Best Kerala Footwear Brands

What comes to your mind when you think of Kerala? The scenic backwaters or the vibrant cultural heritage? Well, everyone has a liking for the land of lush green, but is that all? Not really! Kerala is home to the thriving footwear industry. The state has become a major center for the production of shoes, particularly in non-leather categories such as PVC and rubber. The emphasis on quality, affordability, and creative designs is what is fueling this growth. This article compiles the best Kerala footwear brands in India.

Kerala’s Footwear Industry

Kerala has made a name for itself in the Indian footwear industry by fusing traditional craftsmanship with modern fashion sensibility. Kerala has shoes for every foot, whether you're searching for stunning handcrafted sandals, long-lasting rubber slippers, or trendy modern shoes. These businesses, which range from emerging stars to local legends, highlight the state's strong industrial culture and spirit of entrepreneurship.

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The footwear sector in Kerala has a long history and is dominated by both major producers and talented craftspeople. For example, Kozhikode has long been a center for the production of footwear, having numerous factories there. As a sign of its expanding power, the sector now exports its goods in addition to satisfying domestic demand.

Best footwear brands from Kerala

Paragon Footwear

In India, the name Paragon is essentially synonymous with footwear. It is well-known for offering a wide selection of reasonably priced and dependable shoes for the whole family. Paragon provides footwear for every occasion, ranging from stylish sneakers and school shoes to casual chappals and sandals. The brand's popularity across a range of demographics can be attributed to its dedication to offering comfortable, long-lasting footwear at an affordable price.

The affordability, robustness, and widespread appeal of Paragon are its primary benefits. The brand uses state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities dispersed throughout India and has a vast distribution network. Paragon maintains its Kerala identity and production ethics in spite of its size.

Popular Products:

• Rubber slippers
• Formal and casual sandals
• EVA and PU-based footwear
• School and office shoes

Walkaroo

As a budget-friendly lifestyle brand, Walkaroo, a member of the VKC Group, has established a niche for itself. Walkaroo was established to provide stylish designs and high-quality items to middle-class and upper-class clients, whereas the VKC brand first focused on more basic footwear. The success of Walkaroo, which has a significant market share in South India and is expanding across the country, is a result of its business model of providing fashionable footwear at reasonable costs.

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With its stylish yet reasonably priced selection of sandals and shoes, Walkaroo, an innovative, youth-focused brand, has quickly drawn in Indian customers. Walkaroo is renowned for its cutting-edge sole technology and ergonomic designs. With lines that include sports shoes, loafers, casual sandals, and more, it serves both metropolitan and semi-urban consumers.

Popular Products:

• Sports shoes
• Slip-ons for casual wear
• Women's flats and sandals
• Children's school shoes

VKC Pride

Known as a homegrown brand, VKC Pride, a subsidiary of the wider VKC Group, is a major player in its own way. What started out as a modest chappal factory in Calicut expanded into a huge Indian corporate conglomerate. Mainly aimed at middle-class customers, the flagship brand VKC Pride is renowned for producing fashionable and cozy footwear. One of the leading producers of PU (polyurethane) footwear, which is renowned for its strength and durability, is the VKC Group, which has its headquarters in Kozhikode. Offering a large selection of footwear for both men and women, VKC Pride places a special focus on both price and quality.

The brand is well-known in the area and beyond due to its established presence and emphasis on customer trust. VKC is excellent at fusing style and utility. Homemakers, students, and working professionals all like its chappals and sandals. The brand has entered foreign markets and keeps coming up with new collections every season.

Popular Products:

• Men’s PU and EVA sandals
• Women’s fashion slippers
• School wear and daily wear footwear
• Corporate footwear for formal use

Odyssia

Another VKC Group brand that has become well-known for its fashionable and superior footwear is Odyssia. The brand's primary goal is to provide stylish products that appeal to a younger, more fashionable demographic. The range of sandals, shoes, and casual footwear offered by Odyssia combines modern style with the comfort and toughness for which the VKC Group is renowned.

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Odyssia places itself in the semi-premium market, in contrast to mass-market brands. It places a strong emphasis on ethical manufacture, environmentally friendly materials, and responsible sourcing—all of which appeal to today's conscious consumers.

Popular Products:

• Women’s fashion footwear
• Kids’ casual and school shoes
• Eco-friendly sandals
• Office wear for women

Sreeleathers

Despite its origins in Kolkata, Sreeleathers has a significant following in Kerala, particularly in big cities like Kochi and Trivandrum. The brand is renowned for providing a large selection of leather accessories and shoes at shockingly low costs.
Sreeleathers is well-liked by families, students, and office workers seeking high quality without going over budget. Everything is available in its stores in Kerala, including traditional sandals, casual sneakers, and formal leather shoes.

Popular Products:

• Sandals and leather shoes
• Belts and purses
• Children's footwear and school attire
• Women's flats and heels

Lakhani Footwear

Although Lakhani is a North Indian brand, it is well-known in regional footwear markets due to its distribution network in Kerala. College students and active users are drawn to its fashionable and lightweight designs, particularly those of sports shoes and floaters.

The shoes from Lakhani are reasonably priced and appropriate for daily use. The Kerala locations frequently carry unique styles that appeal to regional preferences, such as waterproof slippers and open-toe sandals that are perfect for the state's monsoon season.

Popular Products:

• Men's sandals and floaters
• Women's sports shoes
• School attire
• Slippers and flip-flops

Local Artisanal Brands

Kerala is home to numerous regional artisanal shoe manufacturers in addition to well-known commercial brands. These tiny companies and workshops focus on making handcrafted leather sandals, also known as kolhapuris, mojaris, or nadan chappals, which are frequently created using age-old methods that have been handed down through the centuries.

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Even though these businesses don't necessarily have an online presence, locals love them for their comfort, craftsmanship, and cultural significance. They are available in local marketplaces such as:

• Broadway Market, Kochi
• Chalai Bazaar, Trivandrum
• SM Street (Mittai Theruvu), Kozhikode

Buying from these businesses guarantees that you will wear something distinctive and contributes to the preservation of Kerala's handcrafted culture.

Why Kerala Footwear Brands Stand Out?

Kerala’s footwear brands differ from those of the rest of India for a number of reasons:

• Durability: Many items are long-lasting, waterproof, and anti-slip, and they are made to survive Kerala's tropical climate.
• Affordability: The majority of brands maintain quality at low pricing.
• Cultural Touch: Local aesthetics and practical requirements are frequently reflected in footwear (such as rubber chappals that are ready for the monsoon).
• Manufacturing Heritage: For many years, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Calicut have been important centers for the production of footwear in Kerala.

Conclusion

Try a Kerala brand the next time you're looking for a decent pair of shoes, sandals, or slippers. Along with wearing attire designed for Indian conditions you'll be helping out local businesses and entrepreneurs. Kerala's footwear market is robust and still growing, with styles.
With improved materials, increased e-commerce, and even international aspirations, Keralan businesses are likewise rising to the occasion as the fashion industry changes. Therefore, the next time you put on a pair of comfortable, dependable chappals or stylish sandals, stop and see if they were manufactured in Kerala. You might be wearing a tale of comfort, tradition, and business.