Chukka boots are classic and versatile shoes that you should own. Learn how to wear Chukka boots, so that you can look great in cold weather.
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
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Table of contents
What are chukka boots?
Chukka boots are classic ankle-high and round-toed boots. They normally have two or three eyelets (small holes for the laces) along with thin laces. Chukkas are often made of leather or suede.
Related: The best boots for men
Another similar boot is the desert boot. A chukka boot, regardless of the material, is an ankle-high boot with two to three eyelets.
Desert boots are a type of chukka boots. However, there are other kinds of chukka boots that aren’t desert boots.
The best color
Brown and black dominate when it comes to these boots (and many others). There are other colors such as tan, gray, and navy.
However, due to versatility and their classic look, black and brown should be your top choices.
Suede vs. leather
If you’re buying your first pair of Chukka boots, start with a leather pair because they’re more durable, which means they’ll last longer. After getting a leather pair, your second should be suede.
Suede Chukka boots are great for casual wear, from jeans and a t-shirt to chinos and a sport coat. It also creates texture within your outfit, which helps the overall look.
The sole
The soles of these boots will tell you their formality. If the sole is thinner, it’s more formal, while a thicker sole is more casual.
Aside from the thickness of the sole, there are two common types, the Commando or lugged sole and a smooth rubber or wood sole.
Commando and lugged soles offer traction, weather resistance, and durability. They’re great for being outdoors but are generally more casual.
A smooth rubber sole looks more formal and dressy, which is great for indoor occasions, work, or during the spring and summer.
How to wear chukka boots
Chukka boots are an essential pair of boots that every man should own. If you don’t own a pair yet, it’s time to invest in one or even a couple.
Now that you know the background of the Chukka boot, learn how to look great wearing it.
Black leather chukka boots
Black leather chukka boots are sleek and match with almost everything.
All black with a camel coat
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Chukka boots: Johnston & Murphy Cormac Chukka (opens in a new tab).
- Jeans: Everlane The Slim 4-Way Stretch Organic Jean (opens in a new tab).
- T-shirt: Theory Precise Tee (opens in a new tab).
- Overcoat: Mango Tailored Wool-Blend Overcoat (opens in a new tab).
- Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Sunglasses (opens in a new tab).
The leather biker jacket
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Chukka boots: Johnston & Murphy Cormac Chukka (opens in a new tab).
- Jeans: Paige Lennox – Sebastian (opens in a new tab).
- T-shirt: Theory Precise Tee (opens in a new tab).
- Jacket: Allsaints Milo Leather Jacket (opens in a new tab).
- Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Sunglasses (opens in a new tab).
A sweater and chinos
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Chukka boots: Johnston & Murphy Cormac Chukka (opens in a new tab).
- Chinos: Everlane The Performance Chino (opens in a new tab).
- Sweater: NN07 Mock Neck Wool Sweater (opens in a new tab).
Dressed up with a sportcoat
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Chukka boots: Johnston & Murphy Cormac Chukka (opens in a new tab).
- Pants: Berle Solid Flat Front Stretch Wool Dress Pants.
- Dress shirt: Charles Tyrwhitt Twill Shirt (opens in a new tab).
- Sport coat: Bonobos Unconstructed Italian Wool Blazer (opens in a new tab).
Brown leather chukka boots
Brown leather Chukka boots look great with many different outfits. Brown is a fantastic color to wear during Autumn and Winter. The following are 4 ways to style brown Chukka boots.
Dress pants and a sweater
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Chukka boots: Trask Landers Chukka (opens in a new tab).
- Sweater: Theory Waffle-Knit Sweater (opens in a new tab).
- Pants: Berle Solid Flat Front Stretch Wool Dress Pants.
Dressed up for the office
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Chukka boots: Trask Landers Chukka (opens in a new tab).
- Corduroy pants: Todd Snyder Corduroy Pants (opens in a new tab).
- Dress shirt: Charles Tyrwhitt Spread Collar Check Shirt (opens in a new tab).
Navy blue topcoat
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Chukka boots: Trask Landers Chukka (opens in a new tab).
- Jeans: Paige Lennox – Sebastian (opens in a new tab).
- T-shirt: Theory Precise Tee (opens in a new tab).
- Coat: Topman Navy Mac (opens in a new tab).
The utility jacket
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Chukka boots: Trask Landers Chukka (opens in a new tab).
- Jeans: Everlane The Slim 4-Way Stretch Organic Jean (opens in a new tab).
- T-shirt: Theory Precise Tee (opens in a new tab).
- Jacket: Ted Baker Volcano Insulated Jacket (opens in a new tab).
The cleaning process
To ensure your boots last longer, clean them regularly.
Take the following steps to clean and shine leather:
- 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 clean suede:
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
There’s a reason these boots are a timeless favorite boot, they can be dressed up or dressed down easily. You can wear them for casual, smart-casual, and business-casual occasions.
Yes, there are Chukka boots that are thinner and can pair well with a summer outfit. In fact, suede Chukka boots are perfect for the warmer months and you don’t have to worry about ruining the suede with rain or snow.
Conclusion
Chukka boots deserve a spot in your closet because they’re timeless, versatile, and can easily take your outfits to the next level. If you’re looking to upgrade your shoes or wardrobe, Chukka boots are a priority.
More resources:
Featured photo by Nico Villanueva/Next Level Gents.
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