Desert Boots and the Chukka
Desert boots, military gear from the wartime 1940s, are a footwear style choice today. The suede original, a single-eyelet boot, allowed air to circulate and cool feet so troops could move more easily and comfortably in dry desert terrain. The crepe rubber sole and suede upper of these low-slung boots has made them popular ever since for both workwear and casual dress.
The ankle-high chukka boot emerged in the 1920s and they still claim a place in UK and worldwide men’s boot style. Then a riding boot for polo players, and the Hindi term that designates a period of play in the game, the chukka has a leather sole and calfskin or suede upper. Less formal than the Chelsea boot , oxfords, or loafers, and with 2 or 3 pairs of eyelets, they can work well with casual business wear, slacks, tees, and chinos.
Considering the balance of suede desert boot features, note that, while they will flex and breathe in a hot and dry climate, neither the desert boot nor the chukka can be made waterproof or water-resistant. Blundstone Chelsea boots are crafted for comfort in every climate, including the hot and dry. They’ll protect your feet from water and harsh weather with the most durable and dependable water-resistant stability.
Blundstone style and the desert boot
With over 155 years experience, the best materials, and the skills of able bootmakers and cobblers, Blundstone still builds the best boots you’ll find anywhere for city strolling, trail hiking, or even a desert trek. Conforming neither to desert boot nor chukka boot style, the Chelsea boot has become our hallmark boot style, its work boot ethos reaching back to our Tasmanian history and experience .
Our classic pull-on Chelsea boot meets most city walking, woodlands hiking, construction, and workplace needs. If you work with industrial materials, in high temperatures, and need to be ready for unpredictable factory events, you’ll want our most protective Blundstone boot, a boot that far exceeds the limits of desert boot or chukka style.
More boot
Blundstone work boot and Chelsea boot construction seeks always the most natural relationship between your toes, heels, arches, your posture, and your balance. When toes have room to move, heels can safely absorb more of your distributed weight. When arches are well-supported, your posture and back are better aligned and more at ease and you’ll be more comfortable all day long. Blundstone lace-up work boots support your ankles and offer superior protection against any object or substance that might hit your feet on a hot factory or commercial kitchen floor during the workday. We have you covered.
More ankle support
Your ankle support is our business, whether you’re at work, on a hike, or walking the dog. 2 or 3 pairs of eyelets on a low-cut desert boot are not enough. Good ankle support requires a sturdy boot that supports your ankles above the desert boot. We suggest these:
#2530 Women’s or Men’s Lace-Up Boots have 8-eyelets with 210-220mm height above the ankle and a hidden padded collar. These unlined boots are built of water-resistant waxed suede leather, with a washable footbed, heat-resistant TPU outsole, XRD® Technology in the heel, 6mm polyester laces, thick cable stitching, protective toe cap, and a steel shank.
#2427 Women’s or Men’s Originals Lace-Up Boots Made of premium water-resistant rustic black leather, these boots have a cotton lining, eco-friendly washable Comfort Lite footbed, heat-resistant TPU outsole, polyurethane midsole, XRD® Technology in the heel and a steel shank.
Slip-on style
Few things match the comfort and élan of a slip-on Blundstone boot. Sleek and side-gored, pull them on with the Blundstone Tasmania tabs and walk away in classic on-brand style. When your Blundstones meet your workspace their high-quality leather can look even better over time with just a little care.
#1306 Women’s or Men’s Dress Chelsea Boots These rustic brown water-resistant leather boots have a brown elastic side gore, grippy and tough TPU outsole, cushioned midsole, SPS Max Comfort system for the best shock absorption, and a removable footbed.
#2547 Men’s Classics Chelsea Boots Crafted of water-resistant full grain waxed leather, these boots have a leather and synthetic lining, contoured EVA footbed with XRD®, TPU Classic #550 outsole with shock absorbant XRD® heel insert, polyurethane midsole, thick cable stitching, toe cap overlay, and a steel shank.
#1673 Women’s Series Heeled Boots These antique brown water-resistant leather boots are lightweight and comfortable, with a 5cm Cuban heel, black elastic side, removable footbed and heel pad, cushioned insole, durable outsole, and a steel shank to ensure foot stability.
Leather soles or rubber soles
Blundstone has flat soles, pull-on and lace-up boots, all designed and meticulously constructed to meet business, industrial, after work casual, rugged trails, city trekking, and weekends outdoors with family and friends.
#155 Men’s Heritage Chelsea Boots Built of water-resistant leather, with leather outsole, these Heritage boots are leather lined, with Comfort Classic Contoured EVA footbed with XRD® Technology, a durable TPU, they’re Goodyear Welt stitched and have a steel shank.
#2540 Women’s or Men’s Classics Chelsea Boots Water-resistant oiled full grain leather distinguishes these claret Chelsea boots from every other. They have leather and synthetic lining, contoured EVA footbed with XRD® Tech, TPU Classic #550 outsole with XRD® heel insert, polyurethane midsole, and a steel shank.
The Blundstone Work Boot
These are some recent best sellers when it comes to work and rigger boots are the originals that make Blundstone the workplace champ:
#2527 Rigger Boot for men and women This boot has workwear origins and modern style footing. Made of water-resistant oiled and waxed nubuck leather, these teak colored Rigger Boots are unlined, with a washable footbed, heat-resistant TPU outsole, XRD® Technology in the heel, thick and distinctive cable stitching, and a steel shank. Available in colors and shades from light brown to dark brown and black.
#179 Work Series Boot is a high-performance Blundstone work boot that’s as safe as a work boot can get. These men’s boots resist electrical hazards, they’re slip-resistant, have a TPU outsole, are highly resistant to hydrolysis and microbial attack, have tough toe protection, and a non-metallic penetration resistant insole.
More foot protection and water-resistance
Suede desert boots will flex and breathe in a hot and dry climate, but you can’t waterproof them. Not a problem, since desert boots and chukka boots have proven themselves as purpose-built, successful designs for places that can be relied upon to remain dry and warm.
Blundstone boots are crafted for a different experience. They can be treated to make them water-resistant and many are constructed to be entirely waterproof. Blundstones fill desert boot requirements — with style — and at the same time preps Blundstone wearers for the rain, ice, snow, city trekking, rocky terrain, and even the airports many of us know all year round.
Blundstone never disappoints
Style and performance, history and quality, all are continually sustained by our dedication and attention to everything that makes your Blundstone boots excellent. Buy in-store at our Blundstone branches or on our website.
