The Indian sneaker brands kicking up a storm

Price range: ₹4,900-₹15,999 approx

Born in Delhi in 2023, Gully Labs is the brainchild of Arjun Singh and Animesh Mishra—both former engineers. Walk into a café in Bandra, and there’s a good chance someone’s wearing a pair. Made in India using thick-grain leather and durable rubber, a new drop lands every 60 days, each one mixing local cues with a global polish. From rangoli motifs and Devanagari script to boots inspired by chundan vallam, Kerala snake boats, and even flamingos, a migratory bird that visits parts of India, the references from our street culture run deep.

Price range: ₹4,800-₹16,000 approx

Ashay Bhave started Thaely in 2019 with a college project and a question: what if plastic bags could do more than just pile up in landfills? Four years later, the brand is still sticking to that brief—clean design, low impact. Thaely (Hindi for ‘plastic bag’) turns waste into sneakers using around 10 bags and 12 recycled bottles per pair, made in sweatshop-free facilities. “We believe fashion should not come at the cost of the planet, and our goal is to disrupt the footwear industry by proving that eco-friendly alternatives can match and even surpass traditional standards in both style and quality,” the founder told The Nod. The Y2K model already has collabs with Subko Coffee and artist Santanu Hazarika.

Price range: ₹4,299-₹5,299 approx

Comet was launched in July 2023 by Utkarsh Gupta and Dishant Daryani with a clear approach: sharp design, solid quality, and no fuss. In just a year, it’s become a go-to in India’s sneaker space, known for its custom soles and tagline: Never Shy, Never Sorry. Models like the Comet xLows, Aeons, and Slides balance edge with accessibility. Some Redditors have pointed out early creasing, but overall, the community seems to be sticking around. I just got a pair of the Godfathers which run a bit narrow, but my dad already wants in—he said, “Get me a pair,” and handed over his shoe size.

Price range: ₹5,499-₹6,499 approx

Started in 2019 by siblings Meera and Karanveer Dureja, Banjaaran Studio doesn’t play it safe. Based in Delhi, the brand leans into saturated colour and visual references pulled straight from South Asia—Multani tiles, Jaipur block prints, ikat, you name it. Materials vary by drop, from genuine suede and napa leather to printed faux leather. Everything’s made by artisans who’ve mastered their skills over generations. The result? Statement shoes that are truly one of a kind.

Price range: ₹3,699-₹6,999 approx

Hyderabad-based business consultants and brothers Taran Chhabra and Amar Preet Singh were looking for a multipurpose shoe when they started Neeman’s in 2018. Along the way they decided to put sustainability front and centre. As a result, they’ve recycled over 3.2 million plastic bottles and 50,000 kilos of tyres into sneaker and slippers. Their lineup includes jogging shoes made from Australian Merino wool—light, odour-resistant, and surprisingly affordable for what they are. You’ll also find easy slip-ons and sneaker-loafer hybrids that pull double duty from street to officecore.

Price range: ₹3,599-₹3,899 approx

Founded in 2022 by Aakanksha Rathod, Chnks (read: chunks) is a no-fuss sneaker label with a focus on form and function. Made from a mix of 60 per cent suede leather and 40 per cent polyurethane, these kicks have some heft but don’t weigh you down. The designs are clean, muted, and play well with a minimalist vibe. Whether you’re into high-tops, low-tops, or chunky soles, their shoes are low-key but never boring. Perfect for anyone who wants to switch up their sneaker game without chasing every trend.

Price range: ₹3,999- ₹5,999 approx

London College of Fashion graduate Shibani Bhagat started her Mumbai-based label 7-10 in 2021. Her brand’s aesthetic veers towards chunky soles, cushy high-tops, and graphic, hand-drawn artworks. The shoes are handmade, fully vegan, and built with durability in mind. The website reviews love the look, though some are still testing how they hold up long-term. If your shoe rotation needs a shake-up, 7-10 might just be the pumped-up pair that does it.