In a market long dominated by international sneaker giants, a homegrown brand is quietly rewriting the rules. CHK, founded by a team led by entrepreneur Deepan Babu (and seasoned operator Sankar Bora along with other industry experts) is not just another footwear label. It’s a bold attempt to prove that India deserves sneakers that balance comfort, style and affordability without compromise.
From Vision to Venture
The idea behind CHK was simple but ambitious: why should Indian consumers settle for either high-priced imports or generic, low-quality options? The founders believed the gap could be bridged with sneakers designed for lifestyle wear, shoes that are fashionable yet practical for everyday use and especially for Indian market.
To bring this vision to life, they built a strong and diverse team. Sankar, with years of entrepreneurial experience and operational leadership, drives the business and growth engine. Deepan brings sharp product vision and consumer understanding. Deepak adds deep operational expertise, while Bharat, a footwear design veteran with global experience, ensures that CHK’s shoes stand shoulder-to-shoulder with international brands. Together, they set out to craft not just sneakers, but a new narrative for Indian footwear.
Fueling Growth with Design and Capital
Early backing of $2.5 million from Bluestone and Accel gave CHK the power to build its own factory and carry out extensive customer surveys. Rather than starting small, the brand made a debut with 75 unique designs, a statement of ambition.
Exclusively available online through its website, CHK’s sneakers have quickly found takers who appreciate their unique silhouettes and easy-to-maintain materials. Yet, customer feedback has also pointed to gaps: particularly the demand for larger sizes. It’s a challenge the brand is already addressing in upcoming collections. Retail expansion too, is on the cards, expected once the next funding round is addressed.
Even so, CHK has remained committed to building responsibly. From recyclable packaging to exploring new materials that lower environmental impact, sustainability is embedded in its philosophy and not treated as an afterthought.
Sneakers as Stories
What sets CHK apart is not just what it makes, but how it communicates. The founders see sneakers as more than products; to them, they are cultural markers of individuality and creativity. To connect with Gen Z and millennials, the brand leans heavily on authentic storytelling across social media where they are showcasing the inspiration, design and story behind every pair.
Looking ahead, CHK is experimenting with just-in-time manufacturing, a model that will ensure custom sneakers to be delivered within days of ordering, reshaping how people buy and experience footwear in India.
The Road Ahead
CHK’s journey is still in its early chapters, but the ambition is clear. The founders envision the brand growing into India’s largest sneaker label, driven by innovation, quality and affordability. In an industry where global players set the benchmarks, CHK is carving out space for a truly Indian story as the shoes are “Made in India” for India.
The rise of CHK also reflects more than just the success of a startup; it mirrors the aspirations of a new generation of Indian founders who are unafraid to take on global categories. With vision, and proper execution, Deepan Babu and his visionary team are showing that sneakers made in India can walk the world stage.
By- Priyanka Chatterjee
