Top 10 Footwear Manufacturers in India

India is the world’s second-largest producer and consumer of footwear after China, and the industry has transformed dramatically from a fragmented sector of local cobblers into a sophisticated ₹15.92 billion market as of 2023, projected to reach $36 billion by 2030. Behind that growth sits a genuine mix of nearly century-old legacy names and fast-scaling domestic brands, each carving out distinct positioning across mass-market, premium, and sports segments.

1. Bata India – The Enduring Market Leader

Bata India commands unparalleled recognition in the Indian footwear landscape, having established its first manufacturing facility in the country during the 1930s.

• Maintains a consistent 5% market share in retail value terms as of 2025 — a remarkable figure given the sheer size of India’s footwear market.
• Offers footwear spanning formal shoes, casual footwear, sandals, slippers, sports shoes, and school footwear.
• Built one of the largest retail networks in India’s footwear industry over nearly nine decades of continuous operation.

2. Relaxo Footwears – India’s Volume Leader

Relaxo has established itself as India’s largest footwear manufacturer by volume, producing millions of pairs annually.

• Holds roughly 4% market share in retail value terms, ranking second only to Metro Brands in market capitalization among Indian footwear companies.
• Built its dominant position through a clear strategic focus on the mass-market segment, prioritizing value for money over brand prestige.
• Portfolio includes popular sub-brands Sparx, Flite, and Bahamas, with Sparx becoming particularly popular among younger, sports-minded consumers.

3. Campus Activewear – The Sports Footwear Specialist

Campus Activewear has grown into one of India’s largest footwear brands by both value and volume, with a specific focus on athletic and casual footwear.

• Operates five manufacturing units with established retail distribution through exclusive outlets nationwide.
• Offers a wide product range spanning slippers, shoes, and sandals within the sports and athleisure category.

4. Metro Brands – The Premier Retail Consolidator

Metro Brands operates as a leading footwear retailer offering branded footwear, accessories, and handbags under multiple house brands.

• Runs operations under Metro Shoes, Mochi Shoes, Walkway, FitFlop, Da Vinchi, and Cheemo.
• Reported a 12.26% increase in total income from operations in a recent quarter, reflecting solid ongoing performance.
• Currently ranks ahead of Relaxo in overall market capitalization among listed Indian footwear companies.

5. Liberty Shoes – The Established Formal Wear Name

Liberty Shoes has been a recognized name in Indian footwear manufacturing since 1954, originally established as “Pal Boot House.”

• Formally incorporated as Liberty Shoes Limited in 1986, building over seven decades of brand history.
• Offers a wide range spanning formal, casual, and sports footwear categories.

6. Woodland India – The Rugged Outdoor Specialist

Woodland has built a distinct niche in India’s footwear market with rugged, outdoor-oriented footwear designed for durability.

• Positioned in the premium outdoor footwear segment, differentiating from the mass-market players on this list.
• Maintains strong brand recognition among consumers specifically seeking durable, weather-resistant footwear.

7. Khadim India – The Mass-Market Retail Network

Khadim India operates across the mass-market and mid-range footwear segments with a genuinely wide retail footprint.

• Recognized as one of the leading companies operating in India’s broader footwear market alongside larger national players.
• Maintains a significant retail presence, particularly across smaller cities and towns.

8. Paragon Footwear – Budget-Friendly Durability

Paragon is widely known for offering durable, budget-friendly footwear that has maintained relevance across generations of price-conscious Indian consumers.

• Long-standing reputation specifically built around affordability paired with genuine durability.
• Continues to hold a stable position within India’s value-focused footwear segment.

9. Adidas India, Puma India, and Nike India – The Global Sports Giants

These three international sportswear giants maintain significant, growing manufacturing and retail presence within India, competing directly in the premium athletic and lifestyle footwear space.

• All three are investing heavily in India-specific retail expansion and localized product lines to serve the country’s rapidly growing sports footwear demand.
• Together with domestic players like Campus Activewear, they’re driving genuine innovation in athletic footwear design and materials across the Indian market.

What’s Shaping the Industry’s Growth Right Now

• Union Budget 2026-27 export measures extended duty-free imports of specified inputs for shoe-uppers and leather/synthetic footwear exports, directly benefiting manufacturers and component makers in the value chain.
• Extended export timelines — from 6 months to 1 year — for exporters using duty-free imported inputs, easing compliance pressure on manufacturers with international customers.
• Rising demand for sustainable footwear is pushing sports and casual footwear brands to invest in eco-friendly materials and designs, a genuine long-term positioning shift across the industry.
• E-commerce and retail expansion continue driving both established manufacturers and emerging players toward broader distribution and digital-first sales strategies.

The Bottom Line

India’s footwear industry combines century-old legacy brands like Bata and Liberty Shoes with fast-scaling domestic manufacturers like Relaxo and Campus Activewear, alongside global sportswear giants Adidas, Puma, and Nike competing for the country’s growing premium athletic segment. With government export incentives, sustainability trends, and continued retail expansion all converging, India’s position as the world’s second-largest footwear market looks set to strengthen further through the rest of the decade.

FAQs

Q1. Which Indian footwear company produces the highest volume of shoes?

Relaxo Footwears leads by production volume, manufacturing millions of pairs annually across its mass-market brand portfolio.

Q2. Which footwear brand has the longest manufacturing history in India?

Bata India leads with manufacturing roots dating back to the 1930s, spanning nearly nine decades of continuous operation.

Q3. Are global sports brands manufacturing footwear within India or only importing it?

Companies like Adidas, Puma, and Nike are increasingly investing in India-specific manufacturing and retail expansion alongside imports.

Q4. Which segment is driving the fastest growth in India’s footwear industry?

Sports and athleisure footwear is growing rapidly, driven by rising fitness culture and strong demand from younger consumers.