of the most innovative designs can be found in the latest collection of slippers and flip-flop brands.

Puma, Adidas, Asics, New Balance, and HRX are athletic brands that prioritize performance but also offer sneakers/casual footwear. Brands like Converse, Comet, and gullylabs represent casual and streetwear styles with a focus on sneaker culture. The Souled Store and Wrogn are lifestyle apparel brands that often incorporate pop culture and trending themes into their sneakers. Neeman's emphasizes comfort while Thaely prioritizes sustainability. Bacca Bucci, featured on Shark Tank, focuses on community and trendy drops. Established footwear brands such as Bata India, Liberty Shoes Limited, and Hush Puppies India offer classic and premium options. Sparx, RapidBox, and Campus Shoes provide accessible and stylish footwear to a wider Indian audience.

This list encompasses major international sportswear brands such as PUMA, adidas, Reebok, ASICS, Under Armour, and Skechers, as well as prominent Indian footwear and apparel companies. These brands cater to a wide array of athletic and casual needs, from high-performance running shoes to everyday comfortable wear. Brands like Decathlon offer a wide selection of sports equipment, while HRX and Off Limits focus on fitness lifestyles. Additionally, established Indian brands such as Woodland, Campus Shoes, Asian Footwears, Sparx, RedTape, Red Chief, and Liberty Shoes Limited offer diverse footwear options, emphasizing durability, style, and affordability. Several brands extend their offerings into lifestyle apparel, including Fila, Lee Cooper, and Cantabil.

This group of brands represents the dynamic and growing sneaker and streetwear culture in India, with a focus on authenticity, exclusivity, and community. VegNonVeg and Superkicks are established multi-brand boutiques offering premium sneakers, while Find Your Kicks India and Culture Circle act as marketplaces, ensuring authenticity and price comparison. Crepdog Crew and Free Society provide in-store experiences alongside online platforms, fostering a sense of community. Several brands, like knickgasm and _courtside_, specialize in sneaker customization, allowing for personalized designs. Hype Fly India and Sneaker Plug India operate as premium online marketplaces, catering to the demand for limited-edition and sought-after items. Indian Sneaker Festival and SneakerHeadsIndia contribute to the culture by organizing events and creating online communities.

This section highlights the diverse marketing strategies employed by footwear brands in India, including festive campaigns, collaborations, product launches supported by celebrity promotions, and discounts and promotions through various sales events.