Lahori khussa is the handmade, embroidered leather shoe that visitors most often buy in Lahore. The easiest places to find it are the shoe lanes of Anarkali Bazaar (including Bano Bazaar in New Anarkali) and the shops of Liberty Market in Gulberg. Handmade pairs generally cost roughly Rs 1,000 to Rs 4,500 in 2026, depending on the leather and the embroidery, with bridal pairs above that.
This guide explains the styles, where to shop, how to judge quality and how to bargain without overpaying.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Best areas | Anarkali Bazaar (Bano Bazaar, Tourist Street) and Liberty Market |
| Typical prices (2026) | About Rs 1,000 to 4,500 per pair for handmade; more for bridal work |
| Budget pairs | Mass-made pairs can start lower, but are often not real leather |
| Best time | Weekday mornings and early afternoons |
| Bargaining | Expected in the bazaars; Liberty Market shops are more fixed |
| Payment | Cash in bazaars; some Liberty Market shops take cards |
What is a khussa?
A khussa (also written khusso) is a flat shoe with a one-piece upper of leather or cloth, often embroidered and decorated with brass nails, cowry shells, mirrors, bells and beads. Wikipedia describes it as traditional footwear from Sindh and Multan, made mostly from vegetable-tanned leather and stitched with cotton thread. Regional types include Sindhi, Multani, Punjabi and Jacobabadi.
Lahore's shops are best known for the Punjabi styles worn at weddings and Eid, but you will find Multani and other types on sale here too.
The main styles
- Everyday flats. Plain or lightly embroidered leather, in tan, black or brown.
- Embroidered women's khussa. Bright thread, beadwork or gota trim, made to go with festive suits.
- Men's khussa. Usually plainer leather, worn with shalwar kameez.
- Bridal and groom's pairs. Heavy embroidery and stones, often ordered to match an outfit. Prices rise well above the ranges here.
Where to buy Lahori khussa
Anarkali Bazaar. The main choice for range and price. Bano Bazaar in New Anarkali and Tourist Street have several shops selling khussa, and prices are the lowest here. Read our Anarkali Bazaar guide for how the market is laid out.
Liberty Market, Gulberg. More comfortable and easier to reach, and some shops accept cards. Prices start higher, and there is less room to bargain. See our Liberty Market guide.
Other Walled City bazaars. For a different kind of shopping, Shah Alam Market and the nearby lanes have crafts alongside shoes.
Established shops are better than roadside stalls, but we do not name individual shops because their standing changes. Ask your hotel, or look for a shop that has been open for years.
What does it cost?
Online listings from Pakistani retailers show handmade khussa at about Rs 1,200 to Rs 4,500 in 2026, with embroidered mid-range pairs around Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,200. Second-hand listings show pairs at Rs 850 to Rs 3,000. Bazaar prices can be lower or higher than these, and bridal work costs more.
These are guides, not quotes. Prices change with the leather, the embroidery and the season, and rise before Eid and wedding season.
How to judge quality
- Check the material. Real leather smells like leather and does not feel like plastic. Press the sole: it should flex but not crack.
- Look at the stitching. Tight, even stitching, especially where the sole meets the upper.
- Inspect the embroidery for loose threads and uneven colours.
- Try both feet. Sizes vary between makers. Khussa often feels tight at first and loosens as the leather softens.
- Ask about the sole. A thin sole wears out fast on pavement.
- Check for a hard insole. Pads help, but avoid pairs with no cushioning if you will walk in them.
Bargaining tips
Bazaar prices are negotiable. Ask a few shops the price of a similar pair, then start at about half to two-thirds of the first offer and settle in the middle. Buying two or three pairs together helps. In Liberty Market, expect a smaller discount.
Punjab government rules on shop closing hours have changed several times in 2026: from 4 June retail shops close at 9pm. Check the current rule, and shop before late afternoon in any case. We could not verify a weekly closing day for the shoe lanes, so ask a shopkeeper if you are making a special trip.
Is it worth it?
Yes for a wedding, a gift or a keepsake. A good pair is a comfortable, cheap souvenir. It is a poor buy if you need shoes for long walks: khussa are flat and thinly cushioned. See our Lahore experiences for more on what to do in the city.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy authentic Lahori khussa?
In the shoe shops of Anarkali Bazaar (Bano Bazaar and Tourist Street) and at Liberty Market. Anarkali has the widest range and the lowest prices.
How much does a Lahori khussa cost?
About Rs 1,000 to Rs 4,500 for handmade pairs in 2026, more for bridal work. Prices vary by leather and embroidery.
Are khussa comfortable?
They are flat and lightly cushioned. Most people find them fine for weddings and short outings, and less suitable for long walks.
How do I know if a khussa is real leather?
Check the smell and the flex of the sole, and look for tight, even stitching. Ask the shopkeeper directly what it is made of.
Can I bargain for khussa in Lahore?
In Anarkali, yes. In Liberty Market, expect little discount.
