Younger age groups express curiosity, while ecommerce offers opportunities in the growing online goods demand
The barefoot shoe market is emerging as a new trend that is quietly gaining popularity in India’s footwear industry.
As the global market for barefoot shoes is projected to surge to USD 788.7 million by 2031, India is emerging as a key player in this space, according to a report by Allied Market Research.
“In India, urbanisation is taking place at a dramatic pace and is influencing the lifestyle and buying behavior of consumers,” it said.
The rapid increase in the number of people involved in gyms, jogging and other such activities has increased sales of barefoot shoes in developing nations, the report highlighted.
“Customers in India are looking for footwear that allows for natural movement, comfort, and freedom as the country adopts the barefoot shoe trend. Increased awareness of foot health, sustainable materials, and customisation choices are some of the trends influencing the industry,” Ambud Sharma, Founder, Escaro Royale said.
A brand present in the barefoot shoe segment, Andune’s Jalaj Sahni, Founder & CEO also underlined that the Indian market of barefoot shoe is still in its infancy compared to developed nations, however, it holds promising growth potential.
“India is indeed showing an increasing interest in barefoot shoes. While the market is still nascent compared to developed countries, it holds promising potential for growth,” he said.
Market Challenges
In the initial stage of this segment, the indian market is encountering significant challenges. The major obstacles facing industry participants are growing environmental concerns and rising raw material prices, the report stated.
Also, in India the concept and benefits of barefoot shoes still have low awareness among the general population
Additionally, the imported brands are very expensive making it a barrier for some consumers to try out the concept of Barefoot Shoes, Sahni emphasised.
“In Western markets, barefoot shoes are at a high price point. The same prices may not work in India, as it is still a niche market in the country,” he stated.
Sahni added that there is still a scarcity of brands and offerings for barefoot shoes when compared to worldwide markets.
Men’s Dominance
Based on end-users, the men’s segment dominated the global market and is expected to retain its dominance in the barefoot shoe market, according to the report.
Men’s preferences for practicality and versatility are aligned with the emphasis on performance, functionality and minimalist design, “Which is why men’s shoes dominate the worldwide barefoot shoe market,” Sharma underlined.
According to Sahni, the male dominance could be due to their tendency to be early adopters of trends including innovative footwear options like barefoot shoes.
Sahni stated several factors contribute to the dominance of the men’s segment in the global barefoot shoes market, which may also influence the Indian market;
Participation in Outdoor Activities: Men generally participate more in outdoor activities like trail running, hiking and trekking, where barefoot shoes offer benefits like improved agility and ground feel.
Participation in Gym: There is a higher percentage of men working out in the gym than women, where barefoot shoes provide great advantages in terms of better stability and correct posture for training.
Focus on Performance overlooks: Men often prioritise performance-driven footwear, and barefoot shoes are marketed for their potential to enhance athletic performance and foot health.
Demographics & Barefoot Shoe Interest
There is still a lot of curiosity among Indian customers about barefoot shoes. Barefoot shoes are a relatively new idea in India when compared to existing footwear categories, therefore customers have little knowledge and comprehension of them.
Some consumers are unaware of the advantages of barefoot shoes, while others are intrigued and willing to test them.
In terms of age groupings, Andune found that younger to middle-aged people are more open to new trends and fitness-oriented activities and potentially show greater interest in exploring barefoot shoes.
While middle to older age groups have historically valued the comfort and safety of normal shoes, they are less likely to choose barefoot shoes unless convinced of major health benefits.
In terms of gender, Sahni said that his company discovered that males may be somewhat more receptive due to current trends in outdoor activities and performance footwear. On the other hand, owing to the wide toe box and different shape, the aesthetics of the barefoot shoe do not appeal strongly to women.
“They are more likely to make the switch after experiencing the comfort provided by barefoot shoes,” he said.
Ecommerce Opportunities
Ecommerce is expected to act as one of the barefoot shoe market opportunities for market players in the coming years, the report said.
“Ecommerce has a large number of benefits, including speed of access and a wider selection of goods and services. It is gaining traction in most countries as demand for online goods is increasing,” it said.
The rising penetration of the internet and smartphones has been the major growth factor for ecommerce and it has become a necessity for players to increase their sales and consumer base globally.
“Changing consumer lifestyles and increasing penetration of online retailing are anticipated to unfold attractive business opportunities for market growth. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious owing to work-related stress and lifestyle disorders,” the report stated.
The growing number of health-conscious customers has produced a significant demand for athletic clothing and footwear, which in turn boosts total market growth, the report added.
