10 traditional Indian footwear and the places associated with them

Footwear screams your personality. While most people are running after the trendiest sneakers, traditional Indian footwear has a special place in fashion because it is as diverse as our culture. Do you know each region crafts its own shoes that reflect its raw materials, local craftsmanship, and fashion aesthetics? These timeless designs are not only functional but also deeply sought after during festivals or everyday life for a combination of comfort and style. Here are 10 traditional Indian footwear styles and the places they are famously associated with.

Known for their durability, intricate braiding, and earthy charm, and as the name suggests, these originate from the town of Kolhapur. Tenderly hand-crafted with love, these leather sandals are traditionally made using vegetable-dyed leather, making them perfect to pair with both ethnic and Indo-Western outfits.

Acting as an inspiration for many songs, Juttis are a staple in Punjabi culture They are beautiful and intricately embroidered with zari, adorned with beads, or sequins. Juttis are flat-soled slip-ons often made with leather and are the pride of production in Amritsar and Patiala, known for their exquisite jutti craftsmanship.

Most people confuse juttis with mojaris, considering their similar closed-feet design. Mojaris from Jaipur and Jodhpur are often more ornate, showcasing vibrant embroidery, shimmering mirror work, and curled toes. They're inspired by the Rajputana royal legacy, worn historically by Rajasthani kings and queens.

Pula chappals are made using dry grass and wool. Considering their eco-friendly materials, Pula chappals are warm and comfortable. Traditionally crafted in regions like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti, they are worn during the biting cold in Himalayan winter months.

With roots in Sanskrit, padukas are India’s oldest known footwear. They are peculiar-looking footwear with wooden soles and a knob for the toe. Worn often by sadhus, they are slowly making waves in runway fashion. Padukas are still worn by some monks and have a religious significance across India.

Tribal sandals of Nagaland are made from locally sourced materials prevalent in the North Eastern Indian state. Designed with cane, bamboo, and leather, these comfy footwears reflect the artisanal skills of the Naga tribes. Each tribe creates its own distinctive design patterns and motifs which are often passed down through generations.

Vellore chappals are a staple in the South Indian households. The region around Vellore creates sturdy and hand-stitched leather chappals, which look great when paired with classy silk sarees, providing tradition with comfort. While less fancy, they’re prized for longevity and craftsmanship.

If you’ve ever been to Gujarat, you’ll find this blingy and party-like footwear at every other street market. Mettis have an anklet-like traditional foot ornament-cum-footwear. Often silver or leather-based with tribal motifs, these are originally worn by women in Kutch. They serve both functional and decorative purposes.

Famous in North Karnataka, particularly in places like Belgaum and Dharwad, a distant cousin of Kolhapuri sandals is crafted with love. Reflecting local leatherwork traditions, they have a more rounded finish and are usually dyed in deep reds, burgundy, or browns.

Though these originated in Peshawar (now in Pakistan), this footwear style has been etched in the hearts of all Indians due to their style and comfort. They are produced in Uttar Pradesh's leather hubs like Kanpur and Agra. Known for their criss-cross design and sturdy soles, they go really well with kurtas and a casual pair of jeans.