The perfect boot is the brown suede dress chukka. It is the short boot that can be considered the most versatile boot in existence. The one pictured above, by Stefano Bemer, is the perfect example. Its color can be worn in all seasons and be complimented by pretty much every other color. The only exception would be black. I am not saying that it could not be done but doing so takes some great skill for pairing. I have seen some Italians pair lighter brown shoes with black trousers or a suit and it came out very well done.
The only downfall to this model is that it seems to have a leather sole, not that I don’t like that, but I believe that this same model with a rubber sole cut like a leather dress sole would add to its versatility. The rubber sole would allow you to wear more casual outfits with the boots as well as traverse across terrains that might not be so forgiving as pavement.
The picture above is actually a pair that I owned by Stefano Bemer with that dress rubber sole that I was talking about. These boots served me very well and have been worn for many different occasions. I had them for them for many years and I put them through hell and back. As is clearly shown in the photo. During my time as a shoemaking apprentice in Florence, I wore these regularly to overcome the lovely cobblestone streets of Florence, Italy. The toe is a testament to their use, or overuse for that matter. Yet, they kept me always looking smart and went with nearly every outfit I had available to me. It was the perfect boot for my time there.
I wore them with jeans, cords, suits, flat front trousers etc. and they went well with all of them. In fact, there is not one pair of my trousers that they did not look good with. The amount of use that I have been able to create with that pair of brown suede chukka boots has amazed me and this is why I really can’t see any other boot having more versatility than these. Of course, based on color preferences one might prefer a lighter shade of brown, say snuff suede, but all-in-all this style takes the cake for the most usable and best bang for your buck!!
Admittedly, I wear a brown suede chelsea boot way more often but that is because I am more casual than not. But if I had to wear a chelsea or a chukka with a nice flannel suit, the chukka boot would win that battle every time. The subtle detail of the laces make it more formal, so to speak. And that is where it trumps the chelsea boot.
So if you don’t own a pair of dress chukka boots, preferably in suede, then go out and get a pair because your wardrobe is lacking considerably!
—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
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Phil
I love the first pair of boots that you showed� I wish I had a pair like that; they are so stylish and classic, yet they have their own modern twist. Nice blog by the way,Phil
The Shoe Snob
thank you! they are very nice and I wish I owned them as well. You described them perfectly, "classic and stylish yet with a modern twist," my thoughts exactly!
phil
Top boot looks quite feminine. But upon first glance, I thought Santa's elves. Not for me…
Les Fr�res JO'
The first pair is perfect ! Nice blogIf you like french men street looks : http://les-freres-jo.blogspot.com/
Les Frères JO'
The first pair is perfect ! Nice blogIf you like french men street looks : http://les-freres-jo.blogspot.com/
The Shoe Snob
Les Freres JO' – Thanks!! Glad that you like the blog. I just checked out your blog and I really like the most recent outfit that you posted!! I will give it more of a look when I have some more time!-Justin, "The Shoe Snob"
TheShoeSnob
i am personally not a huge fan of unlined anything as I like structure and don’t really find soft, flexible things as comfortable. I find more rigid and supportive shoes comfortable. But unlined has it purpose for those that wish to feel less constricted as well as for those that live in hot climates
David McConnell
Where can one purchase the above boot in a light tan shade as show at the very top?
It is a most beautiful shade.
I love the leather sole on an elegant boot, compared to rubber sole.
Justin FitzPatrick
That is by Koji Suzuki, a japanese shoemaker. You must contact him directly to acquire it.