Sneakerheads are lacing up for the Indian Sneaker Festival 2025 that will bring the coolest kicks, freshest streetwear trends, and popular international music acts to Bandra this weekend
Spray-painted customised kicks featuring graffiti motifs
Around this time last year, superstar Shah Rukh Khan went viral for a reason not befitting a king. Khan stepped out in worn-out, soiled shoes at a public appearance outside his swanky abode, Mannat. The ‘King of Bollywood’ had to be rescued by the young sneakerhead community, who revealed to the world that the shoes in question were limited edition Golden Goose sneakers that came with a hefty Rs 70,000 price tag. Nikunj Duggal, a self-confessed sneakerhead and co-founder of the Indian Sneaker Festival, says the upcoming edition this weekend is a hat tip to this same sneaker madness.
South African pop star Tyla. PIC COURTESY/@toddowyoung
Be on your toes
Duggal reveals that the two-day festival has much more in store this year. For those who like to stand out from the crowd, sneaker customisation zones will help find their style. “This year, we also have trading pits where collectors can swap, show off and build their collections. The highlight remains the exclusive sneaker drops. We’ll have homegrown brand Comet releasing exclusives,” Duggal gives us an insider scoop.
A visitor checks out a sneaker at the 2023 edition. PICS COURTESY/INDIAN SNEAKER FESTIVAL ON YOUTUBE
Wear a pair of comfy kicks to the celebration, we’d say. American rapper Lil Yachty (who also has a popular Nike sneaker named after him) will make his India debut alongside other acts like Grammy Award-winning South African pop star Tyla, Delhi hip-hop veteran KR$NA and Mumbai-based Kayan. “These are artistes whose music and style influence what the community wears and aspires to be. It elevates the festival from a convention to a true celebration of culture,” the co-founder believes.
Kicks for all
Visitors browse through sneakers at the 2023 edition in Gurugram
If you’re someone who can’t wrap your head around the sneaker hype, you’re not alone; but you might soon be. “Earlier, sneaker culture was seen as a niche, reserved for collectors. Today young teens are into it because of creators and sport icons, Gen Z and millennials see sneakers as an identity statement, even working professionals buy sneakers that help them switch between work and play,” Duggal reveals.
Lil Yachty (Right) Nike Air Force 1 x Lil Yachty. PICS COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
One trend that stands out, he informs us, is that women are becoming one of the fastest-growing segments in sneaker culture. “It’s not just for ‘sneakerheads’ anymore. It’s for anyone who loves culture. You need to only show up once to understand why the world is obsessed,” he signs off.
ON December 6 and 7
AT MMRDA Grounds, Bandra Kurla Complex.
LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com
ENTRY Rs 2999 onwards
Go desi
>> Sweet idea
The king of sweets, Barfi, comes alive through the popular snowflake patter in these sneakers by
Gully Labs.
LOG ON TO gullylabs.com
COST Rs 7990
>> All eyes on me
Inspired by age-old totems, Faridabad-based Banjaaran Studio’s suede leather collection sports contrasting stitch lines and eye-shaped motifs on the bridge. These kicks are bound to grab a few eyeballs.
LOG ON TO banjaaran.in
COST Rs 6990
>> Go for gold
If you love bling, try on a pair of Anaar’s Elegante wedge sneakers. The shoes are crafted in gold fabric and feature intricate zardozi work. Each pair is crafted by hand, over a span of 50 hours.
LOG ON TO shopanaar.com
COST Rs 19,900
>> Colour me surprised
From the Royal Bengal Tiger to Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night, artist Sugandha Tyagi makes your sneakers her canvas. The customised shoes are made to order and come in waterproof paint for your everyday adventures.
LOG ON TO shoesyourdaddy.in
COST Revealed on request
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