The World Is Waking Up To The Beauty Of Kolhapuri Sandals

Prada’s SS 26 menswear showcase is a sign to break out those Kohlapuris for the wedding season…

Nov 25, 2025
  • Prada SS 26 menswear showcase
    Prada was heavily inspired by the iconic Indian Kolhapuri sandals for their SS26 showcase in MilanPrada

    Prada’s SS26 menswear showcase at the  Deposito of the Fondazione Prada in Milan had the world, especially Indians, sit up and take note. Amidst the crisp white shirts paired with high-cut shorts and the trench coats styled with track suits, was a very familiar flat, T-strap sandal. The same sandal that’s a staple in every Indian’s wardrobe, whether for running errands or for special occasions: the Kolhapuri chappal.

    Prada's SS26 showcase in Milan
    Prada's SS26 showcase in Milan had models walking down the runway in Kolhapuri chappalsPrada

    The Italian label sent down models wearing the centuries-old footwear that is still handmade by artisans across eight districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Kolhapuris have been G.I. tagged since 2019 and are known for their craftsmanship and durability.


    Much before Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons borrowed the style for the runway, Kolhapuris were evolving into several iterations in a variety of colours and styles that could be adopted seamlessly into the wardrobes of brides and grooms with versatile styles.

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    The Kolhapuris are the right choice for anyone who wants to prioritise comfort without giving up on style. Celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, and Sara Ali Khan can be spotted pairing Kolhapuri chappals with their occasionwear outfits on multiple occasions. Aamir Khan’s daughter Ira Khan chose a pair of Kolhapuris for her wedding look in 2024. Even Alia Bhatt wore heeled Kolhapuri sandals with her Sabyasachi sari at her wedding.

    Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt at their wedding
    Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt at their weddingGetty Images

    The flat sandals are perfect for dancing the night away at your sangeet or pair with your pre-wedding function looks. Designers like Aprajita Toor, Kunal Rawal and Shantnu & Nikhil have some stunning Kolhapuri-inspired options that can make for valuable trousseau additions.


    Here’s our curation of some of the best Kolhapuri sandals brides and grooms can opt for this wedding season…

    Best Kolhapuri Sandals for Brides

    Kolhapuri braided heels from Eridani

    Kolhapuri from Eridani
    Eridani

    Buy it here


    Sandals from Aprajita Toor

    Sandals from Aprajita Toor
    Aprajita Toor

    Buy it here

    Slides from Rajesh Pratap Singh

    Slides from Rajesh Pratap Singh
    Rajesh Pratap Singh

    Buy it here

    Needledust Kolhapair

    Buy it here

    Sandals from Mend

    Sandals from Mend
    Mend

    Buy it here

    Kolha flats from Fizzy Goblet

    Kolha flats from Fizzy Goblet
    Fizzy Goblet

    Buy it here

    Kolhapuri flats from Preet Kaur

    Kolhapuri flats from Preet Kaur
    Preet Kaur

    Buy it here

    Embellished Kolhapuri flats from 5 Elements

    Embellished Kolhapuri flats from 5 Elements
    5 Elements

    Buy it here

    Best Kolhapuri Sandals For Grooms

    Dmodot Pelle Chocro Ricamo

    Dmodot Pelle Chocro Ricamo
    Dmodot

    Buy it here

    Leather sandals from Shantnu & Nikhil

    Leather sandals from Shantnu & Nikhil
    Shantnu & Nikhil

    Buy it here

    Kolhapuri from Kunal Rawal

    Kolhapuri from Kunal Rawal
    Kunal Rawal

    Buy it here

    Brune & Bareskin Kolhapuri slippers

    Brune & Bareskin Kolhapuri slippers
    Brune & Bareskin

    Buy it here

    Kolhapuri sandals from Chappers

    Kolhapuri sandals from Chappers
    Chappers

    Buy it here

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