Genuine leather releases dominate India's selection of women's formal shoes as many makers focus on product quality to avoid cutthroat competition in the low end.

Cowhide, and sheep- and goatskin lead material options as these are strong and can be fabricated into different colors and textures. Companies employ a variety of finishes, including nappa, nubuck, resin, oily, high-shine, natural mill, burnish, aniline and two-tone. Cowhide suede models are also available. Some less expensive shoes use pigskin or fabric for the lining.

Coastal tanned leather, which is said to be stronger and possesses better color absorption than regular tanned variants, is procured mostly from the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh and Jalandar in Punjab are the other leather sourcing hubs. A number of manufacturers adopt Italian leather as well.

To ensure the quality of their releases, some enterprises invest in advanced manufacturing equipment.

Virola International, for instance, purchased machines from Germany and Italy. The supplier also has four conveyor lines. Daily output can reach 8,000 pairs.

Gupta Overseas (I) Pvt. Ltd procured the latest equipment en route to winning the country's Best Export Award for consecutive years in 2012 and 2013. The company also boasts a 100kW solar-powered generator system that can cut carbon emission by 80,000kg.

Suppliers are highlighting user-comfort as well. Many new models feature cushioned insoles. Round, square and peep toes, and mid-, wedge, platform and block heels, meanwhile, relieve pressure on the toes and legs. The outsoles use nonslip TPR and Neolite rubber. Buckle, zipper and drawstring closures keep the feet in place.

As regards aesthetics, bold colors such as blood red, orange and dark green are replacing the traditional black, tan and gold. Some women's shoes have textured uppers. Animal prints, cutwork and block patterns raise visual appeal further. Tassels, bows, studs, rhinestones and embroidery are the popular embellishments.

Omaa Overseas' selection includes women's footwear with zebra stripes. Models come with thermoplastic heels in metallic or neon shade. About half of the company's releases are handmade.

A number of designs from PFC Shoes use burnished cowhide suede, sheepskin and crust leather, which has good color-absorption. These have textured uppers in metallic or vivid hues.

India makers offer an array of women's formal shoes, including high-heeled dress shoes, pumps, slingbacks, loafers, mules, ballet flats and strappy sandals. The materials and ornamentation are the main price differentiators.

The least expensive releases go for $10 to $14.50. These have cowhide uppers with a smooth finish and glazed pigskin lining. Soles are made of TPR. Bows and stitch detailing are the common embellishments.

Midrange models are quoted $15 to $20. Models come with sheep- or goatskin suede uppers, pigskin or synthetic leather lining and TPR soles. Cutwork, metal studs and tassels are the trimming options.

Upscale designs adopt calf-, goat- or lambskin for the uppers, goat- or sheepskin for the lining and Neolite rubber for the soles. Most have a nubuck finish, and boast animal prints, multiple straps, buckles, metal trimmings and embroidery. Price starts at $21.50 and can exceed $30.

See a comparison table of women's formal shoes suppliers on GlobalSources.com