‘Balen shoes’ craze gives Nepali footwear brands a boost

The popularity of Goldstar sneakers has skyrocketed following public appearances by Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah wearing the brand. This trend has significantly increased the visibility of Nepali footwear companies, drawing widespread consumer attention to locally manufactured goods. Industry leaders are leveraging this momentum to advocate for government intervention and improved policy frameworks. They argue that such support is essential to scale domestic production and compete effectively against international imports. By highlighting the quality of home-grown products, the movement aims to foster a more sustainable and self-reliant manufacturing sector within the country.

The surge in demand for local footwear highlights the potential for political influence to drive economic growth and strengthen domestic manufacturing industries.