Footwear in Pakistan is more than just a physical necessity - it is a colourful expression of traditions, clothing, and personality. Walking through the historical streets of Lahore or at a contemporary mall in Karachi, the shoes you wear say a lot about who you are and what your style is. Whether you wear handmade khussas or sneakers, the complex and colourful footwear of Pakistan is a blend of the past and the present.
Current trends not only reflect aesthetic preferences, but they are often reflective of cultural change, climate needs, and in some cases, fashion illumination. So, whether you are a fashion fanatic or just want to keep in step with the hot items, this article will navigate the top footwear trends in Pakistan, each step packed with charm, comfort, and trendiness.
Shoes are sometimes an overlooked aspect of fashion, but they can hold deep-seated cultural importance and meaning, particularly in Pakistan. Shoes such as khussas are traditionally worn at weddings and festivals, but by contrast, sneakers and slides dominate street wear and daily comfort.
Trends evolve here through:
These elements make Pakistani footwear diverse, meaningful, and fashionable, deserving a spotlight of its own.
Khussas are the pride of Pakistan. They are handmade shoes stuffed with regional identity and character, and have existed for centuries. They are mostly made from leather with detailed threadwork or other decorations. Lahore, Multan, and Bahawalpur are some famous centres that produce khussas.
It's ok to wear khussas with a formal outfit or with a semi-casual outfit. Some designers successfully combine khussas with jeans, and jumpsuits even took on this cross-cultural styling for khussas and brought a new life to traditional footwear in youth fashion.
Peshawari chappals, which were once exclusively worn by Pashtun men, became mainstream once some celebrities began wearing them with a shalwar kameez and jeans! They are mostly known for their thick soles and double-strap approach, which makes them perfect for both difficult conditions and urban style.
Today, you'll find modern versions with cushioned soles, polished leather, and even buckle enhancements, blending ruggedness with refinement.
Although mostly linked with India, Kolhapuris are loved in southern Pakistan as well. They are made from soft leather with flat soles and are a summer favourite because they are open. While artisans now make Kolhapuris in metallic finishes, bright dyes, and patterned stitching, they remain popular as a trendy option for men and women alike.
In the last 10 years, the footwear market in Pakistan has seen a tectonic shift. With fashion trends accessible globally and Pakistani youth prioritising comfort, modern casual footwear has taken the forefront. Contemporary casual footwear has become the preference for everyone from teenagers to working professionals.
Among all casual options, sneakers have taken the lead. What started as a gym essential is now a fashion statement. Influenced by hip-hop culture, K-dramas, and Instagram influencers, sneakers have become synonymous with youth identity in Pakistan.
What makes sneakers so appealing is their versatility: you can wear them with a kurta, joggers, or even a semi-formal outfit for a bold style statement.
For those who like to have a little bit of dressiness when going casual, loafers and slip-ons are the option most people are choosing. Each comes in laceless, easy-casual options that can fit easily into any fast-paced urban lifestyle. Whether made from suede, leather, or canvas, loafers and slip-ons can successfully transition from the office building to weekend brunch or the college campus.
Loafers are also a very popular choice for semi-formal events, when they are paired with chinos or tailored pants. There have also been some brands that are taking familiar Punjabi prints or patterns and making them in a loafer-style silhouette, which has made for a truly Pakistani urban shoe.
The hot summer weather in cities like Multan and Karachi has led us to responsive footwear that breathes, and slides have come to the rescue. From Adidas Adilettes to locally-made sporty versions, these are loved by both men and women.
For women's shoes, strappy sandals with embroidered or mirror work are also a popular choice for Eid, weddings, and evenings. These are especially popular in Lahore and Islamabad, where people blend ethnic and modern elements seamlessly.
The elite fashion circuit in Pakistan has witnessed an explosion of luxury footwear, both imported and locally designed.
Weddings in Pakistan are a big deal, and shoes are important. Brides often wear heavily embroidered khussas or high-heeled sandals paired with lehengas or shararas. Designers such as Nomi Ansari and Sania Maskatiya have now started selling bridal footwear in their bridal collections of clothes.
These shoes feature:
Brides also choose custom shoes with matching dupatta or outfit accents, adding a personal touch to their big day.
In urban hubs, stilettoes and block heels are all the rage. From glitter pumps to metallic strappy heels, Pakistani women use shoes to enhance their personal style. Events like Lawn Launches and Fashion Weeks highlight the growing importance of standout footwear.
Designers like HSY, Maria B, and Khaadi have teamed up with artisan shoemakers to make branded collections that combine local craftsmanship with modern shapes in a signature way. Specific examples are khussa-mule, or embellished flats.
These designer collabs are often seen in festive collections or Eid campaigns and elevate local styles onto the international stage.
Pakistan’s diverse climate, from the icy north to the tropical south, demands footwear that adapts to changing seasons.
During blistering summer months, open shoes become essential:
These styles are sold in abundance in Liberty Market, Zainab Market, and Sunday Bazaars, making fashion accessible to all income brackets.
When the chill hits cities like Islamabad and Murree, boots make a grand return. From ankle-length to knee-high, boots offer both warmth and style.
Material is key to determining not only the strength of the shoes in Pakistan, but also the style. The footwear market in Pakistan employs fabrics and materials informed by a combination of new technology and old techniques. There is a range of materials used in footwear in Pakistan, and they will be chosen based on culture, climate, and fashion.
Leather is the most popular material for traditional and formal footwear. Leather provides superior durability and flexibility, as well as sophistication and elegance. Cities like Sialkot and Gujranwala epitomise leather production, where local craftsmen are masterful artisans.
These materials are often enhanced with embroidery, mirror work, or sequins, adding cultural richness to every step.
In recent years, Pakistan’s footwear industry has started embracing eco-friendly practices. With rising environmental awareness:
Synthetic leather is widely used in budget-friendly options.
Footwear trends often vary across provinces, influenced by cultural attire, climate, and local resources.
In Sindh, Ajrak print sandals and khussas have become a cultural emblem. Worn with both traditional and fusion outfits, these are often handcrafted by artisans in Hyderabad and Hala.
Balochistan is widely known for its brightly embroidered chappals and boots, often using geometric or tribal patterns, and are often made of durable leather and strong soles for durable wear on tough ground. Within the fashion industry, Baloch styles are becoming more popular with each season and have appeared in fashion exhibitions.
Pakistan’s youth are at the forefront of evolving footwear fashion, and street style is their canvas.
Due to social media, Pakistani celebrities like Ayeza Khan, Atif Aslam, and Hania Aamir have a massive influence on shoe trends. Whether it is a sponsored post featuring a local brand or an Eid shoot with khussas, audiences often follow these cues closely.
Fashionable shoes don’t always come with a high price tag. Local markets like:
Zainab Market (Karachi)
Liberty Market (Lahore)
Jinnah Super (Islamabad)
... offer trend-driven footwear at affordable prices. These markets often spot trends before larger retailers do, thanks to their direct customer interaction and fast-changing inventory.
Footwear is becoming more important to men in Pakistan. Oxfords, brogues, and moccasins are for formal occasions, slip-ons, and open sandals for everyday wear.
Office-goers will likely prefer brands for work wear like Borjan, Hush Puppies, and Urbansole. Moccasins in neutral tones are especially favoured for versatility.
Teenagers and young adults are invested in sneaker culture. You see branded sneakers like Nike, Adidas, and Converse on college campuses. With counterfeits and lower-priced versions of shoes available for all, everyone fits into the sneaker culture.
There's also growing interest in limited-edition releases, with small online communities forming around sneaker collecting.
Women in Pakistan have a diverse range of options to choose from. Flat sandals, ballet pumps, and decorative khussas are wearables for women of all ages. Many opted for neutral colours or pastel tones, which complement both Eastern and Western outfits.
Popular brands include:
These offer everything from casual wear to bridal designs under one roof.
One of the most exciting trends is the fusion of styles, like khussa sneakers or embroidered platform sandals. These hybrid pieces allow women to express tradition with a modern twist.
For kids, functionality meets fun. Parents look for durability, comfort, and playful designs.
The rise of e-commerce has dramatically reshaped the way Pakistanis shop for shoes. With internet penetration growing and platforms offering better user experiences, online footwear sales are soaring.
Several online platforms have emerged as go-to destinations for buying shoes across Pakistan:
These platforms offer filters for size, colour, price, and material, enhancing the shopping experience.
A new wave of online-only footwear brands has also gained traction. These include:
These brands use storytelling, local production values, and influencer marketing to build trust with buyers.
Keeping your shoes in good shape is essential to extend their life and maintain their appearance.
| Footwear Type | Popular Users | Season | Best For | Key Brands |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khussas | Women, Brides | All-year | Festive, Cultural, Formal | JootiShooti, Stylo |
| Sneakers | Youth, Men & Women | All-year | Casual, Urban, Sporty | Nike, Adidas, Ndure |
| Sandals | Men, Women, Kids | Summer | Daily Wear, Comfort | Bata, Servis, Metro |
| Loafers | Men, Professionals | Spring/Fall | Semi-formal, Workwear | Urbansole, Borjan |
| Slides | Teens, Athletes | Summer | Streetwear, Gym, Casual | Adidas, Unze, Local Makers |
| Boots | Urban & Rural Men | Winter | Cold Weather, Stylish Outfits | Hush Puppies, Imported Lines |
In Pakistan, footwear has surpassed the duty of homely needs, it has become an opportunity for cultural identity and expression, and trends. From leather khussas to modern sneakers, Pakistan's footwear industry is helping with the merging of tradition and modernity.
With the ease of online shopping, the rise of sustainable fashion, and the return of affection for domestic craftsmanship, the future of footwear in Pakistan is bright. So whether you're walking down the road in Islamabad or rocking a new pair of slippers in Sindh province, your shoes can now speak volumes about who you are and what you love.
Some of the most sought-after brands include Stylo, Metro, Bata, Servis, Nike, Adidas, ECS, Ndure, and SOMA. For luxury, Markhor and high-end designer collaborations are trending.
Absolutely! Khussas are timeless and continue to evolve with trendy designs, colours, and embellishments. They remain popular for weddings, Eid, and cultural events.
Open-toe sandals, slides, and breathable canvas sneakers are best suited for the hot and humid summers in Pakistan.
Yes. Trusted e-commerce sites like Daraz.pk, Stylo, Ndure, and local Instagram brands provide quality shoes with return and exchange policies.
Yes, brands like Markhor have gained international acclaim for their handmade leather shoes, while others like SOMA are promoting sustainable fashion globally.
Khussas, loafers, or fusion sandals with ethnic prints can easily transition between traditional and contemporary wear, making them versatile choices.
