India Footwear Market Research Report and Industry Forecast

India Footwear Market Size and Share:

The India footwear market size was valued at USD 18.77 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 46.02 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.1% from 2025-2033. South India currently dominates the market in 2024, fueled by growing fashion awareness, rising disposable incomes, fast urbanization, and heightened demand for branded and comfortable footwear. Larger online platforms, celebrity endorsements, and changing lifestyles also fuel demand in various consumer segments. Moreover, growth in sports and fitness activities impels the athletic footwear segment. All these factors play together to drive the dynamic growth of the India footwear market share.

Increasing urbanization has also largely fueled the growth of the footwear market in India. More and more individuals, seeking greater employment opportunities, are migrating towards urban cities, leading to amplifying demand for a variety of footwears in urban cities. The increasing disposable income of urban middle class, in turn, is making more and more urbanites embrace stylish and utility-based footwears. Urban consumers are searching for a range of alternatives that meet their varied lifestyle requirements, from formal and casual shoes to sports and fashion-based footwear. The shift towards new age living also fuels the demand for high-end and branded footwear, enhancing the market even further. As the retail outlets expand, both in terms of physical and online retailing, accessibility to a variety of footwear is enhanced, making consumer choice larger. For instance, in March 2025, Rockport collaborated with Brandman Retail to enter the Indian footwear industry. The brand will debut its collection on key e-commerce platforms, reaching 19,000 pin codes, and is hoping to capture 4-5% market share. Moreover, this rise in urbanization is hence a key spur to growth for the Indian footwear industry, keeping pace with an expanding, vibrant population.

Moreover, another key driver of the India footwear industry is the growing health and fitness awareness among consumers. With heightening consciousness regarding health and well-being, consumers are highly choosing athletic and sport shoes for comfort, functionality, and endurance. As activities like running, yoga, and gym training gain popularity, consumers are investing in specialized sport shoes to complement active lifestyles. This trend is not confined to fitness enthusiasts; casual users who look for comfort and support in their daily use are also following this trend. Moreover, the growth in outdoor sports and adventure activity has further boosted the demand for high-performance, durable shoes. This accelerating tendency towards healthy lifestyle and physical wellness is propelling the sales of sports shoes, running shoes, and other footwear related to sporting activities, which is a dominant reason for Indian footwear market growth. The awareness about health has accelerated amplified innovation in footwear designing, further fueling market expansion. For example, in March 2025, Chennai-based Disobedience introduced its first collection, Era 1, of sustainable luxury footwear. With innovative heel structures and natural materials, the collection is a blend of durability, comfort, and ethical design.

India Footwear Market Trends:

Urbanization and Industrialization Propelling Footwear Demand

India's industrialization and urbanization have been crucial in fueling the demand for footwear. The country's population is set to boost in its urban centers and is likely to hit 600 million by the year 2036, and it will be 40% of the country's population, as projected by the World Bank Group. Increased disposable income and urban growth fuel consumer behavior as well as influence footwear preferences. Urban regions are highly experiencing increased need for formal, casual, sport, and fashion footwear as consumers have better access to international styles. The trend towards urban regions also translates to more working professionals who need footwear of various types for different needs, adding more to market demand. Further, with the creation of employment opportunities and economic development due to industrialization, the growing population of the middle class in cities is intensely looking to spend money on good quality footwear. These conditions are collectively fueling the development of the India footwear market outlook for various needs of consumers.

E-Commerce Penetration and Global Footwear Brands

The growing penetration of international footwear brands and the speedy development of online platforms have played a critical role in boosting the footwear industry in India. Due to globalization, international brands of footwear are effectively making their presence felt in India, producing products that match the likes and desires of Indian consumers. The increasing flow of foreign brands into India has come simultaneously with the hike in online buying, greatly reshaping consumer footwear purchasing patterns. The Indian retail e-commerce business is set to grow to USD 650.4 billion in 2033, fueled by expanded web penetration and innovation, states the IMARC Group. The ease of doing business on the internet, the availability of large numbers of goods, and user-friendly payment services have made it easier for the footwear industry to reach a large consumer base. Customers can freely browse global shoe brands, view prices, and choose from vast numbers of options, leading the market to see a positive turn.

Health Awareness and Rising Consumer Spending

Heightened health consciousness and increasing consumer spending are two of the primary drivers of India footwear market growth, specifically in the athletic and sports footwear categories. As the Indian public becomes intensely health-conscious, the demand for performance footwear, like running shoes and gym shoes, has boosted. This shift in consumer preferences towards health and fitness has driven the demand for niche footwear that provides comfort, support, and endurance for physical activity. Moreover, rising disposable incomes are making higher-quality and premium footwear products a possibility for more consumers. With the growing middle class, their inclination to spend greater amounts on health-conscious products is opening doors for premium footwear brands. With consumers increasingly willing to invest in fitness-related products, there is a distinct rise in demand for sporting and athletic footwear, fueling the growth of the Indian footwear market forecast even more.

India Footwear Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the India footwear market, along with forecast at the regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on product, material, distribution channel, pricing, and end user.

Analysis by Product:

• Non-Athletic Footwear
• Athletic Footwear

India's non-athletic footwear industry is showing fast growth based on the surging demand for formal, fashion, and casual footwear. Growing numbers of urban masses and enhanced urbanization make demand grow towards fashion footwear as people want their clothes to represent and reflect the occasion or mood while providing everyday wear comfort as well. Non-sport shoes, such as sandals, boots, flats, and dress shoes, are becoming increasingly popular among people of all ages because they are versatile and appropriate for both workplaces and social events. As a result of global fashion trends and rising disposable incomes, consumers are looking for a wide variety of non-sport footwear that fits their own personal style. Furthermore, the expansion of e-commerce websites has facilitated easier access for consumers to a greater number of non-athletic footwear brands and models, further fueling market growth. As India's footwear industry continues to grow, the non-athletic segment is set to be one of the biggest drivers of overall market growth, especially in urban regions.

Analysis by Material:

• Rubber
• Leather
• Plastic
• Fabric
• Others

Leather continues to be the most sought-after material for Indian footwear, due to its longevity, comfort, and high-end appeal. Leather shoes, whether formal, sandals, boots, or casual footwear, continue to rule the roost, particularly among working professionals and fashion lovers. The ease with which the material can take on different styles and offer years of comfort keeps it at the top of men's and women's lists. In addition, leather shoes are considered a symbol of luxury and style, especially among formal and professional attire. In light of increasing disposable income as well as concern for quality and durable products, consumers are increasingly willing to invest in good quality leather shoes. Moreover, as the demand for sustainable fashion gains momentum, fashion brands are seeking to introduce environmental-friendly leather alternatives. As the market grows, leather footwear remains a leading segment, catering to India's increasing middle class changing needs, with high-end options registering strong momentum in the market.

Analysis by Distribution Channel:

• Footwear Specialists
• Online Sales
• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Departmental Stores
• Clothing Stores
• Others

Footwear experts are an important segment in the market as they supply a vast range of footwear brands, ranging from affordable to high-end. The stores offer individualized service, professional guidance, and specialized collections, guaranteeing customers discover specific footwear solutions tailored to their requirements, making the shopping experience better.

Online sales are progressively taking over the footwear industry, fueled by the expansion of e-commerce websites. Customers enjoy the convenience of viewing many brands and styles at home, comparing prices, and receiving home delivery. Online websites provide convenient payment options and special online offers, drawing a broad consumer base.

Hypermarkets and supermarkets are key distribution channels for footwear, with competitive prices and convenient access to everyday footwear. These retailers cater to price-conscious consumers and shoppers seeking a speedy, one-stop shopping experience with both local and international brands at affordable prices suitable for daily use.

Department stores carry a variety of footwear, both casual and formal, at many price levels. With their large selection and store experience, department stores appeal to consumers who desire convenience and assortment. Department stores also offer the benefit of trial by touch and feel, an important attraction to many shoppers.

Clothing outlets are now offering footwear as an addition to their products, facilitating fashion-forward shoppers to purchase matching ensembles conveniently. Clothing stores usually provide popular footwear designs along with their clothes, drawing buyers who want to have a coordinated shopping experience. Clothing store footwear is for people who want stylish and fashionable footgear.

The "others" segment in the distribution of footwear comprises niche shops like discounters, pop-ups, and brand direct sales. These channels have specific customer targets and provide specific or value items. Through catering to niche customers, these channels give consumers distinct footwear choices other than in a traditional retail outlet.

Analysis by Pricing:

• Premium
• Mass

Premium footwear is for customers who place importance on high quality, handcraftsmanship, and specialty designs. These are mostly luxury products that have premium materials, endurance, and fashion, which suit high-end consumers. Premium products emphasize long-term value and comfort, which they can command a higher price for because they are appealing to elite buyers.

Mass-priced footwear is centered around price affordability, with practical and comfort-focused products appealing to a broad consumer segment. Mass-priced products target price-conscious consumers such as professionals and families, offering daily-wear types of footwear that are affordable without any loss of quality. The mass segment is readily available and continues to be a market leader.

Analysis by End User:

• Men
• Women
• Kids

India's women footwear category is witnessing strong growth, driven by changing fashion trends, improving purchasing power, and an augmented focus on comfort and practicality. As Indian women in metropolitan cities are getting increasingly fashion-savvy, the need for varied types of footwear—sandal, flat, boot, and formal shoe—has jumped. With greater awareness of global fashion trends, there has been a greater liking for both foreign and local shoe brands that satisfy various tastes and occasions. Further, the use of e-commerce websites has become more convenient to access a number of shoe brands, providing comfort in terms of price and selection. With the growing middle-class population and increasing disposable incomes, women's footwear has now encompassed designs that marry fashion, comfort, and utility both at work and leisure. The segment, thus, is projected to keep expanding on the back of shifting consumption patterns and increased fashion-awareness among Indian women.

Regional Analysis:

• North India
• West and Central India
• South India
• East India

South India has also become one of the prominent areas for the footwear market with the reasons of urbanization, robust fashion quotient, and increasing middle-class population. The region covering states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala has shown fast-paced urban development, leading to the rising demand for both sporty and non-sporty footwear. Specifically, South India is experiencing growth in footwear consumption across segments such as casual, formal, and fashion footwear. The established retail ecosystem in the region, combined with growing e-commerce platform penetration, is facilitating greater accessibility for consumers to a range of footwear products. The demand for casual shoes, leather footwear, and luxury brands is gaining traction owing to increasing income levels and changing lifestyle in South India. Moreover, South Indian consumers with a health-conscious attitude are propelling demand for sport and athletic footwear. With urbanization, South India continues to be a key growth driver for India's overall footwear market.

Competitive Landscape:

The India footwear market's competitive dynamics are defined by a large number of players having different products in a variety of categories. The market is highly dispersed, with multinational as well as domestic brands competing for space. Industry players are placing significant emphasis on product innovation, design, and quality to address changing consumer trends, such as fashion-conscious styles and utility footwear. The development of e-commerce platforms has increased competition, enabling brands to access a larger consumer market and increase their visibility. Furthermore, influencing partnerships and online marketing are becoming essential elements for brand differentiation. With increasing demand for sustainable and green products from consumers, companies are evolving by incorporating sustainable materials and ethical production processes. The market also witnesses price-based competition, with mass, premium, and budget varieties serving a large range of customers, from style-conscious consumers to price-sensitive consumers.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the India footwear market with detailed profiles of all major companies, including:

• Relaxo Footwears Limited.
• Liberty
• Ajanta Shoes
• Khadim India Ltd.
• Campus Activewear Limited.
• Nike, Inc.
• Bata India
• Paragon Polymer Product Private Limited
• adidas India Marketing Pvt. Ltd
• PUMA India Ltd

Latest News and Developments:

• March 2025: Red Chief opened its new brand, ZUUP, with a Giant Family Footwear Store, featuring more than 100 brands and 3,000 styles under one roof.
• November 2024: OrthoLite increased its presence in India by expanding its Ambur manufacturing facility and launching a new sales office in Chennai. The facility was tripled in size, boosting production to two million insoles a month and the addition of leather footbed production.
• August 2024: US footwear brand HEYDUDE, owned by Crocs since 2022, has made its foray into the Indian market by collaborating with Metro Brands Ltd. The entry launched HEYDUDE's comfort-oriented, light-weighted footwear such as the Wally and Wendy in 25 Metro and Mochi outlets in India.
• May 2024: Bata India revealed proposals to open 100–150 new stores per annum, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to increase its reach across India. The organization also stressed product innovation and digital transformation to satisfy changing consumer demand.
• March 2024: Yoho rolled out its hands-free sneakers, Blinc, equipped with SpringEase™ mechanism and elastic quick-wear laces, in India. It also ventured into offline retail and stated that it was set to include AI-powered manufacturing processes.

India Footwear Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the India footwear market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the India footwear market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the India footwear industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.