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The chappal is a traditional open leather sandal from South Asia, and the keeps that pattern: a cowhide upper, a hand-stitched cowhide sole and an adjustable buckle. It is a warm-weather shoe for daily wear, travel and relaxed dress, made to order.
Key Takeaways
- A chappal is a traditional open sandal from South Asia; this model is built from cowhide leather 1.4 to 1.5 mm thick.
- The upper and sole are hand-stitched, and the sole and footbed are cowhide.
- An adjustable buckle sets the fit across the foot.
- Follow the maker's care label; the right cleaner or conditioner depends on the leather's finish.
What a Leather Chappal Is
Chappals are handmade leather sandals from South Asia, with regional variants such as the Peshawari (also called Kaptaan). Common features are straps across the top of the foot, an adjustable buckle or ankle strap, and a leather sole. Compared with a molded synthetic sandal, a leather one is stitched from natural hide, which can mold to the foot with wear.
The same pattern is also available as the , finished in tan.
Materials and Construction
The product page describes the following:
- Cowhide leather, 1.4 to 1.5 mm thick
- A hand-stitched cowhide sole for support and grip outdoors
- A cowhide footbed integrated with the sole
- A silver brass adjustable buckle
- Hand-stitched upper and sole with decorative stitching in the traditional chappal style
- Made-to-order production
Because the whole shoe is leather, with no foam or rubber midsole listed, it is a flat, simple sandal rather than a cushioned trainer-style shoe. Riders who need a lot of cushioning for long walks should keep that in mind.
Fit and Sizing
Open sandals fit differently from closed shoes: the foot sits on the footbed, so the heel should rest close to the back edge and the toes should not hang past the front. The buckle adjusts the strap across the foot, which helps if the foot is wide or narrow. The size chart on the product page gives the full conversion from EU to US sizes, and measuring the foot length in the evening, when feet are at their largest, gives the safest result.
Where a Chappal Works
- Casual daily wear in warm weather
- Travel and long days on foot
- Traditional dress such as shalwar kameez, and also jeans, chinos or summer pants
A sandal is not riding footwear. It leaves the foot and ankle uncovered, so riders should switch to proper motorcycle boots before getting on a bike.
Caring for Leather Footwear
Follow the maker's care label; the right cleaner or conditioner depends on the finish of the leather. Wipe off dirt with a soft cloth, and avoid strong heat when a wet pair dries.
Explore More Men's Leather Footwear
For formal shoes, sandals and other casual leather footwear, browse the collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chappal?
A chappal is a traditional open sandal from South Asia, made from leather with straps across the foot and usually a leather sole. A regional style is the Peshawari or Kaptaan chappal. This model has an adjustable buckle and a hand-stitched cowhide sole.
How should I care for a leather chappal?
Follow the maker's care label, because the right cleaner or conditioner depends on the leather's finish. Wipe dirt away with a soft cloth, and keep a wet pair away from strong heat while it dries.
How do I choose the right size?
Measure the length of the foot, ideally in the evening when feet are at their largest, and compare it with the size chart on the product page, which lists EU and US sizes. The heel should sit near the back of the footbed, and the buckle can then be adjusted across the foot for comfort.
Can I ride a motorcycle in a chappal?
It is not recommended. A sandal leaves the foot and ankle exposed and offers no protection from abrasion, impact or heat from the engine and exhaust. Motorcycle riders should wear proper riding boots on the bike and keep the chappal for off-bike use.
Written by the Leather Collection Editorial Team.
