10 Best Ethnic Footwear for Men to Wear This Diwali 2026

Diwali is the perfect occasion to bring traditional Indian style into your festive wardrobe. While a well-fitted kurta, kurta-pajama, sherwani or Indo-Western outfit sets the foundation, the right pair of  ethnic footwear for men completes the look.

For Diwali 2026, men's festive dressing is becoming more versatile. Traditional silhouettes are being combined with contemporary proportions, refined textures and more relaxed styling. Current Indian fashion coverage also highlights experimentation beyond conventional juttis and Kolhapuris, while men's style coverage emphasizes fit, proportion and texture when putting together a modern festive look.

For Diwali 2026, celebrated on November 8 in India , you can choose from classic mojaris and juttis to Kolhapuri sandals, Peshawari styles, ethnic loafers and comfortable festive slip-ons.

In this guide, we explore the 10 best ethnic footwear styles for men , the outfits they pair with, suitable festive occasions, colour ideas and practical tips for choosing comfortable footwear.

Quick Answer: What Is the Best Ethnic Footwear for Men This Diwali?

The best ethnic footwear for men depends on the outfit and occasion. Mojaris and juttis work well with traditional kurtas and sherwanis, while Kolhapuri and Peshawari sandals suit relaxed festive outfits. Ethnic loafers and contemporary slip-ons can complement Indo-Western looks.

Why Ethnic Footwear Matters for a Diwali Outfit?

Festive footwear is more than an accessory. It creates a visual connection between your outfit and the overall occasion.

A simple kurta can look more traditional with a pair of mojaris or juttis, while an Indo-Western outfit can take on a contemporary character with an ethnic loafer or sleek slip-on.

Comfort matters too. Diwali can involve puja, visiting relatives, entertaining guests, shopping, travelling and standing for extended periods. Your footwear therefore needs to look festive while allowing you to move comfortably.

The key is to balance style, proportion, colour, texture, fit and comfort rather than choosing footwear based only on appearance.

10 Best Ethnic Footwear Styles for Men This Diwali 2026

1. Mojaris for Men

Mojaris are one of the most recognisable choices for men's ethnic footwear and remain a versatile option for Diwali dressing. 

Their traditional appearance makes them particularly suitable for kurtas, kurta-pajamas and sherwanis. Depending on the design, you can choose a subtle pair for a minimalist outfit or an embroidered pair when your festive look calls for more detail.

How to style mojaris for Diwali

Pair cream, beige or tan mojaris with a light-coloured kurta for an understated festive look. Richer shades such as brown, burgundy or black can complement darker evening outfits.

For an embroidered sherwani, consider relatively clean footwear so that the overall outfit does not become visually crowded.

Best for: Diwali puja, family gatherings, weddings and evening celebrations.

2. Juttis for Men

Juttis are a classic ethnic footwear option for men who want a traditional look with an easy-to-style silhouette. 

They can be paired with everything from a simple kurta-pajama to a more elaborate festive ensemble. Contemporary styling increasingly treats Indian footwear as something that can work beyond strictly traditional outfits, making juttis useful for men who like mixing classic and modern pieces.

For Diwali 2026, look beyond heavily embellished designs and consider understated embroidery, texture or heritage-inspired detailing.

Best outfit combinations

• Kurta-pajama + embroidered juttis
• Short kurta + trousers + minimal juttis
• Nehru jacket + kurta + juttis
• Festive kurta set + neutral juttis

Best for: Family celebrations, puja and festive gatherings.

3. Kolhapuri Sandals for Men

Kolhapuri sandals offer a traditional alternative to closed ethnic shoes, especially for daytime Diwali occasions. 

Their open design makes them an easy choice for men who prefer sandals with their festive outfits. They can work particularly well with relaxed kurtas, dhoti-kurta combinations and other traditional looks.

For a contemporary 2026 approach, pair a neutral Kolhapuri-style sandal with a clean, straight-cut kurta and trousers instead of an overly elaborate outfit.

Style tip

A simple leather-look sandal in brown or tan can add traditional character without overwhelming a patterned or embroidered kurta.

Best for: Daytime puja, family visits and relaxed celebrations.

4. Peshawari Sandals

Peshawari sandals are a distinctive ethnic footwear choice for men looking for a more structured sandal silhouette. 

They pair naturally with kurtas and semi-ethnic outfits and can provide a more substantial look than minimalist sandals.

Choose neutral tones such as tan, brown or black when your outfit already features bold colours or embroidery.

Try this combination

Solid kurta + straight trousers + tan Peshawari sandals

This creates a traditional foundation while keeping the outfit suitable for contemporary festive dressing.

Best for: Casual Diwali gatherings, family occasions and daytime celebrations.

5. Ethnic Loafers for Men

Ethnic loafers combine the convenience of a modern loafer with colours, textures or detailing that complement Indian festive clothing. 

They are particularly useful for men who want to move away from a completely traditional footwear look without wearing conventional formal shoes.

Loafers also fit the broader direction of contemporary menswear, where footwear is increasingly being styled across occasions rather than restricted to one dress code. Current men's fashion coverage highlights loafers alongside more relaxed and versatile wardrobe choices.

What to wear with ethnic loafers

Try them with:

Silk or textured kurta + tapered trousers + loafers

or

Short kurta + straight-fit trousers + minimal loafers

For a sophisticated look, choose footwear in a shade that complements rather than exactly matches your outfit.

Best for: Diwali parties, office celebrations, receptions and Indo-Western looks.

6. Festive Slip-On Shoes

Slip-on ethnic shoes are a practical choice for men who want festive styling without complicated laces or fastening. 

They work especially well at home-based Diwali celebrations where you may need to remove and wear your footwear several times.

Choose a refined design with subtle texture or festive detailing. A clean slip-on can also complement a simple kurta and trousers without making the outfit look too formal.

Style tip

Let the footwear provide a small texture contrast when your outfit is otherwise minimalist.

For example:

Solid cream kurta + dark trousers + textured slip-on shoes

Best for: House parties, family gatherings and casual festive occasions.

7. Embroidered and Velvet Mojaris

Embroidered and velvet-finish mojaris are suited to men who want a more luxurious festive appearance.

The 2026 festive fashion conversation continues to embrace craftsmanship, richer textures and expressive detailing. Recent Indian fashion coverage has highlighted embroidery, heritage craft techniques and a more maximalist festive mood.

These footwear styles work particularly well when the outfit itself is designed for an evening celebration.

How to balance the look

Heavy footwear looks best when coordinated with the outfit rather than competing against it.

For example:

• Plain kurta + embroidered mojari = statement footwear
• Heavily embroidered sherwani + subtle mojari = balanced look

Best for: Evening Diwali parties, weddings and formal festive occasions.

8. Traditional Toe-Ring Sandals

Traditional toe-ring sandals are an option for men who want distinctly Indian footwear with a simple, open construction. 

They can be paired with dhotis, kurtas and relaxed traditional outfits. For a modern look, choose a clean silhouette and let the rest of your outfit remain understated.

This style can also be practical when you want easy on-and-off footwear during celebrations at home or during traditional occasions.

Best for: Dhoti-kurta looks, puja and relaxed traditional celebrations.

9. Indo-Western Fusion Footwear

Fusion ethnic footwear brings traditional-inspired detailing into contemporary footwear silhouettes.

This is particularly relevant for men who prefer Indo-Western fashion instead of a head-to-toe traditional outfit.

Current 2026 fashion coverage shows a continued interest in reworking familiar Indian silhouettes through contemporary proportions, textures and styling.

Try these combinations

• Short kurta + tailored trousers + ethnic loafers
• Long kurta + straight pants + minimal slip-ons
• Nehru jacket + kurta + refined ethnic footwear

The goal is not to make every element traditional. Instead, combine one or two Indian-inspired elements with contemporary pieces.

Best for: Young professionals, Diwali parties and modern festive events.

10. Comfortable Ethnic Sandals for Men

Comfort-first ethnic sandals are ideal when you expect to spend several hours walking, standing or moving between different celebrations. 

Instead of treating comfort as a separate footwear style, consider it one of the most important factors when selecting any festive pair.

Look for features such as:

• Comfortable footbed
• Lightweight construction
• Secure fit
• Flexible sole
• Suitable grip
• Adequate room for your feet

A visually attractive pair will not be useful for a long celebration if it continually causes discomfort.

Best for: Long Diwali celebrations, travel, family visits and daytime events.

What Shoes Should Men Wear With a Kurta Pajama?

Mojaris, juttis, ethnic loafers and traditional sandals can all work with a kurta-pajama.

Choose according to the look you want:

The most important consideration is proportion. Current men's styling guidance emphasizes getting fit, proportion and texture right before adding excessive embellishment.

What Shoes Should Men Wear With a Sherwani?

Mojaris and juttis are classic options for a sherwani, while refined ethnic loafers can suit a more contemporary interpretation.

For a heavily embroidered sherwani, footwear in a complementary neutral or rich festive shade can help balance the outfit.

For example:

• Cream sherwani + tan/beige mojari
• Navy sherwani + brown or neutral ethnic footwear
• Black sherwani + black or deep-toned footwear
• Pastel sherwani + beige or tan footwear

The footwear should support the sherwani rather than compete with its embroidery.

Best Diwali Footwear for Different Occasions

Different Diwali events call for different levels of formality.

1. For Diwali Puja

Choose mojaris, juttis or traditional sandals that complement your kurta without excessive detailing.

2. For Family Gatherings

Comfortable juttis, slip-ons or ethnic sandals are practical choices.

3. For Diwali Parties

Try embroidered mojaris, velvet-textured footwear or polished ethnic loafers.

4. For Office Diwali Celebrations

Ethnic loafers, clean slip-ons or understated juttis can bridge formal and festive dressing.

5. For Outdoor Celebrations

Prioritize secure fitting footwear with suitable grip and comfortable construction.

2026 Diwali Footwear Trends for Men to Know

The 2026 festive fashion landscape is moving beyond the idea that Indian occasionwear must always be heavily embellished.

Several current themes are particularly relevant when selecting men's ethnic footwear:

1. Heritage details with contemporary styling

Embroidery and Indian craft influences continue to feature in festive fashion, but they can now be paired with simpler silhouettes and modern proportions.

2. Loafers and versatile footwear

Modern men's wardrobes increasingly use versatile shoes across different settings, making ethnic or textured loafers a useful choice for Indo-Western festive outfits.

3. Richer, expressive colours

Red has been highlighted in 2026 Indian menswear coverage as a statement colour appearing in festive and wedding dressing.

For footwear, this does not mean matching red with red. Instead, deep brown, tan, black, burgundy or other complementary shades can help support a richer festive palette.

4. More relaxed proportions

Contemporary menswear is experimenting with softer and more fluid proportions, while Indian festive styling continues to reinterpret traditional silhouettes.

This opens the door to more relaxed kurta-and-trouser combinations paired with clean sandals, slip-ons or loafers.

5. Statement footwear with simpler outfits

A useful 2026 styling approach is to let one element stand out. A textured or embroidered mojari can become the focal point when the rest of the outfit is relatively simple.

Diwali Footwear Colour Guide for Men

Choosing the right footwear colour does not mean finding an exact match for your kurta.

For heavily embroidered clothing, neutral footwear can provide visual balance.

How to Choose Comfortable Ethnic Footwear for Men

Looking good is only one part of choosing festive footwear. Consider these factors before buying:

1. Check the fit

Your footwear should feel secure without creating excessive pressure around the toes or sides of the foot.

2. Think about wearing time

A short family visit and an all-evening Diwali party have different comfort requirements. For longer occasions, prioritize cushioning, lightweight construction and a secure fit.

3. Consider the sole

Choose footwear with a sole appropriate for where you will be walking. Grip becomes particularly important when moving between indoor and outdoor areas.

4. Don't ignore convenience

Slip-ons can be useful for celebrations where you frequently remove your footwear.

5. Balance footwear with the outfit

If your kurta or sherwani already has extensive embroidery, a simpler shoe can create a cleaner overall appearance.

6. Try new footwear before the main event

Wear your new pair briefly before Diwali so you can identify fit or comfort issues in advance.

Mojari vs Jutti: What's the Difference?

Mojaris and juttis are both traditional Indian closed footwear styles, and the terms can sometimes overlap depending on regional and contemporary usage.

Rather than focusing only on the name, look at the actual silhouette, detailing, fit and how it complements your outfit.

How to Maintain Your Ethnic Footwear

Festive footwear can stay in your wardrobe for multiple occasions when looked after properly.

After wearing the footwear, remove surface dust with a soft, suitable cloth. Keep the pair away from unnecessary moisture and store it in a clean, dry area.

For material-specific footwear, follow the care instructions supplied with the product. Avoid using cleaning products that are not recommended for the particular material.

For embellished footwear, handle decorative elements carefully during cleaning and storage.

Quick Styling Guide: Build Your Diwali Look Around Your Shoes

You don't always need to start with the kurta.

Try choosing one footwear style first and building the outfit around it.

• Mojari: Pair with a classic or embroidered kurta.
• Jutti: Add it to a colourful or heritage-inspired festive look.
• Kolhapuri: Keep your outfit relaxed and traditional.
• Ethnic loafer: Build a contemporary kurta-and-trouser combination.
• Embroidered mojari: Keep the rest of the outfit relatively clean so the footwear can stand out.
• Minimal sandal: Let the kurta, jacket or accessories carry the visual detail.

What colour footwear goes with a cream kurta?

Tan, brown, beige and selected gold-accented footwear can complement a cream kurta. For a simple outfit, textured footwear can add visual interest without requiring heavy embellishment.

How can men style ethnic footwear for a modern Diwali look?

Combine traditional footwear with contemporary clothing proportions. For example, pair a short kurta with straight-fit trousers and minimal juttis, or wear an ethnic loafer with a textured kurta and tailored trousers.

How should ethnic footwear be stored after Diwali?

Clean the footwear according to its material-care instructions, let it dry properly and store it in a clean, dry place. Embellished footwear should be handled carefully to protect decorative details.

Find Your Diwali Footwear Style

Your Diwali outfit does not end at the hem of your kurta. The right pair of ethnic footwear for men can bring together traditional style, contemporary fashion and everyday comfort.

From timeless mojaris and juttis to Kolhapuri sandals, Peshawari sandals, ethnic loafers and modern slip-ons , there are plenty of ways to create a festive look that feels personal.

For Diwali 2026, focus on the combination that works best for you: the right silhouette, complementary colour, comfortable fit and an appropriate level of festive detailing .

Explore Walkaroo's men's footwear collection and find a pair for your next festive celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ethnic Footwear for Men

1. What footwear is best for men on Diwali?

Mojaris, juttis, Kolhapuri sandals, Peshawari sandals and ethnic loafers are popular choices for men's Diwali outfits. The right option depends on your outfit, occasion, preferred style and expected wearing time.

2. Which shoes go best with a kurta-pajama?

Mojaris, juttis and ethnic loafers pair well with a kurta-pajama. Traditional footwear works well for a classic look, while loafers can create a contemporary Indo-Western appearance.

3. What shoes should men wear with a sherwani?

Mojaris and juttis are classic footwear choices for sherwanis. Choose a colour and level of detailing that complements the sherwani's fabric and embroidery.

4. Are mojaris suitable for Diwali?

Yes, mojaris are a natural choice for traditional Diwali dressing. They work particularly well with kurtas, kurta-pajamas and sherwanis.

5. Are juttis suitable for men?

Yes, juttis are a traditional footwear option for men and can be styled with kurtas, kurta-pajamas and festive outfits. Modern versions can also include contemporary colours, textures and embroidery.

6. What footwear should men wear with a dhoti and kurta?

Traditional sandals, Kolhapuri-style sandals and toe-ring sandals can complement a dhoti-kurta combination. Choose the footwear based on the formality of the occasion and the overall outfit.

7. Which ethnic footwear is comfortable for long Diwali celebrations?

Look for lightweight footwear with a comfortable footbed, secure fit, flexibility and suitable grip. The correct choice also depends on how much walking and standing you expect to do.

8. Can men wear loafers with ethnic outfits?

Yes, loafers can work particularly well with Indo-Western outfits, kurtas and festive trousers. Choose a refined silhouette and a colour that complements your outfit.