Kolhapuri chappal

Kolhapuri chappals are exquisitely handcrafted footwear. In Kolhapur, these chappals are called “Pie-taan”. They are mostly made in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. They are available in various sizes, patterns and colors. Regular kolhpuri chappals are ideal for daily wear. Kolhapuri chappals adorned with gold cord, zari strips, pom poms or gota could be also worn on special occasions such as weddings and parties.

Kolhapuri chappals are made from processed leather. Hides of buffalo, goat and cow are processed and grazed. Grazing of leather makes the leather hard enough for daily wear and tear use. Using specific templates, the basic chappal design is then cut out. Depending upon the final product, the cut outs are kept in natural color or dyed as per specifications. An amazing thing to note here is that not a single iron nail is used in the entire manufacture process. The sole and the upper body of the chappals are joined together by stitches which are done with a leather cord. Other embellishments and adornments then follow in making a fancy pair of Kolhapuri chappals. Some of the traditional designs of Kolhapuri chappals include Kachkadi, bakkalnali, and pukari

The craft of Kolhapuri chappals is not prevailing only in Kolhapur but also in neighboring areas of Kapashi and Dongari too. You will be surprised to see entire families working together and making chappals if ever you happen to visit these areas even today. Ladies can go in for a variety of Kolhpuri chappals, each of which can match with their sari or dress color. As they contain a zari border, Kolhapuri chappals can be ideally used for formal wear too. Evergreen favorites of many Indians, Kolhapuri chappals are most popular and not too heavy on the budget too. On the overall, they are quite sturdy, durable and long lasting in use.

The other advantage of this footwear is that it is usually free from all allergic properties unless of course if the wearer is allergic to specific types of leather. The making of kolhapuri slippers does not involve the use of any nails and the sandals are stitched with cords that are also made of leather. This offers additional comfort and durability. The sole is usually made of two or more pieces of leather which are then pasted together and stitched with thongs to impart it with solid strength and durability. The designs could involve intricate patterns which are further enhanced with golden cords called "gota". So the customer has a wide variety to choose from, be it simple patterns or intricately to moderately embellished kolhapuris. Many new designs in this footwear have been incorporated over the years. These include thong-like straps or even pink or maroon colored pom poms that are stitched into thong like straps. The traditional designs essentially include Kachkadi, bakkalnali, and pukari. Over the years the superior viabilities of Kolhapuri chappals have been recognized en masse and its popularity is fast catching up in the west as well. This intricately handcrafted footwear has been able to retain its uniqueness and ingenuity primarily due to skilled craftsmanship and the fact that it complements most Indian outfits perfectly. Recently more creative and fanciful designs have lent this footwear a more modern appeal and versatility.