Original Penguin sent me a pair of Chukka boots.

ABOUT

Chukka boots (named for the polo term) are an ankle height boot characterized by two-three eyelets and open lacing. They are a more casual option, traditionally in suede with crepe soles. This pair is a little bit more rugged than that with the full grain leather upper and a stacked heel. In my opinion, a good pair of chukka boots is the ultimate piece for dressing up casual looks.

THE LOOK

A chukka boot is one of the most versatile options available for footwear. Its low height makes it easier to dress up or down. Traditional pairs of chukka boots follow this scale.

The thick rubber sole on these, as well as the bold stitching, really make them a less formal option, and their weight and thickness make them not so super-casual. I could wear them when wearing a jacket and tie, but not necessarily a suit unless I wanted some extra attention. The blue and red detailing do make them extremely versatile, as well as the fact that they’re black but have brown wood and rubber in the sole. They’ll blend together with any outfit that has red, blue, black, or brown – which is pretty much anything.

The best use for them is to look stylish and “dressed up” when keeping things casual. Everyone likes a good pair of boots and the chukka is a good way to keep that look going without looking ridiculous in the spring/summer months.

THE FEEL

Although traditionally Chukka boots are unlined, these have an elegant and comfortable lining on the interior which makes this shoe feel a bit more luxurious than it actually is. It’s definitely heavier than an old school chukka but doesn’t feel overly bulky. It’s right where you’d expect, not as lightweight as wearing your NIKE sneakers, but not as heavy as a pair of Wolverine or Taft boots.

THE VERDICT – They’re a cheap grab if you’re experimenting.

These are great if you’re trying to add more versatility to your wardrobe and pushing your boundaries. At less $200 and with a rubber sole they’re not exactly an investment piece but one that you can get as you try to work your way into adding boots regularly to your wardrobe. 

A good pair of stylish boots will set you back $600-$1,500 

Even a bargain brand like Taft(one of my favorites) retails for $250 – $350

My advice? Grab them if you love them (plus I think they’re on sale now). It’s a unique design and I love the versatility of the red and blue accents. If you’re on the fence or prefer a lighter shoe in an all black look then you might be in better luck with this pair from Thursday Boots.

Either one of these pairs would be a good stepping stone towards better style, if you you see yourself wearing them often then it’ll be easier to spend $300-$1,000 for a good pair of boots and in the meantime you’ll have a cheap way to upgrade your wardrobe.