At Sneaker Fortress, we’re passionate about sneakers – everything from Nike Air Max to Foamposite to the iconic lines from Jordan Brand – and strive to constantly be at the head of the pack when it comes to informing you about the latest, greatest, most exciting and even the most contentious kicks out there. Part of what we do, though, has to be about recognizing that while the love of sneakers is a global phenomenon, it’s also important to appreciate and give attention to the various regions and parts of the world that comprise the component elements of that worldwide culture. Today, we want to look at India in particular and check out some of the most popular sneakers dominating in sales and love over there. If you’re from India and are reading through this post, we’d love to hear from you in the comments section. You may have some insight into this and share any shoes you think we’ve left out with us. So, let’s start with some background.
Waking Up To India’s Sneaker Culture
When we look at what’s happening globally, the sneaker industry is a huge, multi-billion-dollar monster (in the positive sense) driven by fashion, performance and, at its core, passionate sneakerheads. It’s a vast playing field that includes running shoes and trainers, as much it does your high-top basketball shoes. Yet, for some reason, India, despite its rapid economic ascent and incredibly vibrant youth culture, remains underappreciated in this space. Why isn’t anyone giving India its flowers? Generally, when you think ‘sneakers’, the first place most people – especially those in the West – think about isn’t India. The tendency is to focus on places like the US, UK and other Western countries. Truth be told, though, everyone ignores India, but I don’t think that will be the case for much longer. Mallika Bhagat, writing in the Indian Express, says, “From limited edition drops to exclusive collaborations, India too is seeing a massive surge in sneakerheads, who chase highs from a new pair of kicks. And there are many reasons for this, the key being a growing millennial and Gen Z market that values self-expression and luxury, albeit in a different form”.
When we look at what has elevated sneaker culture to where it is now, few would argue with the fact that the globalization of basketball has had a considerable role to play there. More than just that, it’s the career and person of athletes like Michael Jordan and LeBron James that really put basketball – and therefore sneakers – on the world map. So then, when you think ‘basketball’, does India ever come to mind? No? It probably should. In September 2023, PR Newswire put out an article about the rapid growth of basketball – specifically NBA basketball – in India. According to the report, “the 2022-23 NBA season was the league’s most-watched ever in India, surpassing 100 million unique viewers across linear, social media and digital media platforms for the first time.” That number isn’t to be scoffed at. It’s clear that from both a sports and a cultural perspective, something big is happening in India, and we need to recognize it. Even people who don’t necessarily watch basketball or are interested in any sport are part of this growing phenomenon.
Other Factors Driving India’s Sneaker Evolution
Apart from the two things we’ve discussed so far, a few other factors are at the heart of India’s evolving relationship with sneakers and sports apparel in general. The first one has to do with economic expansion. Economic success breeds more economic success, and when you have an expanding middle class, that translates to higher disposable income, which means more companies will increase their investment in fashion and personal style – sneakers are included in that equation, and that’s what we’re here for.
The second thing that can’t be ignored is global connectivity. The internet and social media are providing more Indian youth with greater access to international trends and inspiring them to embrace the latest sneaker releases and cultivate collections. Air Jordans, anyone?
The third thing is cultural influence. Hip-hop is on the rise in India, and with its close ties to sneaker culture, this further grows the appeal of this type of footwear among young consumers. Think of how artists like Kanye (hello, Yeezy Boost) and Travis Scott, with his Jumpman Jacks and other collabs, have influenced the space with their superstar status.
Listing The Most Popular Sneakers In India
In looking around for possible contenders for a list of the most popular sneakers in India, I dug around to see who the prominent sneakerheads are and try to find out what they have to say. Most of what I came across were retailers with solid websites posting the occasional blog posts. I was looking for something concrete – a list of the most popular sneakers. Most of what I initially found in articles and blog posts was about sneaker brands, not specific kicks, silhouettes, or colourways. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a legit sneaker community in India (and I’m not even talking about cities and towns yet, so this is a massive oversimplification), and what caught my eye is that there’s a celebration of local brands slowly making their way onto the scene and even looking to compete with the big names. Still, I didn’t come across any definitive best-of or top-rated lists of sneakers. What I’d highlight, though, is the amazing subculture of sneaker customization in India. A lot of that is showcased on the pages of sneakerheads and designers on Instagram. It’s a visual treat, and I couldn’t ignore it. I’d encourage any sneakerhead who wants to know what’s going on in India to visit sites like Homegrown; you will be inspired.
I eventually settled on Mainstreet as the premier spot for insight into what’s hot and what’s not when it comes to sneakers. They are, after all, “India’s premier hype resale store & a community where style & culture converge”, as per their YouTube channel’s About page. It was here that I finally found a video called “Top 5 Most Selling Sneakers In India”. So, here we go with a list of the most popular sneakers in India today…
5. Air Jordan 1 Low Alternate Bred Toe
The Air Jordan 1 Low receives a contemporary update with this colourway, featuring a sophisticated black and white palette accented by pops of red. The upper is crafted from premium black leather, offering a timeless and luxurious aesthetic. The signature Swoosh featured prominently on both sides, is presented in a crisp white, providing a striking contrast against the dark base. A vibrant red Jumpman logo on the tongue gives the shoe a touch of energy and an instantly recognizable brand identity. Completing the design, the black Wings logo graces the red heels, while black laces, a clean white midsole, and a fiery red outsole add a touch of boldness and ensure a comfortable stride or cross-over dribble, depending on how you want to play it. This colourway is a beautiful balance of classic elegance and modern flair, making it a true standout in the Air Jordan 1 Low collection.
4. Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG UNC
This sneaker embodies a classic colourway with a nod to the University of North Carolina’s celebrated hues. The upper is crafted from pristine white leather, laying a timeless and luxurious base for the rest of the shoe. Contrasting black overlays deliver a touch of class, framing the centrepiece of the design: the University blue Swoosh. This well-constructed shoe boasts additional premium details, including a black Wings logo on the heel and ankle, a testament to Michael Jordan’s unending legacy. The black woven tongue adds subtle contrast, while the blue soles complete the colourway, ensuring comfort. The Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG UNC goes beyond trends. It is a collector’s piece that celebrates the University of North Carolina’s rich history and the emergence of arguably its most outstanding athlete ever.
3. Air Jordan 1 Retro High UNC Toe
Our editor, Jarrod Saunders, wrote this about these sneakers, which feature on our list of the top 10 Air Jordan 1 retro sneakers of 2023, “Inspired by Michael Jordan’s alma mater, the University of North Carolina, The UNC Toe was one of the most highly anticipated sneakers of 2023. I saw countless requests for pairs of this drop on social media. Of course, they dropped with a limited amount of pairs. This meant anyone who didn’t grab them at retail was forced to buy them from resellers. True fans consider this a must-have!”
2. Nike Dunk Low “Black White”
This shoe embraces a minimalist approach that celebrates the shoe’s timeless design. Inspired by Peter Moore’s original vision, this colourway strips away distractions. It highlights the sneaker’s clean lines, perfectly capturing the essence of its transition from the basketball courts to the streets. We have a white canvas crafted from premium leather, providing the foundation for this iconic silhouette. Bold black overlays, a design element pushed for by Moore himself, elegantly wrap around the toe and heel, emphasizing the shoe’s dynamic form. Complemented by the white Nike branding prominently displayed on the tongue tag and heel tab, the contrasting black backdrop creates a striking visual balance. This pared-down yet powerful aesthetic is everything the Nike Dunk Low is about. It solidifies its place as a cultural icon and salutes Moore’s achievements and design principles.
1. Air Force 1 Low LE “Triple White” – The most popular sneakers in India
The Air Force 1, a silhouette that has defied the passage of time (it seems Father Time can be beaten after all?), stands as an unwavering testament to its timeless design. Designed in 1982 by the visionary Bruce Kilgore, it first graced the hardwood courts but then transcended its initial purpose. Its legacy has become something more significant, going far beyond the confines of the basketball court. This iteration brings back the spirit of the respected ’82 sneaker and is reimagined for everyday wear. Its minimalist look always stays in style. The durability, the signature feel, and the Air technology for which the shoe is loved are all present, a tribute to its legacy.
What are your thoughts about this list of most popular sneakers in India? Should the world be giving the country’s sneakerheads more respect?
