Women Shoes in Pakistan: A Journey Through Time and Style

Did you know that shoes for women have a rather interesting psychological impact on them? Yes, you read it right. Shoe Therapy is real. It may not be a formal concept, so to say, but the impact this has on ladies is real. From the dopamine effect to confidence boost & self-care, shoe retail therapy indeed has a lot of benefits.

Women's footwear has indeed gone through a lot of changes in the last few decades. But, no matter the era, shoes have been and still are a necessity for everyday use; be it formal or casual.

Shoes were always associated with both status (in older times) and fashion trends. In Pakistan, the evolution of women's footwear has been a journey that has definitely been a source of fascination for us. To simplify the idea, just know that the transition from the early days to today has been influenced by culture along with the constantly changing social norms, and of course, the global fashion trends. 

From the humble khussa to the latest designer heels, let's explore how women's shoes in Pakistan have evolved over the years, highlighting interesting tidbits and facts along the way.

The Traditional Roots: Khussa and Kolhapuri Chappals

You may already know that before the global fashion industry made its mark, Pakistani footwear was deeply rooted in tradition. Basically, the khussa is a flat, handcrafted shoe. These shoes have been an essential footwear item in Pakistani culture since the beginning. 

For more clarity, this type of footwear for women basically originated from the Mughal era. At that time majority of the khussa shoes were made from leather and were even adorned with intricate embroidery, beads, and sequins.

These shoes were originally worn by royalty and nobility. And yes, you guessed it right, it means that these shoes were a symbol of elegance and sophistication at that time.

Fun Fact

Did you know that the art of making khussa shoes is passed down through generations? The thing is that each pair is handcrafted by skilled artisans. And you may not believe it but the process was often taking days to complete. 

In addition, the process involves shaping the leather, embroidering the fabric, and stitching the shoe together. That too, all by hand!

The Colonial Influence: Pumps and Court Shoes

Next, we have the colonial influenced era, also known as the British colonial era. This was the time when rather significant changes in Pakistani fashion started rising. As far as the footwear is concerned, Western styles like pumps and court shoes were introduced in this era and they showed a lot of popularity.

The fame of these styles was not a surprise, especially for the targeted urban women. Moreover, the ladies who were open to blending traditional and modern fashion were accepting this style more than others.

In addition, these shoes, often with a small heel and closed toe, were considered a symbol of both, modernity and sophistication.

Now, time for another interesting fact!

Tidbit

Cinema fans, especially the fans of classic movies today, will definitely love this one. Well, during the 1950s and 1960s, Pakistani cinema played a significant role in promoting Western footwear styles. And sure enough, it became a huge hit. The advertising strategy was a hit and so were these footwear styles.

Also, our iconic actresses like Noor Jehan and Sabiha Khanum were often seen wearing stylish pumps and court shoes, so just like today, in the earlier days when a superstar wore something, the style, the brand, and the design were all followed by the fans.

So, of course, this means that these actresses were behind inspiring women across the country to adopt these fashionable designs.

The 1970s and 1980s: A Fusion of Styles

Then we have the era of testing and trial. The 1970s and 1980s were a time when brands started accepting the power of experimentation along with fusion. Moreover, in this era, with regard to the footwear, the emergence of shoes including wedges, and chunky heels were seen.

However, traditional footwear like khussas remained popular in Pakistan.

The 1990s: The Rise of Designer Footwear

The 1990s marked a significant shift in Pakistani footwear, with the rise of local designers who began to create bespoke shoes for women. 

Many praiseworthy designers, like Azmay, of this decade revolutionized the industry by introducing high-quality, fashionable footwear. Indeed, this era offered Pakistani women a choice in the footwear options that were both stylish, comfortable, and formal.

Tidbit

The 1990s also saw the emergence of bridal footwear as a distinct category. Pakistani brides began to seek out custom-made shoes that matched their wedding outfits. You may have seen them if you ever attended the wedding in the 90’s. Think of embroidered sandals or heels with beads that were worn specifically by the happy brides.

The 2000s and Beyond: Global Influences and Modern Trends

Well, here comes the next century which was more advanced and influenced by globalization.

Now, the style of footwear was not just culturally specific, instead, it was influenced by the fashion of the whole world.

In addition, women began to embrace a wide range of styles, from sleek stilettos to comfortable ballet flats, influenced by global fashion trends. Even today, you can go out and see that flats are the new normal. These can be wider, cloud-soft, and chunky. Any guesses as to why these are more in demand?

Wow-Worthy Fact

In recent years, Pakistani designers have gained international recognition for their footwear designs. Brands like Mochari and Chapter 13 have showcased their collections at international fashion weeks. Indeed, these brands now are responsible for putting Pakistani footwear on the global map.

Conclusion: A Footwear Legacy That Continues to Evolve

Finally, the way the footwear fashion for women has evolved is definitely praiseworthy. The shoes are not just part of fashion, they are also responsible for showcasing Pakistani culture and traditions, for example, khusaas.

Today, you will find all kinds of from traditional khussas to modern designer heels in the footwear stores and this is all showing that the Pakistani footwear has come a long way. Individuality is now taking center stage and customization is now available for anyone and everyone.

Furthermore, sustainable fashion is also getting its footing here, so let’s see where this global trend will take us.