If any footwear out there has a grounding feeling about them, it’s the Maharashtrian Kolhapuris. The earthy feel of vegan leather under your feet, paired with the pride of wearing something handmade. In a world where everything falls apart just after a few uses, Kolhapuris feel different.
There is no trend chasing, and no 2 pairs are exactly alike. Just honest chappals, doing what they were built to do, last, breathe, and carry you around comfortably with every step. If you are in the market for sustainable choices, here are 5 reasons why Kolhapuris might be the most sustainable shoes you will ever own.
1. They’re Handmade, With Intention, Not Machines
Each pair of Kolhapuri is made by loving hands, who understand the significance of the footwear. Skilled artisans cut, stick, and shape each pair with patience.
There is no production line involved, no robots roaming around. It is just craft, passed down generations. This makes the carbon footprint a fraction of what you see in mass produced sneakers and shoes hauled around in massive ships across the ocean.
Additionally, when something is handmade, you wear it with more respect and extra care.
2. They’re Built to Last, Not Just Look Good for a Season
Some Kolhapuris last for generations. They never give up like modern shoes that fall apart the moment they get wet. They don’t fall apart like modern shoes that give up at the first splash of water. In fact, the more you wear them, the better they mold to your feet.
Kolhapuris don’t disintegrate, they age gracefully. And if one does wear down, they’re easy to fix at home or with the help of a cobbler. Even basic care can extend their life by years (see our guide on how to clean Kolhapuri chappals).
This leads to fewer pieces of footwear landing in the ocean or a landfill. Use longer, buy less, waste none.
3. They’re Made from Materials That Return to the Earth
At their core, our authentic Kolhapuris are made from vegan leather, treated with vegetable-based dyes and age-old methods that avoid the chemical mess of fast fashion tanning.
Take our Ismaya Kolhapuri chappals, for example, crafted with fabric and vegan leather. They remain lightweight on your feet and gentle on the planet. When they're done, they break down naturally without leaving toxic residues.
4. They Support Local, Not Global Emissions
Our Kolhapuris are not flown from across the globe. They are made right here in front of the hands of Indian artisans, using local materials. The supply chain is short and close to the ground.
This means fewer emissions, less fumes, and less fuel. You know exactly where it came from, who made it, and what went into these Kolhapuri chappals. That kind of visibility is rare in fashion, and it’s powerful.
When you choose Kolhapuris, you’re not just supporting sustainable materials; you’re choosing a system that’s more rooted, more ethical, and a lot less harmful to the planet.
5. They Honour People as Much as the Planet
Fast fashion has a dark history. Behind all big brands and billboards are factories exploiting workers who barely earn a living. Kolhapuri chappals are a class apart. They’re the result of craft, not exploitation.
When a pair is bought, you are directly supporting a craftsman or a family who has been keeping the tradition alive for generations. It’s slow fashion in the best sense. Culture and creativity are woven into function.
So, Why Aren’t We All Wearing Them Yet?
To be honest, everyone should be. It is seen as too “ethnic” or “traditional.” But that’s changing. Today, you’ll find all sorts of Kolhapuris in minimalist tones and cushioned soles. They can be your everyday go-to.
And when you think about what they stand for, craftsmanship, durability, natural materials, and ethical production, there’s really no reason not to give them more space in your wardrobe.
Not every sustainable switch needs to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as walking the old way. With Kolhapuris on your feet.
Looking for a wearable piece of tradition that treads lightly on the earth? Kolhapuris are calling.