Facts on Chukka Boots

Chukka boots are a popular style of boots in menswear shoes. They come in a variety of colors and styles and are sold by numerous shoe companies at various prices. At first glance, some may appear to be a type of combat boot because they are similar to boots worn by British soldiers. Today they have developed into a boot of choice for many men and have gone on to become popular with women and children as well.

History

Chukka boots became popular in the 1940s and 1950s as a comfortable boot to wear for casual or dress. They were originally made of calf skin or suede. The first chukka boots were called chukka because they resembled boots worn by polo game players who played in six-minute timed matches called "chukkas."

Types

Suede chukka boots.

Chukka boots today are made of suede, leather vinyl or canvas. More exotic materials for chukka boots are snake skin and crocodile skin.

Features

True chukka boots reach only as far as the ankle. They will only have two or three eyelets at the most for shoelaces.

Function

The function of chukka boots is to provide comfort and style. They also come in sneaker type materials and sometimes are used in athletics.

Misconceptions

Sometimes other boots are mistaken as chukka boots because many shoes other than chukkas have the low style ankle. If the boot has more then three eyelets it is not a true original chukka style of boot.

Fun Fact

Chukka boots, like other shoes, have a throat in addition to the shoe tongue. The throat is the part of the boot that you slip the foot through to put on the shoe.

Resources

• History of Mens's Footware: Chukka