The Desert Boot and Chukka appreciation/review thread

[CZZ300]

I would say standard sizes based on length and then manufacturers can advise size up or size down depending on the last. I don't wish to name names but it seems some insist on having their own sizes out of pride.
And back to the original subject, for Sanders HiTop size up half if you like a snug feel (my personal experience), and hence size up one if u prefer to wear thick socks (My guess).

 

[Johnniegold]

Enjoying the Greenflex. Just such a fun boot to wear. I noticed the vendor where I purchased my pair has increased the price by 15 USD.

 

[Reiver]

Enjoying the Greenflex. Just such a fun boot to wear. I noticed the vendor where I purchased my pair has increased the price by 15 USD.

View attachment 1591806

I’ve been wearing mine a lot lately. Have been spending a lot of time on my feet and they’re my most comfortable footwear for the job.

I think even with a price increase they’re a good deal.

 

[Johnniegold]

I’ve been wearing mine a lot lately. Have been spending a lot of time on my feet and they’re my most comfortable footwear for the job.

I think even with a price increase they’re a good deal.

Agreed on all counts. ?

 

[Reiver]

Red Wing chukka’s today, these have been in rotation for 5 1/2 years and will be due a resole soon.

Not sure if I’ll go for the same sole which has done well and is comfortable, or opt for a change. Recently the sole has become quite porous in the areas of most wear and can soak up water a bit.

These are very much a work boot style Chukka and very casual but are very comfortable and durable. My first pair of Goodyear welted footwear actually.

 

[Munky]

My new, ox reverse suede boots made for me by Jadd shoes. Very thick, Italian, leather which, at the same time, is very soft and 'buttery'. MTO, as always and I ask Jadd to put a navy rand on them. As always, very pleased with Jadd's work. When I get my new iPhone working properly, I will post some of his shoes, in the flesh and on my feet!

 

[Reiver]

My new, ox reverse suede boots made for me by Jadd shoes. Very thick, Italian, leather which, at the same time, is very soft and 'buttery'. MTO, as always and I ask Jadd to put a navy rand on them. As always, very pleased with Jadd's work. When I get my new iPhone working properly, I will post some of his shoes, in the flesh and on my feet!
View attachment 1595026
View attachment 1595025

Amazing boots, the suede looks very impressive. Did you opt for the vibram or crepe sole?

Look forward to your own photos showing the boots being worn. Jadd’s photos are very good though.

 

[Reiver]

On the subject of desert boots I was passing a Clark’s store and decided to give their offerings an inspection.

I have to say unfortunately I was not too impressed. The suede although from C F Stead, did not feel very soft or luxurious. It was at least full grain reverse suede so should be durable.

The boots as a whole felt quite floppy and unstructured. This may be how the original desert boot was but the Astorflex competitor from a price point perspective has a much sturdier leather midsole and softer more uniform suede.

I think if Clark’s could be had at a good discount then they might be an alright option but I was a bit underwhelmed by them overall.

 

[Mercurio]

On the subject of desert boots I was passing a Clark’s store and decided to give their offerings an inspection.

I have to say unfortunately I was not too impressed. The suede although from C F Stead, did not feel very soft or luxurious. It was at least full grain reverse suede so should be durable.

The boots as a whole felt quite floppy and unstructured. This may be how the original desert boot was but the Astorflex competitor from a price point perspective has a much sturdier leather midsole and softer more uniform suede.

I think if Clark’s could be had at a good discount then they might be an alright option but I was a bit underwhelmed by them overall.

Not all suedes have the same feel and finishing, it depends non only on the animal but on what the shoes/boots factory is looking for: some are not as velvety as others but are more resistant and durable, some are waxed and so on.

For example, Cape Butt suede “is dry in character, firm in handle and will not suffer the worn, polished look common in most suede’s.”

On the other hand, Repello “is a high quality, fine-napped calf suede for men’s dress and casual footwear, tanned to give a full, generous handle and rich appearance”.

Janus suede is “a production of selected, young calf skins with a luxurious silky suede side and a natural full grain, aniline reverse. Primarily intended as a suede, the grain side should be used as a trim. The handle of Janus is a touch firmer than soft. In our opinion, the finest suede available”.

The following link depicts the different types that Charles F Stead offers through Peter. A & A Crack & Sons Ltd which are their UK agents.

https://www.aacrack.co.uk/tanneries/charles-f-stead/filter/characteristics/suedes.html

 

[Munky]

My Jadd desert boots (as above) before they were parcelled up for me. Great boots and perfect fit. I like love the blue rand too.

 

[Mercurio]

My Jadd desert boots (as above) before they were parcelled up for me. Great boots and perfect fit. I like love the blue rand too.

View attachment 1595668

Happy Birthday, Munky. Enjoy your nice new boots with health, the blue rand gives them a maritime character.

 

[Munky]

Happy Birthday, Munky. Enjoy your nice new boots with health, the blue rand gives them a maritime character.

Thank you, Mercurio, it has been a very pleasant day!

 

[Reiver]

Not all suedes have the same feel and finishing, it depends non only on the animal but on what the shoes/boots factory is looking for: some are not as velvety as others but are more resistant and durable, some are waxed and so on.

For example, Cape Butt suede “is dry in character, firm in handle and will not suffer the worn, polished look common in most suede’s.”

View attachment 1595426​

On the other hand, Repello “is a high quality, fine-napped calf suede for men’s dress and casual footwear, tanned to give a full, generous handle and rich appearance”.

View attachment 1595427​

Janus suede is “a production of selected, young calf skins with a luxurious silky suede side and a natural full grain, aniline reverse. Primarily intended as a suede, the grain side should be used as a trim. The handle of Janus is a touch firmer than soft. In our opinion, the finest suede available”.

View attachment 1595428​

The following link depicts the different types that Charles F Stead offers through Peter. A & A Crack & Sons Ltd which are their UK agents.

https://www.aacrack.co.uk/tanneries/charles-f-stead/filter/characteristics/suedes.html

Thanks for that, very interesting.

 

[Reiver]

Happy Birthday @Munky glad you had a great day and I hope you enjoyed it in style with those amazing desert boots!

The blue rand really works well with the light suede.

 

[Goofy]

My Jadd desert boots (as above) before they were parcelled up for me. Great boots and perfect fit. I like love the blue rand too.

View attachment 1595668

These look great. Enjoy them in the very best of health.