An article by Gagandeep Kohli, CEO of NoStrain

India is the world’s second-largest footwear producer, after China, as was previously noted. The footwear business has benefited greatly from the expansion of the Indian fashion and lifestyle sector. From a purely utilitarian sector, the footwear industry has evolved into a category of fashion and style. Today, the industry in India is heavily influenced by internet media. The e-commerce model has permeated the footwear industry as a result of rising demand, offering a plethora of options for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in tier II and III towns. In addition, the e-commerce   ecosystem itself made it simple for several businesses and high-end shoe companies to enter the market.  

In 2024, India’s footwear market is set to generate $26.06 billion, with the Leather Footwear segment leading at $18.08 billion. The market is expected to grow annually at 4.85% from 2024 to 2028, reaching 2.23 billion pairs by 2028. Per capita revenue is projected at $18.20, and the average person is expected to buy 1.51 pairs of footwear. Notably, 98% of sales will come from non-luxury footwear, reflecting the broad appeal to India’s growing middle class. The rise in e-commerce and increasing disposable incomes are driving this expansion. Comparatively, the U.S. leads globally with a revenue of $91.51 billion in 2024, highlighting India’s emerging significance in the global footwear market. 

Footwear Industry

Even while the footwear industry is changing more slowly than the fashion industry, it is observing significant changes. One of the main trends influencing the industry is the emphasis on originality, as more and more customers look for eye-catching designs that reflect their own particular styles. A wider range of color palettes encourages more creativity and personalization when it comes to shoes collection. Furthermore, there is a trend in the sector towards sustainability as natural and eco-friendly products become more and more popular. This tendency is in line with growing consumer demands for more ethical production methods and wider environmental concerns.  

Notably, the market for open footwear is growing faster than that of closed footwear, which is indicative of consumer preference for light, comfortable styles. Technological developments in cushioning and well-designed characteristics are becoming critical to satisfying customer expectations as comfort requirements continue to rise. These shifting trends demonstrate how innovation and shifting consumer tastes are driving the footwear industry’s dynamic character. 

At NoStrain, designing and developing a new product is a thoughtful journey. We begin by exploring fashion trends from Europe, the USA, and India, closely analyzing customer preferences to understand what resonates. Our next step focuses on materials: we strive to replace conventional, non-sustainable options with natural, eco-friendly alternatives. To us, simply replicating existing products isn’t enough. We aim to create something truly unique and aesthetically superior, crafted from materials chosen with a keen awareness of their environmental impact. Every product we develop reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability, ensuring that each item not only meets modern style standards but also contributes positively to our planet.