Introduction to Indian Footwear Industry
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The footwear industry is a significant segment of the leather and
fashion industry in India. Footwear industry is basically labour
intensive and is generally seen that it is concentrated in the small
and cottage sectors.
The Indian footwear industry ranks second among the footwear producing
countries next to China.
India is the world's second largest producer of footwear; its
production estimated over 700 million pairs per annum. At about US $
300 million per year, footwear accounts for 18 percent share of total
exports of leather exports.
Various types of shoes produced and exported from India include dress
shoes, casuals, moccasins, sports shoes, horacchis, sandals,
ballerinas, and booties. Major production centres are Chennai
(Madras), Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, Mumbai (Bombay), Calcutta and
Jalandhar.
Most of the modern footwear manufacturers in India are already
supplying to well established brands in Europe and USA. The large
domestic market and the opportunity to cater to world markets makes
India an attractive destination for technology and investments.
Equally relevant is it for the footwear components industry, at this
juncture, it is posed for real growth and diversification.
India is the second largest footwear manufacturer in the world, next
only to China. Nearly 58 percent of the industry, which is by and
large labour intensive and concentrated in the small and cottage
industry sectors, remains unbranded. However, as part of its effort to
play a lead role in the global trade, the Indian leather industry is
now focusing on key deliverables of innovative design, state-of-the-
art production technology and unfailing delivery schedules.
Globally, the trend towards sourcing to countries with low-cost
production continues. Overall, the Far East continues to be the key
area for footwear sourcing, but Eastern Europe (Romania and Bulgaria)
has become more important as closer proximity helps European retailers
to move faster. India and Vietnam are also considered important for
sourcing. India is especially strong in the men 's footwear segment
though the world 's major production is in ladies footwear. This not
only limits the scope for footwear exports, but also points to a huge
potential in the domestic market. Proper branding and promotion can
greatly increase the domestic demand in ladies footwear.
While leather shoes and uppers are concentated in large scale units,
the sandals and chappals are produced in household and cottage sector.
In the case of chappals and sandals, use of non-leather material is
prevalent in the domestic market.