India’s footwear industry is at a critical inflection point. As the second-largest producer and third-largest consumer of footwear globally, we possess the scale and demand to lead the international market. Yet, for years, our progress has been hampered by dependence on imports, outdated machinery, and fragmented supply chains. The time has come to shift from being a low-cost manufacturer to becoming an innovation-driven, globally competitive hub for sports footwear.
At Viney Shoetech Pvt. Ltd., we have committed ourselves to leading this transformation. Since launching operations in September 2024 under the Viney Equity LLP group, we have been focused not only on manufacturing sports footwear, but on fundamentally reimagining how footwear should be designed, developed, and delivered in the modern era. Our operations span end-to-end functions—from product conceptualization to on-ground execution—powered by a clear vision and a technology-first approach.
India’s footwear and allied industries currently contribute nearly 1% to the GDP and employ over 4 million people, yet the sector continues to rely heavily on foreign inputs. Nearly 60% of raw materials, 80% of moulds, and 90% of machinery are still imported, especially from China and Vietnam. On the export front, the story is equally skewed—while 89% of domestic footwear consumption is non-leather, 70% of our exports remain leather-based. This mismatch reveals not just an opportunity but a necessity: to align our manufacturing capabilities with market demand and global trends.
One of the most promising shifts post-COVID has been the rise of sneaker culture. Sneakers are no longer confined to sports enthusiasts; they have emerged as fashion statements, workwear options, and lifestyle essentials. As consumer behavior evolves rapidly, so must our production capabilities. At VSPL, we are investing in semi-automated and fully automated operations with precision technologies like auto-cutting machines, laser and oscillating cutters, advanced stitching systems, and digitized quality control processes. These upgrades do more than improve efficiency—they open doors to innovation, sustainability, and mass customization.
A key advantage for India is the growing global appetite for alternatives to Chinese manufacturing. Brands are looking for scalable, dependable partners who can deliver both quality and agility. With our large talent pool, geographic advantage, and expanding domestic market, India is uniquely positioned to fill this gap. However, we need to strengthen our Tier-2 and Tier-3 supplier base to ensure uninterrupted, cost-effective production. Simultaneously, the industry must embrace lean manufacturing practices, 3D prototyping, and real-time data intelligence to stay globally relevant.
Another important step is to develop niche product categories that cater to emerging needs—smart footwear with embedded technology, orthopedic-friendly shoes for aging populations, and ultra-light, high-performance sneakers for athletes. For this, collaboration between academia, research institutions, and industry players is essential. Innovation must go beyond labs and enter the factory floor, and skill development must become a parallel priority alongside automation.
At Viney Shoetech, our approach is rooted in creating a vertically integrated ecosystem where design thinking, technology adoption, and operations excellence go hand in hand. Our aim is not just to manufacture shoes—it is to build a future-ready, self-reliant footwear ecosystem that drives global demand and inspires the next generation of Indian manufacturing.
India’s moment in the global sports footwear market has arrived. But seizing it will require more than intent—it demands execution, investment, and above all, collaboration across the value chain. With a clear roadmap and collective ambition, we have every potential to establish India not as a secondary option to China, but as the first choice for global brands seeking innovation, resilience, and speed.
The journey has begun. Now, we must accelerate.
–Satinder Dutt
CEO, Viney ShoetechPvt. Ltd.