Homegrown performance footwear brand RARA Barefoot has raised $500,000 in an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round, marking a strong start for the startup’s journey to redefine the Indian sneaker market.
The round saw participation from founders and senior executives of Zomato, Urban Company, Tata 1mg, Shyft, and HexaHealth, along with Managing Directors and Partners from ChrysCapital and BCG, reflecting strong confidence from India’s startup ecosystem.
The fresh capital will be utilized to expand RARA Barefoot’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) presence, build strategic offline retail partnerships, and scale local manufacturing operations as it prepares for a pan-India launch of its barefoot sneaker collection, the company announced in a press release.
Reimagining Footwear with Barefoot Innovation
Founded in 2024 by Varun Mimani and Manas Tripathi, RARA Barefoot is pioneering a new category in India’s footwear market — barefoot sneakers. The brand blends evolutionary foot mechanics with modern design, aiming to restore the body’s natural movement while delivering style and comfort.
Each sneaker is crafted with a flat sole (zero heel-toe drop), a wide toe box for natural toe spread, and a flexible sole that adapts to the foot’s 33 joints, ensuring better posture, balance, and performance. All products are made in India, combining international barefoot technology with locally sourced, high-performance materials.
D2C Growth and Retail Expansion
RARA Barefoot has launched as a direct-to-consumer footwear brand, with its debut collection available online via its official website. The startup plans to strengthen its presence through multi-brand retail collaborations and experience-driven pop-ups in major Indian cities starting in 2026.
The founders believe this dual approach will help bridge the gap between comfort-focused footwear and premium sneaker culture — a segment witnessing massive traction among health-conscious and active consumers.
Riding India’s Growing Sneaker Boom
According to industry estimates, the Indian sneaker market is projected to reach $4.66 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.7%. With rising fitness awareness and demand for sustainable, performance-oriented shoes, RARA Barefoot aims to carve its niche as India’s leading barefoot footwear brand.
“RARA Barefoot is built on the idea that natural movement is the ultimate performance enhancer,” said co-founder Varun Mimani. “We want to make barefoot sneakers accessible to every Indian who values comfort, strength, and design in one pair.”
By : Arushi Agarwal
