From Kolhapuris to Heels: The Complete Indian Footwear Guide

Indian occasion footwear comes down to seven main types: kolhapuris, juttis and mojaris, block heels, wedges, kitten heels and flats, saree sneakers, and men's ethnic shoes. Each has an outfit it suits best. This guide explains what each type is, how to tell good quality, and exactly what to wear it with.

Key takeaways

• Kolhapuris suit cotton sarees, kurta sets and day functions; heeled versions dress them up.
• Juttis are the easiest closed shoe with lehengas, anarkalis and sharara sets.
• Block heels and wedges are the most stable heels for long weddings and outdoor venues.
• Saree sneakers work for mehendi, sangeet and dancing.
• Men's mojaris and juttis go with sherwanis and kurtas; loafers go with bandhgalas and Indo-western sets.

1. Kolhapuri chappals

What it is: the Kolhapuri is a handmade, open-toe leather sandal from Kolhapur in Maharashtra, with a toe ring or T-strap and woven or braided leather detailing. It is one of India's best-known craft shoes and was traditionally made by hand from vegetable-tanned leather.

How to spot a good pair: look for even, tight braiding, a sole that is stitched as well as glued, and leather that is soft but firm. A good pair moulds to the foot with wear.

Wear with: cotton and linen sarees, kurta sets, palazzos, dhoti pants and day functions such as pooja and haldi. Heeled kolhapuris work for festive evenings and with ankle-length kurta sets.

Rose Gold Kolapuri Flats by Sole House, ₹2,651
Rose Gold Kolapuri Flats from Sole House. A metallic finish turns the classic flat kolhapuri into something you can wear to a festive lunch.

Tan Kolhapuri With Antique Gold Detailing by Miraki, ₹4,000
A tan Kolhapuri on a block heel, with antique gold detailing, by Miraki. Tan goes with almost every Indian colour palette.

Black Kolapuri Block Heels by Sole House, ₹2,915
Black Kolapuri Block Heels from Sole House. Black is a smart choice with indigo, white and jewel-toned outfits.

2. Juttis and mojaris

What they are: juttis are closed, slip-on shoes, usually flat, with an embroidered upper. The name is used most in Punjab. Mojaris are a close cousin from Rajasthan and are often associated with a slightly curled or pointed toe. The two words are often used interchangeably today, and both are traditionally decorated with zari, thread work, beads or mirror work.

How to spot a good pair: check that the embroidery is dense and neatly finished on the inside, and that the sole is padded. New juttis are snug and soften after a few wears, so they should feel close-fitting without pinching.

Wear with: lehengas, anarkalis, sharara sets, salwar suits and festive kurtas. Juttis are the easiest closed shoe for a long ceremony.

Radiant Spirit Jutti by KalaIndia, ₹5,265
An embroidered green jutti in soft silk from KalaIndia. Green with pink, yellow and ivory outfits is a classic mehendi pairing.

Shaina Black Jutti by Sole House, ₹4,125
A black jutti from Sole House. Black juttis are the most versatile pair you can own, and they go with nearly every festive kurta.

Elephant Whisperer Mule by KalaIndia, ₹3,465
Juttis reworked as mules, with an open back, are easier to slip on and off at a mandir or a home pooja. This cream pair is from KalaIndia.

3. Block heels

What they are: heels with a thick, square or rectangular heel rather than a thin spike. The wider base spreads your weight, so they are far steadier than stilettos.

Wear with: lehengas, ankle-length anarkalis, pre-draped sarees and gowns. Two to three inches is a comfortable height for most people at a long function.

Gold Crystal Toe Strap Block Heel Sandal by Signature Sole, ₹3,472
A gold block-heel sandal with a crystal toe strap from Signature Sole. Gold works with gold jewellery and suits almost any lehenga colour.

4. Wedges

What they are: shoes where the sole rises in one solid piece from toe to heel. Wedges give height with the most stability of any heel, and they do not sink into grass or sand.

Wear with: outdoor weddings, beach and destination functions, sarees and flared pants. Embroidered wedges keep the look festive.

Pastel Threadwork Criss Cross Strap Wedges by Miraki, ₹4,200
Threadwork wedges with criss-cross straps by Miraki. Pastel embroidery suits day weddings and lawn functions.

Jute Strappy Wedges With Ankle Support by Miraki, ₹4,000
Jute wedges with ankle support from Miraki. The ankle strap keeps them secure for a beach mehendi or a garden brunch.

5. Kitten heels and flats

What they are: kitten heels are short, slim heels, usually one to two inches. Flats include ballerinas, slides and embellished sandals.

Wear with: sarees (a kitten heel gives a neat line at the hem), office kurta sets, cigarette pants and day functions. Flats are best for haldi, travel and pooja.

Pearl Work Kitten Heel by Miraki, ₹4,400
A pearl-embellished kitten heel from Miraki. The low heel makes it practical for a long reception, and the pearl work keeps it festive.

Double Bow Gold Flats by Miraki, ₹3,000
Double Bow Gold Flats from Miraki. An easy pair for day pujas and for travelling between functions.

6. Sneakers with sarees and lehengas

What they are: embroidered or embellished sneakers designed for Indian wear, with gota, zardozi, mirror or thread work on the upper.

Wear with: sarees draped slightly higher, lehengas at mehendi and sangeet, and Indo-western sets. They are also a smart change of shoes for the dancing at the end of a reception.

Gota Sneakers by Saree Sneakers, ₹5,500
Gota Sneakers from Saree Sneakers. Gold gota on a sneaker matches the gota on many festive lehengas and sarees.

7. Men's ethnic footwear

Men's options follow the same logic: the more traditional the outfit, the more traditional the shoe.

• Mojaris and juttis: the natural partner for sherwanis, achkans and festive kurtas. Grooms often choose a mojari with zari or embroidery that picks up the sherwani's work.
• Kolhapuris: for kurta-pyjama, pathani suits and day functions such as haldi and pooja.
• Loafers: for bandhgalas, Nehru jacket sets and Indo-western suits. Velvet or suede loafers look festive; leather looks formal.
• Formal shoes: Oxfords or Derbys in black or brown for tuxedos and suits at receptions and cocktails.

[Photo needed: a groom's embroidered gold mojari next to the hem of an ivory sherwani, and a pair of velvet loafers with a black bandhgala]

Plan the outfit first: browse sherwanis and the wider menswear edit, then choose the shoe to match the embroidery and colour.

What to wear with what: the quick chart

Caring for Indian footwear

• Keep embroidered juttis and sneakers in cloth bags to protect the zari from moisture and tarnish.
• Wipe leather kolhapuris with a dry cloth and avoid soaking them; water can stiffen and crack the leather.
• Wear new juttis around the house for a day or two to soften them before a function.
• Stuff shoes with tissue when storing to keep the shape.

If you want to know what is new this season, read our companion piece on the footwear trends of 2026. For dressing the whole family for a wedding, including shoes, the Wedding Wardrobe Planner assigns a personal stylist who maps every function. And for the saree itself, see different types of sarees in India and how to style them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a jutti and a mojari?

Both are closed, slip-on embroidered shoes, and the names are often used interchangeably. Jutti is the term most used in Punjab, while mojari is associated with Rajasthan and often has a slightly curled or pointed toe. Either works with lehengas, anarkalis and sherwanis.

Which footwear is best with a lehenga?

Block heels and juttis are the two best options. Block heels give height with stability under a heavy skirt, and juttis are comfortable for long ceremonies. For mehendi and sangeet, embroidered sneakers are a practical choice for dancing.

Can I wear kolhapuris with a saree?

Yes, kolhapuris look lovely with cotton, linen and handloom sarees, especially for day functions and pooja. For a silk saree or an evening event, pick a heeled or metallic kolhapuri. Keep the saree hem just above the ground so the sandal shows.

Are wedges good for outdoor weddings?

Wedges are the best heel for lawns, gardens and beaches, because the solid sole does not sink into soft ground. Choose a pair with an ankle strap for extra security. Embroidered wedges keep the look festive.

What shoes should a groom wear with a sherwani?

Mojaris or embroidered juttis are the traditional choice. Pick a pair whose embroidery or colour echoes the sherwani, often gold, ivory or a tone from the safa. Try them on at the final fitting so the churidar or trouser length is set correctly.

Find your pair. Shop the full footwear collection or browse Ready to Ship for pairs you can have quickly. For help, WhatsApp us on +91-9217684006 or email info@aurayafashion.com.