The Desert Boot and Chukka appreciation/review thread

[Johnniegold]

@Johnniegold

”…but the Size 11 was too long and the stitching gave the shoe an even longer appearance than perhaps it really was.”

How on earth did you end up getting a size 11 (45 EU?) Dukeflex??? Did they ran out of 44s? That is three half sizes bigger than your foot which is 9.5/43.5. It sure is too long not to mention the effect of the stitching.

Have you actually tried on a 44 Dukeflex? If so, was it the same result as the Greenflex giving you the same 1-inch allowance in the toe box? From what I gather the difference between whole sizes of the Astorflexes is only 1 CM (about less than half an inch).

Sorry, I should have specified that it was Size 11 “US”.

The Dukeflex was indeed a 44 EU, which according to the size chart (from Leffot) translates to a 11-11.5 US and yes, I had the same sizing issue as with the other -Flex models.

 

[Johnniegold]

It does appear that Astorflex has been producing models that have a narrower toe box than the wider silhouette of the Greenflex.

The Greenflex with the (as I referred to it) bulbous toe box.

The Brownflex gives a slightly less rounded toe box.

Same with the Montflex.

I might have to give one of them try too. 🤪😀

 

[DorianGreen]

It does appear that Astorflex has been producing models that have a narrower toe box than the wider silhouette of the Greenflex.

The Greenflex with the (as I referred to it) bulbous toe box.
View attachment 2130859
The Brownflex gives a slightly less rounded toe box. View attachment 2130861

Same with the Montflex.
View attachment 2130865

I might have to give one of them try too. 🤪😀

Actually, I find the bulbous toe box rather advantageous, besides more pleasant aesthetically, as it allows your toes more freedom, whereas the classic flat toe tends to press them. I had a pair of Clarks which I gave away for this reason. The fit of my Greenflex is much more comfortable.

 

[Johnniegold]

Actually, I find the bulbous toe box rather advantageous, besides more pleasant aesthetically, as it allows your toes more freedom, whereas the classic flat toe tends to press them. I had a pair of clarks which I gave away for this reason. The fit of my Greenflex is much more comfortable.

I agree that the toes ain’t ever complaining while wearing the Greenflex. 👍

 

[Fehr]

@Johnniegold

Did you just make that mark on the size with a sharpie?? Or was it photoshopped?

Do you still have that pair of Dukies with you? If so, can you measure the insole length for me in CM if it’s not too much to ask. I still have the 42 with me which I got from AFPOS and the insole is exactly 28.5 CM. With the 1 CM difference between Flex model sizes, the 44 should be 30.5 if you can confirm it.

I just need to compare insole lengths so I will have a better idea where a 43 size Dukeflex stands between a 42 and 44.

But of course, if you have already sold it then just disregard my request. 😁

 

[Fehr]

@DorianGreen

I totally agree with your observation. The flat toe profile does not appeal to me. The Greenflex just looks robust or structured compared to the Brownflex, Clarks and MacAlisters.

 

[Johnniegold]

@Johnniegold

Did you just make that mark on the size with a sharpie?? Or was it photoshopped?

Do you still have that pair of Dukies with you? If so, can you measure the insole length for me in CM if it’s not too much to ask. I still have the 42 with me which I got from AFPOS and the insole is exactly 28.5 CM. With the 1 CM difference between Flex model sizes, the 44 should be 30.5 if you can confirm it.

I just need to compare insole lengths so I will have a better idea where a 43 size Dukeflex stands between a 42 and 44.

But of course, if you have already sold it then just disregard my request. 😁

I highlighted the size for emphasis.

As for measuring the Dukeflex… sorry. 😀

Or else I would have been happy to oblige. 👍

@DorianGreen

I totally agree with your observation. The flat toe profile does not appeal to me. The Greenflex just looks robust or structured compared to the Brownflex, Clarks and MacAlisters.

I may have to give the lower vamp profile a try though, just to see if the toe box is as comfortable as the Greenflex or if the little guys are just going to be crammed in there altogether.

 

[Fehr]

@Johnniegold

Question…

Between the Greenflex and Dukeflex which of the two has more room around the vamp i.e. wider last?

Cheers.

 

[Johnniegold]

@Johnniegold

Question…

Between the Greenflex and Dukeflex which of the two has more room around the vamp i.e. wider last?

Cheers.

I don’t know if the last, per se, is different but the Greenflex has a more rounded vamp, as opposed to the narrower silhouette of the Dukeflex (with its stitching on the vamp). I would say that the Greenflex had more room.

You had also asked if I ever tried the 43 and I have and it was pressing down on my instep so much that I immediately exchanged them for a 44.

This is the 43.

Compared to the 44 (in the Stone color)

The 43 also had a pull tab on the back which I didn’t really care for.

As for the Dukeflex..

That was also a 44

Also, it was a lighter construction since it was unlined and the overall feel of the shoe was too big for me compared to the lined Greenflex. Perhaps I could have gone down a full size in this shoe).

Instead, I replaced the Dukeflex with the Flizzon by Velasca which offers half-sizes and provided a better fit and sturdier construction.

And that’s pretty much my experience with Astorflex. The only pair I kept is the Greenflex.

(From l to r: Bitflex, Cityflex, Dukeflex, Greenflex).

 

[Johnniegold]

The Luther by Sanders.

 

[Thin White Duke]

Clark’s

 

[Fehr]

@Johnniegold

Thank you Mr. Gold for all the pics and your inputs…much appreciate it, man!

I am resigning to the fact that as an in-betweener borderline size F and G my size have no place in this ridiculously, asininely constructed Astorflex sizing chart.

Hopefully the Greenflex will prove me wrong.

 

[DorianGreen]

@Johnniegold

Thank you Mr. Gold for all the pics and your inputs…much appreciate it, man!

I am resigning to the fact that as an in-betweener borderline size F and G my size have no place in this ridiculously, asininely constructed Astorflex sizing chart.

Hopefully the Greenflex will prove me wrong.

Don't know if this can help, in case you're concerned they could be not wide enough: I usually wear an E width and my Greenflex are really wide, considerably wider than the Clarks. I like to have some support, but they give basically none. Curious to try the Dukeflex, which I also prefer aesthetically.

 

[Fehr]

@DorianGreen

That’s very encouraging to know, Green. Thanks.

And yes, aesthetically, the Dukeflex is nice with the moc-toe look. But you have to be aware because of that and the front stitching, the vamp will be a little constrained — just a little bit of tightness or pressure. The toe area was not a problem for me but only when I tried walking on them, I felt the front of my toes hitting the end of the toe box and the back of my heel scrubbing the curve part of the back. This was with just dress socks on. With thicker socks, pressure on the vamp area was more pronounced, heel scrubbing the back was minimal and toes hitting the front was non-existent.

My foot is 10.9” (27.7 CM) x 4.2” (bare) and a 42 Dukeflex with 28.5 CM insole.

I just learned from Sarah @ AFPOS that the insole of a 42 Greenflex is a centimeter short of the Duke at 27.5.

Hope this will give you an idea what to expect when you decide to try on a Dukeflex.

 

[JUAN MANUEL]

Paul Sargent Castelton from AFPOS