The Best Chukka Boots For Every Budget and Style

The casual look most often associated with chukka boots has sensible origins, even if they are a little muddled. The truth is that the terms chukka boot and desert boot are often used interchangeably, and for a good reason because they do look quite similar. However, they’re technically different styles of boot, according to footwear sticklers. 

Because of this common confusion, you’ll find some sources associating the origin of chukka boots with the British military stationed in West Africa during World World II, who themselves noticed the silhouette worn by men in the Northwestern part of India. This is at least the origin story shared about the iconic Clarks Desert boot, which most sane humans today also think of as a chukka boot. 

Other sources say the boots were originally the footwear of choice for Polo players in India who wore them after a match for comfort. The term chukka also comes from the sport, which adds credence to this theory. 

Whatever the truth is, one way or another, they eventually made their way across the Atlantic, becoming a casual staple for the second half of the 20th century and still gracing the feet of stylish men in the cooler months.

They were a particular favorite of prepsters for their wearability with chinos, but you’ve also seen them on the feet of icons like Steve McQueen.

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Best Overall Recommendation

Clarks

Best Overall

Clarks Desert Boot 2 Sand Suede

Specs

Where It's Made	Vietnam
Upper Material	Suede
Outsole Material	Crepe Rubber
Welt Construction	Stitchdown

Pros

• All-time classic style updated with modern technology, like a soft insole
• Available in a wide array of classic and on-trend colors and materials

Cons

• Crepe rubber sole doesn’t provide optimal traction
• Light color suede options can be difficult to clean

Read our full review of the Clarks Desert Boot 2 Sand Suede

• $150.00 at Clarks
• $150 at Amazon
• $150 at Zappos
• $150 at Nordstrom

The classic so classic it’s eponymous, although its technically a desert boot. Whatever you want to call it, you know the style; you’ve seen it a million times. First debuted in 1950, Clarks’ iteration now features a wider footbed, an ultra-soft insole, a crepe-effect natural rubber sole, and an unlined suede upper.

From personal experience, these boots work well day in and day out, with dark blue jeans or with olive chinos, for travel or for days around town. They’re so essential, you very well might find yourself buying more than one pair at a time (guilty as charged).

This combination makes the boot comfortable, of course, but light, easy to pack and low profile. It’s why adventurers, who could essentially fold them into any size suitcase, and the beatniks, who wouldn’t dare bother with fancy material things, loved them just the same.

And it’s why many do now, too: “These are the most comfortable shoes on Earth,” the late Anthony Bourdain famously told Men’s Journal. “And they’re dirt cheap if you buy them at the right place. You can kick them off in a second when you’re going through airport security, which is a big benefit in my line of work. But they’re great for anything. I buy about three or four pairs at a time. When one pair dies, I just rotate it out.”

Read our full review of the classic Clarks Desert Boot.

Best Upgrade Option

Grant Stone

Best Upgrade

Grant Stone Suede Chukka

Specs

Where It's Made	China
Upper Material	Calf Suede
Outsole Material	Crepe Rubber
Welt Construction	Goodyear Welt

Pros

• Made from premium C.F. Stead calf suede
• Streamlined silhouette that’s easy to dress up or down

Cons

• Light color suede is difficult to clean and care for at times
• Higher price tag for a pair of chukka boots

• $380.00 at grantstoneshoes.com

Tan suede is naturally a little delicate. The fairer the fabric, the easier it is to stain. But Grant Stone’s Suede Chukkas break in nicely, fading from bright tan to a subtler beige with wear. The calf suede comes from Charles F. Stead, a Leeds, England-based tannery that’s been in business since 1895.

The inside’s lined with Milwaukee, Wisconsin cow leather and the sole is a soft, forgiving crepe. That means these boots at large will mold to your feet with wear, so be mindful if you’re someone who switches between wearing socks and not — or wearing boot socks and dress ones.

Consumers note that they run slightly heavy, but that’s due in large part to the premium Goodyear welt construction. In terms of looks and functionality, these are a premium pair of chukka boots you can dress up slightly with business casual ensembles.

Three rows of laces offer better control over how tight they are, but you’ll feel your own foot’s impression nonetheless.

Best Affordable Option

Huckberry

Best Affordable Option

Rhodes Footwear Tyler Chukka

Specs

Where It's Made	Mexico
Upper Material	Mojave Suede
Outsole Material	Meramec Polyurethane
Welt Construction	Stitchdown

Pros

• Soft, tumbled leather upper that requires no break-in time
• PU outsole provides more traction than traditional crepe

Cons

• Sizing and stock options are limited at times
• Suede option can prove tricky to clean

• $156 at Huckberry
  $195.00 (20% off)

Rhodes’ roughout leather Chukka boot is made in Leon, Mexico by generational bootmaking talents. There, the soft uppers follow a custom last, and are fitted to a lightweight Meramec PU outsole. As with most everything from Huckberry, these boots should stand up to just about anything (within reason). Rugged durability is the name of the game, and Huckberry also developed a custom last for its in-house line of Rhodes boots.

This outsole is an improvement over soft crepe in terms of longevity but also control. The wedge design is visually appealing, and a casually rugged change of pace from other outsole designs. What’s more, the PU outsole helps you keep your footing on slick sidewalks and wet floors, while crepe doesn’t quite cut it (the bottom is typically flat, not grooved). Plus, with PU, you can resole these.

Best Dressy Option

Beckett Simonon

Best Dressy Option

Beckett Simonon Laval Chukka Boots

Specs

Where It's Made	Colombia
Upper Material	Full-grain calfskin leather
Outsole Material	Rubber
Welt Construction	Blake Stitching

Pros

• Offered at a lower price tag than high-fashion designer names
• Leather-lined and made with a supple full-grain calfskin leather upper

Cons

• Boots are offered in standard width, which might prove too narrow for some feet
• Sleek Italian leather can be difficult to dress down

• $259.00 at beckettsimonon.com

Beckett Simonon strives to deliver quality goods for less than retail — or, at least what other brands charge. They show what it costs to have their boots made to order and levy the same cost against you, eliminating hidden fees and high markups.

As such, their boots are purportedly high-quality fashion, for less. Reviewers seem to agree, with high marks in comfort, durability and looks. Some say they take a while to arrive, but that surely depends on when you order and where you’re having them shipped to.

Logistics aside, these boast a relatively sleek profile and a full-grain Italian calfskin leather upper from an Italian tannery. The leather has handsome sheen that’s easy to dress up – out of the box, they should prove as spiffy as classic dress shoes. The waxed cotton laces are also a suitably dressy detail.

Best Broken-In Option

J Crew

Best Broken-In Option

J.Crew MacAlister Boots

Specs

Where It's Made	Italy
Upper Material	Premium Leather
Outsole Material	Natural Crepe Rubber
Welt Construction	Stitchdown

Pros

• Classic chukka boot with a handsome worn-in leather upper
• Pairs easily with plenty of other J. Crew style staples

Cons

• Only available in one leather option
• Only available in full sizes

• $168.00 at J Crew

J.Crew’s made-in-Italy MacAllister boots remain a real rival to Clarks’ classic Desert Boot. It’s almost as if they were made to be worn with expertly faded J. Crew jeans or perfectly cut chinos.

Bear in mind: These aren’t better than Clarks, but they’re still plenty nice.

The classic, nicked leather upper sits atop a natural crepe sole for a perfectly broken-in look, which lends them an air of authenticity. Of course, the more you wear your own pair, the more you’ll break ‘em in (if that’s your thing). These boots also tend to go on sale along with other J. Crew essentials, which is never a bad option to keep in mind.

They’re a core part of J.Crew’s current collection, a piece grandfathered in from previous eras. Sure, newly appointed creative director Brendon Babenzien may not spotlight them like he does the new Giant-Fit Chinos, but they’re core J.Crew nonetheless.

Best Rugged Option

Huckberry

Most Rugged Option

Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka

Specs

Where It's Made	United States
Upper Material	S.B. Foot Tanning Company Leather
Outsole Material:	Hill Rubber Outsole
Welt Construction	Stitchdown

Pros

• American-made from premium S.B. Foot Tanning Company leather
• Crafted with resoleable stitchdown construction

Cons

• Inventory can sell out quickly at times
• Design doesn’t provide as much coverage and support as other Red Wing work boots

• $250 at Huckberry
• $250 at Backcountry
• $250 at Zappos
• $250 at Red Wing
• $250 at Moosejaw

The Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka is a more casual version of the brand’s Work Chukka, which has a Goodyear welted construction and tougher upper leather.

And while Red Wing is perhaps best known (in recent times, at least) for its lace-up Iron Ranger Work Boot, think of the Weekender Chukka like a more easygoing, yet no less well-constructed, highly durable and yes, rugged pair of chukka boots.

This is a pair of chukka boots you could readily wear for certain home projects, yard work or trips far afield – and they’ll only look better with age.

These are softer, made in the USA and feature a stitchdown construction. Expect Red Wing-level durability in a more refined package.

That means a comfortable, long-lasting boot that breaks in gracefully, not suddenly or too slowly.

Best Made in Italy Option

Billy Reid

Best Made in Italy Option

Billy Reid Indianola Chukka Boot

Specs

Where It's Made	Italy
Upper Material	Kudu Skin
Outsole Material	Lightweight Flex Sole
Welt Construction	Welt Construction

Pros

• Sleek profile and refined construction
• Comfortable out of the box

Cons

• Leather sole may be slippery in wet environments
• Pricey

• $448.00 at Billy Reid

Billy Reid’s popular archival chukka is made in Italy from lightweight Kudu leather that is strong and soft (it will also age quite gracefully). The three-piece upper is stripped down and sleek — casual refinement that you don’t see in many other chukka boots.

The Indianola’s soles are made from soft, broken-in leather delivering out-of-the-box comfort. Other notable features include a stacked leather heel, burnished toe cap and waxed laces.

Best Non-Traditional Option

Nisolo

Best Non-Traditional Option

Nisolo Daytripper Chukka Boot

Specs

Where It's Made	Peru
Upper Material	Waxed Suede
Outsole Material	Lightweight Waterproof Rubber
Welt Construction	Stitchdown

Pros

• Crafted from weather-ready waxed suede
• Memory foam insole offers valuable arch support

Cons

• Five-eyelet construction might not suit every style preference
• Only offered with one style of laces

• $100 at Nisolo
  $200.00 (50% off)
• $100 at Target
  $200 (50% off)

EDITOR’S NOTE: This model is now on final sale at all outlets.

The Daytripper Chukka is super affordable, and it’s also Nisolo’s first-ever boot. But don’t let that deter you. It’s a hell of a debut, and the key here is the five-eyelet construction, which is a departure from typical two or three-eyelet chukka boots.

That taller construction offers more ankle support and a somewhat more polished look all the same.

It’s made from high-quality waxed suede uppers, a memory foam insole and a weatherproof outsole.

The insole helps you walk, stand and shift more comfortably, while the weatherproof outsole aids with traction control. The waxed suede won’t melt (or stain) when wet, too.

Best For Daily Wear

Huckberry

Best for Daily Wear

Rhodes Footwear Colton Chukka Boot

Specs

Where It's Made	Mexico
Upper Materials	Hickory Leather
Outsole Material	Vibram Rubber
Welt Construction	Goodyear Storm Welt

Pros

• Hard-wearing Goodyear welt construction for resoleability
• Hickory leather upper is both rugged and refined

Cons

• Upper isn’t weather-ready
• Leather upper will need to be treated regularly

• $118.00 at Huckberry

It can be quite easy to get on a roll, so to speak, when it comes to finding a favorite pair of footwear. That is to say, perhaps when you find a pair of chukka boots you love, you find yourself reaching for them consistently.

If you’ve yet to experience that phenomenon as of yet, then the Rhodes Colton Chukka Boots could fill that gap in your wardrobe: A wear-with-anything chukka boot that pairs as easily with casual light wash denim and a field jacket as it does with tan chinos, an Oxford shirt and a blazer.

The key is the handsome Hickory leather upper, but unlike a crepe rubber sole, these are outfitted with a more durable Goodyear storm welt and a traction-minded Vibram outsole. Those two design details give the boots more longevity, and with proper leather care, they should last you quite a long while.

Best Sneaker-Style Option

Seavees

Best Sneaker-Style Option

Seavees Sun-Tans Chukka

Specs

Where It's Made	China
Upper Material	Suede
Outsole Material	Natural and Recycled Rubber
Welt Construction	Glued

Pros

• Available with both rawhide and waxed cotton laces for versatility
• Natural and recycled rubber outsole features grippy traction

Cons

• Suede is difficult to care for at times
• Sneaker boot style might prove too casual for certain outfits

• $155.00 at seavees.com
• $150 at Amazon
• $150 at Zappos

Chukka sneakers are an emerging style, despite being around, in earnest, for the better part of two decades. A number of skate shoes, for example, are essentially chukka sneakers.

Right now, the best brand in this category is Seavees, with its flagship Sun-tans Chukka. Seavees is largely known for its low-top canvas sneakers and its ankle-height lace-up sneakers, also often made of canvas.

A memory foam footbed delivers comfort and supper, and although the outsole looks similar to crepe rubber, it actually boasts Seavees “power grip” construction for added traction.

The Shadow Grey color is also plenty versatile. And for good measure, it has a comfortable sneaker chassis, a suede upper, leather laces and a low profile.

Best Moc Toe Option

Courtesy

Best Moc Toe Option

Taylor Stitch The Forester Chukka

Specs

Where It's Made	Mexico
Upper Material	Waterproof Suede
Outsole Material	Vibram Rubber
Welt Construction	Goodyear Welt

Pros

• Crafted from waterproof suede and lined in soft sheepskin
• Resoleable Goodyear welt construction allows for repeat wear

Cons

• Moc-toe stitching is somewhat more casual in terms of style
• Pricey for a pair of suede chukka boots

• $298.00 at taylorstitch.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: This model is close to being fully sold-out and sizes are limited.

Made in Leon, Mexico, one of the world’s foremost footwear manufacturing hubs, The Forester Chukka combines a waterproof suede upper with a resoleable, Goodyear-welt construction, a comfortable foam insole and a year-round sheepskin liner.

The moc toe-stitched upper is a distinctive style swerve that’s a nice change of pace from your standard chukka boot, and you should rest assured that these have the Taylor Stitch seal of approval.

The brand isn’t one to cut corners, be it in its shirting, outerwear or these stylish chukka boots. Plus, waterproof suede is tricky to come by without treating a pair of boots on your own.

Wear them in the rain or under the scorching summer sun. It’s your call. Either way, they’ll be comfortable from the first wear, thanks to the soft suede upper and wide-set Moc toe finish.

Best Clarks Alternative

Huckberry

Best Clarks Alternative

Astorflex Brownflex Chukka Boot

Specs

Where It's Made	Italy
Upper Material	Premium Leather
Outsole Material	Natural Crepe Rubber
Welt Construction	Stitchdown

Pros

• Designed with extensive customer feedback and a new leather lining
• Classic 2-eyelet chukka that mimics other timeless pairs

Cons

• 2.0 version features the same height as old Greenflex boots
• Only available in full sizes

• $215 at Huckberry

Huckberry worked closely with Astorflex to create the “ultimate chukka boot.” They based it off customer and team feedback, making it more a Greenflex 2.0 than it is an entirely new boot. But the build is different: Every colorway comes with the same super-soft crepe rubber sole, but each one is leather-lined now, giving them better structure even when off.

They also look fairly similar to Clarks chukka boots at a glance (the beeswax leather variety), so if you’re looking for a change of pace from Clarks – and perhaps an upper with more structure – this pair could be the right move.

There are still two eyelets, and they’re no taller, but they’re even more comfortable, Huckberry claims.

Best American Made Option

Rancourt & Co.

Best American-Made Option

Rancourt Acadia Chukka Redux

Specs

Where It' Made	United States
Upper Material	Horeween Leather
Outsole Material	Natural Reltex Lactae Hevea Crepe Sole
Welt Construction	Blake Stitching

Pros

• Made with richly crafted, durable Horween leather
• Finished with eye-catching details like antique brass hardware and waxed cotton laces

Cons

• Inventory is limited at times
• Wearers indicate these require some break-in time

• $338 at rancourtandcompany.com

The Rancourt story is one of perseverance, of weathering trends and of sticking to what the company knows best: That’d be USA-made construction of gorgeous yet rugged boots and shoes, especially its famed moccasins.

But Rancourt has expanded its purview over the years, making everything from high-top sneakers to heirloom chukka boots.

Rancourt’s trademark intensive craftsmanship is on full display, from the use of Horween leather to the hand-burnished finish and antique brass eyelets. The boot rests above a natural leather midsole and a natural crepe rubber sole.

All of this quality and attention to detail certainly doesn’t come cheap, but these are priced just over $300 – that’s a downright steal for a made-in-Maine chukka boot.

Just For Fun: A 007-Approved Option

Drakes

Best 007-Approved Chukka Boot

Drake’s Crosby Moc-Toe Chukka Boot

Specs

Where It's Made	Italy
Upper Material	Premium Suede
Outsole Material	Crepe Sole
Welt Construction	Stitchdown

Pros

• Made from soft, premium suede in versatile colors
• Visually appealing moc-toe construction

Cons

• Price is expensive for a pair of suede chukka boots
• Crepe rubber sole will wear down over time

• $0 at Drakes
• $297 at Mr. Porter
  $495 (40% off)

Donned by James Bond in No Time to Die, Drake’s Crosby Moc-Toe Chukka Boots come in three colors, but Brown Suede is the iteration Daniel Craig wore. His, like yours would be, were made in Italy from premium suede with a moc-stitched toe and unlined uppers. They’ll shape to your feet with wear, and the heavy crepe sole will break down but not as fast as a pair of Clarks.

Like other pairs of our favorite chukka boots, they feature a unique moc-toe stitched finish. Drake’s recommends wearing them with everything from timeless denim to soft-shouldered tailoring for an easygoing high-low finish.

What is a chukka boot exactly?

Typically, Chukka boots lace up just above the ankle and feature a soft crepe sole. Modern renditions might replace laces with monk straps, soft soles with Goodyear welted ones or pliable uppers with durable roughout leather. There are also options in various suede colorways, and you can find stylish chukka boots in handsome burnished leather.

Whatever your preference might be, there’s a chukka boot style out there for your wardrobe.

No matter the makeup, they remain a reliable style for milder weather. Of course, Clarks’ venerable Desert Boot is a category-defining rendition and our overall recommendation, but there are loads more you can choose from. The only real prerequisites are the height of the boot (ankle height only) and the number of eyelets (2-5).

Why are they called chukka boots?

We’re not fashion historians, but from what we’ve read, the term comes from the sport of Polo. A period of play in the sport is known as a chukka in England and in India. 

Know what you’re getting into when you pick chukka boot materials

We associate boots as rugged pieces of footwear capable of handling a variety of conditions. This is because they’re typically made of durable and rugged materials. For many people, though, the casual appeal of the chukka boots aesthetic is tied at the hip to the look of suede leather. It’s a durable material, but unfortunately, it’s also very prone to staining. So, if you plan to buy a pair of classic suede chukkas and wear them often, make sure you know how to properly clean suede by reading our guide.

How and when to wear chukka boots, according to an expert

Astorflex

Chukka boots, just as almost all boots do, look best with longer pants, but they can work with more casual rugged looks involving shorts.

They’re also on the more casual end of the boot spectrum, especially if your chosen chukka has a crepe sole. Try wearing yours with a sweater or an overshirt. An Oxford shirt, chinos and Chukka boots are a classic combination, but you can also substitute the Oxford for a crewneck sweatshirt or a flannel shirt.

Chukka boots also do well with classic dark blue or grey jeans, especially pairs in various shades of tan or brown. Certain pairs of jeans that are meant to be cuffed or rolled (like selvedge denim) will also rest nicely above a pair of chukka boots.

In spite of their casual nature, Wooden Sleepers owner Brian Davis believes chukka boots are fit for year-round wear.

Brian Davis

“I love a chukka boot,” he says. “Clarks desert boots are my go to. Been wearing them forever. Only the sand suede with the red stitching though.” He’s particular about his chukka boots, but not when (or how) he wears them.

“I go heavier in spring and summer with them. I enjoy them wearing with hacked off military khakis and a washed out bleeding madras shirt or Breton stripe with some vintage military piece layered over,” he adds. “I like mine beat to hell.”

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