In the bustling city of Madurai, a company named Airblue Footgear has been silently revolutionizing the footwear industry. Founded by Ashok Amarnath, the grandson of the footwear industry veteran L R Rajagopal, Airblue specializes in crafting orthopedic sandals, shoes, and stylish footwear that are not only easy on the feet but also on the pocket.
Airblue’s journey is rooted in a rich family history of footwear business dating back to 1965. Initially, the family dabbled as distributors for other footwears brands, in name of Metroshoemart. However, their foray into manufacturing in 1991 with pvc & rubber footwears.
Ashok Amarnath, after completing his engineering studies and an MBA in Delhi, ventured into the corporate world for two years, working as a product manager in a Chennai-based company. But his heart drew him back to the family business in 2013, where he saw an opportunity for innovation.
One of the primary challenges facing Airblue was the rising dominance of Chinese footwear in the market. The Chinese offered a vast array of colors and models at lower prices, which posed a formidable competition. In response, the family made a strategic decision to transform themselves into a beloved brand that specializes in medical footwear, including orthopedics on prescription from doctors marked a significant turning point
Airblue’s product range is designed with comfort and style in mind. Their orthopedic offerings are divided into two categories: arch models catering to people who stand for extended periods, and footwear for those with heel pain and flat feet including diabetics. What sets Airblue apart is their commitment to making orthopedic footwear fashionable, helping individuals overcome the hesitancy of wearing such shoes in public.
Obtaining approval from Madurai Medical College for research with students and forging an agreement with Chennai Chettinad Medical Institute underscore Airblue’s dedication to quality and medical appropriateness.
Initially, Airblue focused on the Tamil Nadu market, making its products available in major supermarkets, malls, and online platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. Their marketing strategy leverages social media and YouTube to reach a wider audience. Future plans include expanding to showrooms across India and exploring international markets, starting with Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
Beyond producing new footwears, Airblue also promotes sustainability by recycling old shoes into sturdy footwear suitable for various challenging terrains, from forests and hills to fields and construction sites.
Price-conscious consumers will be pleased to find that Airblue offers orthopedic shoes at a range of affordable prices, from Rs 250 to Rs 450. This affordability aligns with their mission to cater to a diverse customer base.
Support from TIE CHENNAI ,YES (Young Entrepreneur School) & BNI, has played a pivotal role in guiding and nurturing Ashok Amarnath’s entrepreneurial journey, adding to the company’s success story.
Airblue’s transformation from a traditional footwear business to a trailblazing provider of affordable and fashionable orthopedic footwear exemplifies how innovation, dedication, and a commitment to quality can reshape an industry and improve the lives of countless individuals. In Madurai and beyond, Airblue’s products are making a significant impact on the way people think about orthopedic footwear.
Website = http://www.airbluefootgear.com
