The shoe fabric industry is rapidly establishing itself in Surat, known as the textile capital of the country. While the city's textile industry is 30–40 years old, the production of fabric used for shoes began in the last 8–12 years and has seen significant growth in the past 5–6 years.
According to Girdhar Gopal Mundra, associated with the textile industry, the increasing demand for sports and casual footwear and the need for alternatives to imports from China have accelerated this sector. Surat has already been strong in man-made fibers (MMF) like polyester and nylon, which are the primary basis for shoe fabric. The total textile production in Surat is estimated to be around 6.5 million meters per day.
Although the share of shoe fabric in this is still limited, it is rapidly increasing. Industry estimates suggest that currently, about 500,000 to 1.5 million meters of shoe fabric are produced daily in the city, including various categories such as mesh, knitted, PU coated, and non-woven. It was noted that the production of shoe fabric in Surat is primarily done by MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium) units.
Major international brands do not produce directly here but source fabric from local manufacturers. Some of the prominent units active in this sector include Om Textile (PU leather shoe fabric), Praveen Overseas (ladies' footwear fabric), Radiance Spoonbond Pvt. Ltd.
(non-woven fabric), Nimbark Fabrics (knitted fabric), Shriyan Texfab (sports fabric), Sudamo Impex (Madhusudan Group), and Star Knits. Currently, the textile industry is facing challenges such as rising costs and fluctuations in demand. The increase in crude oil and yarn prices has raised production costs, leading some units to slow down production.
Despite this, the shoe fabric sector is in a phase of growth, especially with the continuous increase in demand for sports, casual, and women's footwear. Experts believe that in the next 3–5 years, it could become a significant segment. Several key reasons contribute to the rapid development of this industry in Surat, including a strong base of MMF, with polyester and nylon production making Surat a leading center in the country.
All processes from yarn to weaving, dyeing, coating, and finishing are available in the same city. Additionally, high-speed production is possible with airjet, waterjet, and knitting machines. The advantage of cost-effective production and labor compared to China is also notable.
Footwear hubs in Agra, Delhi, and South India source extensively from Surat. Small units can quickly change designs and produce in smaller quantities. It is clear that Surat's shoe fabric industry is still in its emerging phase, but given the current pace, it could take the city to a new industrial dimension in the coming years.
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