Kolhapuri Chappals Latest News
Italian luxury fashion brand Prada recently acknowledged being inspired by ‘traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage’, for its sandals featured in the recent Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, after being slammed for failing to acknowledge the resemblance to India’s GI-tagged Kolhapuri chappals.
About Kolhapuri Chappals
- Kolhapuri Chappals are named after the city of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, where they originated.
- They are handmade leather sandals with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.Â
- They are renowned for their intricate, handcrafted designs.
- They have been produced in the Kolhapur region of India since the 13th century.
- Handcrafted with leather, Kolhapuri usually have open-toed, T-strap designs.
- The original Kolhapuri is made from 100% leather. This leather can be from cow, buffalo, or even goat.Â
- These handmade leather footwear are then tanned using vegetable dyes, giving them a soft feel free of any allergens.
- The traditional Kolhapuris do not have many different color options and can be seen only in shades of tan and deep brown. Similarly, they had three finishes: oil, natural, or polish.
- Traditional artisans can take up to six weeks to make a pair of chappals.Â
- Their robust construction makes them suitable for various terrains and weather conditions.
- The leather used in Kolhapuri chappals molds to the shape of your feet over time, providing a custom fit that enhances comfort.
- With proper care, they can serve you for many years, making them a sustainable and cost-effective choice in the long run.
Source: TH
Kolhapuri Chappals FAQs
Q1: The production of Kolhapuri Chappals dates back to which century?
Ans: 13th century
Q2: What is the traditional design style of Kolhapuri Chappals?
Ans: Open-toed with T-strap.
Q3: How long can traditional artisans take to make one pair of Kolhapuri Chappals?
Ans: 6 weeks