India's shoe market has witnessed high growth during the last few years, with its market forecasted to reach $15.5 billion by 2026. With increased awareness concerning style, comfort, and sustainability, Indian consumers are demanding shoes that provide more than mere functionality. Consequently, some indigenous brands have taken center stage, fusing high-end craftsmanship, innovative technology, and environment-friendly values.

From time-honored traditions to eco-pioneers, here's a handpicked list of India's best shoe brands in 2025 — transforming the way India walks, one step at a time.

1. GreenSole – Walking the Talk on Sustainability

GreenSole has transformed Indian footwear by infusing sustainability into every moment of its business. It's not only a brand — it's a movement reimagining the production and consumption of shoes.

Eco-Friendly Innovations That Set the Pace

Their production cycle, which is circular, converts old shoes into cool, high-performance shoes with the help of eco-materials such as recycled rubber, plant-based synthetics, and water-based adhesives. Every shoe produced avoids more than 4.5 tons of carbon emissions every year.

Social Impact with a Sole

With their "Sole with Soul" program, they've donated more than 100,000 shoes to poor kids and provided local employment in refurbishment centers in rural India.

Product Highlights

• Office Casuals & Office Wear: Stylish and comfortable for every day and business wear

• Active Collection: Fitness-inspired and green

• Limited Edition Designs: Including art and social awareness

GreenSole raises the bar with a fusion of comfort, greener choices, and social welfare.

2. Bata – The Evergreen Classic

Bata is a popular household brand, with history dating back to the 1930s. Famed for dependable quality and extensive availability, it's a top shoe choice in India till date.

What Sets Bata Apart:

• Broad ranges for men, women, and kids

• Sub-brands such as Power, Hush Puppies, and North Star appealing to certain style sensibilities

• Competitively priced with robust quality assurance

With over 1,500 outlets spread across India and a robust web presence, Bata remains an Indian foot's trusted companion — from school passages to boardrooms.

3. Relaxo – Affordable Style for All

Relaxo has earned its position among India's best shoe brands with its affordable, long-lasting, and fashionable footwear ranges.

Best-Selling Sub-Brands:

• Sparx: Sports and athletic shoes

• Bahamas: Bold and comfortable flip-flops

• Flite: Value-for-money daily wear

• Schoolmate: Tough school shoes

• Relaxo Hawaii: Timeless flip-flops

Relaxo's secret of success is providing excellent value — particularly for men's slippers, women's slippers, and light sandals for women and men.

4. Metro Shoes – Elegance Meets Excellence

For those who enjoy fine detailing and high-end quality, Metro Shoes does not disappoint. It's renowned for polished craftsmanship, chic styling, and superior leather shoes.

Signature Collections:

• Formal Leather: Sophisticated office and event wear

• Party Wear: Chic, sophisticated shoes

• Casuals and Accessories: Everyday wear with a twist

With 200+ standalone outlets and robust online presence, Metro combines old-school values with sleek modernity.

5. Woodland – Made for Adventure

Woodland is a cult choice among nature lovers and adventure-seekers. With its rugged design and durability for purpose, it's the go-to brand for bad roads and adverse conditions.

What makes Woodland Different:

• Durable materials such as water-proof leather and rubber outsoles

• Trekker-perfect, hike-perfect, and outdoors-man-perfect for work and life

• Adventure-tested and weather-tough

Woodland gained customers by fulfilling a promise to bring shoes as rugged as their customers.

6. Mochi – Popping with Style

Mochi appeals to the young people with colourful, fashion-trendy looks. It gets catwalk style from around the globe to Indian pavements at pocket-friendly costs.

Style-First Footwear:

• trending Runway-Inspired Designs

• Festival Seasons

• Bollywood-Inspired Collections

• Colourful sliders for ladies and gents

Aided by stylish looks, Mochi has managed to position itself among trendsetting urban customers willing to differentiate themselves.

7. Red Chief – Leather Maestros

Operated from Kanpur, Red Chief specializes in making quality leather footwear from ethically produced materials and high-quality craftsmanship.

Product Range:

• Executive Line: Shiny formal shoes

• Rugged Casuals: Daily wear and harsh use

• Heritage Series: Inspired by Indian heritage

Red Chief makes flat feet slippers and shoes for the best possible arch support, which are fashionable and orthopedic-friendly too.

8. NoStrain – Footwear That Supports You

NoStrain is India's upcoming star for ergonomic and orthopedic footwear. It specializes in men's slippers, women's sandals, and slippers for flat feet. NoStrain combines wellness with daily comfort.

Why NoStrain is Making Headway:

• Biomechanically-shaped footbeds to stabilize the arch and heel

• Specialized ranges for flat-footed individuals, plantar fasciitis, or back pain sufferers

• Soft, skid-resistant sliders for women and men for indoor and outdoor wear

• Cushion Sandals for Men that are suitable for hours of wear

Whether running around or unwinding indoors, NoStrain makes each step stress-free.

Conclusion: Striding into the Future

India's footwear landscape is changing fast, with newer brands such as GreenSole revolutionizing sustainability, while older brands such as Bata and Relaxo still dominate in affordability and trust. New players such as NoStrain are breaking new ground in comfort and wellness — particularly for specialist requirements such as flat feet slippers and orthopedic styles.

As sustainability, design, and performance meet, the future is for brands that find the optimal balance between innovation, sustainability, and affordability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to look for when purchasing shoes in India?

Comfort, correct fit, quality material, and purpose-specific design (formal, casual, athletic, etc.).

How do I ensure correct shoe fit?

Make sure there is a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe. It should be snug over the arch and heel, but not pinch.

Where can I find good footwear in India?

Buy from brand stores, local retailers you trust, or big online sites like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, or directly from the brand website.

How are Indian shoe brands different from international ones?

Indian brands are now more competitive, providing high-quality, climate-appropriate footwear — and frequently at lower prices. GreenSole and NoStrain also excel in sustainable and ergonomic innovation.