The first thing that comes to mind when anyone says “chukka boots” or “desert boots” is probably Clarks. We’re not going to fault you for going there because Clarks makes one of, if not the, best pairs of chukka boots on the market. But they’re not the only game in town. There are quite a few other brands making those iconic, ankle high boots that would give the tried and true a run for their money, so we decided to put together a list of the best options out there. These are the best chukka boots that aren’t from Clarks.
Tuff Classic Original Suede Desert Chukka Boots
The Tuff Classic Original Suede Desert Chukka Boots might not be the most durable, sleek or perfectly crafted pair of boots that’s ever been produced, but they’re a good looking and decently well built pair of boots that costs less than even a halfway decent bottle of whiskey. These Tuff Chukka Boots might be the boot equivalent of a gateway drug, but with four colors, a good last and a synthetic sole they’re worth considering in their own right–especially at this price point. $30
Timberland Groveton Chukka Sneaker Boot
The same company responsible for the most ubiquitous pair of stylish work boots that’s ever been created–that would be Timberland in case you didn’t guess it already–also creates a mean pair of chukka/sneaker hybrids that wear as comfortably as your favorite pair of legendary kicks while being as durable as your go-to pair of boots. In this particular case that means 100 percent recycled cordura canvas, full grain nubuck or pu-coated leather in one of five different colorways set atop a synthetic sole that makes them the perfect shoe/boot hybrid. $54
Cole Haan Original Grand Chukka Boot
It should come as no surprise that Cole Haan has at least one pair of footwear on this list. Whether you’re talking sneakers or boots, Cole Haan has always had a way of elevating traditional to extraordinary with specialty treatments in regard to the construction or, most frequently, the sole. The Cole Haan Original Grand Chukka Boot takes the familiar chukka boot silhouette and puts it on a crepe, rippled Original Grand sole built for style and comfort. And best of all, the Cole Haan Original Grand Chukka Boot comes in thirteen different colorways ranging from black to desert taupe, so there’s at least one perfect option for your favorite outfit. $100
Thursday Boot Company Scout Chukka
When Thursday Boot Company was founded, the company decided to combine an expensive and stylish pair of boots with a price tag you’d find on something that would fall apart after only a few wears. They delivered in spades, especially when it comes to the Scout Chukka boot. Thursday’s take on the iconic chukka boot blends classic British styling with a durable American aesthetic to create a pair of roughout suede boots as clean as the driven snow that’s just dying to be broken in over the next few years. $120
Sperry for J.Crew Chukka Boots
Next to a fantastic beach bag, one of the most essential pieces of summer gear is a great pair of boat shoes. As much as we love the classics from Sperry, we’d much rather slip into something multi-seasonal like these Sperry for J.Crew Chukka Boots. Take everything you love about the greatest boat shoes on the planet and combine them with the silhouette and ankle covering of a traditional pair of chukka boots to get the stylish, sensible and wearable pair of boots that are the Sperry for J.Crew Chukka Boots. $135
Red Wing Shoes Heritage Work Chukka Boot
It’s no secret that Red Wing Shoes makes some of the most durable, stylish and hardest wearing boots on the market. In light of that, it should come as no surprise that these handcrafted in the USA chukka boots are equally as good as anything else Red Wing has ever made. Goodyear-welted soles. Locally produced leather. Perfect for every outfit from jeans and a chambray work shirt to a navy blue pinstripe suit. The Red Wing Shoes Heritage Work Chukka Boot is the embodiment of quality, style and durability. $156
Brooks Brothers Plain Toe Chukka Boots
Expertly crafted from fine calfskin. Leather lining and soles. Genuine Goodyear welt construction. Made in the USA. Designed and built by Brooks Brothers, the name that’s the end all, be all when it comes to men’s dress clothing. Wear them with a pair of jeans, chinos or your favorite navy blue pinstripe suit. In other words, if you want a pair of dress chukka boots, there are no substitutes to the Brooks Brothers Plain Toe Chukka Boots. $299
