‘Balen shoes’ craze gives Nepali footwear brands a boost

Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s choice of Goldstar sneakers sparks a surge in demand, boosts visibility for domestic footwear brands, and renews calls for policy support to strengthen local manufacturing.

A pair of locally made shoes has unexpectedly become a national talking point in Nepal after Prime Minister Balendra Shah wore Goldstar’s Arc Series sneakers, triggering a sharp spike in demand.