Ikoho, which was founded in 2022 by artist-designers Subrat Pandey and Shraddha Konduru, is making a name for itself in the Indian footwear industry with its striking, handcrafted vegan leather shoes that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern living.
Ikoho, which describes itself as an innovator of the “post-sneaker era,” wants to reinvent Indian footwear by fusing maximalist flare with handcrafted heritage. The brand, which is made exclusively in India, uses traditional methods like memory foam insoles, hand stitching, and durable TPR soles to create standout pieces that are more than just foot coverings.
The Creative Force Behind Ikoho
The brand was created by Subrat and Shraddha, who infuse each pair with artistic narrative by drawing on their backgrounds in visual arts. According to their About page:
“We combine traditional leather craftsmanship with visual arts practices in an effort to create a creative influence on Indian footwear culture.”
Emotional connection is a top priority in their shared vision; each shoe is intended to celebrate handcrafted excellence and directly connect with its wearer.
Diverse, Durable & Distinct Design
Chunky Derbies, Chelsea boots, braided loafers, and striking flat slides are all part of Ikoho’s collection. Generous toe boxes, ergonomic soles, and vegan-friendly manufacturing are characteristics that all models have in common. Using their size chart, the firm advises clients to size down from standard UK sizing because it was specifically designed for Indian foot shapes.
Ikoho’s design consists of comfortable builds thanks to memory‑foam insoles and supportive soles. Their pieces balance the appeal of chunky, maximalist fashion with day‑long wearability a rarity at this price point.
On Funding and Growth Strategy
Ikoho is still self-funded as of the middle of 2025; the company’s founders have not disclosed any outside funding or venture capital inflow. Direct-to-consumer sales via their Shopify-powered website and Amazon presence, in addition to organic social media marketing, are what propel growth.
At ₹1,900–2,500 per pair, Ikoho sits below international designer labels but above typical high‑street footwear, an intentional middle ground that highlights their craftsmanship and design edge.
What Lies Ahead
Ikoho appears ready to broaden its creative horizons in the future, perhaps bringing in fresh materials, hues, and limited-edition collections inspired by Subrat and Shraddha’s experience in visual art. Maintaining their handcrafted nature while expanding reach may require investigating offline retail collaborations or pop-ups in order to sustain momentum.
What is Different About Ikoho
Ikoho stands out for its ability to meet growing consumer demands for sustainable, visually compelling, and culturally resonant footwear made in India. It combines:
- Vegan, handcrafted construction using time‑honoured techniques
- Art-inspired designs from two creative founders
- Comfort-forward engineering, unlike many statement-heavy shoes
- Accessible pricing that undercuts global designer alternatives
In just three years, Ikoho has created a new shoe culture in India in addition to a footwear brand. Ikoho is more than just fashion; it’s a movement, thanks to its support of daring design, environmentally friendly materials, and artisanal skills, as well as its fascinating backstory from founders with backgrounds in visual art. Customers looking for unique, eco-friendly shoes that appeal to their heritage and emotions will need to follow Ikoho’s development over the upcoming collection.
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