the battle of soles

The desert boot is a fashion staple right now, that much is undeniable, but what about his smarter Eaton educated brother the suede chukka boot, dare you rock a smart sole? In a word: no, no you don't.

With the prevalence of the American Workman last season there has been a surge in the popularity of traditional boot makers and traditional boots, as such we are all spoilt for choice when it comes to well made, sturdy and classic boots. The chukka has been given the new-classic treatment and we are swimming in good examples for our sartorial digestion, but we seem to be avoiding them like the last sausage roll at a buffet.

In reality the only difference between the desert and the chukka is the sole, but what a difference, where one has a Mod and Grungy undertone the other is your rich mate's Dad at the school fare, and therein the problem lies. Stigma. But people rise up! We can beat this with skinny jeans and a fitted t-shirt. It's time to take back the chukka. And why not? If a desert boot will do then a chukka will excel, use it to dress yourself up where the desert would dress you down. There are plenty of great examples out there with some dressier and others more rugged, either way the chukka is an under used asset in the wardrobe.

nb. It's probably worth mentioning that there are far more disgusting chukkas out there than there are deserts so be careful; never buy polished leather, suede is better and get a narrower shoe otherwise your in trouble, big trouble. It's also worth mentioning that chukkas -nice ones- are likely to set you back more than deserts but that's by-the-by, vive la revolution!

Think:
Alden
Loake
Greson