Kat Gliders – Reinventing Movement

Smart Life with Innovation

Kat Gliders started with a single idea: footwear should do more than protect the feet — it should actively improve how people move, commute, and live. Focused on India’s unique last-mile challenges, we design intelligent shoes that blend ergonomics, smart materials, and thoughtful functionality so every step becomes easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

Founder Spotlight

• Mandar Tulankar is the visionary behind Kat Gliders. An award-winning innovator (GSEA Global Winner and recipient of the India Innovation Award), Mandar brings deep expertise in product research and human-centered design from Angel’s R&D Pvt. Ltd. His approach combines rigorous engineering with empathy for everyday users through extensive field research, user testing across diverse Indian micro-mobility scenarios, and a relentless push for practical, scalable solutions. Under his leadership, Kat Gliders focuses on delivering dependable products that solve real problems — from crowded public transit to long walking commutes and unpredictable weather.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to reinvent everyday movement by creating footwear that gives people freedom, comfort, and confidence. We aim to design solutions that reduce travel friction, improve posture, and reduce fatigue for day-to-day commuters and urban explorers. We believe great design should be accessible, delivering durable, stylish, and affordable products that make a measurable difference in how people move through their day.

What We Build

Kat Gliders develops shoes that integrate ergonomic support, adaptive cushioning, and durable outsoles engineered for varied Indian terrains. We focus on breathable upper materials, shock-absorbing midsoles, slip-resistant soles, and modular features that support urban commuting — such as lightweight foldability, easy-clean surfaces, and discreet storage for small essentials.

Core Values

• Innovation: We constantly experiment with new materials, manufacturing techniques, and product features to deliver smarter footwear. That means rapid prototyping, real-world testing, and iterating based on actual user feedback so every new model is meaningfully better than the last.
• Comfort: Comfort is non-negotiable. Our designs prioritize anatomical fit, pressure relief, and balanced support to reduce fatigue during long days on the move. We combine ergonomic insoles, breathable fabrics, and engineered cushioning for all-day wearability.
• Community: We design with people, not for them. Community engagement guides our product roadmap — from collaborating with delivery partners and daily commuters to running user workshops that inform features and sizing. We believe footwear can strengthen local livelihoods and mobility.
• Sustainability: We consider environmental impact at every step — from selecting low-impact materials and reducing waste in production to offering repair-friendly designs. Our goal is to create long-lasting shoes that minimize their footprint and can be responsibly recycled or refurbished.

Where We’re Headed

Looking ahead, Kat Gliders is expanding research into adaptive materials and modular components, exploring partnerships for last-mile mobility pilots in major cities, and developing a repair-and-reuse program to extend product life. Our vision is to make smart, sustainable movement the standard for urban life across India — one step at a time.