Chukka Boots

[renor27]

I keep finding my self wearing my Clarks desert boots no matter what the weather is. They do grab even in snow but not the warmest boots @ 20 degree F. I do get a lot of jokes about them from the folks @ work oh well I like them, soles last about 2 years then need to be rebuilt @ $65.00 or can get a new pair on E-bay for $75.
Any one else wear Clarks desert boots? Or an other brand of deset boots? If I can figure how to post from an Apple computer will send in some photos of adventures in the nevada desert in my desert boots. Now just need the right desert hat and will be all set.
David

 

[SGB]

Clarks Desert Boots

I've been wearing Clarks as long as I can remember. I took a break during the 70's from wearing them but only for a few years. They are comfortable and I still like the style. I have to order them as no one carries them here in AZ, in fact the Clarks store in CA I go to only sells them by special order anymore. I always have a new back-up pair in reserve.
In fact, there is a photo of me racing my Go-Kart at a big race in about 1961, on the wall in front of me... I'm wearing Desert Boots, 501's, my Red (James Dean style) windbreaker and Candy Apple Red helmet (photo is B&W but I remember that helmet).

SGB

 

[Mojave Jack]

Renor, it's funny you should post this just now. I was actually hunting around for a pair of desert boots.

I've been wanting a pair that is pretty authentic to the British WWII brothel creepers, and have thought either the Clark's or the Orvis pair seem to be the best. Anyone have any observations on which is more accurate?

A side-by-side comparison:

Clark's..........................................................Orvis

I tend to think the Clark's, since the Orvis seem to be a bit over-engineered, thus defeating the simplicity and comfort of the boots. Any thoughts?

I have also long debated whether or not to try to pull them off with shorts, if I do get a pair. The British officers were clearly wearing them for a reason, and they seem superb. Perhaps I just haven't the stones.

 

[Mark G]

Go ahead wear um with shorts. I was just in Death Valley and they seemed to fit rught in, much better than all the ugly "sneakers". Also try Cabela's, they have a version that is even more engineered than the Orvis... double stiching around the sole etc.

 

[Feraud]

A pair of Clark's has been on my "to get" list for a long time. Unfortunately, I have two pair of boots that will not wear out!

 

[cookie]

Desert Boots

Renor, it's funny you should post this just now. I was actually hunting around for a pair of desert boots.

I've been wanting a pair that is pretty authentic to the British WWII brothel creepers, and have thought either the Clark's or the Orvis pair seem to be the best. Anyone have any observations on which is more accurate?

A side-by-side comparison:

Clark's..........................................................Orvis

I tend to think the Clark's, since the Orvis seem to be a bit over-engineered, thus defeating the simplicity and comfort of the boots. Any thoughts?

I have also long debated whether or not to try to pull them off with shorts, if I do get a pair. The British officers were clearly wearing them for a reason, and they seem superb. Perhaps I just haven't the stones.

I agree! The desert boot is not supposed to have a high "wall" on the toe cap IMHO (from observations of same worn in RSA and ZIM). I saw some UK made for Iraq version on the 'Bay recently somewhere.

 

[jake_fink]

A pair of Clark's has been on my "to get" list for a long time. Unfortunately, I have two pair of boots that will not wear out!

Lucky you. Seriously.

Do you use a Segway?

 

[renor27]

Clarks with shorts

Jack,
I wear mine with shorts do get the comments: oh going on Safari, hunting lions in Nevada or what just walked out of North Africa. As for shorts I like the ones from WPG, they are well made I think they look just fine with Clarks. Had not give it a thought till now but guess I wear Clarks like others wear tenny shoes. The desert boots from other makers are just to heavey for my liking. I did have a pair made years ago by Bata and they were nice same style two eyes but a heavery sole. The only problem with Clarks the solos last two years then need to be rebuilt or have to go on E-Bay buy an other pair
David

 

[Feraud]

Lucky you. Seriously.

Do you use a Segway?

If I had a Segway I would go shoeless!
My two pair of boots are from JCrew. One is the Decker model that looks like the Alden "Indy boot". The other is a later model. Neither of them will wear out! I use them too! [huh]

 

[Mojave Jack]

Mark and Renor, I think you're right. I think I'll just get 'em and wear how I please. I like my chukka boots, but they are relatively heavy (and therefore hot) and they have a vibram sole that picks up every pebble (and tracks them into the house, of course). Like my bush jackets, I find it odd that boots that were really developed for the desert climate are considered odd to wear! :eusa_doh: I can't figure out why everyone else out here doesn't dress like me! lol

I have a Clark's outlet store near here, in Cabazon, so I think I may swing out there this weekend and see if I can't score a pair.

 

[renor27]

Mojave

I think you will like the Clarks.
They do not pick up rock so thats a pluss.
Check E-bay for a pair, some times can get a deal there.
Yes I also find it funny that some thing as great as Clarks or brush jackets which work great in the bush of Africa and desert of the American West are looked down on. You should see the funny looks I get in a fedora, jean jacket, and 1941 cavalry boots as I check out ghost towns camera in hand.
Can only guess what I will hear when I finaly get my brush hat .
David

 

[anselmo1]

I use to wear Clarks Desert Boots all the time in the mid 1960's. Use to wear them also in the winter. The one thing I do remember though, they had a white rabbit fur lining back then. I wanted to buy a pair this past winter but no fur lining! I guess they discontinued the lined boots?

 

[renor27]

Lined desert boots

What an interesting idea.
have never seen a pair be nice when it is sub 0 here but I just wear really heavy sock then.
I have seen all sorts of interesting clarsk on E-bay but always get the desert ones. Know a few 60's hippy,artist types who wear other styles of clarks they love them say that they fit like a 2nd skin.
David

 

[Mike K.]

Hmmm, I wonder if desert boots will work in the swamps?! For some reason, I've never actually been very fond of desert boots. I think they remind me too much of those suede high-top hippie shoes. I like a simple pair of Chippewa 6inch work boots or something along the lines of the Orvis "commando" boot in canvas...something that will dry fast after a day up to my ### in alligators (quite literally! ). For those days spent in the upland scrub, I still prefer the same footwear. But if the weather isn't too hot, I also like knee-high leather riding boots. They're just the ticket for trekking through saw palmetto and rattlesnakes.

 

[Mojave Jack]

Mike, I doubt if they would suit your purposes much! I think the humidity and the wet would ruin that suede in no time. I used to wear my suede desert combat boots in the field in western Pennsylvania, and they really did not cut it. They soaked up water (even just morning dew) like khaki sponges, and then squished all day long. To be honest, I really wouldn't wear these out to the field even here, at least not any real hill-climbing, rock-jumping, rattlesnake-avoiding type field work, anyway. Not enough ankle support, for one thing.

I think they'd be great for daily wear, though, when I spend a lot of time in the office, but get called out for the odd snake call or have to head out to do a quick survey or something. That's one reason I favor the safari-type gear. We are always getting called on to take quick trips out into the training areas, where standard office attire has no place, or heading out to move a sidewinder or speckled rattlesnake away from populated areas. These boots seem to be the right combination of professional and historic to suit my tastes, but capable of taking some abuse if need be.

 

[Nick Charles]

I really wanted a pair of thise Clarks, then saw the orvis but they are never on sale, finally got these a couple of days ago on ebay

there from brooks brothers

 

[Jay]

Nice. I like those best.

 

[mikepara]

Ah dessies! Kit Para for the use of...

 

[Mojave Jack]

Nick, how do you like those? I see several more pairs on the 'bay.

 

[Nick Charles]

OK here is my review. The boots are light weight, theyhave the red gum type soles. and the tradtional 3 eye chukka styling. They seem a little narrow and they aren't sueded at all. The weird thing is they came witha pounce bag and brush to fix the nap. I just got them today in the mailso I can make a better review in a couple of days after I wear them and try to stretch them a bit.