People either love chukkas or they hate them. Generally, chukkas are a type of low-top boots–sort of a cross between a casual sneaker and a more formal leather shoe. They are a sort of boot for non-boot people, because they have that over the ankle shape, but they won’t hit you mid-calf. Chukkas come in a very wide variety of materials (canvas, leather, cloth, etc.) and have a wide variety of soles (gum, leather, foam, etc.). However, the shape is almost always the same.
There are many great options out there for guys who might like this style, and because these casual shoes are so similar across brands, you should look for materials and colors that you like, rather than construction. Below are a couple good suggestions for where to start.
Rockport Men’s Eastern Standard Casual Chukkas
If you look at the other photos of these chukkas, you’ll notice the great little detail of the American flag on the top of the heel. These sandy-colored chukkas will look great with pretty much any shade of denim, which is a perfect way to take a pair of jeans and dress them up. Ditch those Nike sneakers and put a pair of these on for a look that will work for dates or casual Fridays.
Clarks Originals Men’s Desert Boot
If you’re one of those guys who will always choose leather, this is a viable option. These will go well with both khakis and jeans, and after a while of use you’ll get that great old broken-in leather look. The laces look sort of low on these chukkas, but I don’t know how that will affect the feel. However, these chukkas should be a pretty solid addition to any guy’s wardrobe. These come in a lot of colors and materials, as well, so you might consider that as well.
Chukkas are one of the more versatile shoes out there, given their ability to turn a pair of jeans into a look that doesn’t scream, “I’m a 7 year old boy.” These shoes get a lot of flack for their unconventional look, but I personally like them more than loafers or cowboy boots. Chukkas are a great happy medium between the high and low top worlds, and a happy medium between casual and dressy.
