To make leather Peshawari chappals last, wipe them after every wear, condition and polish them every few weeks, dry them slowly in shade if they get wet, and store them in a cool, dry place. Suede needs a brush instead of polish. When the sole wears thin, have the pair resoled rather than replaced; good cow leather uppers outlast several soles.
Leather chappal care at a glance
| How often | What to do |
|---|---|
| After every wear | Wipe off dust with a soft dry cloth |
| Every 2 to 4 weeks | Clean with a damp cloth, condition, then polish |
| When wet | Stuff with paper and dry slowly in shade |
| Out of season | Clean, condition and store in a cloth bag |
| When the sole wears thin | Resole |
How to clean leather chappals
Brush or wipe away dust first, paying attention to the stitching where dirt collects. For marks, use a cloth that is only just damp, with a drop of mild soap if needed, and wipe again with a clean damp cloth. Never put chappals in water or a washing machine: soaking dries the leather out as it evaporates, can shrink it and weakens the stitching.
How to condition and polish
Leather is skin and dries out, especially in Pakistan’s heat and dust. Rub a thin layer of leather conditioner or cream into the clean upper with a soft cloth, let it soak in for about 15 minutes, then buff. For glossy pairs, finish with a polish in the matching colour, such as black on a black Kaptaan or a neutral polish on two tone leather. For matte leather, use cream or a neutral polish and buff lightly so it does not turn shiny. Test any new product on a hidden spot first.
How to care for suede chappals
Suede has a napped surface, so polish and cream will flatten and stain it. Brush it with a soft suede brush in one direction to lift dust and restore the nap. A suede eraser removes small marks. Keep suede out of rain; if it gets wet, blot it, let it dry naturally and brush it again. Our Suede Peshawari Chappal is best kept for dry days.
What to do if your chappals get wet
Wipe off surface water, stuff the chappals with newspaper or tissue to hold their shape and draw out moisture, and leave them to dry at room temperature in shade. Do not put them in the sun, near a heater or under a hair dryer: fast heat cracks and shrinks leather. Once dry, condition the leather to put back the oils the water took out.
How to store Peshawari chappals
Keep them in a cool, dry, ventilated place, out of direct sun. A cotton or cloth bag protects them from dust while letting the leather breathe; avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture and cause mould. For long storage, clean and condition the pair first so the leather does not dry out.
How to stop chappals from smelling
Let each pair air out for a day between wears, and keep your feet dry. Sprinkling a little baking soda on the footbed overnight and brushing it off in the morning absorbs odour. Wipe the footbed with a barely damp cloth now and then.
When should you resole?
Resole when the tread is worn smooth, the sole has thinned at the heel or ball of the foot, or it starts to separate at the edge. Do it before the wear reaches the stitching, so the upper stays sound. Most Peshawari chappals sit on a tyre rubber sole that a cobbler can replace. We resole worn pairs: message us on WhatsApp at +92 301 8768666.
Care questions
Can I use shoe polish on Peshawari chappals?
Yes, on smooth leather. Use a polish that matches the colour, apply a thin layer and buff it. Do not use polish on suede.
Can I use coconut or mustard oil on leather?
It is better to use a leather conditioner. Cooking oils can darken leather unevenly and can go rancid over time.
How long do handmade leather chappals last?
With regular care and resoling, a well made cow leather pair can be worn for years. Every Khyber Wear chappal carries a 6 month warranty, and our Norozi chappals 5 years.
Read about which leather is best for Peshawari chappals, or browse the Peshawari chappal collection.
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