At Ape, we consider the chukka boot to be the ultimate footwear choice for versatility. Designed with the modern man in mind, these boots balance comfort and durability while occupying the perfect space between smart and casual. This combination provides endless styling possibilities and exceptional value for your investment.
Intrigued? Keep reading to discover what defines a “chukka” (or “desert”) boot, explore our top picks from various brands, and learn some foolproof styling tips.
What Is A Chukka Boot?
Velasca
The chukka boot is characterized by its mid-top silhouette, which comfortably fits around the ankle. This makes it an excellent match for a wide range of styles, from standard-length trousers to cropped styles.
Typically, chukka boots feature only a few eyelets for laces—usually four to six—compared to work or hiking boots, which can have as many as twenty.
Chukkas are generally crafted from suede or leather, resting on rubber or leather soles. They often have a rounded toe box and are usually unlined on the inside.
Are Desert Boots The Same Thing?
To clarify: while all desert boots are classified as chukkas, not all chukkas are desert boots. The terms are frequently used interchangeably in contemporary menswear, which can lead to confusion. A chukka boot generally refers to any mid-top boot with a limited number of eyelets, while the desert boot typically features a crepe rubber sole.
The Best Brands For Chukka Boots
Morjas
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- Morjas The Chukka Boot
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- Morjas The Chukka Boot
Originating from the Mediterranean and Scandinavian regions, Morjas’ collection showcases clean, minimal designs enhanced by modern touches. Their craftsmanship is impressive as well, with each pair made in Europe through rigorous quality checks.
Most of Morjas’ shoes are handcrafted in a family-owned factory in Almansa, Spain, employing the Goodyear-welted technique since the 1920s. A single pair undergoes an intricate 128-step process over eight weeks, resulting in high-quality boots that are worth every moment spent waiting.
Velasca
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- Velasca Artista
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- Velasca Artista
Velasca, a direct-to-consumer brand, aims to produce exceptional footwear at an affordable price point. Each of their models is handcrafted by skilled artisans in the shoemaking capital of Italy, Marche, showcasing the superior craftsmanship expected from this region.
From waterproof suede to durable calf leather, Velasca’s desert boots stand out for their quality and can be found in various sole thicknesses and color options.
Myrqvist
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- Myrqvist Gyllsjö
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- Myrqvist Haga
Myrqvist strives to make handmade footwear accessible to a broader audience. The Swedish brand achieves this by following a direct-to-consumer model, which eliminates retail markups and reduces operational costs, enabling premium shoes at reasonable prices.
Myrqvist’s desert boots are handmade in Portugal using high-quality, water-repellent suede sourced from Britain and feature Goodyear-welted construction, allowing for multiple resoling.
Aurelien
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- Aurelien Chocolate Suede Desert Boot
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- Aurelien Navy Grain Desert Boot
Aurelien emphasizes the importance of both construction quality and luxurious materials while maintaining a reasonable price point. Their desert boots, made from signature Softey suede or full-grain leather, feature contrast ivory rubber soles that provide a contemporary touch, perfect for pairing with casual outfits like jeans and chinos.
Kleman
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- Kleman Oxal Oak
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- Kleman Oxal EC
Kleman embodies the essence of French workwear, producing high-quality handmade footwear since the 1980s for various public organizations, including the national railway, fire departments, and police forces. Their boots are equally appreciated by civilians for their rugged quality and style.
Kleman’s desert boots are crafted from durable leathers featuring chunky, lugged soles for better grip. This brand offers a unique and sturdy interpretation of chukka boots.
Grenson
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- Grenson Chester
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- Grenson Keats
Grenson is a well-respected name in British shoemaking, particularly known for its expertly crafted handmade shoes and boots. Their chukka silhouette is a staple, showcasing premium materials and the trademark quality of bootmaking excellence, including Goodyear-welted construction and leather soles.
Clarks Originals
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- Clarks Originals Leather Maple Desert Boots
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- Clarks Originals Desert Boot
Clarks is a heritage shoemaker renowned for creating timeless designs that cater to all generations, from childhood to retirement. Their desert boot remains an iconic model, inspired by the design used by British soldiers during World War II.
This style remains relevant, widely appreciated as the pinnacle of casual footwear. If you seek something a bit different, consider Clarks’ Desert Trek or Wallabee varieties as well.
Astorflex
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- Astorflex Dukeflex Boot
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- Astorflex Greenflex Boot
While Clarks’ desert boots are often viewed as the gold standard, Astorflex presents commendable alternatives. This Italian brand crafts luxurious chukkas from the finest local materials and has begun transitioning toward eco-friendly practices, allowing you to wear stylish footwear with peace of mind.
Padmore & Barnes
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- Padmore & Barnes P700 Willow Boot
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- Padmore & Barnes M249 Chukka Boot
Formerly owned by Clarks, Padmore & Barnes manufactured the brand’s popular Wallabee model from 1964 to 1987. They are recognized for their relaxed lifestyle footwear, with chukka boots being a significant part of their collections. The Willow boot features a classic desert shape with a moccasin toe and detailed stitching, while the Original boot resembles Clarks’ Wallabee, handmade in Ireland.
Red Wing
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- Red Wing 3141 Heritage Work Chukka
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- Red Wing Weekender 3322 Chukka Boots
Although Red Wing is primarily renowned for its rugged Moc Toe designs, they excel in crafting chukkas as well. If you’re searching for resilient, well-constructed footwear suitable for daily use year-round, Red Wing is your solution.
John Lobb
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- John Lobb Barracks
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- John Lobb Tim
John Lobb’s meticulous footwear undergoes an elaborate 190-step process, resulting in masterpieces that exemplify the pinnacle of shoemaking. Their range of chukka boots reflects uncompromising quality and timeless British style.
How To Style Chukka Boots
Fortunately, chukka boots are among the easiest footwear options to style. Their minimalist design and soft lines allow them to pair seamlessly with anything from formal suits to casual jeans.
When wearing chukkas, ensure that your trousers fit well. Chukkas have a low-profile silhouette that looks best with slim-cut pants. Opting for cropped or cuffed hems is an excellent way to showcase your boots.
For a tailored look, keep it relaxed, making chukka boots ideal for smart-casual settings but not for formal occasions. Following the common guidelines of matching shoe color with trousers can help you achieve a polished appearance. You might also consider swapping out a tie for a knit or even a t-shirt.
