Sneakers have a rich history dating back to Liverpool Rubber Company's plimsolls in 1830, evolving into a cultural phenomenon driven by exclusivity and brand prestige.
India is experiencing a sneaker revolution with a new generation considering sneakers as an extension of personal identity.
The sneaker market in India is projected to grow from $3.8 Bn in FY24 to $5.9 Bn in FY32, with a CAGR of 5.45%.
Sneakers are no longer just about aesthetics or comfort; they reflect the personalities of wearers and have become aspirational products and status symbols.
Sneaker reselling marketplaces like Find Your Kicks and Hustle Culture have seen significant growth, bridging the gap between buyers and sellers in the secondary market.
CDC and Find Your Kicks operate through different models, facilitating transactions between buyers, sellers, and businesses, ensuring authenticity and trust in the resale market.
Major brands like Nike and Adidas have made their products more accessible, impacting sneaker resellers who are now diversifying into selling apparel and fashion accessories.
Homegrown D2C sneaker brands are emerging in India to meet the growing demand, focusing on personalization and local adaptation.
Investors are showing interest in backing homegrown sneaker brands, while reselling culture may face challenges due to low margins and counterfeit product issues.
The Indian sneaker market is poised for significant growth, creating opportunities for more reselling platforms and local sneaker brands.