Been wearing these for 40 odd years. In the British Army they were known as ‘brothel creepers’. In Southern Africa veldskoen or vellies with the v pronounced as an f. Not usually worn by those wishing to be seen as pukkah.
I'm in my fifties and have been wearing them on and off since I was a teen. The crepe sole wears out much faster here in Hong Kong maybe due to the hot climate and they're really really slippery on some wet surface. If my memory serves me right once a man from Mainland China wore these fell to his death during hiking because of the slippery rocks, so be warned. All being said I absolutely love the style and comfort of them. Thirty years ago I could resole them by the local cobbler but not now due to some stupid import regulations which prohibited the importing of the crepe material. BTW tks for your informative videos I enjoyed them so much.
Great pair of shoes timeless classic. Good to see a gentleman from the UK doing videos like this. USA gents do not have their fingers on the UK pulse so to speak. Well done keep the videos coming.
I love hearing blunt, informative and comprehensive reviews. I grew up in SA wearing veldshoen and they are quiet literally indestructible. As you say they fit all sorts of situations and are so versatile. I have a pair of rhe Roamer desert boot with th3 D ring lace comming - I would love to have you opinion on them if you can in the future. Please keep the reviews comming.
Hi Ash, These are by far the best casual boot that I have in my collection. I find myself grabbing these more than any other shoe for the the day to day activities, they feel like house slippers. I still have my wingtips for more dressy occasions but I like these the best. Here in Virginia you could technically wear them year round, just have to check the weather forecast before getting your shoes on.
I've just put mine away for the winter season over here and as always, it isn a sad day to see them go - they are indeed the most comfortable of footwear, But, at least I can start wearing my brogue boots again. Hope you are well, Ash
Even though I do like chukkas, I would try to get a model that features a welt to which the crepe sole is attached. Repairability is paramount to me when it comes to classic men's shoes (and clothes in general), even if that means I'd have to break them in a little longer. Thanks for the review! It's good to know that the sole holds up pretty well. Cheers from Cologne, Germany (the land of the desert fox ;)
They are a classic, no mistake. My critique is that when the heel wears down there is no way to swap it out due to the sole being a single piece of crepe. They are sadly no longer made in the UK either which takes the shine off them a little for me personally. That said, I think if you can pick up a pair for £60/ £65 they are totally worth the money.
The desert boot goes well with a light-weight travel suit, and, at a push, I would wear them with a ‘Roger Moore’ safari suit. The Tory MP, Kenneth Clark, was a famous wearer of desert boots. He was also fond of jazz!
They were derived from the veldskoen or vellies brought by the South Africans to Egypt during World War II which sport a similar look. From there the Desert Boot was born and the rest was history. They’re a simple, understated kind of chukka boot and that’s why they’re quite popular and they go with about every outfit you can wear and their low cost makes them affordable to everyone looking for versatile footwear.
Nice boot if the weather is hot and dry (as the name 'Desert Boot' implies, I suppose!) But in a UK context, that can sometimes be just a few weeks during high summer... As Ash says, it'd be unwise at several levels to wear 'em in Winter!
The Thursday Boot Scout may be the most insanely comfortable version of the classic Desert Boot I’ve worn. The upgrades are premium Goodyear welted leather, a steel shank, a removable leather insole and a durable Dainite outsole. It answers every complaint about the Clarks, with rugged and durable boots that have the additional virtue of being resolable. You really couldn’t ask for anything more in a nice handmade pair of boots! 😊
As you said, they are made in Viet Nam, no longer in Britain. And one of the reasons, why they are so cheap, is that some poor devil in some sweat shop is paying the price for it. At the same time hundreds of British shoemakers are being made redundant. If you want British made desert boots, look for JADD shoes. Prices start at 169,- GBP.
Great video - but I’m not sure that a British Chap ought to be caught using the odious phrase “get-go”? Let’s all try and say “from the start”; or “from the beginning” so that our diction is as polished as our appearance.
Great review as always. But I have to mildly disagree on several points: For the price of over 100£ I am not over-enthusiastic about the quality. - The leather is inferior to other boots in that price category. Mine crease, wear and tear a lot faster than other boots at that price category - It has no heel cap or any kind of heel support / envelopment, which, in combination with only two eyelets, can lead to heel slippage. There are a lot of complaints online about that - Cheap shoelaces All in all you pay a premium for wanting the original desert boots. I do not see superiority regarding the shoes' quality over cheaper no name desert boots. For around 50£/60€ they're a good deal, but for over 100£, you would definitely find better quality shoes.
As I commented in your previous Clark's video, I've been wearing Clark's Desert Boots since the 1950's and Wallabees since the late 1960's. I'm clearly a Clark's fan. Any chance of you doing a Wallabee comment?
I remember seeing a picture of my Dad with a group of his friends and work colleagues all wearing wearing Clarks with ties and trousers taken sometime in the late 60's. He would have been in his early 20's and they all looked so well groomed and handsome as compared with pictures of me and my friends in the 90's wearing basketball shoes and looking like complete slobs :D
I think many people have already said this but my understanding is these boots are more-or-less the "national footwear" of both Jamaica and South Africa.
I love these boots, but somehow they don't seem to fit nice on my feet. While on the topic of boots, what is you take on DrMartens boots for men? Do you think men can sport them?
@@TheChapsGuide HI Ash, I don't know if you are reading this but I pulled the trigger on a pair of Clarks. I went for the Desert Coal model of shoe, because of the three eyelets layout. I find it hugs my feet a little bit better so it doesn't flip the backside when I walk. Also the sole is different. It's thicker and there is no heel part.
Interesting review to a point but due to continuous repeating of information not the best appreciation of this classic boot. Also why are you commenting on the marking etc on the sole of the boot ? No one not even the wearer will see this in normal wear ! So to conclude I think you could do with trying a bit harder to deliver a concise , point by point review
Been wearing these for 40 odd years.
In the British Army they were known as ‘brothel creepers’.
In Southern Africa veldskoen or vellies with the v pronounced as an f.
Not usually worn by those wishing to be seen as pukkah.
I'm in my fifties and have been wearing them on and off since I was a teen. The crepe sole wears out much faster here in Hong Kong maybe due to the hot climate and they're really really slippery on some wet surface. If my memory serves me right once a man from Mainland China wore these fell to his death during hiking because of the slippery rocks, so be warned. All being said I absolutely love the style and comfort of them. Thirty years ago I could resole them by the local cobbler but not now due to some stupid import regulations which prohibited the importing of the crepe material.
BTW tks for your informative videos I enjoyed them so much.
Great pair of shoes timeless classic. Good to see a gentleman from the UK doing videos like this. USA gents do not have their fingers on the UK pulse so to speak. Well done keep the videos coming.
I love hearing blunt, informative and comprehensive reviews. I grew up in SA wearing veldshoen and they are quiet literally indestructible. As you say they fit all sorts of situations and are so versatile. I have a pair of rhe Roamer desert boot with th3 D ring lace comming - I would love to have you opinion on them if you can in the future. Please keep the reviews comming.
Hi Ash, These are by far the best casual boot that I have in my collection. I find myself grabbing these more than any other shoe for the the day to day activities, they feel like house slippers. I still have my wingtips for more dressy occasions but I like these the best. Here in Virginia you could technically wear them year round, just have to check the weather forecast before getting your shoes on.
I've just put mine away for the winter season over here and as always, it isn a sad day to see them go - they are indeed the most comfortable of footwear, But, at least I can start wearing my brogue boots again. Hope you are well, Ash
I have two pairs of knockoffs one light brown and one dark brown. I get a lot of compliments on them. Very stylish and comfortable. Cheers Ron
Even though I do like chukkas, I would try to get a model that features a welt to which the crepe sole is attached. Repairability is paramount to me when it comes to classic men's shoes (and clothes in general), even if that means I'd have to break them in a little longer.
Thanks for the review! It's good to know that the sole holds up pretty well.
Cheers from Cologne, Germany (the land of the desert fox ;)
They are a classic, no mistake. My critique is that when the heel wears down there is no way to swap it out due to the sole being a single piece of crepe. They are sadly no longer made in the UK either which takes the shine off them a little for me personally. That said, I think if you can pick up a pair for £60/ £65 they are totally worth the money.
But you can resole them! Hehe😁
The desert boot goes well with a light-weight travel suit, and, at a push, I would wear them with a ‘Roger Moore’ safari suit.
The Tory MP, Kenneth Clark, was a famous wearer of desert boots. He was also fond of jazz!
In my opinion this is the most beautiful, timeless, and versatile boot model ever made. True classic! 🇧🇷👏🏼
They were derived from the veldskoen or vellies brought by the South Africans to Egypt during World War II which sport a similar look. From there the Desert Boot was born and the rest was history. They’re a simple, understated kind of chukka boot and that’s why they’re quite popular and they go with about every outfit you can wear and their low cost makes them affordable to everyone looking for versatile footwear.
Nice boot if the weather is hot and dry (as the name 'Desert Boot' implies, I suppose!) But in a UK context, that can sometimes be just a few weeks during high summer... As Ash says, it'd be unwise at several levels to wear 'em in Winter!
Got mine in Oman.
When in the mob, standard issue with a good quality well fitting jeans, and sweat shirt , when off duty.
The DB is perhaps the most obvious off duty apparel of most squaddies.
In Southern Africa we had boots called Veldschoen, just like this. Brilliant shoes.
I'm in my 50's, have tried a ton of basics, and now rely on 3 pairs. Ditch those tired brogues & Oxfords! Ash, I admire your style. Thanks!
Brilliant video, you've just gained yourself a subscriber!
The Thursday Boot Scout may be the most insanely comfortable version of the classic Desert Boot I’ve worn. The upgrades are premium Goodyear welted leather, a steel shank, a removable leather insole and a durable Dainite outsole. It answers every complaint about the Clarks, with rugged and durable boots that have the additional virtue of being resolable. You really couldn’t ask for anything more in a nice handmade pair of boots! 😊
A Dainite sole would suggest that it is not a true desert boot, which requires a crepe sole. What you describe is a leather chukka boot.
There is a desert v2.0. They have a dark sole which doesn't look that dirty.
I've tried them, but I didn't consider them as comfortable as many say.
As you said, they are made in Viet Nam, no longer in Britain. And one of the reasons, why they are so cheap, is that some poor devil in some sweat shop is paying the price for it. At the same time hundreds of British shoemakers are being made redundant.
If you want British made desert boots, look for JADD shoes. Prices start at 169,- GBP.
Great video - but I’m not sure that a British Chap ought to be caught using the odious phrase “get-go”?
Let’s all try and say “from the start”; or “from the beginning” so that our diction is as polished as our appearance.
Mine have lasted 10 years.
The stiches next to the right big toe just gave up this month.
Great review as always. But I have to mildly disagree on several points:
For the price of over 100£ I am not over-enthusiastic about the quality.
- The leather is inferior to other boots in that price category. Mine crease, wear and tear a lot faster than other boots at that price category
- It has no heel cap or any kind of heel support / envelopment, which, in combination with only two eyelets, can lead to heel slippage. There are a lot of complaints online about that
- Cheap shoelaces
All in all you pay a premium for wanting the original desert boots. I do not see superiority regarding the shoes' quality over cheaper no name desert boots.
For around 50£/60€ they're a good deal, but for over 100£, you would definitely find better quality shoes.
Any recommendations or alternatives?
I agree with you, which is why I only buy Clark's DBs from an outlet. I got my latest pair for about £50
They make a very good Drive shoe too.
Brilliant review.
What color are those? I can’t find a nice light brown color. The desert suede ones look almost white.
Imaging ash with just socks under the table.. 😅😊
As I commented in your previous Clark's video, I've been wearing Clark's Desert Boots since the 1950's and Wallabees since the late 1960's. I'm clearly a Clark's fan. Any chance of you doing a Wallabee comment?
I’ll see if I can find a pair in my outlet store
I’ll see if I can find a pair in my outlet store
I remember seeing a picture of my Dad with a group of his friends and work colleagues all wearing wearing Clarks with ties and trousers taken sometime in the late 60's. He would have been in his early 20's and they all looked so well groomed and handsome as compared with pictures of me and my friends in the 90's wearing basketball shoes and looking like complete slobs :D
I think many people have already said this but my understanding is these boots are more-or-less the "national footwear" of both Jamaica and South Africa.
Nice review!
Great video! I have two pairs and love them. Are those white laces stock?
They are oatmeal laces I added to enhance the casual look. I think it has worked well?
@@TheChapsGuide They do look wonderful in my humble opinion.
Wish they would offer a more stylish last. They're very clunky.
Crepe soles are great, except on carpet. Every time one walks onto a carpet, tripping is always guaranteed.
Should add, that they have been used in Africa since the 17/18 Century.
I love these boots, but somehow they don't seem to fit nice on my feet. While on the topic of boots, what is you take on DrMartens boots for men? Do you think men can sport them?
Great for work, less so for cutting a dash - just my personal take!
@@TheChapsGuide Well thanks!
@@TheChapsGuide HI Ash, I don't know if you are reading this but I pulled the trigger on a pair of Clarks. I went for the Desert Coal model of shoe, because of the three eyelets layout. I find it hugs my feet a little bit better so it doesn't flip the backside when I walk. Also the sole is different. It's thicker and there is no heel part.
Interesting review to a point but due to continuous repeating of information not the best appreciation of this classic boot. Also why are you commenting on the marking etc on the sole of the boot ? No one not even the wearer will see this in normal wear ! So to conclude I think you could do with trying a bit harder to deliver a concise , point by point review
I once saw a guy wearing those with a suit. It really didn't look good at all. It was so wrong of a look.