India’s Sneaker Market Is Booming - Here’s Why It’s Just the Beginning

From Functional Footwear to Cultural Identity: The Rise of Sneakers in India

Do you still get nightmares of your plain white PT sneakers getting dirty? Keeping them spotless was a struggle and wearing them was often a chore. Fast forward to today, those humble shoes has evolved into coveted fashion statements and lifestyle retail trends. Sneakers in India have come a long way—shaped by global influence, local innovation, and a culture that now embraces sneakers not just as shoes, but as symbols of identity, status, and aspiration.

According to market estimates, the Indian sneaker market was valued at USD 3.88 billion in FY2024, and it is projected to reach USD 5.93 billion by FY2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.45%. This impressive growth is driven by a blend of comfort-focused design, fashion-conscious consumers, and a vibrant sneaker hype culture rise.

The rising demand for premium sneakers in India is deeply rooted in the product’s ability to blend comfort with style. In urban environments where long commutes, fitness routines, and dynamic work cultures dominate daily life, consumers are increasingly prioritizing footwear that offers all-day support without compromising on aesthetics.

Sneakers are no longer just gym companions. They are worn at work, during travel, and even at weddings. As people become more health-conscious and with the fashion-forward youth, sneakers have emerged as the ideal choice that meets both needs. This shift has expanded the consumer base to include professionals, teenagers, and even older adults who seek versatile footwear and athletic lifestyle trends.

Low-Top Sneakers are the Crowd Favorite

Within sneakers types, low-top sneakers hold the lion’s share of the Indian market. Their lower cut makes them suitable for pairing with a wide variety of outfits—from jeans and joggers to chinos and shorts. The design also enhances ankle mobility, making them ideal for casual sports and urban exploration.

In August 2023, The Drapper Man introduced InnovX, a sleek low-top sneaker made from soft-milled leather and advanced cushioning for superior breathability and comfort. Designed for urban wear adoption and style-conscious consumers, the InnovX is an example of how Indian brands are pushing boundaries in both form and function.

Data shows that 86.7% of consumers prefer low-top sneakers, compared to 68.4% for high-top sneakers, underscoring their widespread popularity.

A New-Age Footwear Revolution: What added fuel to fire

1.     Pop Culture, Hype, and the Influence of Celebrity Endorsements

What fuels this massive shift? A powerful combination of pop culture, celebrity influence, and limited-edition hype. Celebrities from Bollywood and the world of sports regularly endorse luxury sneaker brands, further increasing their desirability. The influence is so significant that sneaker culture has found its way into Indian weddings, with brides and grooms wearing sneakers down the aisle.

Indian sneakerheads—once a niche group—are now driving demand for limited drops and exclusive collaborations. These limited editions have turned sneakers into collectibles, with some models appreciating in value more than traditional assets like gold. For example, the Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototype sold for an astounding $1.8 million globally.

In India, premium global brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma dominate the market, with Puma emerging as a frontrunner in sales. According to Limited Edt (January 2024), the market is seeing a shift towards exclusivity, further elevating India’s position in the global sneaker scene.

2.     Innovation at the Forefront: Comfort, Customization, and Sustainability

Sneaker innovation in India is witnessing a remarkable surge. Brands are investing in breathable materials, ergonomic soles, and lightweight cushioning systems. These innovations cater to consumers who demand comfort-wear revolution without sacrificing style. The market is also evolving to include user-friendly and customized designs. Indian consumers are diverse in their preferences—some want minimalistic designs for everyday wear, while others seek bold, expressive styles for social settings.

One of the most noteworthy launches was Yoho’s Blinc in March 2024—India’s first fully hands-free sneakers. Designed to be slipped on effortlessly, Blinc provides a comfortable solution for those constantly on the move. These sneakers are available across leading e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, and Urbanic.

Sustainability is another rising trend. With growing awareness about environmental impact, brands are exploring eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing. This aligns with the aspirational product shift that calls for responsible as well as comfortable sneakers.

3.     E-Commerce: Powering the Sneaker Surge

India’s digital-first branding has played a pivotal role in the rise of sneakers culture. Consumers now have access to thousands of styles at their fingertips, supported by online style curators. E-commerce platforms like Myntra, Flipkart, and Ajio offer robust features—size guides, customer reviews, virtual try-ons, and flexible return policies—that encourage online purchases.

In February 2024, Myntra launched the “Sneakers for Every Scene” campaign, targeting India’s growing community of sneaker lovers. Highlighting iconic lines such as Nike Pandas and Air Jordans, the campaign celebrated sneaker culture with curated selections from over 20 leading brands and over 10,000 styles. It even integrated Snapchat filters and digital activations for immersive engagement.

The Rise of Sneaker Resale Marketplaces

With limited release buzz, the sneaker resale market in India has flourished. Platforms like Find Your Kicks, Crepdog Crew (CDC), and Hustle Culture started as Instagram pages and have now evolved into structured marketplaces. They connect sneaker buyers and sellers, guarantee authenticity, and facilitate seamless transactions.

Find Your Kicks, for instance, claims to sell around 2,000–2,500 pairs a month, with an average order value of INR 10,000–11,000. Platforms operate much like Flipkart or Amazon—but only for sneakers. Vendors list their products, manage inventory in real-time, and adjust prices as per demand. These platforms serve as middlemen, enabling smooth transactions among individual buyers, resellers, and businesses. Similar to how pre-owned cars are traded, sneakers move through various seller and buyer segments. The sneaker fashion resale trend thrives on the rarity of limited-edition launches, exclusive collaborations, and highly coveted releases. To uphold credibility, these platforms enforce rigorous authentication checks, ensuring that only authentic sneakers make it to the trend-savvy buyers.

CDC runs on a dual model: sourcing from independent resellers and directly buying from customers. It now has physical stores in Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, with an even split between online and offline sales. But it’s not all smooth sailing.

Challenges in the Sneaker Ecosystem

The growth of sneaker culture has brought challenges. Global brands are moving away from the scarcity model, making previously limited sneakers widely available. Nike’s crackdown on bot-based purchases and StockX’s diversification into new categories hint at a broader market correction. Additionally, some reselling platforms have faced criticism for selling counterfeit products, damaging consumer trust. The razor-thin margins in resale further complicate the business model, making it hard for platforms to scale or attract investor confidence.

To remain relevant, many Indian platforms are now expanding into apparel and fashion accessories, adapting to the evolving needs of style-first consumers. Amid these challenges, Indian D2C sneaker brands are emerging as powerful contenders. Brands like Comet, Yoho, and Rare’Z are crafting sneakers tailored for Indian preferences—be it foot shape, climate, or cultural expression.

Comet, for instance, recognized a gap in culturally themed sneakers and launched its first product—the Mango sneaker—as a tribute to India’s love for mangoes. The brand’s product storytelling, combined with design-first shoes, has helped it scale to 12,000 orders per month. What makes Indian brands unique is their deep understanding of local needs. As Comet’s founder Utkarsh Gupta points out, Indian feet are typically wider due to open footwear habits in hot climates—a detail most global brands miss. Local brands are now filling these gaps by designing for the Indian foot.

India’s Sneaker Journey Has Just Begun

The rise of D2C brands in fashion and footwear funding wave has caught the attention of investors. Homegrown labels growth are seen as high-potential opportunities. Unlike reselling, which is constrained by supply and trust issues, original product creation offers greater control and scalability.

However, resellers will need to pivot—either by refining their operational models, improving authentication protocols, or expanding into complementary categories. Consumer trust, investor interest, and long-term viability will depend on how well they adapt to market realities.

From dusty playgrounds to glitzy weddings, the sneaker’s journey in India is symbolic of a broader cultural fashion boom. They are no longer just about comfort or style—they are statements, collectibles, and canvases of self-expression.

With rapid growth, rising innovation, and deeper consumer engagement, India’s sneaker market is only warming up. As global and local players race to claim their stake, one thing is clear sneakers are here to stay.

Whether you’re a collector chasing the next big drop or someone just looking for that perfect everyday pair, the Indian sneaker story has something for everyone—and this is only the beginning.

To dig deeper into the world of Sneakers and get a slice for opportunity from Indian sneaker market, download the sample report today or connect with our experts to get a detailed custom report on pre-decided parameters.