The Desert Boot and Chukka appreciation/review thread

[CottonTownBoy]

I've putting off buying a pair of Sanders Hi Tops for many years now, but I've finally decided to get a little "McQueen" on...but I'm concerned about the toe box being too narrow as I have a slightly wider than average forefoot. I have a couple of questions and would appreciate some feedback:
1) What size would likely be best? I wear a 9D in Alden Barrie and Trubalance (can't really do Alden lasts like Grant or Plaza); a 42 in Astorflex chukkas. Brannock 9.5 close to an E width

2) I'm looking at them on the Huckberry site, but they list in US sizes. Anyone know if it's a one size conversion difference, i.e. 9UK = US 10? According to Huckberry, I'm imaging a US9.5 or US10 would be the choice for me? Or is this just a mistake if the Sanders last is too narrow? Thanks in advance.

With my experience of the Sanders Hi-tops, I would definitely size up by one full size. I am a UK 10.5/11 and I got a size UK10.5 in the sale and I wish I hadn't. I've had to stretch them constantly to get them to fit and subsequently I've only worn them a couple of times a year. Strangely though, I also have a pair of suede loafers by Sanders in a UK10.5 and they have been a great fit. I've hammered these over the years and they still keep coming back for more.

 

[Carson]

With my experience of the Sanders Hi-tops, I would definitely size up by one full size. I am a UK 10.5/11 and I got a size UK10.5 in the sale and I wish I hadn't. I've had to stretch them constantly to get them to fit and subsequently I've only worn them a couple of times a year. Strangely though, I also have a pair of suede loafers by Sanders in a UK10.5 and they have been a great fit. I've hammered these over the years and they still keep coming back for more.

Thanks. I decided to get the UK9/US10, normally a UK9 would be pretty roomy but I am erring on the side of caution. : )

 

[Johnniegold]

Thanks. I decided to get the UK9/US10, normally a UK9 would be pretty roomy but I am erring on the side of caution. : )

I think Huckberry offers free shipping and free returns so you can try on a a few sizes and return the size that doesn’t work for you.

 

[JUAN MANUEL]

Thanks. I decided to get the UK9/US10, normally a UK9 would be pretty roomy but I am erring on the side of caution. : )

Please let us know if you nail the size, I might pull the trigger with those.

 

[Johnniegold]

Redriz by Velasca.

 

[DorianGreen]

Astorflex Deukeflex.

 

[ppk]

Astorflex Deukeflex.

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The cloth on the trousers is lovely!

 

[DorianGreen]

The cloth on the trousers is lovely!

Thank you! Pure wool, Belvest RTW trousers.

 

[Johnniegold]

I attended the Boot Camp event yesterday in Brooklyn, NY.
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While there, I was sized by Chris Woodford, who is the Managing Director of Crown Northampton and great-grandson of Edward Woodford, who founded the company in 1908.
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Chris and crew couldn’t have been nicer. I ordered the Woodford Boot in their Sand Janus Calf Suede (I selected the brown sole option) which should arrive in about 12 weeks. View attachment 2262813
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It was a great all-around event. Definitely looking forward to attending again next year.

Received an update from Crown Northampton today regarding my order that I placed with them at Boot Camp in Brooklyn, NY in October of 2024.

Appears that it will ship sometime next week.

Looking forward to getting them,
although with this winter weather, they may not see much action until the spring.

 

[Carson]

Please let us know if you nail the size, I might pull the trigger with those.

So, I ordered the 9UK in the Sanders hi-top and it was definitely the right choice. My typical 8.5UK in British boots would have been too tight and small. That said, I ended up returning them to Huckberry mainly because I was on the fence about the shape of the toe and the hardiness of the sole. I'm probably going to nab something by Astorflex which I've always had good luck with...

 

[DorianGreen]

The Deukeflex in another combination.

 

[Johnniegold]

Arrived today from England. The Woodford Desert Boot in Sand Janus Calf Suede by Crown Northampton.

 

[RichNash]

In the pictures I'm sitting and also the trousers are being a little pulled up for better showing boots and socks, they are actually even a bit too long.

As I already said, I'm planning to wear the boots with cord trousers as the autumn arrives.

Hi Dorian (and everyone else). I am new to this forum. I am interested in a shoe that looks like the Drake's Crosby boot, which I am unable to afford really. I have learned that Astorflex makes the Dukeflex, which it seems you have, and this is then potentially tweaked a little by Drake's and sold on as the Crosby. I am also aware of Valesca's Flizzon model. Firstly: what is the specific colour you have? Secondly: do they turn up a little at the end (as soon when new in online pics)? Thirdly - and this is open to everyone - which model do you think is most similar to the Crosby - the Flizzon or the Dukeflex? The main difference from what I can see is potentially the toebox of the Crosby looks a bit more elongated, but my eyes may be playing tricks. I couldn't have told btw that you were not wearing the Crosby but for the split-toe, which I know is a feature of the old Dukeflex model. Many thanks!

 

[Jabs20]

For what it's worth, the retailer CareofCarl.com has both Astorflex and Drake's on their website with good matching product photos, so you can flip back and forth to see the differences, and if they matter to you, for your budget... Can't remark on the Velasca.

 

[Gus]

New Astorflex Deukeflex Rubber in Taupe.

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What is the difference in feel when walking with this rubber sole vs the typical crepe? Which sole do you now prefer?