The World Is Waking Up To The Beauty Of Kolhapuri Sandals

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.

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.

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.

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

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Sandals from Aprajita Toor

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Slides from Rajesh Pratap Singh

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Needledust Kolhapair

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Sandals from Mend

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Kolha flats from Fizzy Goblet

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Kolhapuri flats from Preet Kaur

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Embellished Kolhapuri flats from 5 Elements

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Best Kolhapuri Sandals For Grooms

Dmodot Pelle Chocro Ricamo

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Leather sandals from Shantnu & Nikhil

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Kolhapuri from Kunal Rawal

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Brune & Bareskin Kolhapuri slippers

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Kolhapuri sandals from Chappers

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