6 Indian sneaker brands to kick your Samba habit, according to Reddit

Price range: all at ₹4,499

Founded by Harsh Maskara, Myntra co-founder Sankar Bora, and former project lead of Cult Fit, Deepak Patil, Chk launched in July 2025 with 35 styles across four collections, then edited its offerings down to just one silhouette: the Stride OG. A slim, retro-inspired runner designed for everyday wear, it comes in 14 colourways and is manufactured at the Chk’s own factory in Ranipet, Tamil Nadu. Over on Reddit, its resemblance to Onitsuka Tiger’s Mexico 66 hasn’t gone unnoticed, but one user who purchased it praised its comfort and quality after months of wearing it regularly to work, though he recommends sizing up for a more comfortable fit. For anyone on the lookout for a low-profile sneaker, this is one to look at.

Price range: ₹8,950 to ₹9,950 approx

Fabin Prakash was the kid who wore a different pair of sneakers to school every single day. Now 25, he’s turned his obsession with sneakers into Echos Above, a Chennai-based sneaker brand built on a simple question: if India has world-class leather craftsmanship, why isn’t there a globally competitive Indian shoe brand? 

His debut drop, Away Day, borrows from the British terrace culture of the 1980s and ’90s, with suede panels, tonal stitching, and a signature cloud motif in shades like lemongrass yellow and corsage pink. Each pair is made entirely in Chennai by a team of 10 to 15 people and ships with additional laces in a box that visually mimics a football field.

Price range: ₹1,999 to ₹4,999 approx

Ahmedabad-based Ludic started with shoes before extending its range to athleisure and accessories, including functional backpacks and socks. Its sneaker lineup covers the daily essentials: clean canvas low-tops, slip-ons, and the DS Moto, a low-profile suede sneaker that takes its design cues from motorsports. But the brand clearly has a sense of humour too. Its Sliders 2.0 come in colourways that read like they’re drawn from a dhaba menu: Makhani Beige, Jalebi Orange, Chutney Green, and Purple Pyaaz.

Price range: ₹4,499 to ₹4,999 approx

Built Athletics has a theory: modern cushioning has made our feet lazy. Its website makes a case for moving more naturally, with anatomical explanations you’d expect from a science textbook. Built is co-founded by Vedant Lamba, who built the sneaker resale platform Mainstreet Marketplace, and Vijayant Dhaka. The brand’s flagship Natural Movement Shoe V1 takes the barefoot approach with a wide toe box, zero heel drop (so it’s completely level from the heel to the forefoot) and a weight of approximately 212 grams. There’s also the Court Shoe V1, designed with extra grip for racquet sports. Both styles are unisex.

Price range: ₹1,099 to ₹7,999 approx

Kolkata-based Impakto bills itself as India’s first “smart shoe” company, with its Navigator line as the headline act. The shoes are embedded with sensors that track movement and connect to an app on your phone for fitness data and real-time feedback. But wearable tech isn’t the only thing it offers. Its barefoot trainers have found an audience among gym-goers on Reddit, who have praised their lightweight construction and comfort. It also offers court shoes, plus pairs made specifically for trekking, walking, padel and running, and recovery slides with toe spacers. In other words, there’s a shoe for nearly every activity and more.

Price range: upto ₹4,980

Nickron has been courting Gen Z streetwear fans since 2019, and its lineup focuses on chunky soles, exaggerated proportions, and streetwear-inspired designs. 

Bulky styles, like the Nomad, Phantom A-500, and Rocket Boost, are their bestsellers, but if you prefer something less imposing, there’s also understated flat-soled SKUs to choose from. One r/SneakersIndia user who took a chance on the Nimbus Rocket Boost reported being pleasantly surprised by its comfort and build quality. The women’s collection includes low-tops in playful shades like cherry pop and forest green.