Bantu Chatai Belt Sandle

Authentic Kolhapuri footwear is handcrafted using natural vegetable dyes. Temporary color transfer is a natural characteristic of this traditional tanning process and will subside after a few wears. This is a sign of genuine leather and is not a defect.

• 100% Genuine Handcrafted Leather: Every pair is crafted from premium, 100% genuine vegetable-tanned leather, ensuring a product that is both durable and breathable.
• Artisanal Heritage: Our footwear is made using traditional Maharashtrian techniques, featuring intricate manual thread-work and authentic hand-stamped embossing.
• Signature Design: We specialize in exclusive traditional styles, including our signature pom-pom ornamentation and heritage patterns like Sankeshwari and Peshvai Kapshi.
• Custom-Fit Comfort: Unlike factory-made shoes, our leather chappals mold to the unique shape of your feet over time, providing a personalized, anatomical fit.
• The Mark of Authenticity: We embrace the traditional vegetable-tanning process; the natural color bleeding experienced during initial wears is a guaranteed sign of authentic, chemical-free leather.
• Modern Durability: While we honor tradition, we integrate modern features like anti-slip grips to ensure our heritage footwear meets the needs of today's lifestyle.

How to Prep Your Pair:

• Step 1: The Initial Rub
  Before your first wear, use a soft, dry lint-free cloth to vigorously wipe the inner straps and footbed. This removes any excess surface pigment left over from the traditional dyeing process.
• Step 2: Set the Dye
  Apply a very thin layer of coconut oil or a light dusting of talcum powder to the inside of the leather straps. This helps "lock" the natural dyes into the pores of the leather and reduces transfer to your skin or clothing.
• Step 3: The Break-in Period
  We recommend wearing your new pair indoors with socks or for short periods (2-3 hours) initially. This allows the leather to mold to your foot shape and ensures any initial dye release happens before you wear them with light-colored clothing or expensive jeans.
• Step 4: Storage & Drying
  Leather is a natural material. If your footwear gets wet, air-dry them completely in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight or artificial heat (like hair dryers), as this can cause the leather to stiffen or crack. Store them in a breathable cloth bag when not in use.