A comfortable and versatile choice for men’s everyday style, Chukka boots are a classic style of shoes for men. A long-standing sartorial staple, Chukkas combine classic men’s footwear styles with fashion forward designs. Traditionally made from unlined suede calfskin, Chukkas are characterised by their unique construction – ankle high with a rounded toe, and two or three eyelets featuring thin laces. Rumoured to have been inspired by the name for a period of play in polo, the Chukka boot made its way to the west by way of the military, and caught on as a popular boot for men in the decades that followed.
While sometimes used interchangeably with Desert boots, the two styles are characterised by distinctly different features. The easiest way to confirm the difference is by checking the soles – a traditional Chukka Boot has a leather sole where a Desert Boot features a crepe rubber.
From the office, to the pub, Chukkas elevate casual attire to smart casual wear – as easily paired with dark wash denim and a plain tee as they are with khakis and a blazer. Save light hues for casual day events and stick to smooth leather uppers or darker hues of suede for a more polished
look.