For years, India’s footwear industry has been a sleeping giant. A massive domestic market, a rich heritage in leather craftsmanship, and a large, skilled workforce were all in place. Yet, it never quite captured the global spotlight like its neighbors. But now, whispers of a renaissance are turning into a roar. With export figures soaring and government backing stronger than ever, is the Indian footwear sector finally on the right footing?
Table of Contents
- The Export Boom: Fact or Fiction?
- Government Kickstart: The PLI Scheme
- Who Rules the Indian Footwear Market?
- The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
- Conclusion: A Step in the Right Direction
- Sources
The Export Boom: Fact or Fiction?
The numbers are hard to ignore. Official reports claim that India’s leather and non-leather footwear exports jumped by a staggering 25% in the 2024-25 financial year, reaching a colossal $5.7 billion [[2]]. This is a significant leap from the $3.32 billion mark in 2023, where India was already the world’s 9th largest exporter [[5]].
However, a closer look reveals a more nuanced story. Some analyses suggest that after a record high in FY2023, exports actually contracted in FY2024 before seeing a modest 3% growth in FY2025 [[1]]. This discrepancy highlights the volatility of the global market and the intense competition India faces, particularly from China.
Despite the mixed signals, the trajectory is undeniably positive. The sheer scale of activity is evident, with over 3,200 Indian exporters shipping more than 100,000 shipments in a single year [[3]]. The primary destinations for these exports remain the US and EU, but new markets in Africa and Southeast Asia are opening up, diversifying India’s export basket.
Government Kickstart: The PLI Scheme
A major catalyst for this potential boom is the government’s proactive stance. While a dedicated Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the leather and footwear sector has been a topic of debate [[19]], the existing Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme (IFLDP) is a powerful engine for growth [[18]].
This program, with a significant allocation of ₹1,700 crore until March 2026, is designed to tackle the industry’s core challenges:
- Infrastructure Development: Building modern tanneries and common facility centers to improve quality and efficiency.
- Environmental Sustainability: Promoting eco-friendly technologies to address the environmental concerns associated with traditional leather processing [[13]].
- Brand Promotion: Helping Indian manufacturers build their own global brands instead of just being contract manufacturers.
The ultimate goal is ambitious: to create over 2 million jobs and generate a turnover of ₹4 lakh crore, firmly establishing India as a global footwear powerhouse [[11]].
Who Rules the Indian Footwear Market?
The domestic Indian footwear market is a battlefield of legacy and innovation. It’s a massive ecosystem, valued at a projected USD 20.67 billion in 2025 and expected to more than double by 2034 [[7]].
In this vast landscape, two giants have long held court: Bata India Ltd and Relaxo Footwears Ltd. Bata, with its century-old legacy, maintains a strong retail presence, while Relaxo has mastered the art of affordable, mass-market footwear [[20]].
But the game is changing. The rise of e-commerce has given international sportswear giants like Nike, Adidas, and Puma a significant foothold in the online space [[21]]. Meanwhile, homegrown players like Metro Brands are carving out a niche in the premium and lifestyle segment.
Here’s a quick look at the key players:
| Company | Market Position | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Bata India | Legacy Leader | Nationwide retail network, trusted brand |
| Relaxo Footwears | Value Champion | Mass-market appeal, strong distribution |
| Metro Brands | Premium Player | Multi-brand portfolio (Woodland, etc.) |
| Nike/Adidas | Sportswear Giants | Strong online presence, brand cachet |
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While the future looks bright, the path isn’t without its potholes. The footwear industry in India must navigate several critical challenges:
- Raw Material Dependence: Fluctuations in leather prices and quality can impact production costs and margins.
- Skilled Labor Shortage: Despite a large workforce, there’s a gap in highly skilled artisans and technicians needed for premium manufacturing.
- Fierce Global Competition: Competing with established players from Vietnam, China, and Indonesia on price and scale is an ongoing battle.
Yet, these challenges are matched by immense opportunities. The growing middle class, increasing fashion consciousness, and a shift towards branded products are fueling domestic demand. Furthermore, the global push for supply chain diversification away from China presents a golden opportunity for India to become a preferred manufacturing destination.
Conclusion: A Step in the Right Direction
So, is the Indian footwear industry truly on the right footing? The evidence suggests a resounding yes, but with a caveat. The foundation has been laid with strong export growth, strategic government support, and a dynamic mix of domestic and international players. However, sustained success will depend on the industry’s ability to innovate, upskill its workforce, and build globally recognized brands. The journey from a manufacturing hub to a design and innovation leader has just begun, but the first steps are promising.
Sources
- [[1]] ICRA Report on Indian Footwear Industry
- [[2]] DD News: India’s leather, footwear exports jump 25 pc to $5.7 billion in FY25
- [[3]] Seair: Top Footwear Exporters in India for 2025-26
- [[5]] OEC World: Footwear in India Trade
- [[7]] IMARC Group: India Footwear Industry | Size, Share & Analysis 2026-2034
- [[11]] Data Insights Market: India’s Leather & Footwear PLI Scheme
- [[13]] NSW Schemes Portal: Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme
- [[18]] MENAFN: Centre Considering PLI Scheme For Leather, Footwear Sector
- [[19]] Moneycontrol: No PLI scheme for leather, footwear and toys planned
- [[20]] Euromonitor: Footwear in India | Market Research Report
- [[21]] Scribd: India Footwear Market 2024 2025