The Journey from School Shoes to Premium Footwear Mastery
For over 25 years, HITZ has been a symbol of luxury, style, and affordability in the men’s fashion footwear market. From humble beginnings in 1998, the brand has evolved into a leader in premium fashion footwear. What started as a modest vision to make quality school shoes has blossomed into a comprehensive range of footwear that caters to every age, style, and occasion.
“We decided early on that we wanted to create high-quality men’s shoes that offered luxury at an affordable price,” says Deepak Poptani, the visionary behind HITZ. “Despite the many ups and downs over the years, we stuck to our mission of delivering premium products and ensuring customer satisfaction.”
A Milestone Journey: Building a Legacy
The brand’s evolution over the years has been marked by significant milestones. From its early days producing basic school shoes, HITZ quickly adapted to market trends, introducing iconic styles such as brogues and Oxfords in 2005. By 2010, the brand hit another major milestone with the opening of its manufacturing unit in Sikandra, which boosted its production capacity to 2,000 pairs per day. Today, the brand is present in over 500 outlets across India and has expanded its reach through both Multi Brand Outlets (MBOs) and exclusive brand outlets (EBOs).
“The square-toe trend completely changed the way people saw our brand.” Deepak Poptani
In an industry where style often overshadows substance, one footwear manufacturer is quietly walking the talk combining fashion-forward design with ethical production and eco-conscious innovation. With a decade of expertise under its belt and an impressive annual capacity of 400,000 pairs, the company crafts men’s and women’s shoes, sandals, and boots that don’t just look good they do good. Certified under SA 8000:2014 and audited to meet SEDEX/SMETA Pillar 4 standards, the brand proudly powers its operations with a clean, 200 kW solar energy system. A familiar name at international fairs like Expo Riva Schuh and MICAM in Italy, this is Indian craftsmanship making a global footprint one ethical sole at a time.
A pivotal moment in HITZ’s growth came with the introduction of square-toed shoes, which revolutionized the brand’s identity in the Indian market. “Innovation and design have been at the core of our success,” says Poptani. “The square-toe trend completely changed the way people saw our brand.”
Looking to the Future: Premium Collections and Global Expansion
As HITZ marks its 25th year, the company has set its sights on further expansion, both domestically and internationally. “We see great potential in the men’s fashion category in India,” Poptani explains.
“We’ve launched a platinum collection aimed at elite customers, with prices ranging from ₹8,995 to ₹12,995, and we’ve also introduced a women’s collection at affordable price points.” Chander Prakash Poptani
The brand is committed to its “Make in India” vision, offering high-quality shoes that cater to every Indian consumer. With comfort, style, and design at the forefront of product development, HITZ is keen to ensure that its footwear remains trendy and accessible for all.
E-commerce and Online Growth: A Game-Changer
One of the most significant shifts in HITZ’s strategy has been the embrace of e-commerce. The brand entered the online space in 2020 and has seen explosive growth ever since. “Online sales have been a game-changer for us,” says Poptani. “We now sell up to 500 pairs a day through our portal, hitz.co.in, and have expanded our reach through marketplaces as well. Our growth has been exponential, and online platforms have helped solidify our brand identity.”
HITZ is also expanding internationally, focusing on the Middle East, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The brand’s open footwear collection, especially slippers and sandals, has become particularly popular in these regions due to their stylish comfort at an affordable price.
Sustainability and Innovation: A Commitment to Ethics
In addition to its design and business successes, HITZ is committed to sustainability and ethical practices. The company has earned several international certifications, including ISO 9001-2000 and SA 8000-2014, which guarantee compliance with global standards for quality and labor practices. “We are strongly against child labor and ensure that all our manufacturing processes are ethical and environmentally friendly,” Poptani asserts.
Social Media: Building a Digital Presence
HITZ has also recognized the power of social media in shaping its brand. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram have become crucial for product promotion and customer engagement. With over a million satisfied customers across India and abroad, HITZ has successfully leveraged SEO and Google Ads to increase its online visibility. “Social media is an integral part of our marketing strategy, and we continue to invest heavily in digital tools to connect with our customers,” says Poptani.
What’s Next? The Future of HITZ
As HITZ celebrates 25 years of success, the brand is looking ahead to even bigger milestones. The focus is on opening exclusive brand outlets in metro and tier-2 cities across India, offering a complete range of men’s and women’s shoes, along with accessories like belts, bags, and wallets.
Looking further down the road, Poptani envisions a future where HITZ serves 10 million happy customers over the next 25 years. “We want to continue growing and offering our customers the best service, with a focus on quality, style, and innovation,” she concludes.
The Next Chapter: A Footwear Giant’s Vision for the Future
As HITZ moves forward, one thing is clear: the brand is committed to remaining at the forefront of the fashion footwear industry. With a strong foundation built on quality, customer satisfaction, and innovation, the next 25 years are set to be even more exciting than the first.
HITZ is a name that resonates not just in India but globally, and with its clear vision for the future, there’s no stopping this premium footwear brand from reaching even greater heights.
