An informal ankle boot that obtained its identify from the sport of polo, chukka boots now supersede their origin. As soon as solely related to off-duty Sloanes in mustard-colored trousers, it’s simple to embrace what is likely one of the greatest easy-wearing footwear kinds.
“The chukka boot is a simple, low-ankle boot with three main pieces of leather in the pattern and either two or three eyelets,” says Tim Little, proprietor and artistic director of Grenson. “The exact origin is unknown, but the assumption is that ‘chukka’ refers to a polo chukka, which is a seven-minute period of the game.”
The chukka boot originated in India among the many British military models that performed the ‘Sport of Kings’ there and subsequently discovered its approach to the west, therefore the thoroughbred heritage. Not that any of that actually issues at this time: it’s now some of the snug and versatile kinds of boot to put on, pairing with work trousers, denims and chinos alike.
Picture Credit score: Pink Wing Sneakers
The Finest Chukka Boots
Right here’s the place you will discover one of the best chukka boots in case you’re wanting so as to add a pair (or three) to your wardrobe.
Clarks
The purist’s selection – a number of the greatest chukka boots made wherever by anybody. In 1941, whereas deployed in Myanmar (previously Burma), Nathan Clark, the great-grandson of James Clark (the founding father of the shoe firm), observed the chukka boot variation with crepe soles and despatched sketches again house.
Initially, they have been commissioned as a light-weight, snug boot with rubber soles and sand-colored leather-based to be worn by troopers of their downtime. It wasn’t till the 1950s that the primary commercially obtainable Clarks desert boot appeared and the type has barely modified since.
Grenson
Heritage British shoe model has perfected traditional kinds and development strategies over a number of generations since 1866. Present chukka fashions hark again to the 1930s, with positive stitching giving one of the best chukka boots a extra formal contact. You gained’t discover many better-made boots.
MYRQVIST
First-foot-forward MYRQVIST gives a small however high-quality choice of boots with finishes from polished leather-based to conventional suede in varied colours together with traditional shades of navy, tan and black. Look out for distressed results on a barely raised heel, making them pleasingly Peaky Blinders.
L.L. Bean
Proving that one of the best chukka boots needn’t value the leg they’re happening, traditional American open air firm gives nice worth choices for lower than $120. L.L. Bean has created the pliability of a working shoe with the sturdiness of labor boots that may stand as much as any job.
Rockport
American reliable model Rockport has dipped their toes right into a traditional boot. With an inexpensive price ticket for such a sturdy boot, this clean leather-based chukka will stand as much as the remainder. Rockport additionally gives the ‘chukka style’ with extra technical treds and better shine leather-based that may pair properly with a go well with.
Sorel
A well-liked winter boot firm goals to create highly effective footwear for unstoppable people. Based in 1962 the model has since branched out into all-season footwear, and for one of the best. Sorel’s excellent on a regular basis boot is waterproof, light-weight, and offers superior consolation, with slightly classic twist and technical fixtures, what extra may you need?
UGG
A cult traditional, the Australian model is aware of consolation and there’s no compromise on this boot. Coming in a extra traditional chukka form, slipper, and sport-style, there’s a versatile UGG for each foot. The retailer gives sportswear-inspired updates of the normal chukka form, together with glorious expressions of the traditional type.
Timberland
Outside specialist Timberland is well-known for its hard-as-nails work boots, nevertheless it additionally seems a up to date vary of one of the best chukkas that function the distinctive Timberland higher. These kinds have extra eyelets than regular, reflecting the Timberland signature mannequin in varied finishes and colours.
River Island
On the extra inexpensive finish of the excessive road, there’s the choice to sacrifice actual leather-based for one thing fake and acquire a higher selection of traditional and up to date silhouettes within the course of. River Island will not be brief on nice shades and finishes that you just gained’t be compelled to decide on between.
Pink Wing
Mentioned to final a lifetime, Pink Wing prides itself on the construct high quality of its boots. Situated in Southwest Minnesota, the model gives an American tackle this English type with one of the best chukka boots that have been initially designed for indoor employees who would spend all day on their toes. Many kinds are nonetheless made within the USA.
How To Put on Chukka Boots
Historically constituted of unlined suede calfskin on a skinny sole, chukka boots at this time are available all method of materials and colours. No matter you go for, it’s a mode of boot that sits comfortably in trendy wardrobes, versatile sufficient to be worn to the workplace and the pub. They’re probably the greatest boots to put on with denims, however you can even play on the type’s upper-class heritage.
“They are known mainly as a smart-casual crossover, but it does depend on the leather. A light suede can create a very different feel from a highly polished black version,” says Little. “They tend to look best with a narrow trouser leg, either kinked on the shoe, or nowadays, more likely an inch or so above the boot.”
Chukka boots are mostly present in shades of brown, however if you wish to keep away from wanting like a pre-Meg Prince Harry, dodge light-colored trousers. To keep away from all connotations of horsing round, the boots pair greatest with knitwear and informal trousers, says Philip Goodwin, males’s footwear purchaser for John Lewis.
Picture Credit score: Thursday Boot Firm
“Chukkas look equally good with jeans or chinos, and more formal versions help dress down a suit for a more relaxed look,” he says.
Wish to type them up? Stick with darker hues and keep away from contrasting shade soles. “Black suede desert boots look good with a simple flat-fronted pair of trousers, a little flash of a sock and a button-up shirt,” provides James Datlen, a males’s purchaser for footwear retailer Schuh.
“For more casual, day-to-day wear, you can go with some selvedge denim or a pair of Dockers Alpha. A crew neck sweatshirt works well, too.”
Picture Credit score: Thursday Boot Firm
FAQs About Chukka Boots
What’s the distinction between desert boots and chukka boots?
Confusingly, all desert boots are chukka boots however not all chukka boots are desert boots. The simplest approach to inform the 2 aside is by wanting on the sole.
Desert boots, which have been adopted by British forces throughout World Warfare II and later exported again to the UK by British footwear model Clarks, function a pure crepe rubber sole.
This spongy materials (constituted of layers of latex) makes the type extra snug and sensible, but in addition extra informal. For those who don’t have a crepe sole, you’re carrying a chukka boot.
What are chukka boots used for?
These days, chukka boots are used for every thing from working errands to an evening out in town, to a day sitting within the workplace. They got here into trend as informal put on, and have been initially utilized by British military models to play the sport of polo.
Are chukka boots good for winter?
Probably the greatest causes to spend money on a fantastic pair of chukka boots is that they’re actually an all-season shoe. Watch out in case you go for a pair made in suede, although. For those who don’t deal with your suede boots earlier than stomping round within the snow or rain, you could possibly very simply break them for good.
