top of page

Stepping Into Style: Trending Indian Homegrown Footwear Brands in 2025

The Indian footwear industry has been rapidly evolving, shifting from being heavily import-driven to producing globally competitive homegrown footwear brands. Today’s consumers demand more than just comfort—they seek sustainability, craftsmanship, cultural storytelling, and identity in the shoes they wear.

This movement has given rise to indie and luxury footwear labels that resonate with India’s growing appetite for ethical fashion, bold sneakers, and artisanal leather shoes. Among the frontrunners shaping this revolution are Ikoho, Comet, Gully Labs, Banjaaran Studio, and Kavitha (Kavith Sainaani). Each brand has its unique voice, customer base, and design philosophy—but together, they reflect the pulse of India’s next-gen footwear landscape.


1. Ikoho – “The Post-Sneaker Era” Reimagined

Founded in 2022 by Subrat Pandey and Shraddha Konduru, Ikoho represents India’s answer to the global sustainable footwear movement. The brand positions itself as vegan, modern, and artisanal, challenging the sneaker dominance with its “post-sneaker era” philosophy (Ikoho Official).

Key Highlights:

·         Materials: Handmade shoes crafted from vegan leather—a cruelty-free alternative that appeals to conscious millennials.

·         Designs: Chunky loafers, combat boots, Chelsea boots, derby sneakers—all featuring TPR chunky track soles and memory-foam comfort insoles.

·         Audience: Young urban professionals who want to look stylish without compromising ethics.

Why Ikoho Stands Out: Unlike fast-fashion footwear, Ikoho pays attention to foot anatomy and durability. The fusion of visual artistry with eco-conscious production makes it a trendsetter in sustainable Indian footwear brands.

2. Comet – Bold, D2C Lifestyle Sneakers

Launched in July 2023 by Utkarsh Gupta and Dishant Daryani, Comet is a direct-to-consumer (D2C) sneaker brand that speaks the language of Gen Z and millennial sneakerheads.

What Makes Comet Different:

·         Tagline: “Never Shy, Never Sorry”—a reflection of bold, unapologetic design.

·         Design Philosophy: Minimalist uppers paired with chunky yet lightweight soles, optimized for both fashion and comfort.

·         Community Focus: Heavy reliance on Instagram, street culture, and youth communities for brand storytelling.

The Flip Side:

While Comet has been praised for making sneakers more accessible in India, some consumers on sneaker forums point out quality concerns over synthetic uppers and EVA soles, especially at price points above ₹4,000.

Why Comet Matters: It reflects the rise of D2C sneaker culture in India, where homegrown brands are no longer shy about competing with giants like Nike and Adidas.

3. Gully Labs – Craft Meets Culture

Gully Labs, founded by Arjun Singh in New Delhi, is not just another sneaker brand—it is a cultural experiment that merges streetwear aesthetics with Indian artisanal traditions.

Defining Features:

·         Cultural Storytelling: Sneakers inspired by Kantha stitches, traditional motifs, and natural Indian materials like rubber and bamboo.

·         Funding Success: Raised ₹8.7 crore in 2025 to scale operations and open flagship stores.

·         Unique Products: Their Traveller shoe blends modern sneaker silhouettes with Indian textile-inspired detailing.

Consumer Voice:

Some sneakerheads feel the pricing—₹10,000 to ₹13,000—is steep for a young Indian brand. Yet, its cultural relevance keeps it in conversation as a premium, experimental sneaker label.

Why Gully Labs Matters: It is Indian streetwear meets heritage craftsmanship—a combination that appeals to globalized yet rooted youth.

4. Banjaaran Studio – Heritage-Infused Luxury

If luxury footwear with storytelling had a face in India, it would be Banjaaran Studio. With roots in 400 years of Indian shoemaking traditions, the brand brings together artisanship and contemporary luxury.

Signature Offerings:

·         Handcrafted luxury leather footwear with patterns like Nazar, Bageecha, Bandhni, and Patola.

·         Footwear designed as wearable art pieces—bold, statement-making, and culturally inspired.

·         A strong following in celebrity circles, with stars like Ritesh Deshmukh and Rajkummar Rao donning their designs.

Consumer Insight:

While customers praise the artistry, some comment that comfort doesn’t always match the visual appeal.

Why Banjaaran Matters: It’s not just about shoes—it’s about reviving Indian artisanal heritage in a luxury context.

5. Kavith (Kavith Sainaani) – Bespoke, Patina-Rich Fashion

Under the Kavith Sainaani label, Kavith represents the bespoke, couture side of Indian footwear.

Unique Selling Points:

·         Bespoke Offerings: Formal leather shoes, wedding sneakers, chunky boots, and traditional juttis.

·         Artistry: Specializes in patina leather finishes, creating shoes with depth, uniqueness, and visual character.

·         Celebrity Styling: Worn by style icons and grooms looking for custom footwear for weddings.

Why Kavith Matters: It brings customization and craftsmanship into focus, catering to an audience that values exclusivity over mass production.

The Bigger Picture: Why Homegrown Footwear is Trending

The popularity of these brands reflects larger industry shifts:

1.      Sustainability – Vegan leather, natural materials, and eco-conscious production are becoming mainstream.

2.      Cultural Identity – Young Indians are increasingly drawn to brands that reflect heritage storytelling.

3.      D2C Disruption – Brands like Comet are proving that community-driven sneaker brands can thrive against international giants.

4.      Luxury Indian Footwear – Labels like Banjaaran and Kavitha show that India can compete with Italy and France in luxury handcrafted shoes.


Which Pair Defines You?

·         If you’re an eco-conscious trendsetter, go for Ikoho.(https://ikoho.in/)

·         If you’re a Gen-Z sneaker lover, Comet is your match.(https://www.wearcomet.com/)

·         If you love art with sneakers, Gully Labs tells your story.(https://gullylabs.com/)

·         For luxury and heritage, Banjaaran Studio offers timeless craftsmanship.(https://banjaaran.in/)

·         And if you want bespoke patina art, Kavitha is the perfect choice.( https://kavithsainaani.com/)

ree

India’s homegrown footwear industry is no longer just a niche—it’s the future of fashion-forward, culturally rooted, and sustainable footwear. As these brands continue to grow, they are not only transforming India’s footwear market but also making their mark on the global stage.

Comments

bottom of page