The Obtainer - 10/18/23, Wednesday
↦ Who Makes the Best Chukka?
Wednesday, October 18th Edition
Do you have a favorite type of shoe? If I had to choose, I’d have to go with a chukka. They’re just never the wrong choice. But, which one should you pull on? That’s a good question and one that we took seriously when choosing the three for this installment of good/better/best.
- Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Good/Better/Best
Chukka Boots
When it comes to classic footwear that every man should have in his closet, a pair of chukka boots definitely tops the list. Because it's something of a secret weapon shoe—it has the ability to add a nice contrast to whatever it is you're wearing. Pair them with your beat-up jeans or worn-in cotton chinos and let them give your dress pants a shot of relaxed cool. It's at once classic and current.But who makes the best ones? And how much should you spend? That's a matter of personal taste and budget. We pulled on several different styles to put together this three-tier recommendation. Whether you need a reliable starter pair or are prepared to lay down twice as much for a pair that can be repaired and resoled over and over again, these are the suede chukkas that won't let you down.
Made in Vietnam
Metal grommet eyelets and sturdy cotton laces
Cushioned insole provides extra comfort
No interior lining and the sole is lighter in weight
Suede desert boot, $150 by Clarks
Made in Italy
Full leather lining delivers all-day comfort and more structure than a standard chukka
The ergonomic leather footbed conforms to the shape of your foot
100% natural crepe rubber is surprisingly durable
Brownflex chukka boot, $215 by Astorflex
Made in England
Built on a custom last for a more traditional shoe shape, with a slight rise in the arch
Full calf leather lining provides extra comfort and a pull tab at the heel makes it easy to put on
The crepe rubber sole is Goodyear welted
Bertie chukka boot, $300 by Sanders
Stuff We Swear by
An Old Fashioned Shoe Brush
After living in Tokyo for a few months, one of the things I kept noticing was how nice the shoes were. But it wasn’t just that they were well-made footwear and cool sneakers (though, they were), it was that they were always in great condition. I’m talking little to no scuffs or stains, ever. Then I came to realize that fastidious maintenance is just baked into their culture—from the art of kintsugi to the sashiko stitches repairing a ripped garment. Asking one of my new Japanese friends about his well-cared-for suede loafers, he responded with a chuckle, “Yes, of course, I brush them every Sunday before the start of the week.”
So off I went to Hands, the towering store in the heart of Shibuya that seems to have everything you could ever want. Sure enough, in their shoe care section (yes, they have an entire section), I picked up a simple wooden and horsehair brush. Of course, you could also use a rubbery suede eraser, but I like the versatility of the brush. I use it on my suede loafers now, and I’ve used it on my other shoes and sneakers, too. It refreshes the leather, clears away dust and even makes the laces look better. It takes all of 30 seconds to do, and you don’t need to go to Japan to get a brush. Amazon sells well-made options, crafted from solid ash wood and genuine horse hair for less than ten bucks. And while I’m not as regimented as my friend—I don’t set aside time each week—I do keep the brush next to my shoes. That way, when I pick a pair for the day, I give them a quick brushing and leave the house feeling a whole lot better about my footwear, and frankly, myself.
Two-piece brush set,$5.99 by Zanzike
Drops to Watch For
Todd Snyder and Bodega have paired up for "City Limits," a limited-edition capsule collection that merges vintage American field wear with modern functionality. Whether you live in the city or love travel and exploration, this collection offers a range of cool-weather essentials designed to help you navigate and express your style from coast to coast. The silhouettes include a reversible down bomber, Fair Isle crewneck, matching corduroy shirt jacket, welder pants and more.
Available October 20th, 2023 at 10 am ET in-store and toddsnyder.com
The Throwing Fits duo, James Harris and Lawrence Schlossman, have come together with MR PORTER for a follow-up collection of thoughtfully curated pieces that span the range from dapper to ruggedly weird. The podcasters call it a “hand-picked, specially recommended range of fit check-approved staples from the world’s coolest emerging brands.”
Available now at mrporter.com
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
rag & bone's double-sided camo printed jacket looks and feels like fall. It's crafted from soft Japanese stretch cotton with a handy hood and is finished with a bungee cord at the hem for a customized fit.
$595 / $200 by rag & bone
This made-in-USA tote has one large compartment for your laptop and a smaller interior one for your EDC. The heavy-duty duck canvas is a tough fabric, perfect for carrying around daily.
$140 / $112 by MAKR
Carhartt WIP's club pants are made from a hard-wearing 8.8oz Denison twill that will become softer after each wear. The relaxed straight-leg fit is versatile enough to wear to the office or date night, and the bartack stitching helps prevent blowouts.
$135 / $64.95 by Carhartt WIP
j. crew celebrates 40 years of american style
September 6
