Source :NEWS18 NEWS
Last Updated:May 25, 2025, 21:07 IST
India’s footwear scene is evolving—from performance-first running shoes to style-forward, tech-enabled athleisure that embraces sustainability.
From pilgrim paths to city promenades, our interview uncovers how performance tech, lifestyle flair, and sustainability are reshaping India’s footwear future.
When ASICS India’s head of business strategy, Rajat Khurana, sits down to discuss the state of footwear in the country, the conversation circles back to one undeniable truth: performance running still reigns supreme. “Roughly 55–60% of our business comes from performance running,” he explains, underscoring an unwavering demand for shoes engineered to conquer everything from long-distance marathons to early-morning jogs.
In an exclusive interview, Rajat walked us through how this core segment continues to drive innovation—think advanced midsole foams that adapt to each footstrike, engineered mesh uppers for breathability, and precision-guided support zones that reduce injury risk.
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Behind every silhouette is a global R&D lab, yet India’s feedback plays a pivotal role in final selection. “Designs originate worldwide, but our regional teams cherry-pick the models our runners need and love,” he notes, ensuring that what hits the shelves feels tailor-made for local pavement, terrain, and preferences.
Yet even as running maintains its lead, a younger, style-conscious generation is fueling the meteoric rise of sport-style or athleisure sneakers. What once accounted for a modest 15% of sales is now projected to climb to 20–25% within the next few years. According to Rajat, this surge reflects a broader shift in consumer taste: shoes must now deliver on both performance metrics and street-ready aesthetics. He categorizes the business into four key pillars: performance running, sport-style hybrids, sport-specific offerings for cricket or badminton, and a growing apparel line that spans technical gear to lounge-ready pieces. This structure allows brands to outfit everyone from weekend racers to mall-walkers without skipping a beat, and it speaks to the way footwear has become an extension of personal style as much as athletic ambition.
Beyond performance and style, Rajat is quick to emphasize the brand’s founding philosophy, mens sana in corpore sano—a sound mind in a sound body. “Every innovation we introduce is designed to nurture both physical comfort and mental well-being,” he says, pointing to cushioning systems that adapt to changing terrain and seamless uppers that cradle the foot without irritation. In his view, footwear is not just a tool for athletic achievement, but a catalyst for confidence and clarity in everyday life. This holistic approach extends to sustainability efforts as well: recent launches boast carbon footprints well below industry averages, a testament to eco-friendly materials and greener manufacturing processes implemented at every stage, from local factories to global import hubs.
True to the spirit of a candid conversation, Rajat also fielded some of our quirkiest questions revealing that the most unexpected place he ever tested a pair of lifestyle sneakers was on the granite slopes of Vaishno Devi. “I swapped my usual trail shoes for a sport-style pair,” he laughs, “and they handled the pilgrimage path brilliantly.” And for his signature city run? “Mumbai, so I can tackle the Queen’s Necklace promenade at sunrise,” he shares. These anecdotes underscore a simple truth: the right shoe can transcend its intended purpose, accompanying you from sacred trails to urban shorelines without missing a step.
Looking ahead to 2030, Rajat envisions footwear that’s more than supportive—it’s smart. With AI-driven data analytics, tomorrow’s running shoes will offer real-time gait feedback, personalized fit recommendations, and performance insights straight to your wrist. “The next generation of footwear will be as tech-savvy as the people who wear them,” he predicts, painting a picture of an era where biomechanics and digital connectivity converge. For India’s runners and style-seekers alike, the path forward is clear: lace up, log on, and go the distance.
- First Published:
May 25, 2025, 21:07 IST
SOURCE : NEWS 18
