The history of the desert boot AKA the chukka boot… The humble desert/chukka boot is simply a classic and was refined the first time round.
Chukka boots and desert boots are highly popular because of their comfort and versatile design, with different shaped toe eg, round, pointed or square but all having the same ankle height and typically made from soft leather or suede. Traditionally unlined with rounded toe has features such as open lacing with either 2,3 eyelets.
A classic chukka boot tends to have a leather sole and a classic desert boot is just a slightly different model with a distinctive creped rubber sole, which in turn made them more affordable for the masses. The chukka boot was typically worn by polo players because of their comfort and style after the game itself. The chukka boot then transcended into every shoe store in the late 40’s thanks largely to Clarks, which actually was manufactured for the British army (originally made in Spain) during the western desert campaign in the Second World War. Like so many things, if it’s good enough for the soldiers, it’s good enough for the general public, showing a long lasting, durable and stylish look in the 50’s & 60’s where they gained huge popularity through the MOD subculture and the celebrities of the time.
We have sold desert boots since the 60’s. we have seen all types of manufacturers come and go but one stable diet manufacturer of the classic desert boot is called Roamers. they are one of the originals and we would classify them as one of the most affordable boots on the market.
Here is a selection of their footwear:
- 2 Eye Suede Desert Boots
- Round Toe Spanish Desert Boots
- Leather Square Toe Desert Boot
- Ladies desert Boot
- Lined Slip on Desert Dealer Boot
- Round Toe Spanish Leather Desert Boot
- Desert Dealer Boot
- 60s Style Desert Boot
The hero’s of the past loved a desert boot so as Elvis was a true great of his time here is a short paragraph representing the love: