For a long time, much of what we considered cool came from elsewhere. Sneakers, in particular, carried the weight of Western influence: tied to global trends, celebrity culture, and the idea that good design meant something imported. To wear them was to signal that you were tuned in, connected to a discourse happening far away. But that’s beginning to shift. More and more, Indian designers are creating things from here, for here and not as copies or stand-ins, but as complete ideas in themselves. Sneakers are part of that change. Among the many homegrown brands that have come forth in recent years, here is part II of the brands you must know about.
Click here for Part I
Comet
Launched in 2023 by Utkarsh Gupta and Dishant Daryani, Comet has quickly become a notable new player in India’s sneaker scene. The brand’s approach is refreshingly straightforward: sharp, fuss-free design and solid build quality, delivered at accessible price points. Comet sneakers often feature custom sole designs and modern unisex silhouettes, all imbued with a “never shy, never sorry” attitude that reflects the company’s fearless, no-apologies ethos. Rather than splashy logos, the founders focus on storytelling and meaningful details in each release, an effort to give wearers a sense of personal connection and style without any excess noise.
Ludic
Ludic launched in late 2023 in Ahmedabad, founded by Ishit Jethwa as a “footwear-first” lifestyle label that doesn’t stop at shoes. True to its name (which means “playful”), Ludic infuses a fun, contemporary sensibility across its products, primarily footwear, but also apparel and even a signature fragrance line. The brand’s design philosophy balances comfort and creativity. By steering clear of fleeting fads and focusing on timeless silhouettes, Ludic aims to deliver quality footwear that tells a story and easily slots into everyday life.
Thaely
Founded in 2019 by Ashay Bhave as a college project, Thaely was born from a simple idea: to turn waste plastic into wearable style. The brand’s clean, minimalist sneakers are made using upcycled materials; roughly 10 discarded plastic bags and 12 recycled bottles go into each pair, and they’re produced in sweatshop-free facilities to ensure an ethical supply chain. Sustainability is at the heart of Thaely’s design approach, but not at the expense of aesthetics. The shoes blend a casual, everyday look with innovative recycled components, proving that eco-friendly alternatives can match traditional sneakers in both style and quality.
Chnks
Chnks (pronounced “chunks”) is a no-fuss sneaker label founded in 2022 by Aakanksha Rathod, focused on form and function over flash. Its shoes are built with a sturdy yet balanced mix of 60% suede leather and 40% polyurethane, giving them some heft without weighing you down. The design language is clean and minimalist, think muted colours and unfussy lines, which lends a versatile, go-with-anything vibe to their high-tops, low-tops, and chunky-soled styles. Chnks deliberately keeps things low-key but never boring: the idea is to offer reliable, stylish sneakers that can elevate everyday outfits without forcing you to chase the latest trend.
7-10
7-10 was founded in Mumbai in 2021 by Shibani Bhagat, a London College of Fashion graduate who set out to put Indian sneaker design on the global map. The label’s aesthetic leans toward statement silhouettes – think chunky soles, cushioned high-tops, and uppers adorned with hand-drawn graphics. Every pair is handmade in India using vegan materials, emphasizing quality craftsmanship and durability as core values. True to its homegrown ethos, 7-10 strives to combine high-fashion flair with everyday comfort, infusing a bit of underdog spirit into each design.
Words Harita Odedara
15.07.2025