Kathmandu, June 9 -- 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.

Priced at around Rs1,500, the shoes quickly gained the nickname 'Balen shoes' on social media. Videos show customers visiting Goldstar outlets soon after the budget announcement, searching specifically for the same model worn by the prime minister. The trend has been widely amplified on TikTok and other platforms.

Social media influencers have further fuelled the craze. Dentist and vlogger Shashank Tamrakar posted a video purchasing the shoes, describing them as waterproof and more comfortable than expected. He urged followe...