India's footwear market, currently valued at a robust $26 billion, is poised for a significant leap, projected to hit $90 billion by 2030, as per a Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) report. The forecast is driven by two primary transformations in the industry. Firstly, the demand for non-leather footwear, encompassing sports shoes, running shoes, casual wear, and sneakers, is expected to skyrocket. This segment, which currently holds a 25 per cent market share, is anticipated to dominate with 75 per cent by 2030. Secondly, the production of leather shoes is undergoing a pivotal shift from small-scale, cottage industries to larger corporate entities.

Internationally, India stands as the second-largest global producer of footwear, contributing 13 per cent to worldwide production and holding a 2.2 per cent share in global exports. The country's forte lies in leather shoes, boasting $2.2 billion in exports in 2022 alone, according to the report titled ‘India’s Footwear Revolution: Marching Towards a $90 Billion Future’.

Domestically, the average Indian spends approximately $18.2 per person on footwear, a figure significantly lower than other major markets. Currently, leather shoes reign supreme in the Indian market, accounting for a 70 per cent share. However, this is set to change with the rising preference for non-leather footwear.

The industry, a major employer, provides jobs for about 4.42 million people, with women making up 40 per cent of the workforce. Investment in high-quality design and production facilities for non-leather shoes is crucial, along with protective measures for small firms.

Market trends indicate a shift towards non-leather footwear, influenced by younger, fashion-conscious consumers with increased disposable income. Additionally, the leather shoe segment is experiencing significant changes due to government regulations and quality control standards, impacting small-scale producers.

To spur industry growth, strategies such as reducing imports of finished shoes, promoting local production, attracting foreign contract manufacturers, and establishing footwear design, and R&D centres are needed. Managing imports under free trade agreements and regulating low-priced imports is also required.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)

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