opanke

Opanke are traditional footwear from the Balkan region, particularly associated with Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, though similar styles appear in neighboring areas. They are handmade leather shoes characterized by a wrap-around design in which a single piece of thick leather forms the upper and is tied with leather laces or straps around the foot and ankle. The toe shape and the way the straps are arranged vary by region, with some versions featuring a more elongated toe and others a rounded profile. The sole is usually leather, and in some regional variants a wooden component or reinforced insole may be used.

Construction typically involves cutting and shaping a piece of leather to cover the top and sides of the foot, then attaching a sole and threading straps that cross over the instep and around the ankle. The lacing system allows for adjustment and secure fitting, which made opanke practical for rural work and long treks. In addition to their functional role, opanke are often decorated or paired with regional folk costumes, featuring embroidery, punched patterns, or contrasting colors that reflect local traditions.

Historically, opanke date back several centuries and were common everyday footwear in rural communities before modern shoes became widespread. Today they persist mainly as cultural symbols, used in folk performances, weddings, and as crafted souvenirs, and they remain part of the regional heritage of the Balkans. Variants exist across the area, reflecting local aesthetic and construction practices while sharing the core wrap-around design that defines opanke.