Chukka boots are one of the most versatile footwear items. They look stylish and need to be a staple in your wardrobe.
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Chukka boots are classic ankle-high and round-toed boots.
They have thin laces and two or three eyelets, the small holes for shoelaces.
They’re also available in leather and suede.
Related article: The best chukka boots for men
Black and brown are the most popular colors. But, you can find other colors, such as grey or navy.
Chukka boots are one of the most stylish footwear items you can own. They pair well with casual and dressed-up outfits.
The toe box and material are how you can differentiate the formality.
Sleek toe boxes and dark leather are more formal than wide toe boxes and suede.
The following is your complete chukka boots style guide.
Chukka boots outfits
Chukka boots look excellent with many items in your wardrobe.
Since you can dress them up or down, choosing outfits is straightforward.
Also, wear pants with no break or cuff them to show off the boots.
They’ll elevate your casual outfits and pair well with dressed-up looks.
The following are outfit ideas for you to use as inspiration.
Black leather chukka boots with black jeans, a t-shirt, and a camel overcoat
Camel coats are timeless and add class to an outfit. Wear a camel coat over a black t-shirt, jeans, and leather chukka boots.
The camel color provides contrast and a sophisticated look. If it’s sunny, wear sunglasses.
The combination is ideal for smart casual attire.
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Chukka boots: Johnston & Murphy Cormac Chukka
- Jeans: Everlane The Slim 4-Way Stretch Organic Jean
- T-shirt: Theory Precise Tee
- Overcoat: Mango Tailored Wool-Blend Overcoat
- Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Sunglasses
Black leather chukka boots with grey jeans, a white t-shirt, and a leather jacket
A leather jacket makes you look confident and cool.
Wear black leather chukka boots with grey jeans, a white t-shirt, and a leather jacket.
It’s an outfit you can wear for most occasions, aside from formal and business.
The biker-style leather jacket is edgy and draws more attention than other styles.
If you want something low-key, go with the racer or bomber style.
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Chukka boots: Johnston & Murphy Cormac Chukka
- Jeans: Paige Lennox – Sebastian
- T-shirt: Theory Precise Tee
- Jacket: Allsaints Milo Leather Jacket
- Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Sunglasses
Pair black leather chukka boots with tan chinos and a navy sweater for a simple and elegant look.
It’s a smart-casual outfit that makes you look sophisticated.
Since it doesn’t include outerwear, it’s ideal for indoor occasions or moderate temperatures.
The outfit example shows a mock-neck sweater. But, you can wear a crewneck or turtleneck sweater.
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Chukka boots: Johnston & Murphy Cormac Chukka
- Chinos: Everlane The Performance Chino
- Sweater: NN07 Mock Neck Wool Sweater
The right pair of chukka boots pair well with a suit.
Wear black leather chukka boots with a sleek toe box with trousers, a button-up, and a sport coat.
If you want to wear a suit, ensure that it aligns with the dress code.
On the formality scale, business casual is the most formal level for chukkas.
It’s better to wear them with suit separates or a sport coat, rather than a full suit.
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Chukka boots: Johnston & Murphy Cormac Chukka
- Pants: Berle Solid Flat Front Stretch Wool Dress Pants
- Dress shirt: Charles Tyrwhitt Twill Shirt
- Sport coat: Bonobos Unconstructed Italian Wool Blazer
Brown leather chukka boots with olive green trousers and a beige sweater
Brown leather chukka boots are versatile. For a smart-casual outfit, wear them with trousers and a sweater.
It’s a stylish and dapper outfit, perfect for moderate temperatures.
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Chukka boots: Trask Landers Chukka
- Pants: Berle Solid Flat Front Stretch Wool Dress Pants.
Brown leather chukka boots are excellent for business casual attire.
Wear them with navy chinos, a matching belt, and a button-up shirt.
The outfit is ideal for meetings or the office. It gives you an elegant and sophisticated look.
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Chukka boots: Trask Landers Chukka
- Corduroy pants: Todd Snyder Corduroy Pants
- Dress shirt: Charles Tyrwhitt Spread Collar Check Shirt
A topcoat is lighter and shorter than an overcoat. It’s ideal for times when it’s not too cold.
Wear brown leather chukkas with grey jeans, a white t-shirt, and a navy topcoat.
You’ll look stylish, and it’s excellent for a day out.
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Chukka boots: Trask Landers Chukka
- Jeans: Paige Lennox – Sebastian
- T-shirt: Theory Precise Tee
- Coat: Topman Navy Mac
Brown leather chukka boots with jeans, a t-shirt, and utility jacket
Utility jackets are one of the most practical and stylish menswear items.
They also look excellent with chukka boots, jeans, and a t-shirt.
A utility jacket keeps you warm while being lightweight and water-resistant. It can handle anything you throw at it.
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Chukka boots: Trask Landers Chukka
- Jeans: Everlane The Slim 4-Way Stretch Organic Jean
- T-shirt: Theory Precise Tee
- Jacket: Ted Baker Volcano Insulated Jacket
How to clean chukka boots
Proper maintenance and cleaning ensure that your chukka boots last longer. It also makes them look sleek and stylish.
The cleaning methods depend on the material, as leather and suede have specific needs.
Take the following steps to care for leather chukka boots:
- Insert a shoe tree or newspaper in the boots.
- Use a soft brush to remove dirt.
- Remove the shoelaces.
- Apply polish (make sure the color matches) to the entire boot.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Brush the boots with a horsehair brush.
- Apply more polish to the heel and toe (makes it shinier than the rest).
Take the following steps to care for suede chukka boots.
- Insert a shoe tree or newspaper in the boots.
- Use a horsehair brush to brush off dirt.
- Use a suede eraser to get rid of scuffs and marks.
- Spray with suede protector.
It’s essential to take your time when you clean boots. Practice good care habits, and they’ll last.
Also, you can go longer between cleaning sessions if you wipe down your chukka boots after every wear.
Use a cloth for leather and a brush for suede.
Frequently asked questions about chukka boots
The following are answers to common questions about chukka boots.
What’s the difference between chukka and desert boots?
Desert boots are a type of chukka boot. The main differences are that desert boots have thicker crepe soles and weigh less.
Also, most desert boots are suede and have a casual look.
Chukka boots have more structure and sleekness. It allows them to pair well with dressed-up outfits.
What color chukkas should I get?
Your first pair of chukka boots should be brown leather because it’s the most versatile. You can dress it up and down. Then, you can explore other colors and materials.
Can you wear chukka boots with a suit?
Yes, you can wear chukka boots with a suit. But, there are a few things to consider.
First, the boots must be dark leather, have thinner soles, and have a sleek toe box.
Second, the occasion needs to be appropriate.
Don’t wear them in place of oxford shoes. Instead, they can replace the more casual derby shoe.
Can I wear chukka boots in summer?
If it’s not too hot, you can wear chukka boots in summer. It’s best to pair them with jeans or chinos and a t-shirt.
Since chukka boots are lighter than other boots, they can work in warmer temperatures.
Do you wear socks with chukka boots?
Yes, wear dress socks that match the color of your pants with chukka boots. Cotton and wool are the best materials for socks.
Are chukka boots good for walking?
Like other boots, chukkas are excellent for walking. But, the soles must be rubber.
Leather and wood soles aren’t comfortable when you walk long distances.
Also, the boots must fit well, and the insoles should offer good support.
Conclusion
Chukka boots deserve a spot in your wardrobe. They’re timeless, versatile, and take your outfits to the next level.
Few footwear items rival the stylish look and versatility of chukkas. You’ll look sharp and dapper every time you wear them.
Featured photo by Nico Villanueva/Next Level Gents.
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David Em is the founder of Next Level Gents, the ultimate destination for tips and advice about style, grooming, fitness, and success.