The Peshawari chappal, also called the kheri, is the flat leather sandal with two wide crossed straps and a heel strap that Peshawar is known for, and it is often called Pakistan's national footwear. Handmade pairs from retailers in 2025 to 2026 cost roughly PKR 3,200 to PKR 6,000 for standard styles, and PKR 6,500 to PKR 12,000 or more for the Kaptaan style. The best-known place to buy them in Peshawar is the Namak Mandi area of the old city.
This guide explains the styles, the price ranges we could verify, where to shop, how to judge quality and how to bargain without wasting an afternoon.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| What it is | Handmade leather sandal, crossed straps, heel strap with buckle |
| Standard pair, 2025 to 2026 | About PKR 3,200 to PKR 6,000 (retail listings) |
| Kaptaan style | About PKR 6,500 to PKR 12,000 (one retailer's range) |
| Where in Peshawar | Namak Mandi, in the old city |
| Weekly closing day | Varies by shop; one established Namak Mandi shop lists Monday to Saturday |
| Best for | Gifts, everyday wear with shalwar kameez |
What is a Peshawari chappal?
The kheri is a traditional sandal from the hill regions of northern Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, built for rough ground. It has two wide straps that cross and join the sole, plus a heel strap with a buckle. Traditionally it is made of pure leather with a sole cut from truck tyre or with soft leather stitched onto a tyre-rubber sole, which is cheap, easy to find and very hard-wearing.
Peshawar is one of several production centres, along with Chakwal, Talagang, Hazro, Sargodha, Dera Ismail Khan and Kohat. It is worn with shalwar kameez for casual and formal occasions. Designer versions inspired by it have been made by Paul Smith in 2014 and Christian Louboutin in 2019.
The main styles
Shop names and styles you will meet:
- Peshawari. The standard kheri, in black or brown leather. This is what most people mean by the name.
- Norozi. A traditional handmade style, sold at similar prices to the standard Peshawari.
- Charsadda. Named after the nearby town, with round and T-shaped toe variants.
- Kaptaan. A modern, more refined variation that became popular in 2015 after a pair was presented to Imran Khan. It is the most expensive of the styles.
- Leather slippers. A casual closed-back option sold by many of the same shops.
What do they cost?
These are figures from retailers' listings in 2025 to 2026, so they reflect asking prices and not what you will pay in a Peshawar shop:
| Type | Price (2025 to 2026) |
|---|---|
| Basic leather, thick tyre sole | From about PKR 3,200 |
| Handmade Peshawari or Charsadda, genuine leather | PKR 3,700 to PKR 6,000 |
| Kaptaan | PKR 6,500 to PKR 12,000 |
| Premium models with Vibram soles | PKR 7,500 to PKR 9,500 |
| Leather slippers | About PKR 2,500 to PKR 3,000 |
The spread is wide because leather, stitching and soles vary. Prices change with the cost of leather, so use these as a guide and compare two or three shops before buying.
Where to buy in Peshawar
The best-known market is Namak Mandi in the old city, where there are many chappal shops and several long-established names. Our Namak Mandi guide covers the area, and Andar Shehr describes the wider walled city around it. Qissa Khwani Bazaar is close by: see our Qissa Khwani guide. For other things to take home see our Peshawar shopping guide.
If you are staying in a cantonment hotel, ask the front desk for a shop they trust, or order a pair to be ready the next day. Many Peshawar chappal makers also sell online with delivery across Pakistan, which is handy if you find a style you like but do not want to carry a box.
Opening hours and the weekly off day
There is no single rule for the walled city bazaars. One established Namak Mandi chappal shop lists its hours as Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 8 pm, which means closed on Sunday. Other shops may close on other days. We could not find a verified market-wide weekly holiday, so ask your hotel to phone the shop first, particularly if you are travelling far to buy.
How to judge quality
- Look at the stitching. Even, tight stitching along the edges and straps is a good sign, and loose or uneven thread is not.
- Check the leather. Pure leather is thick and smells like leather, and it should not feel plasticky. Ask what the sole is made of.
- Flex it. The sole should bend where your foot bends and should not crack or feel stiff.
- Try on both feet, standing. A new pair is stiff and needs time to soften. It should hold your heel without pinching across the top of the foot.
- Sizes. Chappals are sold in standard numbered sizes, and it is common to try more than one.
Bargaining tips
Prices in the old bazaars are usually negotiable in person, though shops that fix prices, including online stores, will not move much. Start by asking the price for the exact pair, then compare it against a second shop. Ask what the soft or "medicated" insole adds. Be polite and willing to walk away. If the price seems too low for the leather, it probably is.
Is it safe to shop in old Peshawar?
The UK government advises against all travel to Peshawar. In 2026 there have been serious attacks on police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including in September at Kohat, and Peshawar's old city bazaars have been targeted in past years. Foreign-passport holders should check their own government's advice, since it can void insurance. Pakistani shoppers still visit the walled city daily.
Check local news and current police advice before you go, avoid the most crowded times such as the days before Eid, and keep valuables out of sight. Our Peshawar safety guide has more.
Is it worth buying one?
For a gift or for daily wear with shalwar kameez, yes. A well-made pair lasts for years and costs less than most leather shoes. If you would rather not go into the old city, the online stores of established Peshawar makers are a reasonable alternative, though you lose the chance to try a pair. More ideas are on our experiences page.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Peshawari chappal?
About PKR 3,200 to PKR 6,000 for standard handmade pairs in 2025 to 2026, and more for Kaptaan or premium-sole styles.
Where is the best place to buy Peshawari chappal in Peshawar?
Namak Mandi in the old city is the best-known market, with many chappal shops.
What is a Kaptaan chappal?
A modern, more refined style of Peshawari chappal that became popular in 2015 after a pair was presented to Imran Khan.
What is the difference between Peshawari and Charsadda chappal?
Charsadda chappals are named after the nearby town and come in round and T-shaped toe variants. Both use similar leather and tyre soles.
Is the market closed on Sundays?
Some shops are. One established Namak Mandi chappal shop lists Monday to Saturday hours, but days vary, so phone ahead.
