The iconic open-toed and t-strapped slipper originated by the name of “kanwali chappal” (which means slipper with ears, referring to its side flaps), in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra, India as early as the 13th century. They were made of vegetable tanned buffalo leather and had thick soles to endure the heat and mountain terrain of Maharashtra. The interwoven joineries added to the durability. They are embellished with intricate braids and carved/ embossed patterns. By the 18th century they gained popularity in the neighbo-ouing city of Mumbai as the “kolhapuri chappal”. Today it is known, recognised and appreciated all over the world.

The high demand for the kolhapuri chappal gave rise to a home-based cottage industry in Kolhapur and many other neighbouring villages. However, it is a declining industry today. Strict environment regulations have led to shutting down of tanneries, which generate polluting effluents. Ban on the slaughter of cow, bulls and bullocks; has led to scarcity of leather and a hike in its price. It faces tough competition from cheaper artificial leather. As a result, craftsmen have started migrating to other cities and opting for other career options.

- Open toed and t-strap slipper

- Everyday use

- Sustainable life cycle

- Avoid of toxic adhesives

- Flexible sole

- Cushioned

The footwear industry today heavily relies on toxic adhesives for assembly. The use of any kind of adhesive makes it impossible to separate the different materials involved in making the shoe, at the end of its life span. Hence, they can not be recycled or managed efficiently. Moreover, the toxic chemicals leach into the ground water and contaminate it when the footwear is disposed. Hence the major focus in this project has been on making an adhesive free pair of footwear.

Secondly, being designed for everyday use, it is aimed to keep the feet in good health and tackle problems such as heel pain, sweat and bad odour.

This resilient material based on natural cocos fibre is curled by means of a spinning process followed by steaming. The fibres are bonded with 100% natural latex to form a sheet. Due to the natural fibre this product has excellent properties such as good ventilation, temperature and humidity control, and most importantly no harmful chemicals and no solvents are used in the process.

Rubberised coir is composed of 50% coir fibre and 50% natural latex. Addition of latex increases the life of the coir. It reduces water retention and sagging. It is an excelllent material for shoe soles because it is:

- Shock absorbent

- Anti- bacterial

- Sweat absorbent

- Takes form of the feat

The rubberised coir (shock absorbing and flexible) midsole provides ample cushioning unlike the hard leather of newly bought kolhapuri chappal that are often found to be uncomfortable due to heel pain.