The Legacy: Where Dusty Trails Meet Royal Tales
In the narrow gullies of Kolhapur, Maharashtra, 68-year-old artisan Prakash Kumbhar squints at a strip of leather, his hands moving like they’ve memorized every crease of time. “These chappals carried my ancestors through droughts, wars, and weddings,” he says, voice trembling. “Today, they’re worn by Bollywood stars and CEOs. But for us, they’re still bapu’s chappals sturdy, honest, and full of memories.”
Kolhapuri chappals were born from India’s soil and sweat. In the 13th century, farmers needed sandals that could brave Maharashtra’s unforgiving sun and sudden monsoons. Artisans answered with buffalo hide soles as thick as rotis and straps that hugged feet like a grandmother’s embrace. But this wasn’t just utility it was art. Every stitch carried a silent prayer: “Protect the farmer’s feet, bless his harvest.”
By the 1700s, Maratha warriors strode into battle wearing Kolhapuris etched with tiger claws and lotus blooms symbols of courage and purity. Yet, even royalty couldn’t dilute their earthy soul. “My great-grandfather stitched pairs for Shivaji’s generals,” Prakash recalls, “but he’d sneak tiny temple bells into the design. A reminder that real power walks with humility.”
The Craft: 200 Steps, Blistered Hands, and Unbreakable Pride
Step into Lakshmi Patil’s workshop, where the air smells of babul bark and ambition. “I started stitching at 12,” she says, her fingers scarred but steady. “Back then, men scoffed ‘Chappal-making is no work for women.’ Now, I train boys and girls.” Her laughter echoes like temple bells.
The process is a marathon of patience. Hides, tougher than Mumbai traffic, are soaked for weeks in pits of natural tannin. “Your hands burn, your eyes water but that’s how leather learns resilience,” explains 19-year-old Rohan, Lakshmi’s apprentice. Next comes the dance of chisels: chandrakor (crescent moons) for love, nagin (serpents) for protection. “Each motif tells our stories,” says Rohan. “Stitch by stitch, we keep our history alive.”
But the real magic? No machines. No glue. Just waxed thread and calloused hands. “People call it ‘slow fashion,’” scoffs Lakshmi. “We call it Imaan (respect). When a customer says, ‘These lasted 20 years,’ I know my hands have spoken.”
Global Love, Local Struggles: A Bittersweet Spotlight
In 2023, Kolhapuri chappals strutted on Paris runways, paired with silk sarees and Italian leather bags. But back home, artisan Raju Jadhav sighs. “Foreigners pay ₹15,000 online. I get ₹300. Sometimes, I wonder are we just ghosts behind the glamour?”
Yet, change brews. Meet Niira, a brand connecting artisans directly to buyers. A brand that bridges the gap and empowers them and gives them a global stage. Last week, a Japanese chef bought chappals to wear in his kitchen. He said they ‘taste like India.’”
For every exploitative middleman, there’s a Niira. Or Rameshwar, a Kolhapur cobbler whose chappals now walk New York streets. “A customer sent me a photo of my sandals near the Statue of Liberty!” he grins. “I told my wife, ‘Our hands reached America before we did.’”
Styling Kolhapuris: From Dabbas to Dior
“I wore mine to Diwali lunch with gold payals,” giggles Mumbai influencer Aisha Kapoor, flaunting her Instagram-ready look. “Dadi said, ‘Pehle kapde phir chappal!’ But my followers loved the clash.”
For the modern Indian, Kolhapuris are rebellion. College kids team them with ripped jeans and kanjivarams. CEOs pair them with linen suits for boardroom swagger. “They’re my power move,” admits Delhi entrepreneur Arjun Mehra. “When I walk into meetings, my chappals say, ‘I’m rooted, but I’ll outrun you.’”
But the truest love? Village weddings. Brides slip Kolhapuris under lehengas, their ghungroos jingling with every step. “My chappals walked me into my new life,” beams rural Maharashtra bride Priya. “They’ll dance at my daughter’s wedding too.”
The Fight Ahead: Will Gen Z Choose Tradition?
In a Bengaluru café, 21-year-old techie Sanya debates buying Kolhapuris. “They’re ₹4,000! But Shein sandals cost ₹500.” Her friend Rohit counters: “Shein won’t last a year. These? Your grandkids will fight over them.”
Artisans are adapting. Youngsters like Riya Patil blend Kolhapuris with pop culture. “We carved Marvel superhero motifs for a Delhi expo,” she laughs. “Foreigners went mad for Thor chappals!” Others use organic dyes—turmeric yellows, beetroot reds—to woo eco-warriors.
And then there’s the GI tag. “Finally, our name is protected,” says veteran artisan Mohan. “Now, when a Mumbai shopkeeper claims ‘genuine Kolhapuris,’ we ask—‘Where’s the pain in his hands?’”
To slip on Kolhapuri chappals is to wear India’s heartbeat. They’ve danced at Maratha coronations, marched in farmer protests, and now, scroll through Instagram trends. For Indians, they’re a bridge between “Log kya kahenge?” and “Look what I made!” For the world, they’re a passport to India’s soul.
So, whether you’re a Mumbai millennial or a Melbourne traveler, remember: These aren’t sandals. They’re heirlooms. And every scuff? That’s a story waiting to be told.
How to Wear Kolhapuris: For All Occasions & Generations
Kolhapuri chappals are more than just shoes; they're a timeless fashion statement. Kolhapuris fit into any wardrobe, whether you're a youngster trying out new styles, a Gen Zer pushing the envelope, a Millennial striking a balance between tradition and contemporary, or a Boomer appreciating classic pieces. Some styles never go out of style, so here's how to style them for any age group and circumstance.
For Teens: Maintaining a Cool and Easygoing Atmosphere
Teens adore easy-to-wear, comfy, and enjoyable design, and Kolhapuris were the ideal choice.
Casual Days: For a stylish, carefree look, team vibrant, coloured Kolhapuris with baggy t-shirts and torn jeans. For a playful touch, add some quirky socks.
College Look: For a casually stylish ensemble, pair your Kolhapuris with a crop shirt and denim shorts. You're prepared to arrive at college in style after you put on a tote bag.
Festivals: Accessorise with embroidered Kolhapuris and a printed kurti and flared trousers for a desi-chic look. To give your holiday ensemble a contemporary edge, accessorise with hefty silver jewellery. Regarding Generation Z: Brave, edgy, and unrepentant
Kolhapuris can be dressed in unique, avant-garde ways that draw attention, and Gen Z loves to defy fashion conventions.
Street Style: For a street-inspired, gender-neutral ensemble, team Kolhapuris with loose-fitting cargo leggings and a graphic hoodie. Extra points if your Kolhapuris are in striking colours like fluorescent green or electric blue.
Party Vibe: For a distinctive party look that combines Indian workmanship with international flair, replace your trainers with metallic or jewelled Kolhapuris and pair them with a minidress or co-ord set.
Festivals: For a trendy, edgy, and Instagram-worthy look, pair your Kolhapuris with an asymmetrical kurta and biker shorts.
Regarding Millennials: Harmonising Modernity and Tradition
Millennials adore clothes that are easy to wear from work to the weekend. With a dash of chill, Kolhapuris provide comfort.
Workwear: For a laid-back yet stylish workplace outfit, pair leather Kolhapuris with fitted trousers and a linen shirt. It is ideal for the contemporary office and is both fashionable and comfortable.
Weekend Getaways: Kolhapuris are comfortable to wear for brunch dates, market walks, or an impromptu road trip when paired with a flowy maxi dress or linen jumpsuit.
Festivals: For a casual yet sophisticated festive look, pair a chikankari kurta with straight trousers and add embroidered Kolhapuris. Regarding Boomers: Classic Styles, Contemporary Comfort
Kolhapuris are the ideal choice for boomers who appreciate timeless, cosy, and long-lasting pieces.
Family get-togethers: Wear neutral-hued Kolhapuris with churidars or a handloom saree; they're classic, sophisticated, and easy to wear.
Casual Outings: For a breezy, laid-back look ideal for family meals or temple visits, pair them with cotton slacks and a light kurti.
Festivals: Wear silk kurta-pyjamas with richly coloured Kolhapuris in maroon or brown to pay homage to tradition while remaining comfortably cosy throughout extended festivities. Style Tips for Kolhapuris at Festivals: One Pair, Infinite Opportunities
Festivals are the ideal occasion to use striking hues, elaborate needlework, and standout pieces.
Here's how to dress Kolhapuris for festive occasions that appeal to all ages:
Teens and Gen Z: For a fun, contemporary look, pair Kolhapuris with crop tops and dhoti pants or a long jacket with shorts.
Millennials: To get the ideal blend between traditional and modern, pair embroidered Kolhapuris with a sharara set or a pastel anarkali.
Boomers: Wear a raw silk kurta or a Banarasi saree to embrace the traditional beauty of Kolhapuris. For a festive look, add a touch of gold jewellery.
No matter your age, step out in style.
Kolhapuris easily fit your style and event, whether you're showing off your fusion, keeping it casual, or sticking to the classics. They are more than simply shoes; they are a classic representation of Indian artistry and national pride. Therefore, regardless Put on a pair of Kolhapuris for any occasion or age, and let your fashion speak for itself!