Chukka boots are tricky: with such a simple construction, a low-quality pair quickly stretches out and looks too floppy.
For the past several years, I’ve been on a quest to find the best boots a guy can get. And I get a lot of questions about chukkas.
Chukkas are one of the few boots you can wear year-round—when the weather gets hot, they’re not punishing, and they’re an excellent choice for the office.
I’ve tried dozens of these boots over the years, and I’m confident in saying that these are the best chukka boots for men on the market right now.
How Did I Come Up With My List?
This list comes from a combination of hundreds of hours of research over the years, plus testing dozens of boot brands.
I’ve recrafted boots, bought some clunkers, and I’ve honed in on a few brands that consistently make a great product.
I don’t own all of these boots, but I do own at least one pair of boots from each brand (I own multiple pairs from four of the brands on this list). This isn’t just a roundup of different boots I randomly found—this is a list of chukkas from brands that offer the best value-for-money you can find.
Whether you want a dressy chukka for more formal events, or you want something comfortable and casual, I’ve broken it down into categories so you can find the perfect chukka for you.
My Recommendations
Great Value: Thursday Boot Company Scout
The Thursday Scout is my personal favorite chukka. It wins out for me because its shape and style make it a versatile option, whether you want to wear it casually or more formally.
If you do want a chukka for a more formal event, choose one of the full grain leather options rather than the suede (suede is more casual, and Thursday’s WeatherSafe suede has burnishing on the toe and heel, which make it definitively casual).
Most chukkas are made with a stitchdown construction, and the Scout is no different. The poron insole makes for a very comfortable experience right out of the box, and I love that the Scout has a classy leather stacked heel.
What I Like
The Scout is traditionally crafted, but has modern sole materials that make it comfortable and durable.
There’s a wide variety of leather options available, from casual WeatherSafe suede to more dressy full grain leathers.
The style is slimmer than most other chukkas, plus the leather stacked heel give the boot a more classy, refined look.
What I Don’t Like
With two eyelets, there’s not a lot of ankle support—though that’s common with all chukkas. If you need ankle support, I recommend a different style of boot altogether.
What Other Reviewers Say
At the time of writing, the Thursday Boot Company Scout has over 4,000 reviews with a 4.8-star average rating.
Many reviews claim these are the most stylish chukkas they’ve seen, and many of the negative reviews are focused on the narrow fit. These two issues go hand-in-hand: if you have a wider foot, I recommend ordering one of the EE/EEE Wide sizes.
You can read my in-depth review of the Thursday Scout here.
The Verdict
The Thursday Scout is my go-to chukka boot and my top recommendation.
There’s a wide variety of leather and sizing options, so I’m sure you’ll be able to find a leather that suits your needs.
The style of the Scout reminds me of more expensive brands, but the cost is well under $200, making this boot a total bargain.
The Thursday Scout is one of the best bang-for-buck chukkas on the market. With Thursday's proprietary leather and a stitchdown construction, this boot is hard to beat for value.
Best Dress Chukka: Beckett Simonon Ellis
Beckett Simonon is one of my top three favorite brands and it’s because their boots have incredible leather quality you can’t find elsewhere in footwear that cost less than $300.
Shopping with Beckett Simonon is a bit different, though. They make their boots to order, so you may have to wait 8-12 weeks to actually get your Ellis chukkas.
In my opinion, they’re absolutely worth the wait—made with classic Blake stitch construction, incredible leather, and a stylish silhouette, the Ellis is easily the best dress chukka for the money, in my opinion.
What I Like
The full grain vegetable tanned Italian calfskin leather is phenomenal, especially considering the price of the boot.
They’re comfortable and are fully leather lined. The leather sole also makes it a good option for formal-wear.
The shape and style is sophisticated—I’d compare these with $400-$500 chukkas.
What I Don’t Like
There are no wide sizes available.
Because they’re made to order, it can take several weeks or even months to get.
What Other Reviewers Say
The words “quality” and “craftsmanship” pop up in a lot of reviews for the Ellis. Typically, people who buy one pair of Beckett Simonon boots end up getting a second and third pair. But you have to be patient—there are also a few reviews from folks who felt the wait-time was too long.
The Verdict
If you’re patient and can wait several weeks (or months), the Beckett Simonon Ellis is one of the best “bang-for-your-buck” chukkas you can get.
With Beckett Simonon, it’s all about the leather. The Italian full grain calfskin leather is so soft and buttery-smooth: these boots easily look double the price.
The Ellis is my favorite dress chukka because it’s simple, clean, and the leather is absolutely phenomenal.
Most Comfortable: Velasca Umbrelee
Not all desert boots are created equal.
Of course, there’s the original, the icon, the classic: the Clarks Desert Boot.
But other brands have swooped in and improved on the details and design. My favorite desert boot is the Velasca Umbrelee. The big differentiator between Velasca and Clarks is the material quality, which makes a huge difference in the longevity of the boot.
Compared against one another, your Velasca’s will retain their shape a lot longer. Plus the crepe sole won’t wear away, and the paint along the side of the crepe sole will keep them looking classy for longer, too (white crepe turns gray and nasty looking quickly).
What I Like
The crepe rubber used for the sole makes for a very comfortable boot, but it’s also more durable than other crepe rubber soles.
The suede leathers all have a fine knap texture that’s visually pleasing.
What I Don’t Like
Only suede versions are available—no full grain leather options.
What Other Reviewers Say
Customer service is a big win for Velasca. Their communication and quick exchanges are frequently mentioned in reviews.
A few reviewers had a tough time getting the correct sizing as Velasca uses European sizing standards rather than US standards.
The Verdict
If you want a desert boot that’s still going to look good six months after you buy it, I recommend the Velasca Umbrelee. Most of the big improvements over the reigning champion, Clarks, are with the crepe rubber sole. But with desert boots, it’s pretty much all about how the crepe sole holds up.
With a painted crepe sole and a refined shape, the Velasca Umbrelee is the grown-up version of the iconic desert boot.
Best Suede: Grant Stone Chukka
Grant Stone is another one of my favorite brands because they consistently focus on making the best boots inside and out.
Most brands (including a few I love) skimp on the insides of their boots—they’ll use fiberboard instead of leather, synthetic insoles instead of natural, use fabric in the lining, etc. But Grant Stone never pulls its punches on quality and durability.
With a 3mm piece of vegetable tanned leather for the insole, these boots should last you a decade with any sort of regular care. Plus the suede upper is a C.F. Stead calfskin leather, which will also stand the test of time.
Like many chukkas, the Grant Stone Chukka features a crepe sole, but it has the addition of a steel shank, which helps a lot with arch support.
What I Like
This chukka uses calfskin suede from the C.F. Stead Tannery, which is super nice.
The vegetable tanned leather insole, midsole, and welt all make for a very durable boot.
The crepe sole has a lot of cushion and shock absorption, and the steel shank adds arch support back into the sole—the best of both worlds.
What I Don’t Like
While it represents amazing quality, the Goodyear welt looks a little bulky on this design.
What Other Reviewers Say
Because chukkas have a very simple construction, they can often look a bit flimsy. For folks who feel that way, but are still eager to embrace a chukka’s casual style, the Grant Stone Chukka is a winner. Several reviewers mention the sturdy look and feel of these boots.
The Verdict
In terms of build quality and construction, the Grant Stone Chukka is the best boot on this list. The Goodyear welted design adds a bit of bulk to this boot, so it’s not quite as elegant as the Beckett Simonon or Thursday chukkas, but this boot should last well over five years of regular wear.
With a 3mm piece of vegetable tanned leather for the insole, these boots should last you a decade with any sort of regular care. Plus the suede is a C.F. Stead calfskin leather, which will also stand the test of time.
Best Waterproof: Allen Edmonds Venture
Allen Edmonds is an iconic American brand, and they’re one of the few great boot brands that also offer fully waterproof heritage styles.
The Venture chukka is built for bad weather—with it’s lugged rubber outsole and waxed weatherproof Horween leather, the Venture is an excellent choice if you walk as part of your commute and get caught in the rain often.
What I Like
The waxed Horween leather is very high quality considering the utilitarian use-case for these boots.
The rubber lug sole offers a lot of traction on wet cement.
It’s one of the few good looking waterproof chukkas—most others look cheap.
What I Don’t Like
There aren’t a lot of leather and size options.
What Other Reviewers Say
Some reviewers felt that adding a fourth eyelet would make more sense given that this is a chukka you’d expect to wear in the rain. Personally, that’s the main reason why I’d get a six-inch boot, or something other than a chukka for inclement weather. But if you’re committed to chukkas, even in the rain, this is the one for you.
The Verdict
Allen Edmonds has been making high quality boots and shoes for 100 years, so they’re doing it right. The Venture chukka is one of the few truly waterproof chukkas that are built well and look stylish. While I’d like to see more leather options, what they do have available is quality through and through.
With it’s lugged rubber outsole and waxed weatherproof Horween leather, the Venture is built for bad weather.
Best for Wide Feet: Idrese Hudson
Idrese is a lesser-known brand, but they custom-make their boots and shoes to order and the quality is outstanding.
You can even design your own boots with unique leathers, various soles, and interesting features you can’t find on other boots.
The Idrese Hudson is an excellent blend between dressy and casual: with a rubber studded sole, you get plenty of traction, and the upper has an elegant shape that’s fit for the boardroom.
Available in EE wide sizes, the Hudson is an excellent chukka for guys with wider feet.
What I Like
There are EE widths for a huge variety of sizes and half-sizes.
Two simple classic suede options, and two full grain leather options.
They’re made in the same workshop as Ferragamo and Louis Vuitton.
What I Don’t Like
Because these are handmade to order, they can take up to (but usually not longer) than four weeks to get to you.
What Other Reviewers Say
There aren’t a ton of reviews for Idrese online—they’re still a growing and relatively small brand, but I’ve custom-made a pair of Chelsea boots from them and I can vouch for the quality.
The Verdict
Having wide feet often means wearing ill-fitting shoes. Of course, if you can find a pair of boots in EE or EEE widths, then it’s no issue. But chukkas rarely come in wide widths.
The Idrese Hudson solves that problem in style.
Hand crafted to order, the Idrese Hudson has a EE width available, making it a fantastic option for guys with wider feet.
Best American Made: Oak Street Bootmakers Campus Chukka
Oak Street Bootmakers are USA-made all the way through. They even source their eyelets and steel shanks from the USA. That’s pretty incredible.
This chukka made my list of the best American made boots because it represents some of the best quality boot making in the States.
With a 360-degree Goodyear welt and a Dainite studded sole, Oak Street only uses the best quality materials in this chukka.
What I Like
The shape is unique and stylish, even among chukka boots.
Everything in this boot (besides the English Dainite sole) is sourced and manufactured in the USA.
What I Don’t Like
There are few color and leather options.
What Other Reviewers Say
Oak Street is another relatively unknown brand, but die-hard boot enthusiasts absolutely love them. Few other bootmakers go as in-depth as Oak Street in quality craftsmanship and manufacturing, and that’s true across their entire line of boots.
The Verdict
If quality and American craftsmanship are your top two priorities, then the Oak Street Campus Chukka is the boot for you.
If a USA-built chukka is what you’re after, the best of the best is from Oak Street Bootmakers. Their Campus Chukka is made with Horween leather, a solid Dainite sole, and a weather resistant 360-degree Goodyear welt (a Barbour welt, no less).
3 Best Desert Boots for Men
Desert boots and chukkas are actually very similar, so much so that people don’t always understand what separates the two.
Chukkas are shorter boots, under 6 inches, usually 4-5 inches. That’s what separates chukkas from regular boots.
Desert boots are a subcategory of chukkas. Shorter and lower-profile, desert boots usually have at least one of the following features:
- Crepe rubber soles (while Chukka boots will have anything from leather to para rubber soles).
- Stitchdown construction (stitching the upper to the midsole and/or outsole without the Goodyear welt commonly found in Chukkas)
- Military-inspired cut, but with a “floppier” feel than most standard Chukkas.
Most (but not all) desert boots are made using suede leather, as suede was traditionally used by the British military forces in Burma (where the boots originated in the 1940s), based on a design found in the bazaars of Cairo.
Desert boots are always casual, while chukkas can be more dressy and formal. Here are three of the best men’s desert boots right now.
The Original: Clarks Desert Boot
The famous Clarks Desert Boot is the one that started it all. In fact, the man behind the brand (one Mr. Nathan Clark) brought the desert boot to the UK in the fifties. No surprise, then, that they deserve a place on our list.
The Clarks Desert Boot is built for hot-weather use. Wear them in both a warm spring and sweltering summer, and the premium Steads Oasis suede leather uppers will keep your feet nicely cool. Add to that the lightweight natural crepe rubber sole that’s so unique to desert boots, and you’ve got footwear built for comfort and support over a long day of trudging.
Cut in the desert boot style, it takes the design a step farther by adding unique, artistic details that you won’t find on many other desert boots.
For example, the White-and-Black colorway is styled to look like the footwear favored by Britpop bands and beatniks. Or the Blue colorway features subtle Japanese embroidery and details hand-stitched into the heel, as well as a blossom-printed sock liner.
The iconic silhouette and durable construction makes for true quality, comfort, and reliability–all hallmarks of the best desert boots.
What I Like
Sturdy and reliable leather uppers, fashioned in the original desert boot design.
The soft textile lining does an amazing job of keeping your feet cool even in the dead of summer.
They’re comfortable and easy-wearing boots, with a higher ankle cut that just feels “right”.
What I Don’t Like
The crepe sole, though absolutely gorgeous, features no tread. The shoes have minimal traction/grip on slippery, wet, or smooth surfaces. Also, it’s prone to wearing out (in roughly one to two years) and may need regular replacing.
What Other Reviewers Say
I have a full detailed review of the Clarks Desert Boot if you want to go in depth. Otherwise, these are some of the most popular boots in the US, though surprisingly, there aren’t too many reviews of them around.
The Verdict
These are the OGs, the boots that started them all. Between classic style, time-tested durability, and comfort that launched an entire style of footwear, you can be pretty sure they’re worth considering. Plus, I love them for their truly unique look and the wide selection (12) of colorways and styles. The price tag’s pretty great, too.
The highlight of the Clarks Desert boot is the richly oiled pull up leather and the simplicity of its construction. While the crepe sole is delicate, it provides a lot of cushion, though you’ll need to give these boots a rest every so often.
Best Budget: Rhodes Mason
Don’t want to break the bank but still want a decent pair of desert boots? I recommend the Rhodes Mason Chukka. Handmade in Portugal with an eco-conscious, all-natural construction, they’re the ideal “everyday” boots.
You get the same soft leather uppers, the same crepe outsole, and the same soft cotton laces of your favorite desert boots. Really, the differences are so minimal as to be nearly unnoticeable.
But what isn’t unnoticeable is their comfort. The leather lining and leather midsole conform to your foot for a snugger, more secure fit, and the outsole has a natural cushioning that adds some bounce to your step. You’ll walk longer and tire less in these boots.
What I Like
Ready to be worn right out of the box; they almost feel “pre-broken-in”.
Environmentally conscious, uses 100% natural materials.
Supple, soft, and flexible, just a great pair of desert boots for anyone who plans to walk or stand all day.
What I Don’t Like
Sizes run a bit small—I had to return the boots to order a size up from my usual to avoid pinching on my toes.
What Other Reviewers Say
The Rhodes Mason Chukkas are so popular that they’re often sold out, and reviews speak very highly of their comfort, durability, and, most of all, their classy look. Like me, many reviews love the slim profile and the unique finish of the suede uppers.
The Verdict
For a good-looking pair of boots you’ll not only love wearing all day long, but also have no problem affording on a tight budget, you won’t find many better options than these. They wear as comfortable as casual boots yet look sharp and stylish. They’re built desert-tough, too.
For a good-looking pair of boots you’ll not only love wearing all day long, but also have no problem affording on a tight budget, you won’t find many better options than these. They wear as comfortable as casual boots yet look sharp and stylish. They’re built desert-tough, too.
Best Upgrade Pick: Aurelien Cashwool Desert Boot
The Aurelien Cashwool Desert Boot is a luxury pair of footwear that adds a touch of class to your upscale-casual summer outfits. Though not the toughest around, they’re incredibly comfortable and deliver elegance and flair in spades.
From the moment I first slid these Italian-made boots on, I was having a pretty great time. Everything from the supple French calfskin suede to the Cashwool trim to the calfskin interior and ivory rubber sole delivered comfort and elegance in a big way.
The boots are low-profile enough that they pair well with any summer pants, but details like the exposed hand stitching and stamped Aurélien Emblem make them look far more upscale than your standard desert boots.
Break-in time is also beautifully short, as expected from such a high-quality luxury product. I can say with no uncertainty that they are very much worth the higher price tag.
What I Like
French calfskin suede and ivory rubber sole are eye-catching and elegant.
The calfskin interior is soft on your feet and surprisingly breathable even in hot weather.
The low profile is ideal for pairing with a crisp pair of chinos and khakis—great for dressing to the nines in the summer.
What I Don’t Like
The suede isn’t as sturdy as I’d like; it won’t do well in very rainy and wet conditions.
What Other Reviewers Say
There aren’t many reviews of the Aurelien Cashwool Desert Boot, but a consistent trend among reviewers of Aurelien products is that the brand brings elegance, luxury, and quality that make the boots worth the higher price tag.
The Verdict
If you’re looking to add a pair of upscale, casual-looking boots to your wardrobe, these are definitely worth a look. They’re a great go-to for a night out at a fancy restaurant or an evening stroll on the boardwalk. You’ll always look dressed to impress when you’ve got these boots on.
If you’re looking to add a pair of upscale, casual-looking boots to your wardrobe, these are definitely worth a look. They’re a great go-to for a night out at a fancy restaurant or an evening stroll on the boardwalk. You’ll always look dressed to impress when you’ve got these boots on.
What are Chukkas?
Chukka boots are lace-up ankle boots. Most chukkas are made with full grain leather or suede, but there are canvas and wool chukkas around (but they’re far less common).
There are three types of chukka boots: dressy chukkas, casual chukkas, and desert boots. Desert boots are the least formal because of their crepe sole and relaxed shape. They can also be the most comfortable, especially if you’re standing on your feet all day.
Chukka boots got their unique name likely from their use in the game of polo. Officers in the British Colonial Army and polo players often wore these types of boots when not playing or when off-duty because they were so comfortable in comparison to the knee-high boots worn during the time.
Chukkas are a fantastic year-round boot for everyday wear. Because they’re shorter in the ankle (typically around four inches rather than six), they offer more airflow and breathability compared to most other boots. That makes them one of the few boot styles that stay comfortable in the hotter months.
Of course, chukka boots work well in colder months, too—especially suede pairs in fall. That style is unbeatable.
The style is defined by its open lacing and typically has two or three eyelets. Some versions, like Clarks, can be slipped on and off, but more formal versions need to be tied and untied.
How to Wear Chukka Boots
Chukka’s are a versatile boot, though the best ways to style them really depend on the type of chukka boot you get.
As I mentioned earlier, there are three levels of formality with chukkas: formal, casual, and desert boot (most casual).
I personally like chukkas with a rubber sole (opposed to crepe) because the color remains the same. Creme colored crepe soles can get dirty quickly and turn gray, making a six-month old boot look ancient.
Wear your chukkas with jeans and chinos. If you have a formal chukka like the Beckett Simonon Ellis, you can even wear that with a suit (but it still pairs with jeans, too).
A fantastic outfit is a chukka, pair of jeans, t-shirt, and a bomber jacket on top. It’s super simple, easy, and looks polished.
You can read our guide on how to style chukka boots here.
Rocking Chukkas Like James Bond
One of the most iconic chukka-finds of the past 10 years has been James Bond’s moc toe chukka in No Time to Die.
As you can see, even after getting pretty roughed up, those chukkas are still looking great. The chukkas he wore are the Drakes Crosby, but I think the Velasca Flizzon is an even better version of the same style.
All you have to do is figure out how to keep your shirt tucked while jumping out of a helicopter.
Chukka, Chukka, Bow-wow
You’re armed with the knowledge to buy the best chukka possible, and to style it like a boss.
All things considered (price, too), my favorite chukka is the Thursday Scout. It’s versatile, comfortable, stylish, and the price is right. But if I wore more formal clothes—even business casual to the office—I’d choose the Beckett Simonon Ellis.
The Thursday Scout is one of the best bang-for-buck chukkas on the market. With Thursday's proprietary leather and a stitchdown construction, this boot is hard to beat for value.
Of course, there are plenty of other considerations, like if you’re caught in the rain or if you have wide feet. In any case, you can’t go wrong with any of the chukka boots here. So which one are you getting?
The Ellis is my favorite dress chukka because it’s simple, clean, and the leather is absolutely phenomenal.
FAQs
Are chukka boots popular?
Chukka boots are very popular—they’re one of the most common types of boots around. Because of that, you want to find a chukka that looks distinctive so you’re not blending in with the crowd.
Are chukka boots good for feet?
Chukka style boots don’t offer a lot of ankle support, so that’s important to note before buying. Many chukkas have soft crepe soles, which are excellent for shock absorption and all-day comfort. Just make sure that your boot also has a shank in the arch if it’s a crepe sole because that’ll lend much-needed structure and support.
What are chukka boots good for?
Chukkas are ideal for casual style. They’re easy to put on, and they pair well with jeans, chinos, and formal versions even look fantastic with a suit.
