Peshawari Chappal: An internationally popular traditional footwear of Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD -- Peshawari Chappal, an internationally popular traditional footwear of Pakistan takes its name from the city of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtukhwa - the chapel is actually the word for flip-flops or sandals.

People in Peshawar call it 'Peshawari Chappal Tsaple or Saplay'. The Chappal is used by men either casually or formally with Shalwar Kameez in place of sandal or slipper in Pakistan.

It is semi-closed footwear which consists of two wide straps where both strips are joined with the sole by crossing each other. The back side also has a strip with a buckle to tie according to the foot size and level of comfort.

The Chappal is traditionally made of pure leather with its sole often made of truck tyre which refers to a large number of variations ranging from a tyre of sedan car to the tyre of a 4x4 off road jeep. The footwear is available in many traditional designs and colors with variations such as works of golden and silver threads, which give it a more elegant look.

Peshawari chappals have become increasingly popular in different parts of the country - even wearing them with jeans has become a fashion trend, especially among the urban youth. With the increase in access through e-commerce websites, it is now being revitalized with new designs in many cities of the country and internationally.

The average price of a good chappal is around Rs. 2,500 (US$16). But it can be high up to thousands of rupees according to the demand of the material and quality of tyre for making the sole.

The upper part of the Chappals is made from soft leather which is sewn onto the rubber tyre sole usually. The materials are cheap, easily available and very hard wearing. Intricate designs are added to the leather upper before the shoe is put into a mould which stretches it to size.

In March 2014, Peshawari Chappal became the center of a global fashion debate when Sir Paul Smith made a similar shoe, which sold for APS300. This prompted complaints on social media that this appropriated the culture and craft of its original Pakistan makers.

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