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Structural Reforms For Inclusive Footwear Industry Growth

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Kunal Joshi is an emerging Entrepreneur and Co-founder of Elevar Sports. Elevar Sports is one of the fastest-growing D2C startups. In 2018, Kunal Joshi partnered with Aayush Tapuriah and founded Elevar Sports. Kunal aims to create a sports brand in India that connects with the millennials by emulating their style, culture, and values. Under the dynamic leadership of Kunal Joshi, Elevar Sports has grown exponentially. With 100,000 followers and an NPS score of more than 65 on all its product, Elevar Sports has carved a niche in the market.

How are the exports and sports industry in India expanding? Why Does Indian Sports Shoe Manufacturing Require a Massive Step Up?
Exports and in general, the sports industry in India are expanding due to several factors. The current government has been taking initiatives to promote sports, including establishing a National Sports Talent Search Portal, increasing sports infrastructure and facilities, and supporting athletes through various schemes and programs. This has led to an increase in the number of sports enthusiasts and athletes in the country, which in turn has boosted the demand for sports equipment and apparel.

Additionally, the immense growth of e-commerce platforms has made it easier for Indian sports goods manufacturers to reach a global market. The Indian sports industry has also been able to leverage its cost-effective manufacturing capabilities to offer competitive pricing on sports goods, making them attractive to buyers worldwide.

However, despite the growth in the sports industry, Indian sports shoe manufacturing requires a massive step up due to several reasons. Firstly, the majority of sports shoes sold in India are imported from other countries, making it difficult for domestic manufacturers to compete. Secondly, traditional Indian manufacturers have struggled to produce sports shoes that meet international standards in terms of quality and design.

To overcome these challenges, Indian sports shoe manufacturers need to invest in modern manufacturing technology and processes, as well as research and development to create high-quality, innovative sports shoes that can compete with international brands. Additionally, collaborations with international brands and experts can help Indian manufacturers learn and adopt best practices in design and manufacturing. With the right investments and collaborations, Indian sports shoe manufacturers can expand their reach and compete on a global scale.

How Bright a Future Does India's Footwear Industry Have?
India's footwear industry has a bright future, with several factors contributing to its growth and potential. Our country has a large population of over 1.3 billion people, which presents a massive consumer market for footwear manufacturers. Additionally, rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and increasing fashion consciousness among young consumers have boosted the demand for footwear in the country.


Moreover, the Indian footwear industry has a competitive advantage in terms of cost-effectiveness and skilled labor. The country's low-cost manufacturing capabilities enable Indian manufacturers to produce shoes at a lower cost than their counterparts in other countries. Furthermore, the country has a large pool of skilled workers with expertise in leatherworking, shoemaking, and other related fields.


In recent years, the Indian footwear industry has been expanding its presence in the global market, with increasing exports to countries like the US, Europe, and the Middle East. The industry has been able to leverage its cost-effective manufacturing capabilities and skilled labor force to offer competitive pricing on footwear products, making them attractive to buyers worldwide.

Finally, the Indian government has been taking several initiatives to promote the growth of the footwear industry, including providing incentives to manufacturers and promoting the use of sustainable materials in shoemaking.

Overall, the future looks bright for India's footwear industry, with strong domestic demand and increasing exports contributing to its growth and potential as a global player in the footwear market.

How one indigenous sneaker company is revolutionising performance, one shoe at a time.
At Elevar, we are passionate about pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the footwear industry. Our commitment to innovation and style means that with each product, we strive to provide world-class technology and a unique aesthetic.

Our first range of shoes is designed to enhance the performance capabilities of our customers. To achieve this, we have engineered our shoes using RYDFOAM™, the world's most innovative sole technology. This sole is made from eTPU (expanded thermoplastic polyurethane) pellets that have been engineered to compress for optimal cushioning and expand quickly for fiery acceleration. The result is an unbelievably light, cushioned experience with exceptional shock absorption.

Our Rydefoam™ soles are also designed for flexibility, ensuring all-day comfort no matter where your day takes you, whether it's a workout or a night out. We extensively wear test our soles for superior durability, ensuring they can withstand even the most rigorous activities.

To further enhance comfort, we use a variety of lightweight and breathable knit and mesh fabrics in our performance range of shoes, making you feel like you're walking on clouds.

At Elevar, we are committed to providing you with footwear that not only looks great but also performs at the highest level.

Why would you believe the Indian footwear market will rise eight times by 2030?How?
There are several reasons why the Indian footwear market is expected to grow eight times by 2030. Firstly, India has a massive consumer market of over 1.3 billion people, with rising disposable incomes and a growing middle class. This presents a huge opportunity for the footwear industry to tap into this consumer base and meet the growing demand for shoes.

Secondly, the Indian government has been taking several initiatives to promote the growth of the footwear industry, including providing incentives to manufacturers, promoting sustainable materials in shoemaking, and improving the ease of doing business in the country. These measures are expected to attract more investment and stimulate growth in the industry.


Thirdly, the Indian footwear industry has a competitive advantage in terms of cost-effectiveness and skilled labor. The low-cost manufacturing capabilities of the country enable Indian manufacturers to produce shoes at a lower cost than their counterparts in other countries. Furthermore, the country has a large pool of skilled workers with expertise in leatherworking, shoemaking, and other related fields.


Fourthly, the Indian footwear industry is gradually shifting towards more sustainable and eco-friendly practices, which is expected to drive growth in the industry. The use of sustainable materials and the adoption of eco-friendly manufacturing processes are becoming increasingly popular among consumers, both domestically and globally.

Finally, the rise of e-commerce platforms has made it easier for Indian footwear manufacturers to reach a global market. The Indian footwear industry has been able to leverage its cost-effective manufacturing capabilities to offer competitive pricing on footwear products, making them attractive to buyers worldwide.

In conclusion, the combination of a massive consumer market, government initiatives, cost-effectiveness, skilled labor, sustainable practices, and e-commerce platforms are expected to drive the growth of the Indian footwear market by eight times by 2030.
Regenerate response

According to you, what are the impacts and advantages emerging innovations have on the retail/footwear industry?
Emerging innovations are having a significant impact on the retail and footwear industry, providing several advantages that are shaping the future of the industry. Some of the impacts and advantages that are worth considering are:

1. Personalization: With the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning, retailers can now collect and analyze vast amounts of data to understand customer preferences and offer personalized recommendations. This helps to increase customer loyalty and drive sales.

2. Omnichannel retailing: Customers today expect a seamless shopping experience across multiple channels, including online, mobile, and brick-and-mortar stores. Emerging technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality enable retailers to offer immersive shopping experiences that seamlessly blend physical and digital channels.

3. Supply chain optimization: The use of advanced analytics and IoT devices can help retailers optimize their supply chain, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency. This can lead to cost savings and a more sustainable business model.

4. Enhanced customer experience: Retailers can use emerging technologies like chatbots and virtual assistants to provide personalized customer service and support, even outside of normal business hours. This improves the overall customer experience and helps to build brand loyalty.

5. Faster innovation: Emerging technologies have made it easier and faster for retailers to innovate and bring new products and services to market. This helps to keep pace with changing consumer preferences and stay ahead of the competition.

Overall, emerging innovations are transforming the retail and footwear industry, providing several advantages such as personalization, sustainability, AR/VR, supply chain optimization, online/offline integration, and faster product development. Retailers and manufacturers that embrace these emerging innovations will be better equipped to meet the evolving demands of their customers and stay competitive in the marketplace.