From showroom to sidewalk: How Panthapath became Dhaka’s shoe haven

Rubel Hossain laughs as he bargains for a pair of brown Oxford shoes. "Until I get a promotion at work, I'm not stepping into a showroom," he says, jokingly.

Bite-Sized: How Panthapath became Dhaka's shoe haven

Until that promotion, his go-to shoe market isn't the glittering shopping mall just across the road but the footpath stalls of Panthapath.

On one side of Panthapath stands Bashundhara Shopping Complex, one of the country's largest malls, stocked with every brand imaginable. Yet when it comes to shoes, the crowds gravitate to the opposite pavement, where temporary stalls under plastic canopies display row upon row of footwear.

Despite their modest setup, these footpath shops have a loyal following. Authentic leather shoes sell here for a fraction of showroom prices, and high-end brands can be picked up for less than half their retail cost.

Rubel had browsed the showrooms of Bashundhara, but with his month's budget nearly exhausted, Panthapath was the only option. After scanning the stalls, he settles on the Oxfords for Tk1,600. The shoes have a slight crease near the heel, but Rubel barely notices.

"Overlook that tiny flaw, and these are perfect," he says.

Genuine leather, genuine value

Footpath shoe shops in Panthapath have grown steadily in popularity since the pandemic. While the stalls existed earlier, customer trust has solidified over the past three to four years.

"What makes this footpath special? Export-quality shoes. Items that sell for Tk5,000-10,000 in showrooms can be bought here for around Tk2,000. Formal shoes, boots, loafers, casuals – export quality and unbeatable prices," says Abdul Hossain, an employee at one of the stalls.

From EPZs to Panthapath

Ishrak Hossain has worked in the market for nearly a decade. Originally from Munshiganj, he started as a shop assistant and now runs his own stall.

"We have shoes from many famous brands, often preferred by foreign buyers. Red Tape casuals, Lasocki formals, A-grade Air Jordans – you name it," he says.

Khorshed Alam, another wholesaler whose shop Arif Traders has been in the market since 2014, explains the supply chain. 

Export products are often rejected for minor defects or barred from shipping due to production issues. These items find a second life in footpath markets across Dhaka, with Panthapath specialising in leather shoes. Shoes are collected from factories along Chattogram Road, graded, and auctioned.

"We keep the A-grade shoes and send B and C grades to other markets," he says.

Popular with workers, students

Dhaka University student Liton Islam is a regular. His first pair of formal shoes for a viva exam came from Panthapath.

"Students can't afford Apex or Lotto shoes. Spending Tk4,000-5,000 is tough. Here, formal shoes cost Tk1,200-1,500 – a real blessing," he says.

Most men's shoes are leather formals and boots, making the market popular among young professionals. Student shoppers frequent it too, though female buyers are rare, as options are limited to one style of boot. 

Prices are hard to beat: quality formal shoes Tk1,500-2,000, loafers start at Tk1,000, durable boots Tk3,000. Sellers clearly distinguish export shoes from local stock, and bargaining is welcomed without the usual rudeness found in many footpath markets.

Business peaks in winter

Sales spike in winter, with 10-12 pairs sold daily, compared with 2-3 in summer.

"Winter brings the highest demand, continuing until February-March. Ramadan slows sales, but activity picks up ahead of Eid festivals," Ishrak says.

Business is slowly expanding. More shops are opening, each with 2–3 employees earning Tk600–800 daily. 

Profits remain modest after wages, yet the market thrives thanks to its popularity. Some traders suggest that government allocation of low-cost permanent stalls could scale up this "rejected goods" trade further.

For now, Panthapath's footpath remains bustling, free from administrative pressure, with everyone eagerly awaiting winter's arrival.