The Desert Boot and Chukka appreciation/review thread

[DorianGreen]

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

They feel rather different, I much prefer the crepe sole, so much more comfortable. The rubber sole is much stiffer, but can be useful in case of wet ground where the crepe becomes so slippery and dangerous.

 

[DorianGreen]

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!

I only have the Deukeflex, so I can't compare them with those from the other brands. From the pictures I'd say that the Deukeflex is more similar to the Velasca Flizzon than the Drake's Crosby. Mine are in Dark Khaki (crepe sole) and Stone (rubber sole).

 

[Johnniegold]

I owned both. I had the Deukeflex first and then sold them as they were too large. Seeing how Astorflex only offers whole sizes, I went with Flizzon from Velasca. The para rubber sole of the Flizzon is definitely more firm than that of the Deukeflex, so I might give a slight nod to the Deukeflex for overall comfort. For me, I prefer the overall aesthetics of the Flizzon and they are comfortable as well.

 

[RichNash]

Both look nice. Sometimes I feel we’re arguing about how many angels can fit on the head of a pin!

 

[Gus]

Anyone here have C&J chukkas in both the city sole and the Dianite sole? If so, which is more comfortable?

 

[jellyroller]

Anyone here have C&J chukkas in both the city sole and the Dianite sole? If so, which is more comfortable?

To me, city, by far

 

[Johnniegold]

Red Wing 3141 Work Chukka

 

[hmlarsson]

Astorflex Greenflex

 

[Johnniegold]

Alden Ravello Chukka.

 

[trg12]

Where did the third eyelet come from?

 

[Johnniegold]

Where did the third eyelet come from?

I brought these to a local cobbler at the time when I purchased these boots back in 2014. I thought the third eyelet would provide more comfort and stability. I used it for a while and then reverted back to the two eyelet format.

When the cobbler was punching those holes in those boots, I was pacing around in the shop like a nervous expectant father.

 

[Johnniegold]

Luther by Sanders.

 

[DorianGreen]

Astorflex Deukeflex in different combinations.

 

[SterlingCooper]

So is the only difference between the newer version of the Astorflex Dukeflex the removal of the split toe?

 

[Johnniegold]

So is the only difference between the newer version of the Astorflex Dukeflex the removal of the split toe?

I have noticed that as well. It seems like some places still sell the Dukeflex/Deukeflex with a split toe while some others don’t have a split toe.