Kareena Kapoor to Virat Kohli: Celebs who love Kolhapuri Chappals more than Prada!

In a world where designer labels get all the noise, there’s something wonderfully refreshing about celebrities who stick to their roots, quite literally, in this case, with their footwear. We’re talking about the OG Kolhapuri chappals. Not the ones repackaged on international runways, but the real, earthy ones straight from Maharashtra.

While luxury brand Prada recently found itself in hot water for debuting lookalike Kolhapuris at Milan Fashion Week, Bollywood stars have been wearing the authentic ones for years without the hype, without the hashtags, and definitely without the thousand-dollar price tag.

Let’s start with Kareena Kapoor Khan. She's glam, she’s luxe, and she’s usually wearing something that costs more than our rent. But even Bebo has her soft spot for Kolhapuris. She once posted a story calling them her “OG slippers” and honestly, it was kind of iconic. Because if she can swap stilettos for desi flats, maybe we can, too.

Virat may be known for his killer form on the field, but his off-duty style is equally on point. A few years ago, he was spotted at the airport in Kolhapuri chappals and it wasn’t part of a costume. Just jeans, a kurta, and his trusty flats. Functional? Yes. Fashionable? Absolutely.

Aditya is that guy who looks like he just woke up, threw on the first shirt he saw, and still managed to look better than all of us. And more often than not, he finishes off that look with Kolhapuris. Whether he’s strolling through Bandra or grabbing coffee, they’re clearly his go-to.

His ex, Shraddha Kapoor, is no different. She’s been spotted more than once styling her outfits with Kolhapuri chappals, especially during travel. She once mentioned that she loves how they go with everything, and you know what? She’s not wrong. Sarees, jeans, maxis - they’re weirdly perfect for all of it.

Let’s be honest, Aamir Khan doesn’t care about trends. He wears what he wants, and that usually means harem pants and you guessed it, Kolhapuris. They match his whole vibe: low-key, thoughtful, and super comfy. And honestly, if Aamir’s on board, there’s probably some deeper reason we haven’t figured out yet.

Neena Gupta’s love for Kolhapuris has heart. In one of her Instagram videos, she showed off a handmade pair gifted to her by the late actor Laxmikant Berde. She said she once asked him for a pair from Kolhapur and he actually got them for her. That’s not just footwear, that’s a memory. “They’re in great demand these days,” she said, beaming.

Now if you’re wondering what makes these chappals so special, here’s the thing: they’re actually handmade. No machines, no fast fashion. They’re made using genuine leather and natural dyes, and some designs are even stitched together without a single nail. They're comfy, durable, and age like fine wine. Plus, every pair has that slightly imperfect charm that only comes from something made by hand.

They’re also stupidly versatile. Dress them up with ethnic wear, or down with jeans and a T-shirt. You’ll still look like you tried, even if you didn’t.

Prada may have tried to “reinvent” Kolhapuris, but the truth is, Bollywood already knew their worth. No catwalk or campaign needed. These chappals have always been a part of everyday style, long before they were considered trendy.

And while it’s cool to see Indian fashion inspire global brands, it’s even cooler to see stars wear these with pride, without needing a label slapped on top.

Sometimes, fashion doesn’t need to scream. Sometimes, it just quietly walks into the room, in a pair of scuffed, handmade, buttery-soft Kolhapuris.

So next time you’re tempted to buy overpriced sandals just because they’re trending, maybe take a cue from Kareena, Aditya, Shraddha and the gang. Pick up a real pair from your local artisan. Your feet (and your fashion sense) will thank you.