What if your old shoes could help change the world?
India is the second-largest producer of footwear globally, yet millions of people, especially in rural areas, still walk barefoot.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 350 million pairs of shoes are discarded annually, contributing to massive environmental waste. Traditional footwear, made predominantly from synthetic materials, can take up to 1,000 years to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals into the environment and endangering ecosystems and human health.
This stark contrast between excess and need sparked an idea in two friends, Shriyans Bhandari and Ramesh Dhami. In 2015, they co-founded Greensole—a company dedicated to upcycling discarded footwear into sustainable shoes and eco-friendly products.
From Passion to Purpose
At the time, sustainability was beginning to enter global conversations, but circular fashion was still a nascent concept in India. As athletes, Shriyans and Ramesh frequently wore out their running shoes, noticing a critical gap: while sports brands focused on high-performance footwear, there was no clear solution for what happened when these shoes reached the end of their life cycle.
With an entrepreneurial leadership background from Babson College, Shriyans combined his passion for sustainability with his marathon-running experience to conceptualize Greensole.
Ramesh, a national-level athlete from Uttarakhand, brought grassroots insights, helping to design the brand’s first prototypes. Together, they set out to bridge social, economic, and environmental gaps with an innovative business model.
What began as a small initiative to convert old shoes into slippers for underprivileged children soon evolved into a tech-driven enterprise blending social impact with environmental responsibility.
To date, Greensole has donated over 700,000 pairs of upcycled footwear and repurposed nearly 100,000 apparel items, restoring dignity and comfort to countless individuals across India.
Innovating for Sustainability
While working on upcycling footwear, the team identified a unique opportunity: the leftover shoe materials still had potential. Instead of discarding these remnants, they developed a method to grind them into a usable product.
Today, this innovative material is being incorporated into fashion lines by major German companies, positioning Greensole as a pioneer in sustainable innovation.
Recognizing the limitations of solely relying on CSR-driven models, the duo expanded into retail. In 2019, Greensole launched its first boutique store at Phoenix Market City, Mumbai, offering PETA-approved vegan footwear that blends eco-conscious materials with contemporary designs.
“The concept was ahead of its time,” says Shriyans. “People hadn’t heard of sustainable footwear five to seven years ago, but now, it’s an essential conversation.”
Overcoming Challenges, Scaling for Growth
The journey wasn’t without obstacles. “We had no technical knowledge in the beginning, and we lacked financial backing,” recalls Shriyans. “We started small, raising grants and focusing on innovation.”
A strategic partnership with Ram Fashion Export, one of Mumbai’s largest exporters, provided the technical expertise necessary to scale operations. Leveraging this foundation, Greensole began developing cutting-edge materials such as shoe dust, coffee grounds, tennis balls, and even plant-based leather from cactus and tomatoes to craft sustainable products.
Committed to both durability and aesthetics, Greensole has elevated its design standards by collaborating with Portuguese designers and sourcing the latest eco-friendly materials from Europe, the U.S., and China.
“Our designs must meet international quality standards while remaining comfortable and affordable,” Shriyans emphasizes. “We’ve conducted extensive testing to ensure our footwear is not only stylish but also highly functional.”
Beyond Footwear: A Holistic Approach to Sustainability
Greensole’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond upcycling shoes. The brand has formalized its CSR efforts through the Greensole Foundation, focusing on extending the lifespan of footwear while creating employment opportunities for underserved communities.
By integrating job creation into its mission, Greensole amplifies its social impact, proving that sustainability and community development can go hand in hand.
“Launching innovative products that customers love is the key to organic growth,” says Shriyans.
Word-of-mouth and customer loyalty now play a significant role in Greensole’s success, reinforcing the brand’s authenticity and dedication to driving meaningful change.
The Road Ahead: A Vision for Global Expansion
Greensole was featured in Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30 list (2018) and won the Lexus Design Award.
They were also invited to the G20 Young Entrepreneur Alliance conference, earning accolades for their sustainability initiatives.
Now, the company is gearing up for rapid expansion, with plans to raise a $1 million seed round.
“Our B2B business is scaling steadily, and our retail footprint is growing. We expect to reach a turnover of ₹40–50 crores soon, with the potential to scale up to ₹100 crores,” Shriyans shares.
India currently lacks direct competitors in the sustainable footwear space. While global brands like Veja and Allbirds are making waves internationally, Greensole is carving out a unique niche by seamlessly blending fashion with eco-friendliness.
As sustainability continues gaining traction in India, Greensole is poised to lead the shift toward a greener, more responsible future.
