The sneaker fanatics, driving the high-end sneaker market, have turned the footwear into a cornerstone of fashion, blurring the lines between athletic wear and luxury. (In Pic: Fake Adidas Samba shoes at the manufacturing unit)

Simultaneously, the rise of ‘first copy’ sneakers—high-quality replicas mimicking coveted originals—gained traction among budget-conscious buyers. Selling these shoes to wholesalers for as little as Rs 240–Rs 400 per pair, regardless of exclusive branding. (In Pic: Fake Air Jordan purchased by mid-day. Pic/Ashish Raje (right) Fake Adidas Samba purchased by mid-day. Pic/Ashish Raje)

The counterfeiters not only replicate the look of branded sneakers but also imitate packaging, including trademarks, to deceive buyers. (In Pic: Manufacturer at Agra)

Counterfeiters in Agra revealed to mid-day that they source soles, laces, and packaging materials from nearby markets, including Delhi/NCR and Ludhiana. (In Pic: Shoaib, manufacturer in Agra)

Mid-day discovered that Hing Ki Mandi in Agra is a hub for manufacturing first-copy branded sports shoes. Almost every house in the area is involved in this illegal activity, selling replicas locally and exporting them across India. (In Pic: Hing Ki Mandi, a manufacturing hub in Agra)

Historically, Hing Ki Mandi was renowned for the asafoetida (hing) trade during the Mughal era of Akbar and Shah Jahan. Today, it has transformed into a hub for counterfeit sneaker production