A Peshawari chappal and a Kolhapuri chappal are both handmade leather sandals from South Asia, but they are built very differently. The Peshawari chappal, from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan, is semi closed, with wide straps across the front, a buckled heel strap and usually a tyre rubber sole. The Kolhapuri chappal, from Kolhapur in Maharashtra, India, is an open, flat sandal with a T strap, a loop for the big toe, no heel strap and a leather sole.
Peshawari vs Kolhapuri chappal at a glance
| Peshawari chappal | Kolhapuri chappal | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Peshawar and Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan | Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India |
| Shape | Semi closed, wide straps across the front | Open, flat, T strap |
| Toe | Open or covered by straps | Loop around the big toe |
| Back | Buckled heel strap | No heel strap |
| Leather | Usually cow leather | Traditionally buffalo hide, vegetable tanned |
| Sole | Usually tyre rubber | Leather, stitched without nails |
| Worn with | Shalwar kameez, jeans, trousers | Kurta, dhoti, casual wear |
What is a Peshawari chappal?
A semi closed leather sandal with two wide straps crossing over the front of the foot, joined to the sole, and a heel strap closed with a buckle. It takes its name from Peshawar and is now made mostly in Peshawar and Charsadda. Our history of the Peshawari chappal covers its roots in the older kheri, and our guide to its types explains the Kaptaan, Zalmi, Panjedar and other designs.
What is a Kolhapuri chappal?
An open, flat sandal from Kolhapur in Maharashtra, India. According to Wikipedia, traditional pairs are made from vegetable tanned buffalo hide and thread, with no nails, and have a T strap with a loop for the big toe. In July 2019 the Kolhapuri chappal received a Geographical Indication tag covering Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara and Solapur districts in Maharashtra and Bagalkot, Belagavi, Dharwad and Bijapur in Karnataka.
Which is more comfortable?
They suit different uses. The Peshawari chappal holds the foot with its straps and heel strap, so it stays on firmly when you walk fast, climb stairs or wear it all day. The Kolhapuri is lighter and more open, which feels cooler in heat, but with no heel strap the foot does more work to keep it on. A new pair of either takes some days to soften.
Which is more durable?
For everyday walking on Pakistani streets, a Peshawari chappal on a tyre rubber sole usually lasts longer and grips better, especially in rain. A leather soled Kolhapuri wears faster on rough or wet ground. Both can be repaired, and a Peshawari chappal can be resoled when the sole wears down.
Both were copied by fashion houses
Both sandals have been at the centre of design rows. In 2014 Paul Smith sold a Peshawari chappal copy as the “Robert” sandal for about £300 and, after an outcry, credited the Peshawari chappal. In 2025 Prada showed sandals resembling Kolhapuri chappals in its Spring Summer 2026 menswear collection and, after complaints, acknowledged their Indian inspiration.
Which should you buy?
Choose a Peshawari chappal if you want one pair for shalwar kameez, office and weddings that stays secure on the foot and survives daily walking. Choose a Kolhapuri if you want a light, open sandal for hot, dry days. For Peshawari pairs, browse the Peshawari chappal collection or the Kaptaan chappals, all hand stitched in genuine cow leather with cash on delivery across Pakistan.
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