Venii Is Redefining Premium Indian Footwear With Artisanal Leather

Venii Debuts Premium All-Leather Open Footwear Brand in India. Despite India being the world's largest market for open footwear, it has lacked a premium, homegrown specialist—until now. Venii is looking to change that narrative. BENGALURU, August 2026 - Bengaluru-based Venii has introduced its inaugural collection of all-leather open footwear, stepping into the fast-paced Indian market with an emphasis on high-end design, comfort, and artisanal quality. Each pair is crafted in India, featuring full-grain Argentinian leather uppers, a leather sole, and an integrated anti-skid rubber insert. The debut range is offered in a signature tan shade, designed to pair seamlessly with both traditional Indian attire and western ensembles.

This entry arrives as the Indian footwear sector experiences significant expansion. According to data from the IMARC Group, the market was valued at approximately USD 20.67 billion in 2025 and is forecast to hit USD 47.53 billion by 2034. With premium footwear currently representing 54% of the market and expanding at an annual rate of 10.2%, there is a clear opening for brands that can successfully merge quality, aesthetic appeal, and craftsmanship with the practical, everyday nature of open footwear.

While India stands as the largest market globally for open footwear, it has historically lacked a premium, domestic brand tailored to this specific category. Venii’s founder identifies this void as the primary reason for the brand's inception. As consumer preferences shift toward higher-quality goods, more thoughtful product experiences, and enhanced daily comfort, Venii aims to serve as a brand designed to accommodate this evolution from the ground up, rather than adapting existing models to fit the trend.

A central focus during the brand's design phase was addressing a common frustration among customers, particularly women: the struggle to locate flat, open footwear that balances style with comfort. While many global labels prioritize heels or elevated silhouettes, a significant portion of Indian women favor flats. Venii’s design team sought to bridge this divide with a more nuanced, versatile product. The collection moves beyond party-centric styling, offering an understated aesthetic suitable for a dinner out or an evening event, while ensuring the comfort required for all-day wear.

The name Venii originates from "Braid," highlighting the artisanal leather-braiding technique that serves as the brand's visual hallmark. The company views this as an homage to the craftsmanship of artisans who create Kolhapuri chappals in Karnataka and Maharashtra. By incorporating the same braiding style that defines this traditional footwear, Venii infuses its own collections with that distinct, heritage-inspired character.

The production process is precise: leather is sliced into delicate strips, dampened, and hand-braided—a task traditionally performed by women artisans whose skill and concentration ensure the consistency and shape of every braid. These hand-woven braids are integrated into the brand's full-grain Argentinian leather uppers, adding a decorative element that mirrors techniques long utilized by international luxury houses to provide footwear and accessories with a unique, handcrafted appeal.

"Open footwear is something every Indian wears almost every day, yet the country has never really had a homegrown brand built specifically around it at a premium level. That's the gap we built Venii to fill - leather-first, comfortable enough for all-day wear, and designed to move between Indian and western wardrobes without feeling out of place in either," said Unnati Sinha, Founder and CEO of Venii.

The collection is currently available for purchase at veniiworld.com and has recently launched on Myntra. Looking ahead, the brand intends to broaden its marketplace and retail footprint throughout the coming year. The launch range is priced between approximately ₹4,595 to ₹5,295, covering both men's and women's styles.

About VENII - Venii is a premium, all-leather open-footwear label centered on an artisanal braid signature, with the objective of defining and leading India's premium open-footwear market. Co-created with Renaissance Craft Venture Builder, Venii is available at www.veniiworld.com and on Myntra.