The main types of Peshawari chappal are the classic crossed strap design, the Kaptaan, the Zalmi, the Panjedar, the Zardari, the Norozi from Quetta and the Charsadda shapes such as the Gol T and Takidar. They differ mainly in how the front of the foot is covered. Soles (tyre, zero or Vibram) and finishes (glossy, matte or suede) then create further variations within each type.
Types of Peshawari chappal at a glance
| Type | How to recognise it | Price at Khyber Wear |
|---|---|---|
| Classic T shape | T shaped strap over an open toe, buckled heel strap | Rs 5,499 |
| Kaptaan | One broad, rounded front and an open back | Rs 5,500 to Rs 8,000 |
| Zalmi | Two broad leather panels crossing over the foot | Rs 4,499 to Rs 6,000 |
| Panjedar | Five stitched leather straps and a square open toe | Rs 4,800 |
| Zardari | Smooth leather panels covering the front | Rs 4,800 |
| Gol T and Gol broad | Rounded (gol) front, plain, Takidar or woven | Rs 4,500 to Rs 6,500 |
| Norozi | Quetta build with crossed straps on a double tyre sole | Rs 14,999 |
| Chappal boots | Closed front over the toes, open back | Rs 5,500 |
| Peshawari slippers | Two crossed straps, no heel strap, soft sole | Rs 2,850 |
Classic Peshawari chappal
The original design, also called the kheri: a semi closed leather sandal with straps crossing over the front and a buckled heel strap. Our Black T Shape Peshawari Chappal is the closest to the traditional form. Its story is covered in our history of the Peshawari chappal.
Kaptaan chappal
A broad, rounded front and an open back, first made in Peshawar in January 2015 and named after Imran Khan. The 804 version carries his prisoner number on the upper. See the Kaptaan collection or our comparison of Peshawari vs Kaptaan chappals.
Zalmi and Smart Zalmi
Two broad leather panels cross over the top of the foot, with a buckled heel strap. The Smart Zalmi is the glossy, dressier version. Browse the Zalmi collection.
Panjedar chappal
Panj means five: the upper is built from five stitched leather straps with a square open toe. A newer version adds a stitched centre panel. See the Panjedar collection.
Zardari chappal
Smooth leather panels cover the front, giving a plain, formal look. It is named after PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari. Ours is the Mustard Brown Zardari Peshawari Chappal.
Gol T, Takidar and woven Charsadda designs
Gol means round. A Gol T chappal has a rounded, T shaped front, and the Gol broad has a wide rounded front. Takidar is a style name used for glossy Gol T pairs and for the triple gear stitched toe design. The woven Gol T has a hand woven, basket weave upper. Most of these are made in Charsadda; see the Charsadda chappal collection.
Norozi chappal
The Quetta build of the Peshawari chappal, from Balochistan, with crossed straps on a thick double tyre sole and steel buckles. See the Norozi chappal page.
Chappal boots and slippers
Two newer forms stretch the family. Peshawari chappal boots close the front over the toes but keep the open back, which makes them a good winter option. Peshawari slippers keep the crossed straps but drop the heel strap for easy wear around the house.
What about Kohati and Chakwali chappals?
These names come from the towns that make them, Kohat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Chakwal in Punjab, and Wikipedia lists them as other names for the same chappal rather than separate designs. The same goes for the Charsadda chappal: the name tells you where a pair was made, and the design can be any of the types above.
Which sole types are there?
Most Peshawari chappals sit on a tyre rubber sole. The Gogo zero sole is thin, flat and light, and the Vibram sole is thick and lugged for grip. Some pairs, such as the Mustard Brown Kaptaan, use a double sole. The suede chappal changes the finish rather than the shape.
Which type should you choose?
For one pair that goes with everything, choose a Kaptaan or Zalmi in black or dark brown. For a traditional look with shalwar kameez, choose the classic T shape or Panjedar. For weddings, choose a glossy Smart Zalmi, Takidar or the 804. Our guide on what to wear with Peshawari chappals matches each type to an outfit.
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