The Chukka Boots Guide

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Unlock the Laid-back Styling Potential of the Chukka Boot

As men’s boots become an increasingly popular option for contemporary footwear, you will find it beneficial to expand your selection of boots to include options at all levels of formality, from dressy to casual. When it comes to effortlessly ascending or descending the Formality Scale, few boots can compare to the Chukka boot.

With its distinct name and contested origins, the Chukka boot is a Classic Style staple that belongs in any dapper man’s wardrobe due to its unique blend of elegantly casual style, clean lines, remarkable versatility, and impressive styling potential.

Along with Jodhpur and Chelsea boots, Chukka boots are some of the most popular boots in menswear today. This guide will teach you all that you need to know to unlock the full potential of this boot by considering its origins, history, and characteristics, with plenty of useful styling advice.

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The History of Chukka Boots

Illustration of a man wearing Chukka boots

The Origins of the Chukka Boot Are Unclear

The exact origins of the Chukka boot are shrouded in mystery and conflicting info due in large part to the fact that the Chukka boot closely resembles several other types of ankle boots. Nevertheless, it is possible to trace a rough outline of how the Chukka boot, and similar footwear, came to prominence.

Suede ankle boots were worn by many socities across the globe, including several aboriginal peoples who passed their footwear traditions along to their colonial occupiers, as that footwear was often better-acclimated to the local climate. In the case of Chukka boots, their origins can most readily be traced to South Asia.

Chukka Boots Are Popularly Associated with the Sport of Polo

Illustration of Polo in India
English colonials adopted the game of polo following the conquest of India.

Historically speaking, the boot variety, now recognized as the Chukka boot, likely originated in India and came to prominence during the British Colonial Period. Evolving from similar ankle-high riding boots, it is unclear what the earliest examples of Chukkas looked like, and even the nature of how they were first employed is contested.

Depiction of The word Hindi in Hindi script

Origins of the term

“Chukker”

The term “chukka” comes from the Hindi word chukkar, which literally means “a turn” or “a circle.” In the sport of polo, a seven-and-a-half minute period of play is called a “chukker” or “chukka.” “Chukka” can also more generally refer to a walk or a leisurely stroll.

Three Theories on the Origins of Chukka Boots

Polo

Theory #1: Chukkas Were Worn by Polo Players While Playing Polo

Considering that the term “chukka” is already associated with the sport of polo as the name for a period of play, one might be tempted to assume that Chukka boots were, therefore, worn while playing polo. While some theorists do claim that this is so, there seems to be little evidence to support this theory: the term “Chukka boot” was already in use before Chukkas were seen on the polo field.

3 Layer Polo Boots with Zipper from Argentina

Theory #2: Chukkas Resembled Boots Worn by Polo Players

While there is little evidence that polo players were wearing Chukka boots in the early 1900s, they were definitely wearing very similar ankle boots. One school of thought argues that Chukka boots got their name due to their resemblance to boots that were worn by polo players, such as Jodhpur boots. Essentially, Chukka boots were associated with the game of polo because of their resemblance to actual polo boots.

Polo Players in Breeches

Theory #3: Chukkas Were Generally Worn by Polo Players

In addition to the boots that they wore while playing polo, polo players would, naturally, have worn other types of boots on other occasions. Because the word chukkar can also refer to enjoying a leisurely stroll, or “turn,” it could be entirely possible that the name was derived from the fact that the polo players preferred to stroll around in these Chukkas after a game rather than in their polo boots.

Therefore, while the exact connection between polo and Chukka boots is not clear, it is likely that some relationship does exist between the sport and the footwear. To a greater or lesser extent, the Chukka boot can also be viewed as a descendant or relative of the polo boot, although modern Chukka boots have developed unique characteristics of their own.

Boots that Resemble the Chukka Boot

JodhpurVeldskoen
Possibly originating in the city of Jodhpur, India, the Jodhpur boot is an ankle boot fastened with a strap and buckle. Popularized around the year 1900, they were particular favorites of polo players and were worn with Jodhpur trousers as part of a riding kit. Also commonly referred to as “Vellies,” veldskoene ankle boots were popularized by the Afrikaaner settlers of South Africa in the 17th and 18th centuries. Consisting of supple leather uppers and a durable sole, the veldskoen may have been inspired by the footwear worn by the Khoisan peoples of southern Africa.

Learn more about Jodhpur boots!

The British Spread Chukka Boots Westward from India

However it came to be, Chukka boots became extremely popular amongst the British soldiers and officers that were stationed in India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and regularly played the popular local sport of polo.

Like cummerbunds and Jodhpur boots and trousers, Chukka boots were introduced to the West by members of the British military, who grew accustomed to them while in India and eventually brought them back home. By the 1920s, Chukka boots were a regular sight in Great Britain for both equestrian events and as regular footwear.

The Duke of Windsor Popularizes the Chukka Boot

The Prince of Wales playing polo in 1924
The Prince of Wales playing polo in 1924.

Edward, one-time King Edward VIII of England and conventionally known as the Duke of Windsor, was a noted clotheshorse and sartorial influencer credited with popularizing several menswear conventions.

While in India, Edward had acquired an interest in Chukka boots and, in 1924, during a tour of the United States, he was instrumental in making the shoes more popular in North America.

The Duke of Windsor wore his Chukka boots while riding, walking, and entertaining in the country, and as they became a regular component of his wardrobe, they quickly gained in popularity as casual boots suited to a variety of occasions.

Learn more about the Duke of Windsor

Suede Footwear Boots Goes to War

Photo of British Troops North African Theatre WW II Image Credit Wikimedia
The harsh conditions during the North African Campaign of World War II necessitated the adoption of special gear, including unique combat boots. [Image Credit: Wikimedia]

During colonial conflicts in various climates at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, British army officers had grown accustomed to wearing a variety of boots that were better suited to the unique conditions of the areas where they fought.

Photo of General Montgomery

“We will stand and fight here. If we can’t stay here alive, then let us stay here dead.”

Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery

These boots were inspired by a variety of sources, including the veldskoen boots worn by Afrikaners in South Africa and the Chukka boots from South Asia. One variety worn primarily when enlisted men and officers were off-duty consisted of lightweight leather uppers with a comfortable, pliable crepe sole.

Nathan Clark Encounters A Suede Boot While at War

Nathan Clark was the great-grandson of James Clark, one of the founders of C. & J. Clark International Ltd., a shoe brand more popularly known as Clarks. Nathan was a member of the British 8th Army, a fighting force comprised largely of infantry divisions from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and India, with sizable contingents of aboriginal and indigenous troops.

Learn about how military uniforms influence Classic Style!

Clark had first encountered Chukka boots when stationed in Burma. While serving as a member of the 8th Army during World War II, he saw these unique boots again, although in their more practical form with crepe rubber soles; according to popular tradition, they had been made by cobblers in Cairo by combining elements of both Chukka boots and South African veldskoen.

Because his fellow officers sang the praises of these shoes for their comfort and extremely grippy soles, Clark wrote home suggesting that the Clarks company should consider making such a boot. At the time, however, suede uppers and crepe soles were associated almost exclusively with working shoes and were considered too low-class for the brand. The idea was therefore shelved by order of the Clarks Stock Committee.

The C. & J. Clark Desert Boot: Inspired by the Chukka Boot

Photo of Nathan Clark with a Desert Boot
Nathan Clark holding a dessert boot Image Credit Wikimedia

Nathan Clark, however, believed that he had a great idea, and he refused to let it die: cutting the samples for the original boot himself, he named his creation the Desert Boot in honor of the 8th Army’s service in the North African Campaign.

Drawing upon the lineage of the Chukka boot, closely associated with the athleticism of the polo fields and the imperial expansion of Great Britain, it was also evocative of the experiences of the Allied soldiers who battled against the German and Italian Axis forces in North Africa during World War II.

Chukka Boots Enjoy Post-War Popularity

Clarks Desert Boot Ad from 1950
As this advertisement from 1950 shows, Clarks embraced both its military lineage and its casual savor when marketing the Desert Boot.

In 1949 Clark’s Desert Boots were shown at the Chicago Shoe Fair, where they caught the eye of a fashion editor for Esquire magazine. Clark soon had contracts to sell his Desert Boot in America before, ironically, they were available in Great Britain.

The desert boot has crepe rubber soles as shown here

The new king of

Comfot Boots?

With an advertising campaign that traded heavily on the military origins of the footwear, the Desert Boot, designed for easy wear while retaining a rugged appearance and a certain sleek, bold style, became extremely popular in the 1950s as a comfortable alternative to the more formal Chelsea boots.

Popularity With Hollywood Figures

Steve McQueen wearing a pair of Sanders chukka boots.
Steve McQueen regularly wore Chukka boots on and off the set.

While popular in North America throughout the 1950s, Desert Boots had difficulty catching on in Europe, where, even in Great Britain, they were marketed primarily towards American tourists.

This changed during the 1960s and 1970s when Hollywood movie stars began to wear Desert Boots, as well as more generic Chukka boots, on-screen. The footwear was soon associated with adventurous and dynamic men who were stylish and rakishly casual.

One of the most ardent Hollywood fans of the Chukka and Desert Boot was Steve McQueen. His reputation as an action star and a major menswear influencer, when it came to casual-cool looks, cemented both Chukkas and Desert Boots as one of the hottest men’s footwear items of the 60s and 70s.

Photo of Allen Edmonds Chukka Boots in Sand

Chukka boots are

Iconic

Menswear

While Chukka boots did not retain the massive popularity that they enjoyed in the middle of the 20th century, that popularity had thoroughly established the boot’s pedigree as a staple of Classic Style, especially in the realm of casual boots.

The Chukka Boot Today

Over the decades, the functionality and form of the boots that we now call Chukka boots have changed drastically, with modern iterations that are far more versatile than the originals and have been stylized to suit the times.

Variations in the finer style details of these Chukkas mean that some are better suited to dressed-up ensembles in more rarefied environs while others should be reserved for leisure, whether taking a “turn” on a pleasant stroll or a jaunt on the back of a horse.

With so many options from which to choose, there is almost certainly a unique Chukka boot that will ideally match your needs and personal style.

Read on to learn what defines a Chukka boot and how to find the right one for you.

Chukka Boot FAQ

What are Chukka boots?

Chukka boots are classic men’s ankle boots whose origins are associated with the game of polo and the nation of India during the British Colonial Period. They have a two-piece upper construction and are typically made from suede or other leather types, with leather soles and two or three eyelets.

What are the origins of the term “chukka” in Chukka boots?

The term “chukka” comes from the Hindi word chukkar, which literally means “a turn” or “a circle.” In the sport of polo, a seven-and-a-half minute period of play is called a “chukker” or “chukka.” “Chukka” can also more generally refer to a walk or a leisurely stroll. Chukka boots likely got their name either from their tangential association with the game of polo or from their original use as a walking boot, worn during short jaunts, or “turns.”

Are Chukka Boots and Desert Boots the same thing?

No, they are not. Desert Boots are a particular model of boot made by Clarks, although other brands have since adopted the term as well. While many people consider Desert Boots to be a type of Chukka boot, technically speaking, they are not because traditional Chukka boots have a leather sole, while Desert Boots, famously, have a crepe rubber sole.

How should Chukka boots fit?

Chukka boots should fit snugly around your feet, especially at the ankle and along the arch, without being too tight. There should be enough room for your toes to move comfortably in the toe box. As with all footwear, it is difficult to determine the correct and perfect fit abstractly, and we advise you to try on any pair of Chukka boots before finalizing your purchase, if possible.

Can Chukka boots be worn with jeans?

Yes, definitely! Chukka boots go exceptionally well with denim jeans, adding a touch of sophistication and style to your outfit, suitable for both casual and smart-casual settings. In general, Chukka boots work best with jeans that are cut closer to the leg with a more trim and fitted appearance.

Can Chukka boots be worn with a suit?

Yes, they can. Assuming that they have the proper hallmarks of formal style illustrated in this guide, Chukka boots can go extremely well with both suits and combinational ensembles.

Are Chukka boots suitable for formal occasions?

Chukka boots should not be worn at formal attire events with dress codes like Black Tie, White Tie, or formal daywear. While Chukka boots are more casual in nature, they can still, however, be worn at generally more formal events within the Business Attire Dress Code or anything lower on the Formality Scale, provided that they have sufficiently formal features. These include a sleek profile, darker colors, and a less textured material, such as smooth leather or suede, with a minimal nap.

Can Chukka boots be worn in different seasons?

Yes, Chukka boots are versatile and can be worn in various seasons. During warmer months, opt for lighter colors like tan or beige so that they highlight the brighter palettes of your warm-weather ensembles. In colder months, choose darker shades like brown or black; traditional dark brown Chukka boots look especially elegant in the autumn.

How do I take care of my Chukka boots?

For suede Chukka boots, use a suede brush to remove any dirt or stains as they appear. Consider using a suede protector spray to prevent water damage.

For smooth leather Chukka boots, wipe them clean with a cloth as needed and apply a leather conditioner periodically to maintain their quality. Regular shining will also keep your Chukka boots looking their very best.

Are Chukka boots comfortable to wear?

Chukka boots were historically favored for their comfort, and the same remains true today. The ankle-high design provides good support, and the uppers, if made of leather, will subtly conform to the shape of your foot. Leather soles will also mold to your feet, while rubber soles have considerable flex that many wearers find very comfortable, especially when walking.

Can Chukka boots be resoled?

Chukka boots with leather soles can usually be resoled by a professional cobbler. This allows you to extend their lifespan and continue enjoying your favorite pair. Chukka boots with rubber soles may or may not be able to be resoled; ask the retailer for additional guidance.

From which brands can I purchase Chukka boots?

Because they are one of the most popular varieties of casual boots, Chukka boots are widely available, and most major shoe and boot brands will offer their take on this classic design. Alden, Clarks, Red Wing, John Lobb, Crockett & Jones, George Cox, Carmina, Vass Budapest, and Enzo Bonafe are all associated with traditional Chukka boots and contemporary variations on the original design.

The Features of a Chukka Boot

Diagram of Chukka boot features
The features of a typical Chukka boot.

With a pedigree that goes back over a century and decades of evolutions and refinements to consider, it is not always entirely clear what a real Chukka boot is and what is not.

However, shoe historian June Swann has crafted a thorough definition of what constitutes a Chukka boot, and her suggestions are born out through the examination of historical resources, including period images and photographs.

Chukka boots are lace-up ankle boots with an open lacing system that reach the ankle and are no higher. They have two or three eyelets and are traditionally made from calfskin suede leather, although other materials can be employed. They have a rounded toe-box and uppers assembled from two single pieces of leather, with quarters sewn on top of the vamp. Traditional Chukka boots have thin soles made of leather and are conventionally unlined.

Distinguishing a Desert Boot from a Chukka Boot

Sharing a history and appearing very visually similar, it is no surprise that Desert Boots and Chukka boots are often confused with each other, or that it is often assumed that the Desert Boot is a subtype of Chukka boot.

  • The most obvious distinction between a Chukka boot and a Desert Boot is that the former has a leather sole and the latter has a crepe rubber sole.
  • Chukka boots also tend to have more aquiline, elegant lines, while Desert Boots are bulkier, with a more rugged and casual silhouette.
  • Most Chukka boots are sufficiently versatile to be worn with a variety of outfits as part of several dress codes. Most Desert Boots are only suitable for casual occasions.
Photo of Raphael

“Nowadays, when most people think of the Chukka boot, they think of the Clarks Original Desert Boot. Priced between $60 – 150 its quality isn’t what it used to be, but is typical of the realities of a boot at that price point. Popularly worn with jeans and chinos, the Desert Boot is available in all kinds of leather and rubber, with various colors, or sometimes even fabric. Personally, I prefer elegant lasts with leather soles, and because the Clarks Desert Boot has a very youthful and relaxed look, I find that it can’t be dressed up. But if you have a more casual personal style, it might be the right choice for you.”

Raphael Schneider

Find out if Desert Boots are worth their price!

Contemporary Chukka Boot Styling

Photo of Suede calfskin leather typical of chukka boots

Uppers

Contemporary Chukka boots now come in various leathers and fabrics; there are considerably more options available than the original classic suede. Synthetic fabrics, canvas, suede, exotics, stamped leathers, and faux leathers are all readily available in a rainbow of colors and textures. Smooth leathers are generally more formal, and suedes are generally more casual.

Photo of Red Wing Chukka boot variation with wedge soles Image Credit Wikimedia

Soles

The thinner the leather soles, the finer and more formal the boots, but in most cases, Chukka Boots will never be an ideal white-collar business shoe; a Chelsea Boot is usually the better option. However, Chukka Boots can be worn with suits on occasion. The more casual Desert Boots often have thicker soles and rougher stitching, making them only suitable for casual wear.

Photo of blue Chukka boots

Colors

Within Classic Style, the conventional colors for Chukka boots include off-whites, tans, grays, browns, and black, plus a few subtle earth tones like sedate shades of green and blues. By far, the most versatile Chukka color is brown. Raphael has found that, for his wardrobes, dark brown suede Chukkas are the most versatile, but depending on the tonal palette of your ensembles, tan can be equally versatile.

Photo of Pair of chukka boots with high contrast detailing

Be wary of

Contrast Stitching

While providing an interesting pop of color, contrast stitching can make it more difficult to wear boots on formal occasions, such as with suits. Tone-on-tone stitching will generally be more versatile, and you can instead add color with bootlaces; conversely, tone-on-tone laces create an elegant and streamlined look.

Employ Bootlaces to Make Your Chukka Boots More Versatile

Photo of Buff chukka boot with cobalt blue shoe laces for a more casual look

For Casual Flair

Contrast

Photo of Tone on tone chukka boots and shoe laces for a more formal look

For Easy Elegance

Tone-on-Tone

Chukka Boots

With the Whole Outfit

Harmonize

Source the finest shoelaces and bootlaces available from our Fort Belvedere Store. Available in over 35 colors, these laces have been rigorously tested over an 18-month period to ensure longevity, and because they are made from sturdy long-staple cotton, they can be elegantly thin without compromising on strength.

How to Style Chukka Boots in Your Wardrobe

The Chukka boot is, first and foremost, a casual boot, and it should most often be styled as such. However, styling depends on the version of the boot that you own and your regular degree of formality; there are Chukka boots that, with the right features, can be integrated into almost any day attire formality.

At its core, the Chukka boot is a versatile boot that can be worn in various ways, so it provides a simple and easy way to add depth to your entire wardrobe.

Chukka Boots with a More Formal Look

An elegant Chukka boot with a sleek last and a thin leather sole can be paired like a suede shoe and looks great with dress pants and suits. Raphael owns an elegant pair of St. Crispin Chukka boots in mid-brown suede leather, which goes very well with almost anything he wears.

The possibilities of incorporating Chukka boots into creative dressed-up looks are almost endless. Dress Chukka boots with thin leather soles on an elegant last in brown can be paired with a navy or a range of mid-gray suits, and a variety of other colors and patterns.

Learn how to wear-and-pair brown shoes and dress boots!

Chukka Boots with a Business Casual Look

As a dress code with incredible depth, it should be no surprise that Chukka boots thrive within the Business Casual Dress Code because of their remarkable versatility.

  • Slim Chukka boots can dress up a pair of jeans, especially when paired with a sport coat.
  • Lighter-colored Chukka boots with contrast laces can dress down a dark of dress trousers for easy pairing with a sport shirt or even a polo.
  • Chukka boots, when carefully selected to harmonize texture and color, can be the defining feature that holds together any Business Casual combinational look.

Chukka Boots with Casual Ensembles

As one of the most popular casual boots in menswear, it should come as no surprise that Chukka boots have incredible utility as part of casual ensembles, from polo shirts and shorts up to chinos and dress shirts.

  • In general, casual suede Chukka boots with crepe soles should only be worn with denim, corduroys, or chinos. Avoid pairing a crepe sole Chukka boot with dress pants or a suit.
  • To add visual interest to Desert Boots and more casual Chukka boots, feel free to experiment with colorful and patterned socks. Paired with an Oxford shirt and jeans or a polo shirt, they make for a memorable casual outfit that looks laidback but never slouchy.
  • Chukka boots can even elevate the most casual Classic Style looks. On a lazy weekend, go for Chukka boots in soft and pliable materials like canvas, combining them with a favorite pair of old jeans and a T-Shirt or khakis and a sweater for a plush, decadently comfortable ensemble.
Photo of Chukka boot with thicker and more casual crepe sole
Chukka boots with thick, crepe rubber soles should be reserved for casual occasions.

Wearing Chukka Boots Seasonally

Photo of Chukka boots worn with fall ensemble dark navy trousers
Chukka boots worn with a fall ensemble and dark navy trousers.

Chukka boots are truly all-season footwear: their lightweight suede construction makes them breathable and comfortable in hot weather, while the rough texture of suede, and their typical brown color palette, is ideally suited for fall and even mild winters.

In Warm WeatherIn Cool Weather
While not exactly summer shoes, Chukka boots have a great deal in common with other types of warm-weather footwear and were, historically, often worn in balmy climates. Consider wearing lighter-colored Chukka boots with hot-weather fabrics like linen and fresco for a mesmerizing blend of textures. When the temperature drops, pair brown chukka boots with autumnal trouser colors such as green, red, and duskier yellows: experimentation could produce exciting new avenues for sartorial success, and the unique palette of autumnal colors is perfectly suited to the textured, earthy look typical of Chukka boots.
Learn about matching colors and textures in the warm monthsLearn more about matching colors and textures in the cold months

Savor the seasons with the Italian art of Scorpacciata!

Wearing Chukka Boots with Different Trousers

Photo of Chukka boots alongside other boots
Chukka boots will expose considerably more of your socks than other boots do.

As an ankle boot, Chukka boots will allow you to show off more of your socks than is possible with a taller boot. Therefore, the interaction between your trousers, socks, and footwear is just as important as it is when wearing dress shoes.

Fortunately, most of the rules, conventions, and tips associated with combining socks, shoes, and pants will also apply to Chukka boots. You can find them all in our dedicated guide to the subject.

Jeans

Photo of Chukka boots worn with light blue wash denim jeans

In general, Chukka boots will help jeans appear more formal, or at least more stylstically elevated, than other casual shoes like sneakers.

When pairing Chukka boots with denim jeans, a trimmer cut will appear more pleasing and complement the slimmer lines of the boot. Wider-cut jeans can appear baggy when contrasted with the tight fit of the Chukka boot around the ankle. This effect is less pronounced with more casual Chukka or Desert Boots because of their bulkier silhouette and lines.

Chinos

Chinos and Chukka boots are a match made in heaven. Whether the most common cotton variety or made with linen or wool, the typical colors, texture, and weight of chinos are ideally suited to Chukka boots. To avoid appearing muddy, ensure that there is sufficient contrast between the chinos and the Chukkas, especially if both are similar tones of tan or brown.

Shorts

Blue shorts on a summer day

Ankle boots and short trousers are a bold look, but one that you can pull off as part of Classic Style if you wear it intentionally. Unassuming and breezy is one option, pairing plain, simple trousers with a light-colored shirt and similarly light-colored Chukka boots.

You can also lean into the athletic and adventurous origins of Chukka boots with trimmer shorts that fall above the knee, a more fitted shirt, and Chukkas; high wool socks can add a sense of whimsy to the look. These looks are best achieved with casual Chukkas or Desert Boots and are major upgrades when compared with sneakers or a sandal.

Dress Trousers

As a rule, you will want to reserve dress trousers, whether odd or as part of a suit, for the most formal Chukka boots. These should be in dark colors and, ideally, made from smooth leather. Medium and dark brown Chukka boots appear especially dapper with any shade of blue suit but can be as versatile as more-casual dress shoes when it comes to pairing with dress trousers. Tone-on-tone will generally be more formal while contrasting but still complementary colors will appear more casual.

Dark gray cuffed trousers combined with a brown oxford shoes and shadow striped shocks in dark navy and royal blue from Fort Belvedere.
Dark gray cuffed trousers combined with brown oxford shoes and shadow-striped shocks in dark navy and royal blue from Fort Belvedere.

Chukka Boot Buying Guide

Suede Chukka boots
Suede Chukka boots in production.

There is a wide variety of Chukka boots available on the market from an equally wide number of manufacturers offering both ready-to-wear and even bespoke options. Some are goodyear welted, others come with glued rubber soles, and as a result, Chukka boots are available at almost every price point imaginable.

You should also be aware that, in many cases, boots advertised as Chukka boots do not conform to the classic description of Chukkas. However, you can use your discretion if you find a pair that may not be “true Chukkas” in the conventional sense but still suits your needs.

To narrow your shopping list, please find several reputable manufacturers below. You can find how we rank the RTW offerings from these brands in one of two dedicated video guides.

Ranking RTW Men’s Shoes, $200 to $500 : Ranking RTW Men’s Shoes, Over $500

BrandModel NamePrice (2023)Best For …
WolverineKarlin Chukka Boot$90Hardwearing at a low price point.
Sandro MoscoloniEtro Chukka$150Contemporary, casual styling
ClarksOriginal Desert Boot$150Casual styling, available in many colors.
Edward & JamesEdward Chukka Boot$230Goodyear-welted at reasonable price point.
VelascaUmbrelee$240Emphasizing comfort, especially for broad feet.
LoakePimlico£250Classic lines in quality suede.
SandersSam$270Modish styling in many colors
Red WingWork Chukka$280Highly durable Chukkas for getting work done.
Crockett & JonesChukka$600Timeless, well-made Chukka boot.
Frye Co. Bowery$328Casual boot with vintage appeal.
ShoepassionNo. 654 Chukka Boot$350Elegant last with formal lines.
George CoxChukka$350Alt and audacious looks.
MezlanContrast Desert Boot$475Bold and dynamic styling options.
Allen EdmondsChandler Chukka Boot$475 Dressier boot that still appears rugged.
CarminaChukka Boot$595+Formal styling, including exotic leather options.
Tricker’sAldo$715Quality construction, casual styling.
AldenAntique Shell$920Versatile detailing in shell cordovan.
Saint Crispin’sChukka Boots€1,400Made to order and worth every penny.

Our Top Picks

Photo of Sand Clarks Desert Boots

Best Budget

Clarks Original Desert Boot

Allen Edmonds Suede Chukka Boots with Corduroy

Most Comfortable

Allen Edmonds Chukka Boot

Photo of Saint Crispin Chukka Boots

Best Upgrade

Saint Crispin's Chukka Boot

Conclusion

allen-edmonds-chukka-boots-in-sand-11
Where will your Chukka boots take you?

From the polo fields to Pitti Uomo, Chukka boots are a versatile, elegant, and fascinating casual boot that will enliven almost any outfits with which it is worn. We hope that this guide has inspired you to add Chukka boots to your footwear rotation or to develop new looks if a pair already rests within your collection.

Let us know in the comments how you like to style your Chukka boots!

Reader Comments

  1. I only got one pair, dark grey suede with tan crepe sole. Perfect color for all sorts of casual trousers.

  2. After seeing and reading the articles on Clark’s dessert boots,I could not forget the 2 pairs of Clark’s dessert boots the I owned in the 60’s till late 70’s.It has served me very well even after a very hard wearing.Now the boots are produced in SEA,and do not want to say of the quality of the product.I still would stick on their UK quality produced.
    I did send an email to the UK store enquiring to order on line,but unfortunately they are at that moment are not doing for overseas(Asia region) on line orders.I’ll try again ,

    Nik

  3. I think there should not be matching restrictions such as mentioned in the article, chukka boots with rubber sole might be quite organically paired with dress trousers. Even picture above of chukka advertisement from 1930s supports this fact.

    1. The illustration shows special tweed trousers, and so two casual items work together. However, I wouldn’t recommend to wear it with worsteds. Of course, you can wear anything today but we want to maintain certain standards that are based on the historic evolution of the pieces.

  4. Chukka boots that are meant for riding have leather soles & desert boots have rubber soles(as leather wore out too quickly when walking on sand).

  5. Some years ago I purchased a pair of Clark’s dessert boots. They are much traveled and a little battered but still going strong. They have served me well whether trudging the cities of Europe or the desserts of North Africa – yes, they do actually work in desserts. I have worn them with jeans or chinos and even a light linen suit. Great versatility if you are travelling light. Would highly recommend.
    GD

  6. Excellent article as well researched as ever. And immaculate timing as I am about to commission a pair in Sand suede. ‘Chukka’ in fact is a derivative of ‘Chukker’ which is as much Urdu as it is Hindi.

    What are your thoughts on combining sand suede with anything other than magnolia white flannel trousers and Navy blazer.

  7. At first I’d like to express my thanks to the honorable author for this enriching article.

    Personally, I consider chukka boots a mere bliss. Many a young man changing their sneakers for a pair of casual chukka boots like the desert boot will automatically look a hundred times more elegant an adult without losing any comfort.

    @ Ahmed Sajeel

    The combination you’ve proposed is really a real vision. Unfortunately it is not suitable for the actual climate in Europe.

  8. This is a style I am quite fond of – four pairs at the last count.

    I don’t believe the desert boot was ever standard issue in the British army however – the story I heard was that they were first worn unofficially by officers who had had them made in the Cairo souk. The style caught on.

  9. Used to buy Clarks Originals but with the last pair the suede was particularly poor, and with them now being made in Vietnam, I don’t see there’s too much Original about them.

    Far better alternative are Brother Vellies http://brothervellies.com (formerly called Herbert Schier). Arguably these “Velskoens” beat Clarks on originality.

    Suede is excellent quality, from the government cull of the Kudu antelope.

    Bit more expensive, but worth it.

    Only downside, can be a slow slow, just 8 guys in Nambia making them and depending on stock, made to order.

  10. Hi, I would like to find the exact pair from picture 3(Suede chukka boots) in this article…just the style i was looking for!

  11. I just ordered a pair of Bruno Magli’s this past Sunday; blue, suede. I’ve never owned a pair and the price was right. If I like them, I may order the black suede or the brown leather.

    A question for the readers: I’ve wanted a pair of black, suede, classically built (no cap toe, brogueing, or crepe or rubber soled) leather soled Chelsea boots. Every shoe site worth viewing has either brown suede or black/brown leather. I’d even settle for a dark grey. I’m in the CONUS and I’ve been looking for a year now. Any suggestions? BTW, love your blog!

  12. The article did not mention “G.H.Bass Co. They have a great selection on “chukka” i like them very much! Well made.

  13. Helloooooooooo My Goood Old Boys,

    I used the french tuck that my dad showed me in the shower, I can’t work out how to implement it with jeans and welly’s.

    Help is Appreciated.

    D.Rats.

  14. Enjoyed the article, however, would like to have a similar article on lace-up dress boots; the various makers, pricing and availability of the same. Thank you.

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