Which brown calf chukka boots to buy?

rossjamesparker · Oct 30, 2010

After lurking here for a while, I think it may now be time to dive in with a question. I am on the lookout for a good quality pair of chukka boots, with goodyear welted soles. However, like many on here, I am quite demanding! I want these to last forever (with re-soling) so I am looking for plain calf-type leather (not textured, burnished, suede) in dark brown (not tan). Obviously, they also have to look good!

Current candidates are:

Barker's Atwood, ~Â£175, not really dark enough (see here)
Grenson Chertsey, ~Â£250, right colour, not totally sure about style (see here)
Oliver Sweeney, Portland, Â£195, look a bit less smart (see here)

I would appreciate any comments on these candidates, and any other suggestions.

I am based in the UK (London) if it matters at all.

Thanks!

hypostatic · Oct 30, 2010

I couldn't be any happier with Grenson boots. They take a while to break in, but look incredible and hold up really well.

Sanguis Mortuum · Oct 30, 2010

Originally Posted by rossjamesparker

Barker's Atwood, ~Â£175, not really dark enough (see here)

Grenson Chertsey, ~Â£250, right colour, not totally sure about style (see here)

Oliver Sweeney, Portland, Â£195, look a bit less smart (see here)

The Grensons are the best of those choices, though I don't much like any of them. I can't stand the shape of the other two. For the same price as the Grensons you could get the C&J Chiltern, or for a bit more the Tetbury or Chepstow. Or, a slightly cheaper option, the 'Quorn' by Alfred Sargent.

rossjamesparker · Oct 30, 2010

Those Alfred Sargent Quorns look great - just a shame they are burnished and not plain.

I will check out the C&Js too. Price not too much of an issue if I get the wear out of them.

I know you you mean about the shapes, although I don't think the Barker Atwood is too bad. I think the suede finish for chukkas is much more forgiving to odd shapes in some way.

chasingred · Oct 30, 2010

Not to be self promoting, but the Alfred Sargent chukkas I'm selling here seem kind of close to what you're looking for.

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=205836

kev777 · Oct 30, 2010

Out of the choices the Grenson's without doubt, i have them in suede and i love them. I would also consider the AS Quorns or Mendips too.

rossjamesparker · Oct 31, 2010

Thanks Chasingred - they look very nice, but unfortunately no my size.

deveandepot1 · Oct 31, 2010

Originally Posted by Sanguis Mortuum

The Grensons are the best of those choices, though I don't much like any of them. I can't stand the shape of the other two. For the same price as the Grensons you could get the C&J Chiltern, or for a bit more the Tetbury or Chepstow. Or, a slightly cheaper option, the 'Quorn' by Alfred Sargent.

I would go with the Grensons. However, I would look around some more before you buy.

apropos · Oct 31, 2010

Ever considered the C&J Brecon? The pebblegrain leather is much thicker & softer than their regular calf. The dainite sole will also last ages longer than a leather one.

Champagnelifestylenomoney · Oct 31, 2010

I'd avoid Oliver Sweeney on construction grounds ( usually a Blake rather than a Goodyear welted sole) unless fashion is the primary concern (e.g. they are for a date with a model!). I'd check on ebay - chukkas seem to be out of favour at the moment so you may benefit from deflated pricing.

rossjamesparker · Dec 5, 2010

Thanks all for the replies and advice. I have finally got around to ordering a pair of Grenson Smith's - in 'burnt pine' from Edwards of Manchester (Â£5 cheaper than the Grenson online store, and with free shoe trees and delivery!)

Pic here: http://www.edwardsofmanchester.co.uk...urnt-pine.html

WoolPants · Dec 5, 2010

Originally Posted by rossjamesparker

Barker's Atwood, ~Â£175, not really dark enough (see

Barker boots are beautiful.

Thanks for the post.

Which brown calf chukka boots to buy?

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