Compared to traditional high knee boots, mid-height ankle boots are clearly more in line with modern trends. Since it is lightweight, warmth retention is perfect for wearing in autumn and winter.
Although there aren't as many styles as there are with other high-top models, for gentleman, a few classic ankle boot styles are enough to provide most stable and elegant style solutions.
The Chelsea boots featured by Leo in TOPMEN are, in fact, one of most elegant regular boots besides oxfords and derby boots. Wear it with everything from suits to everyday looks.
But it's this neat, slender and gentle appearance that has made some men a reason to stay away from her - she can look a bit "girly".
Of course, we can choose suede and suede styles to enhance rough flavor of Chelsea boots, but eyes and feel are very subjective.
So today I'll be presenting ankle boots with same aesthetic feel, but with a relatively rugged form of footwear that fundamentally removes doubts about choice of these men: these are polo boots and boots for desert.
Polo and desert bootsChukka boots, also known as polo boots.
It is said that word "Chukka" comes from game of polo. Usually game of this sport lasts about seven minutes, and in terminology it is also called "Chukka" or "Chukker" and in Hindi means "Turn", which means "hang out".
The modern definition of Chukka Boots is a leather boot with an ankle-length upper, open-lacing in style of a derby (Open-Lacing) and two wings secured with laces (two to three pairs of eyelets).
After tying laces, most of tongue remains exposed, while shoe body material is usually made of soft leather (usually cowhide), and suede version only appeared at a later stage, without lining.
We must know that often one product can last a hundred years of fame. In addition to its own performance, it is also inseparable from Bole, which has a unique insight. Coincidentally, man with fiery polo boots is once again the Duke of Windsor.
It is said that Duke of Windsor once visited India, which at time was still a British colony, and this polo boot was one of his crops during trip.
The Duke, who loves polo, gradually became very attached to it. After returning to China, he often combined polo shoes with various casual wear and appeared in front of people. All this was seen by mainstream media.
James Stewart and Clark Gable
About 1924, image of Duke in polo boots first appeared in American newspapers. As soon as message about image of men's fashion icon appeared, it naturally sparked a new trend again, especially in middle of last century.
For example, Marlon Brando, Steve McQueen and other movie and TV stars are crazy about playing Call and co-injecting dominant genes that exhibit masculine charm into polo shoes.
Steve McQueen (right)
Many consider Chukka Boots to be similar to Jodhpur boots worn by polo players during matches, or perhaps casual shoes worn by players after a game of polo.
While opinions differ and it is difficult to determine true origin of Chukka Boots, this does not prevent them from galloping in menswear for a hundred years and becoming casual shoes with a very high level of penetration.
Regarding Desert Boots, it can be thought of as a type of polo boot that evolved from Nathan Clark (C. & J. Clarks co-founder James Clark ) found that soldiers stationed in Burma would wear suede sand-colored boots with rubber soles in desert conditions.
With a lighter and more comfortable feel on foot than traditional military boots, as well as excellent traction, this type of military boot, perfected by a shoemaker in Cairo bazaar, was immediately described and studied by Nathan, who was fond of tentacles, and finally successfully imitated in 1950 .This silhouette creates a desert boot that label is proud of.
At first, concept of Nathan's desert boots did not sit well with locals in UK, and even employees within family brand were indifferent, as texture of suede was quite cheap in their eyes.
But until he resolutely took his “son” to participate in Chicago Shoe Fair (Chicago Shoe Fair), everything changed: the famous Esquire magazine made a special report on desert boots and appreciated them. The boot has great potential for everyday versatility.
The desert boot has since become a star shoe in leisure industry due to its origins in military uniforms, and its unique vibe of ruggedness and elegance has garnered pop culture favor. It can be found in casual and gentle ivy league style or in fashions with a strong personality.
It's actually hard to tell a polo boot from a desert boot by appearance, especially since so many versions have been developed.
The biggest difference between two is outsole: polo boots usually have full leather or wood soles, while desert boots have more grippy, lighter rubber soles.
Desert boots (left) and polo boots
Some can still divide it by material. It is true that desert boots were originally known as suede boots and polo boots were mostly smooth leather, but now there is no shortage of leather versions. On other hand, polo boots are also same. Therefore, it is difficult to distinguish by material alone.
On other hand, some parts of boots may have different orientations (but this is not a basis for judgment).
Personally, I find uppers of desert boots to be flatter, which is relatively comfortable for men with wide feet or low insteps.
But it's this slightly tacky line that reproduces military and practical style of desert boot, especially with rich texture of suede or round toe, overall vibe is not as good as elegant polo boots.
The most authentic desert boots are styles created by creator Clarks, which use Crepe Sole's own raw material grown in Indonesian forests (same Wallabe kangaroo shoe sole) that feels comfortable and soft.
After all, lines from top to top of polo boots are usually smooth, and almond shape of last will to a certain extent allow for elegance that style school loves. In addition to smooth leather and suede, it also has a heavier leather sole. / Wooden legs will be significantly plumper.
The most overlooked point is wings on both sides. The shape of wings of two shoes on market will be different, some of them are smooth and some are sharp.
If you want to take care of lining of your suit, then I would advise you to consider classic polo boots with an acute wing shape, a solid color and a slim silhouette. The neat line of case is more suitable for everyday wear.
If you just want to buy a pair of casual boots, suede desert boots are a smarter choice than other bulky outdoor boots that match sensibility of fall and winter and have an authentic flavor.
There is nothing special about matching, but it is best to make sure length of trousers is slightly shorter than overall cut (e.g. nine points, eight points) and the shape of fit must be defined < /strong> so that hem hangs just above top of boot to avoid unsightly creases at top.
