My mum always says to choose your footwear wisely. Whenever someone checks you out, they do so from the ground-up which is why you should only own the flyest pairs of shoes. Whatever suits you, could be basic too but it’s gotta be impactful.

Okay, now let’s talk about the staple shoe- our lovely sneakers. Try to keep an open mind because we will talk about sneakers other than our beloved Nike Jordans and Dunks and Cortezs and Blazers and the whole list.

What’s the first thought that comes to your head when I say “Sneaker labels based in India?” that wasn’t a rhetorical question, please answer me cause this is me talking to you, exploiting your knowledge and putting it to my use efficiently. 

My biggest and mostly credible source (Instagram) helped me jot down a few sneakers labels based out of India that are booming. In no particular order, here I go:

1) COMET

They have a logo that makes you think if it is a BAPE STA knock-off  but worry not, they actually have some really cool pairs you should bag. The knock-off joke would have come in at some point so I thought I’d get it out the way in the beginning

Comet is a label run by Utkarsh and Dishant. It is fairly new and their performance has been incredible seeing how they only started out with their first Instagram post back in June. They have come a long way since & their collection is progressing slowly. Go check out their kicks, we hope you find your Comet

Our favorite find has got to be the X Lows Dark. Basic, sure, but they look fire.

2) THAELY

Thaely is one of the most impactful and sustainable sneaker label you’ll ever come across and I’m saying that cause PETA said it first back in 2021.

Firstly, I just want to mention what a brilliant name ‘Thaely’ is for a sneaker label that makes shoes out of plastic bottles and plastic bags solely (pun unintended). Not only are they unbelievably sustainable with every single detail of their product, their collection is actually really great- a vital part that most labels miss out on.

The silhouette of this beige Sparrow Reflex Runner has been constructed with so much care, I might just spend my salary on it.

Also, definitely check out their website- it is so informative and cool. When you’re done, let’s discuss favorite fonts.

3) 7-10 (Seven-Ten)

A homegrown design house that claims to combine high-fashion and affordability to break conventional boundaries, 7-10 really has some of the coolest and well-constructed sneakers in the game. Their designs are detailed to the dot with attention-grabbing silhouettes in loud and minimal colorways. If you are someone who likes a more low-key look with a basic design, they’ve got you covered too.

They have a pretty vast collection compared to the other labels we just discussed, & I’m sure if you stay around on the website long enough, you’ll find something you’ll rock. We’re still gonna force our favorite pick on you cause this high-top caught our eye and we wouldn't want you to miss out on it. the 703 Triple White Hightop sneaker:

4) GULLY LABS

Gully Labs has those sneakers that you could look fly in everyday. If you’re a color buff and yearn for that ‘pop of color’ in your outfit every time you step out, look no more you’ll find your everyday pair here. The attention to detail on the shoe, the explanation you get while browsing through the website might just make you smile.

It says “mumbaikar” like no other pair. Did the pricing raise an eyebrow? Yes. Did I read their manifesto after, soften up & forgive them for such rates? Also yes.

While you figure out if you can afford gully labs, or if they’re worthy of such rates, I’ll start with my conclusion.

Sneaker culture definitely has a long way to go in india. People really need to start respecting and acknowledging the existence of sneakers that aren’t manufactured by our beloved and classic brands like Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Rebook. It’s cool if we exclude Reebok when talking sneakers, right? That being said, let’s try to see the beautiful shoes that these wonderful designers have been working their ass off for.

Lastly, completely defeating the purpose of this article, I’d like to introduce y’all to Gavin (https://www.gavinsouth.com/). Amongst all the insane shit he makes, his sneakers caught my eye sometime last year and I hope to bag a pair as soon as possible. He is not based in India, but that’s something we shall overlook cause of how cool his designs and products are.