Summer presents us boot-lovers with a tough conundrum: we want to wear a lovely pair of boots to match with our chinos or khakis, but most days, it’s just too hot to go full boot.
Swampy, sweaty feet? No, thank you.
But it turns out there’s actually a boot built specifically for hot-weather use: desert boots.
That’s right, the best desert boots will be cool enough to use all summer long and still pair perfectly with your upscale casual look.
The combination of soft suede upper, crepe sole, “slouchy” feel, low cut, and stylish design makes this type of chukka the best choice of summer boots, hands down.
After testing out every pair I could get my hands on, I’ve collected the five best desert boots on the market to make sure you’ve got the right footwear for the upcoming summer—and all the summers thereafter.
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How Did I Come Up With My List?
With so many stylish and sturdy options to choose from, it’s no easy task coming up with a list of five desert boots that deliver on all fronts: tough-wearing, good-looking, comfortable, and summer-friendly.
In order to make sure I’m giving you only the very best desert boots, I personally tested out a dozen of the top-rated models, relied on my own experience with desert boots in the past, and spent 50+ hours researching reviews, combing product details, and drilling down to the nitty gritty to find what makes each pair of boots the best choice for you.
I’ve organized my list by giving you the top pick overall, then listing the others I loved based on what made them stand out to me.
5 Best Men’s Desert Boots in 2023
Best Overall: Thursday Boot Company Scout
The Thursday Scout is a truly versatile summer boot—built lightweight, comfortable, and tough. It combines the classic British look with American durability, delivering a low-profile boot that you’ll be glad to pair with your classy summer threads.
I’ve been a big fan of the Thursday Boot Company for years because they know how to bring quality, comfort, and durability—all at an under-$200 price tag. Over the last year-and-a-half of wearing the Scout, it has more than earned its place as my favorite desert boot.
I’m particularly fond of the slim profile (very British) but the ankle height, which feels more “boot” and less “shoe” (something I found common with some of the other lower-cut options I tested). Plus, the boots were both incredibly supple and lightweight while still being durable enough to endure months of daily use without showing scuffs or damage.
With 8 different colorways and two different materials (Thursday Chrome Leather and WeatherSafe™ Suede) to choose from, it’s easy to find the right style and color to match with whatever I want to wear.
What I Like
Hand-crafted boots made with minimal compromises to sustainability, fair labor, manufacturing, and quality materials.
Clean, sophisticated look; the chrome leather patinas and grows more beautiful the longer you wear them.
Stitchdown construction and rubber outsoles provide both support and excellent traction.
Cork and leather midsoles conform nicely to your feet
What I Don’t Like
The fit is a bit on the slimmer side; for guys with wider feet (like me), they can feel constricting.
The heel can feel a bit high for some, making it feel like your feet are sliding forward and squishing your toes.
What Other Reviewers Say
With more than 4,400 reviews and a 4.8-star average, it’s pretty clear that these are well-built and well-loved boots. Many reviewers are particularly fond of how quickly the boots break in, and how comfortable they feel just a day or two out of the box.
The very affordable price tag and higher-than-average quality are also praised highly.
The Verdict
For a truly great-looking, hard-wearing pair of desert boots, you just can’t beat the Thursday Scout. I’ve been wearing mine almost non-stop for nearly two years, and they’re my favorite hot-weather boots to throw on when I’m dressing a bit nicer and want comfortable, reliable footwear to match.
Between the wide range of colorways, the sturdy construction, the foot-conforming midsoles, and sturdy outsoles, they’re well deserving of the desert boots crown in my mind.
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 Upgrade Pick: Aurelian Cashwool Desert Boot
The Aurelian 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.
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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1146518017615568837The 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 Aurelian Cashwool Desert Boot, but a consistent trend among reviewers of Aurelian 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.
Best Suede Desert Boot: Velasca Umbrelee
Keep your outfit casual and your footwear comfortable with the Velasca Umbrelee. These boots are sleek and stylish—a great addition to your summer and fall wardrobes.
I love the Velasca Umbrelee for a number of reasons: 1) they’re slim and low-profile, 2) they’re surprisingly comfortable, 3) and the suede looks crisper and cleaner than I expected. Even the box they come in looks beautiful.
From their low cut, I expected them to feel more like a shoe than a boot, but I was pleasantly surprised to find they wore nearly as well as the Thursday Scout. Really, a great pair of boots all around.
What I Like
The low-profile, slim design pairs well with both chinos and dark jeans—great for summer and fall outfits.
The look is nicely casual, but can still be used to dress up a classy outfit.
Versatile, comfortable, and feel like they’re built specifically for my feet.
What I Don’t Like
The para rubber sole is a bit slippery on wet and hard surfaces.
What Other Reviewers Say
There aren’t a whole lot of real-life user reviews, but those that I’ve found have largely been positive, with a 4.7-star rating overall. Most of the reviews mention the high quality, sturdy build, and reliability. Plus, Velasca’s customer service seems to do an amazing job of helping customers sort out any problems they may encounter with the boots, returns, or shipping.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a three-season shoe that can get you from spring to autumn in style and comfort, these suede boots are a good choice. I’d definitely choose the Dark Brown Suede with even Darker Brown para rubber sole—it’s just a classy-looking pair of boots that is easy to pair with any outfit from casual to semi-formal.
With a painted crepe sole and a refined shape, the Velasca Umbrelee is the grown-up version of the iconic desert boot.
Best on a 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.
These aren’t exactly desert boots. In reality, they’re Chukkas (see our “Desert Boots vs. Chukkas” section below to understand why this matters). However, you still 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.
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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/104075441381823865/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.
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
There are only a few reviews of these boots online, but most of those praise the boots’ comfort, construction, and stylish look. Those artistic flourishes I mentioned are particularly beloved by those who want an out-of-the-box pair of boots.
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.
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.
Desert Boots vs Chukkas
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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1146518017615569133Desert boots and chukkas are actually very similar, so much so that people don’t always understand what separates the two.
To explain:
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.
Get Your Scorpion On
For those summer days when it’s too hot to wear full-on boots, but you want more durability than sneakers, these desert boots will come in handy. They’re lighter, sleeker, and built for comfort even when the temperature is sweltering (in conditions like the deserts where they earned their name).
The Thursday Scout were my favorites of all the desert boots I tried. They’re simply a tougher, more comfortable, better-looking boot best-suited to my particular style preferences—but I trust my list above helped you find the best desert boots for your specific way of dressing.
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.
FAQs
Can desert boots be formal?
Desert boots will typically dress down a formal outfit, but dress up a casual outfit. Pair them with a T-shirt and jeans, or chinos and a polo on those days you want to look stylish and comfortable. Or, for more business and elegant affairs, wear them with a sport coat and jeans combo to rock the “tech CEO” vibe.
Do you wear socks with desert boots?
Like all good boots, socks are a must. Thankfully, desert boots are light and breathable enough you can wear them with your everyday work or athletic socks. Just try to avoid no-show and ankle socks. They’re too short and will likely slip off your feet.
Can desert boots get wet?
Suede leather doesn’t handle wet conditions very well. When exposed to rain or damp, the leather “hairs” of the suede will soak up water and grow brittle when they dry. Unless they are specially treated, desert boots don’t typically have much in the way of water-resistance, either. Better to keep them for those dry, hot days with no rain clouds in the sky.
Can I wear desert boots in snow?
You can, but I strongly recommend against it. When the snow melts, the leather will soak up the water and grow brittle and easily damaged. Plus, the crepe sole has next-to-no traction on wet, icy, or snowy ground.
