Ultimate Guide to Desert Boots

December 06, 2024

There's nothing better than finding a pair of shoes that are as versatile as they are comfortable. Everyone is on the lookout for that classic wardrobe staple that can be relied on for almost any outfit and occasion, and few pairs of shoes match this description better than the timeless desert boot.

Desert boots are the perfect pairing for jeans and a t-shirt when you’re going for a casual drink, or with a pair of trousers and a blazer for a day in the office. Whatever your occasion demands, you can rely on desert boots to lift your outfit and leave you looking effortlessly stylish.

In this guide, we explore the world of desert boots. Find top tips for how to wear desert boots and learn how to care for them.

Are desert boots in style?

The beauty of desert boots is that they are never truly out of style. Also known as Chukka boots, these stylish, soft ankle boots are smart, yet relaxed, formal yet comfortable, and have been widely popular since the 1950s.

And best of all, they can complete almost every look, which is why they’ve been a constant in stylish circles for decades.

Pair your desert boots with cuffed or skinny jeans for an effortless smart-casual look that works from the office to the weekend. Head out in style for a stroll in the park, meet friends for lunch or enjoy a classy look on a night out in town.

Or, if you’re looking for something a little more formal, chinos go well with black or brown desert boots. Wherever you’re going and whatever you’re wearing, a pair of desert boots offers an easy and fashionable way to lift your whole outfit.

How to wear desert boots

This type of boot is incredibly versatile, which means there are endless options for how to wear desert boots. Dress them up or dress them down, they’re a classic and comfortable pair of shoes that work with almost every outfit.

Some of our top style tips for desert boots include:

Casual wear

Desert boots can be slipped on with your favourite pair of jeans and a simple t-shirt for an effortlessly stylish look. They’re the perfect pair of shoes for a relaxed appearance, with an added injection of smart. Break out your desert boots for that upcoming lunch date or a shopping trip into town.

Beige and brown coloured desert boots go well with a classic pair of blue or black jeans, while navy shades add a quirky touch of colour to your step.

Smart casual

Smart casual is one of the hardest looks to get right, sitting somewhere between the relaxed and the formal. Striking that balance is that bit easier, however, with a pair of desert boots.

Try matching your desert boots with some smart chinos and a casual checked shirt. For this sort of look, you can go with any colour of desert boots and choose either classic suede or leather options.

Smart looks

For a more formal look with a twist, it’s easy to get that smart style with a pair of desert boots. The versatility of desert boots means they are just as stunning with a striped suit as they are with a pair of jeans, making them the perfect office attire.

Classic brown boots go well with almost every look, but there’s something very slick about a stylish pair of black leather desert boots. Put them together with chinos or a smart pair of black trousers for a debonair flair.

Are desert boots waterproof?

Desert boots come in a range of materials, each of which offer different levels of protection. However, all our desert boots are water resistant. So you can step out in a light drizzle and be confident that your shoes and feet will stay dry.

Are desert boots comfortable?

With a good pair of desert boots, you never need to sacrifice style for comfort. Desert boots were designed with comfort in mind, with soft material and excellent support. All our men’s desert boots are incredibly plush on the soles and are easy to slip on.

To ensure they are as comfortable as possible, however, it’s important that you get the right size of desert boot.

Get the right fit

If you’re ordering shoes online, it’s easy to measure your own feet before confirming your order.

1. Take a seat and place your feet flat on the floor on top of a piece of paper. You’ll likely be wearing socks with these shoes, so make sure you’re wearing a pair that’s not too thick when measuring.
2. Grab a pen or pencil and draw around the edge of your foot, making sure the pen or pencil is upright, so it doesn’t go under the arch of your foot.
3. Take a measuring tape and measure from the heel to toe points of the drawing in centimetres or inches to determine your shoe size.

Shoe care

To keep your desert boots comfortable for longer, you should maintain their durability with regular shoe care.

No matter how sturdy a pair of shoes are, insoles eventually wear down and need to be replaced. If you feel like your desert boots are losing their natural cushion, fit them with a fresh set of breathable gel heel grips.

To make sure the heels of your desert boots don’t collapse and rub around your ankles and heels, ensure you’re putting on and taking them off properly. Don’t just shove your feet in or you can damage the back of the boot. Invest in a shoe horn so you can easily slip into your boots and keep them in good shape for longer.

Check out the shoezone blog for more style tips and footwear suggestions for every occasion.