Traditional footwear is part of every celebration in Pakistan. Embroidered khussas for brides and wedding guests, leather chappals for men at Eid, kolhapuri sandals for casual summer days and colourful flat sandals for everyday wear. In Karachi, footwear shops and stalls in markets across the city sell all of these, and many small sellers and workshops now sell them online too.
Footwear is one of the trickiest categories to sell online, because fit matters so much. A shoe that does not fit is worse than no shoe at all. This post explains how to sell traditional footwear online with fewer returns and more happy customers, with a strong focus on sizing.
The biggest challenge: getting the size right
Most footwear complaints are about size. Pakistani shoe sizes are not always consistent between makers, and handmade footwear can vary even within the same batch.
Help customers choose the right size:
- Give a clear size chart. Show each size with the foot length in centimetres or inches.
- Explain how to measure. Ask customers to stand on a piece of paper, mark the heel and longest toe, and measure the length.
- Tell them how your shoes fit. For example, "Our khussas fit true to size. If you are between sizes, choose the larger one."
- Mention any break in period. Leather khussas and chappals often feel tight at first and soften with wear.
| Size | Foot length (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 36 | 23 cm |
| 37 | 23.5 cm |
| 38 | 24 cm |
| 39 | 25 cm |
| 40 | 25.5 cm |
Use your own measurements rather than copying a generic chart. Every workshop is slightly different.
Set up sizes and colours as variants
In Krobr, size and colour can be variants on each product, each with its own stock level. A single khussa design might come in five sizes and three colours. Customers choose both before adding it to their cart, and the store shows only what is in stock. The variants and stock guide explains how to set this up.
This is far easier than handling sizes over WhatsApp, where customers ask "size 38 hai?" and you have to check every time.
Describe materials honestly
Customers care about what their shoes are made of, especially for footwear they will wear often.
- Upper material, such as genuine leather, synthetic leather or fabric.
- Sole, such as leather, rubber or a mix.
- Embroidery or embellishment, such as tilla, beads, mirror work or stones.
- Handmade or machine made.
Only call something genuine leather if it truly is. Customers who discover synthetic material after paying for leather will not return, and they will tell others.
Photos from every angle
Footwear photos should answer every question a customer might have about shape and detail.
- Side view, showing the shape and heel height.
- Top view, showing the embroidery or design.
- Sole view, showing the material and grip.
- Close ups of stitching and embellishment.
- A photo of the shoes being worn.
Shoot in daylight on a plain background. Our post on product photos with your phone has more tips.
Organise collections for easy shopping
Group your footwear so customers can find what they want quickly.
- Women's khussa
- Men's chappals and peshawari
- Bridal footwear
- Kids' footwear
- Kolhapuri and casual sandals
- Eid collection
The products and collections guide explains how.
Handling exchanges sensibly
Even with clear size charts, some customers will need a different size. Decide your exchange policy before you start selling, and write it clearly on your store.
For example: "Size exchange within seven days if the shoes are unworn and in original packaging. Customer pays return delivery."
A clear, fair policy makes customers more confident to buy. It also protects you from unreasonable requests.
Stock tracking matters for footwear
Footwear stock is complicated, because every design has several sizes and colours. One size can sell out while others remain. Krobr tracks stock for each variant and warns you when stock runs low. The Stock app on your phone makes it easy to update counts when new pairs arrive from the workshop or when you sell at your shop.
When a size sells out, it becomes unavailable automatically, so customers do not order something you cannot send.
Seasons and occasions
Footwear demand in Karachi follows clear patterns.
- Eid: men's chappals and women's khussas sell strongly.
- Wedding season: bridal and embellished khussas are in demand.
- Summer: sandals and kolhapuris are popular.
Upload seasonal collections early, and use a promotion with an end date for big moments like Eid. Our post on promotions that protect profit explains how.
Packaging and delivery
Pack each pair in a shoe box or a sturdy bag with tissue paper, so embroidery is not crushed. Add a thank you card with your store QR code. Offer cash on delivery, which most customers expect, and deliver across Karachi and, through couriers, to other cities. Set your delivery areas and charges in Krobr. The delivery coverage guide shows how.
Reach more customers
If you are on a paid package, list your store on Krobr Marketplace, where shoppers browsing for footwear can discover you. The marketplace listing guide explains how.
Ask happy customers to leave a review, especially about fit and comfort. These reviews help future customers choose the right size.
In short
Selling traditional footwear online is all about fit and honesty. Give a clear size chart with your own measurements, explain how to measure, set sizes and colours as variants with stock, describe materials honestly and photograph every angle. Write a fair exchange policy, track stock by size, plan for Eid and wedding season and collect reviews about fit. For more on managing sizes, read our post on sizes, colours and stock.