Chukka Boots & Desert Boot Guide

Learn all about the versatile Chukka boot, its hallmark features, How To Wear it, What to Look For When You Buy It, and what mistakes to avoid.
Click here to get to the full Chukka Boot Guide:
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The term Chukka is derived from the Hindi word ‘chukkar’ meaning ‘circle’ or ‘turn’.
What makes a Chukka boot a Chukka boot? First of all, a chukka boot has ankle height, it has three eyelets on each side or two.
- Moreover, you always want a rounded toe box, not too pointy, not too boxy but nicely rounded.
- Another main characteristic of the Chukka boot is the suede leather.
- A chukka boot is always made in two parts. For one, the Vamp and the Quarters which come together for open lacing system.
- Another hallmark of a Chukka boot is a leather sole that is thin. Sometimes, you can also see a crepe sole which is natural rubber and that is definitely more casual.
- Traditionally, the chukka boots are unlined but in this day and age, you often find them lined with a regular leather lining.
HISTORY:
It's safe to say that the chukka boot originated in India when English players played the polo game and they will wear the shoe to play polo. Subsequently, this boot found its way to the public and to the west and it became particularly popular because of the then Prince of Wales and later Duke of Windsor who just wore this boot and was soon picked up by all the media and press.
You may have heard of the word 'desert boot' and basically, it's exactly a Chukka boot with a crepe sole. The most well known manufacturer is Clarks from the UK and today they make desert boots in all kinds of leather colors and they are rather fashion forward and they usually retail it between 1650 dollars.
Originally, the Chukka boot came from the Polo fields but today, it is much more versatile. You can wear it with a suit, or just with a casual combination or even just with a shirt and some slacks. I found them particularly suitable for fall because the suede texture just fits in with all the other textures of your jacket, maybe your vest, your tie and your shirt and it's a great fall mood all around.
Just like with all shoes, the thinner the soles, the more elegant it is. So if you know that you just want to have a shoe for rugged outfits, try to get a chukka boot with a thicker sole otherwise, I would argue to go with a rather thin sole so you can wear it with suits and basically any type of garment.
Desert boots often are just rougher, have a thicker sole, especially the crepe sole, if that is more of your style, that's okay but then specifically choose desert boot over the traditional chukka boot. In terms of color, brown or dark brown is really the best that most traditional , classic color of this shoe. Sometimes, you can also find it in tan, I can also see navy or dark green but if you start out and if you want a boot that is very versatile, stick with dark brown suede.
You'll even find chukka boots with contrast stitching and while that looks pretty cool, it's quite limiting. The problem is it's irreversible so you can't really wear it with a suit, instead what I do is I wear colorful shoelaces from Fort Belvedere. Yellow or in red to mix things up and dress my chukka boot down and if I want more formal outfit, I go with tone and tone dark laces with my chukka boots so I can wear it with a navy suit for example.
Overall, the chukka boot is a really versatile boot, can be worn with corduroy, jeans, khakis, dress pants and suits, even dark suits and you will hardly notice the difference to a regular dark brown shoe. The suede texture is particularly nice for fall and if you're just starting out with your boot collection, this is definitely one of the top contenders to look at.
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[@Padoinky]

Been wearing them since I was a lad. We referred to them as “Gobi desert boots”... we always purchased “Hush Puppy” brand - they were lined with fleece and were water proofed, We wore them to/from school, during the severe winter weather that occurs in central NY state

[@AntOfEgypt]

I’ve watched the boot videos many times and after some consideration I picked up a pair of chukka boots and find them quite comfortable, versatile and unique (at least in my circles). It has definitely grown on me and I plan on getting another more formal pair in the future. Thanks for the great informative videos!!

[@waffle911]

The difference between these older videos and newer videos with plenty of B-roll is night and day. It's been tremendous improvement over all these years, and it may be time to revisit the topics in these older videos with an updated production.

[@laakea4562]

Where I live in Arizona the Redwing chukka boot reigns supreme. Everyone wears them.

[@xXShabzzXx]

Your outfit combination looks so good! Also loving the inclusion of pictures in the videos to help show off what your discussing. Keep up the awesome work!

[@gentlemansgazette]

+Shaban Ali Thank you! I love green blue and brown for fall!

[@cosmic-fortytwo]

Your videos are always excellent. I wish people would dress better these days, but I swear going to the airport now is like going to the gym.

[@PearsAreOkay]

I like these style videos! Thanks for making them. I feel more confident shopping around since I know what the items are intended for, what the different design nuances entail or mean, and it just makes shopping much more interesting. Thanks again!

[@gentlemansgazette]

Great! We're glad we've helped!

[@UlusowMD.]

Desert boots aka Chukkas are originated from Egypt, Jodhpurs are from India.

[@WorldWondersUS]

Personally, I only owe the dark brown C&J chukka as shown in the beginning of the video. But Suede also looks phenomenal with fall outfits. Great video by the way!

[@gentlemansgazette]

+oliver lönnberg Thanks! Did you subscribe and give us a thumbs up?

[@donkeykong1470]

I would own a chukka boots. When I was a kid i like sneakers more than Boots. I'm 20 right now and I will wear boots with anything, and i'm glad it has more color shoelaces that's great.

[@moorshound3243]

I'm lucky to live next to Clarks, my recent black chukka boots from Clarks have 4 lace holes, a black cotton lining with think rubber soles & white stitching.

[@JRD-wi1bh]

Found a dark brown leather chukka for $10 at a thrift store. Absolutely love it!

[@pradipsaha260]

Happy to hear india 🇮🇳

[@sparkyrunner4283]

Love my Chukka boots !!! But it is not a good idea, if they are black like mine to wear them to bed as they will discolour the silk bed sheets. I just wanted to extend some gentlemanly advice.

[@BurnedMeatloaf]

I got a pair of well made European made Chukas at Nordstrom rack for $30

[@mandeepbaweja3021]

I own 1 pair of dark brown leather dress chukka boots (not suede) and 1 pair of black Chelsea boots.....these also work great with suit.....a video on Chelsea boots would be appreciated.....thnx for this useful video :)

[@gentlemansgazette]

+Mandeep Baweja it's coming ;)

[@kerseili6887]

Mandeep Baweja what brand are the chukkas may I ask?

[@mandeepbaweja3021]

+Kerseili yess offcourse, Black is from Bata and Dark Brown is from Red Tape (Indian brands)

[@kerseili6887]

Mandeep Baweja thanks for the reply just shopping around at the moment trying to find the best chukka boot for an affordable price however I do live in the uk so international shipping may be expensive.

[@mandeepbaweja3021]

+Kerseili hey if u live in UK then i'd say go for Clarks that would be great also u can check some Thursday Boots. if u like suede then Oro Los Angles makes amazing suede Chukkas and even chelseas :)

[@thekillermef]

We need a guide to chelsea boots

[@mookeychase0907]

Yo man my man stays with the vintage pieces that blazer and vest is bananas! Yo check it out I'm 51 a first generation HipHopper therefore I'm used to wearing Adidas top ten shell toes jogging suits fitted caps Nike AF1 Tims etc urban gear. I also love vintage clothing some Ivy and trad I just have no particular style I like what appeals to me. When I turned 50 I let go the denim, and sneakers everyday. I wear slacks and mostly chinos but I only rock denim maybe twice a week. I'ma loafer guy brogues and oxfords also but when I wear chinos I wear crepe soled shoes. Clark Wallys Original Britishers and any other vintage 70s or 80s crepe soled shoe I can find. I also love Bally Florsheim and Dexter vintage shoes. Yo man I like this dudes style especially his shirts...nice vids

[@DonnieBarkie]

Great information, but I just feel uneasy watching this video. Something is off, I think it is because you keep staring at the camera and your 'car salesman smile'.

[@TheJupiteL]

It kinda creeps me out the first minutes of the video. He never looks away. Ever.

[@hoangduynguyen3510]

nah, leave the man alone, he doesn't own you anything.

[@ianturnbow7011]

Hoàng Duy Nguyễn Human trafficking and slavery are still alive and well. Maybe individuals are being owned.

[@tazldn6463]

It's the close ups on his face too. Not a great shot to use

[@v10moped]

He ALWAYS looks at the camera in all of his videos. Maybe it is the smooth frame rate of the vid.

[@CarloAngeloVitamog-oq9ec]

Is it necessary to apply water proofing to suede?

[@judahben-rivhaduj8419]

Boots on the heads and on the feet

[@JustClaude13]

I got lucky and found a pair of brown suede Stacy Adams wingtip chukkas at the thrift store. I pair them with black denim because I don't own a suit. I'm not a fashion type.

[@dnolan2000]

I love your outfit, great video too as always, keep it up.

[@gentlemansgazette]

+Dj Dyno Thanks! Have you given us a thumbs up for all the videos you liked?

[@calinconstantin33]

Hi ! What can you tell me about ' British Passport ' brand?

[@andrew1212w]

I love all of your videos and this one was really well researched and presented 👍

[@gentlemansgazette]

Thank you, Andrew!

[@andrew1212w]

Gentleman's Gazette I have asked you this before please do a is it worth video on “Sanders Chukka Boots” I have bought a pair £180 in the UK and I think I have wasted my money 🙁

[@trevbarlow9719]

Why are these mostly suede? Just as there are suede Chelseas,there are also leather chukkas.

[@hmoen]

Thanks to your instructions in the last two weeks I bought 4 different pairs of shoes, including a pair of suede chukka which I never had before :D

[@gentlemansgazette]

+hmoen I take it that's a good thing? How do you like them?

[@hmoen]

oh it is certainly a good thing :D I love all of them; charcoal low shine derbies, black double monk straps with toe-cap, cognac Chelsea boots,and the chukkas. The next pair has to be brown wingtip brogues. I'm glad to have discovered your channel. Thanks again.

[@gentlemansgazette]

+hmoen That's great! Well, stay tuned. We certainly have lots more in store for you.

[@allegedkurd]

For a second there, I thought you said that Clarks cost $1650, and I had to go pause the video and double check.

[@gentlemansgazette]

Lol glad you did

[@allegedkurd]

oh I'm sure somebody has $1,650 shoes for sale... Just not from Clarks

[@JMigUK]

Either way don't get Clarks, better options out there at that price

[@wilhelmschmitt1867]

Does anybody know a company that has chukka Boots for people With larger feet like i have 47 in German shoe size and my feet will probably grow in the next few years and i want to be able to buy chukkas in The Future

[@kbrett2004]

Always good information, thanks.

[@CarverAlcantara]

Is it okay to wear chukka boot with a casual double breasted sport coat ?.

[@UMrappers]

What kind of vest is that? I've been looking for ones with lapels but can never find them

[@gentlemansgazette]

+Dylan reed It is a blue Harris Tweed vest with lapels. English vest often have them, and I am just workign on a few prototypes with lapels... so stay tuned

[@ReticentSparrow]

+Gentleman's Gazette I'm looking forward to this. Will these vests be made as a separate or as a pairing with a jacket? My preference is for a vest that can stand alone.

[@FreeThink1984]

great information, but the percussive background "music" is extremely annoying and throws everything off. thanks

[@Hellodespair]

Thanks for your video, that helps a lot.

[@gentlemansgazette]

You are welcome.

[@peterxu9864]

Between black suede and navy suede chukka boots, which one do you think is more versatile? Thank you for the video and looking forward to your reply :)

[@wazzap500]

...Brown

[@freddiev6050]

I got my 1st pair of chukka boots today (Navy blue). FYI: luv your suit combo! 👍

[@Gudolboybambam03]

what is a good brand for chukka boots? I started buying Allen Edmond for my Oxfords and derby shoes, and I'd like to own a good pair of chukka boots, can you direct me to some good brands please, thank you also for your knowledge and time in your videos, helped me out alot.

[@Gudolboybambam03]

nvm i forgot you had a list on your website, but again thanks for your videos I watch then all the time and they have helped me out alot

[@lorettashumate446]

Look ar Allen Edmonds again. I have the Chandler chukka and it is very nice.

[@eddiecarlcalhoun]

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE "BOSTONIAN FLORENTINE " ITALIAN MADE LOAFER...

[@gentlemansgazette]

+eddiecarlcalhoun I don't like the quality of Bostonian shoes in general.

[@Knottykid]

+Gentleman's Gazette I love bostonian shoes as for the quality you got what you pay for

[@gentlemansgazette]

each to this own

[@DanielRivera-lg8wn]

Hey Rafeal, should I wear a suede belt with my suede chukka boots? Will I be ok with a leather belt in the same color as my chukka?

[@wazzap500]

Do Suede belts even exist?

[@wazzap500]

they do exist! It's personal preference. It might look to matchy-matchy. Definetly go for a similar color but personally I'd say it doesnt have to be Suede. A little Texture should be fine I guess

[@MAURICIO-ni4pl]

Very Well, congratulations. Muy bien, felicitaciones.

[@TruthTriumphs786]

I had a Chukka boot for the last 7 years and I didn't even realise it was a Chukka.

[@KHLthe2nd]

5 is right out!

[@R4idenXS]

What is a chukka if it isn't suede??

[@mariusmaringut9338]

from where can i buy this boots? first shown in min 1

[@sushilbanshi4844]

Same here. Can anybody tell?

[@vencemichaeloumiranda9973]

Hi :) Can I have one of your chukka boot ..please I like that shoes and one thing is I've never had a boot in my hall life.. and I want that shoes in my Birthday this coming "June 2" just a gift only for my Birthday .. please :'(

[@LuciusMorenus]

Come on dude that's pretty low...

[@bp4816]

really man, have you any dignity

[@captainpea7776]

This guy must have so much money to buy all these clothes.

[@unknown81360]

To him they are business expenses at this point

[@monuzaildar8203]

Ur smile is soo cute

[@RauMichael]

You're from Germany right?

[@gentlemansgazette]

+Michael Rau yes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqenfY1vq7OWrrs

[@kiran.rpillai1949]

Chukka Orginated From India 😍😍

[@SeamusMcMichael]

Feedback: I feel Raphael never speaks loud and clear enough in his videos.

[@SeamusMcMichael]

Thanks to whoever liked!

[@tanmaykitkat]

Why do you wear suits with such wide lapels?

[@yvngschema6991]

He prefers his suits more old-fashioned. Characteristics of this are generally more wide lapels, and loose-fitting, unhemmed pants.

[@commentyoutube8002]

You contradicted yourself. 1:53 you said to NOT wear them with dress pants and then at 5:30 you say you can.

[@gentlemansgazette]

+Comment KZbin At 1:47 I clearly refer to Chukka Boots with Crepe soles. These are not suited for dress pants. At the end it refers to the proper chukka boot with leather soles, which is suited to dress pants. Clear?

[@commentyoutube8002]

ah I see. Much clearer now. Thank you!

[@gentlemansgazette]

+Comment KZbin You're welcome

[@paullebon323]

No.

[@sethl.1593]

For some reason I thought it was a Native American shoe lol.

[@alexsalazar5097]

Did he just say "every men"??????? That is a horrible mistake in basic English!