Step Up: Made-in-India Sneaker Brand Kicks Budget-Premium Gap to the Curb!

Key highlights

 

Spotting a gap between high-end global sneaker brands and affordable but basic local options, Bengaluru-based CHK has quickly become the name to watch in India’s booming sneaker market. Launched by former Myntra co-founder Sankar Bora, industry veteran Deepak Patil, acclaimed sneaker designer Bharat Mahajan, and strategy expert Deepan Babu in late 2024, CHK is redefining everyday footwear for style, comfort, and value.

 

Founder Vision and Market Strategy

 

CHK was born out of noticing a white space: while international brands like Nike and Adidas rule the ₹10,000+ segment and local players target sub-₹3,000 price points with limited styling, Indian consumers—especially millennials and Gen Z—wanted design-driven sneakers that wouldn’t break the bank.

 

Priced between ₹4,000 and ₹8,000, CHK’s offerings promise fashion-forward appeal, comfort, and frequent new designs. Collections such as City Hopper (daily wear), Brad (pop culture-inspired), Legend (sleek sophistication), and Retro (’80s–’90s nostalgia) give options for both work and play.

 

Innovation, Fit, and Indian Focus

 

CHK prioritizes high-quality microfiber, PU, textiles, durable rubber, and high-cushion insoles for comfort and longevity. It plans to introduce innovations like nano coatings for dust- and water-repellence, dual insoles for a customizable fit, and personalisation options to meet varied lifestyle needs.

 

The brand addresses size issues unique to India by designing flexible silhouettes that adjust for half sizes often unavailable locally.

 

Intentionally avoiding mass ecommerce platforms, CHK sells via its own site for direct customer control and will open its first retail store in Bengaluru, with plans for 40–50 more in major cities.

 

Funding and Growth

 

Backed by Rs 20 crore from Accel and Bluestone, CHK is investing in design, technology, and distribution expansion.

 

With the Indian sneaker market projected to nearly double to $6.46 million by 2033, CHK aims to become the top lifestyle sneaker choice by filling the gap between budget and premium, with unique silhouettes and all-occasion usability.

 

CHK’s entry signals an era of homegrown sneaker innovation—designed in India, for India—with ambitions to influence streetwear trends and redefine value in the country’s fast-growing sneaker culture.

 

Sources: YourStory, Times of India, Covlor