Clarks Desert Boots Review - Is it Worth It Series - Suede vs. Leather Chukka Boots 

What's your take on Clarks Desert boots?

I worked in Clarks in the US for a few years. The term "Original" now pretty much means the line of shoes in Clarks. Pretty much anything with a crepe sole will be considered an Original, so Desert Treks, Desert Mali, Wallabees, and so on, and are usually available only on the Clarks retail stores or on their websites (and Amazon, I guess). Bushacre 2 is the cheaper, outlet alternative,- technically an Original but not really, which you can find in other retailers, but the sole and leather are significantly different: the sole on the Bushacre is a more synthetic rubber, cheaper leather material, and in my opinion, stiffer. I've had a lot of people claim that they found Desert Boots cheaper somewhere else, only to show me a picture of a Bushacre; not the same thing! Desert Boots generally run a half size, to a whole size bigger, so if you're a size 9, you might want to try an 8.5, or even an 8. So I'm surprised that yours run smaller. Keep in mind, they stretch once you break them in, and your boots look pretty new, so that might get really loose later on. In women's sizes, they run tight, so one may need to go up half a size, but they stretch out a lot, so don't go up too many sizes because once you wear them in, they'll be pretty loose (Stores also stretch any Clarks shoe for free, so if you buy a pair that's a little too tight, but is the right length, ask an associate to stretch it for you). Also, for those wondering, the Desert Boots don't come in wider widths. Again they stretch, so you might be lucky once you wear them in, but if you have a very wide foot, go with another style. The Bushacre 2 DOES come in wide, however just the beeswax, and not in the other colors . And the laces for the generic Desert Boots break easily. They don't give out free laces anymore, but they might have some available to purchase on the Clarks website (Provided they haven't sold out). If they're out, find a place that sells shoelaces and find the right length, they'll last longer anyway. Beeswax boots are generally more popular, in in my opinion, easier to maintain. Sure, they scratch and scuff as shown on the video, but just rub some beeswax on there with a rag and you'll have them look new again. Suede needs some cleaning, but is easier to break in and is just softer in general. Also, the have traction from the crepe, but they are NOT slip resistant, so don't use them where there's grease or oils (Have had people in restaurants ask if this is a good shoe for their job. No). The expensive, imported from England/Italy ones are handmade with higher materials, which is why it's more expensive. They're also sturdier from what I've seen. You also get seasonal colors that only come once a year, so if you like getting the Desert Boots in fancy colors, check the end of the season when the seasonal colors go on sale. (Beeswax, brown, black, and other neutral colors are available year round, so will not go on sale, and are pretty much always excluded from sales and promos. Read your fine print!!) Also, the quality has changed over the years, at least from what older customers have told me. I've had some die-hard fans ask us to hunt down older Desert Boots with a very specific SKU# because the newer versions "just don't feel the same". You'll be able to tell by the logos inside the insole, or even just the box- that's the most obvious sign. The older versions definitely won't be in the retail stores anymore, as they had all been shipped to the outlets when I still worked there, and even finding them in outlets will be difficult unless you wear a larger size shoe (like 12 or 13). For me, I'd agree and say it's worth it. It is pretty flat, so if anyone needs arch support, this may not be the shoe for you; unless you get a size larger and put an insole in. They last a very long time, and have a great casual or semi-formal look that has been in circulation for a long time, which means that it's definitely a Clarks favorite.

I love how he mentioned how they where popular with the mod subculture! 🎯

I bought a pair of dark brown suede Lloyds chukka boots while traveling through Germany. So versatile and well made, I love them! Thanks for the content Sven!

Absolutely loving the new graphics!

I got my first pair of Clark's Desert Boots in 1956 and My first pair of Wallabee's in the early 1960's. I haven't been without a pair of either since.

Thank you for posting this! I was looking into these boots and now I know I’ll be picking some up.

I've bought the vietnam version (dark brown suede) back in 2011. I've abused these boots immensely but they have aged beautifully. They can easily last a lifetime. Just bought my second pair (light grey seude). These boots is what got me into investing towards "quality goods" instead of buying "fast fashion" products.

I bought a pair of these boot at my local Burlington for $20 the Vietnam version, I use them daily I love them. Definitely worth for me

I miss my dad he likes these kind of shoes

I'd have to say when I was a kid some 55 years ago every September my mom would take me to get a new pair of Clarks desert boots loved them

I have a pair of clarks ive been wearing for 4 years now and they were originally wax leather. Now they've been weathered and the toe has a gradient from worn to least worn as it goes down. The more you wear something the better it looks I feel and I love the rugged look I achieved with my clarks

GREAT editing in this video!

Been wearing these since about 1957. Got some on today in Paris, where they are popular and considered stylish. The perfect summer casual shoe. Go well with a blazer (tie) and khakis. When I visited Zimbabwe in 1984 they were de rigueur even with suits. Sand only.

Love this shoe. I have been wearing these since "Woodstock Baby!

Great video! Clarks desert boot- casual, timeless beater boot for all ages for the spring/summer months. Perfect for school, weekend errands, casual travel, or just relaxing. As casual as a sneaker but less formal than a dress shoe or dress boot. A great first boot if all you wear are sneakers or dress shoe. A chukka w/ a longer more chiseled toe box is more stylish and can be dressed up from a jeans/ chinos to a full suit, whereas the Clarks round toe work best dressed down paired with shorts, jeans, chinos (maybe a sport jacket but that might be over extending for some).

I was in a bind and needed some nice looking boots for cheap. I saw these at Macy's on sale for $50 and immediately noticed they were stitch down and the suede felt great. I bought a pair and walked five miles in them the next day, could not be more happy with how they felt and looked. I will be wearing these exclusively through university. Mine is made in India

I personally love the Clarks version of the desert boot because of its casualness. As a younger guy who appreciates quality clothing but doesn’t have a ton of extra money lying around, I think the CDB (especially on sale) is an excellent value and looks great with my much more casual wardrobe. They obviously don’t work well with suits or more dressy attire, but I find their rounded chunkiness to be the perfect match for a smarter casual outfit ie denim and an OCBD

Sven always has exclusive information, nobody else can provide.

I love desert boots, but this jeans are too baggy for my taste, I think the boots would have been better with a more fitted jeans.

Just got my first pair of Clark’s. As someone stepping up their wardrobe but also a Jamaican (Clark’s are a hallmark shoe for us) I’m excited.

Just got my 1st pair of Navy blue chukkas, but definitely the sand suede will be my next purchase. Thanks for the info.!

I love Clarks Desert Boots. I've been wearing for years now.

Mod where wearing these with suits In the 1960’s. It’s the boot that kicked-started a thousand scooters. From America college campus to the streets of London’s Soho it was the only boot to be seen in the summer time. A fine looking example of the shoemaker’s art!

I’ve loved suede Clark’s since I was kid.

I just love this kind of boot! Gonna start buying more of them....

Just found your channel. Instant sub

I love my Clark's their old school classic's 😁👈🏾🤘🏾

I can't seem to find the dark brown $190 CDB on their site nor amazon; Has it been discontinued?

I enjoyed this video, and id like to see more of this series.

Onto my 2nd pair of Vietnamese made Beeswax versions. The first built up amazing levels of character through five years of abuse. Unambiguously the best value I've ever had from footwear. I purchased the second pair one size down, they took a few months and considerable pain to break in but now they feel as if they were made for me.

Great review. Thank God you didn't bore me with the stupid unboxing gig so many reviewers employ. Keep up the good work.

Great vid! Cant get them here in dubai though, any recommendations?

Please make a guide to sport coats! I've been wanting one for so long, but I just don't know what to get!

I bought my first pair of clarks desert boots 1964 same year as my fish tail parka, they were great times only things to be seen in, bought my lastest pair 2019.

Thanks for the information

Raphael, you should do a video about your book collection or your favorites

I fit a 9.5 D in Allen E. oxfords. Should I order a smaller or less wide size for their loafers?

The shoe was make popular by Clarke but the shoe that he copied was the South African Veldskoen, imported from South Africa to Cairo. The Veldskoen has been around since the 17th century, which itself was a copy of local Khoisan footwear.

Is this even a question? I would venture to say these are some of the greatest shoes of all time. I've had mine in olive suede for over 7 years and they just look better with time. Still in perfect condition as far as build quality all I've had to do is replace the laces. After years of heavy use literally not a single stitch has unraveled, sole hardly worn down, no separation etc. Timeless quality, timeless style. Go buy a pair- you'll wear them for the rest of your life.

thanks for the info!!

Do you have any recommendations how to clean up clarks suede desert boot?

Love your style!

I've always wanted pair of these, just wish the sole had more traction.

Great content!!! where can I find italian clarks for sale?

i bought a pair of clarks today as a dress shoe. i have really wide feet and the only shoe i could find in the whole mall that fit were these. im excited to dress up soon

I have two pairs, love them for spring and summer.

What are the chiseled toe chukka you mention at the end of the video?

So what should we buy instead of clarks? Please make a dedicated video it will help us alot

In the early 70's I wore desert boots with one interesting, and I thought, very atractive difference. Rather than having visible stiches the uppers were stiched on the inside, giving what I felt was a slightly more elegant look to the useful casual shoes. I've never been able to find anything like those and would love to find something constructed in a similar manner. By the way, I picked up a pair of "Bata boots" in Kenya and wore them for something like 15 years before they became too soiled and stained to use. I had them resoled once, and never had any construction problems with the durable chukka boots by Bata.

So I bought mine in 1995 sand gray which historically explained is the original color. They were 95USD in a factory store here in Las Vegas. They fit so well and were so comfortable that I bought the waxed version for my travels in wet weather as they shed water better. And yes both have developed a great patina and I still wear them today with the only repair being replacing the laces when they wore out about 3 years ago. Oh and yes they were made in England. Classic bu I'm now in the process of buying a pair of rm Williams in chestnut. And yes they are still made in Australia.

I love the wallabee high boot 🔥🔥

what type of belt can you match the sand suede boot with?

I too find the Clarks last a bit too rounded and stubby for my tastes. What do you think about the chukkas offered by Thursday Boots and Ace Marks? I know they’re two different price points, but curious to your perspective on both.

I liked those other more pointed ones near the end but you didn't mention their name. What are they?

I will buy a new pair but undecided in color, sand suede or brown suede?

Where do you get the MAde in Italy boots? I can't find a website.

Desert London for me. The top edge of the boot always cut around my ankle and the lower style of the Desert London gave me the same look (and material) with a better fit.

I've got two pairs of Clark's Desert boots, and four pair of Clark's Wallabees (a dressier version of the boots). They're a great alternative to running/hiking shoes for every day wear.; especially when worn with either jeans or chinos.The more stylish Wallabees can also be worn with slacks, a jacket, shirt and tie. I've worn Clark's shoes for more than thirty years, and find them to be well-made and a good value for the money.

Who makes the longer chiseled toe chukka that you prefer?

old video, but nice review!! Great job and honest

I just went to the Clarks store on Madison Ave in New York, Wallabees in every color, we're hot for the summer !

So i am a size 9 semi wide foot what size should i get? Should i get 8.5 because i own a clarks black shoes size UK 7 what do you think should i get Us 8.5?

Im size 8 wide or 8.5 US. My boot is 7.5 US but the more I wear it.. it starts to get too loose on the heel making it more difficult to walk. Its easier with thicker socks and orthopedics. Does the smaller size cause this? What would it be?

2:43 gotta love Mr Raphael's sarcasm hahaha

Can you do an episode on the Common Projects brand? Whether it be on their sought after Achilles Low sneaker or their Chelsea boot? Thanks

It's the first time I've seen Sven in casual look😂

How to clean the rubber sole? My original desert boot is so dirty at the edge of the sole

How about all black suede desert boot can you wear them with a lot ?

I used to make them back in the seventies when I was at Clarks shoes Australia

I Find the crepe from a non-Clarks seller to have a bad odor. Is this common to crepe? (My preference is for a more rounded toe, not chiseled. To each his own).

I just got a pair of blue ones. had to wear them for running. were pretty good tho I could keep up with the others and my foot didn't melt

Will buy one of these before the year is done.

I'll wear it in suede or leather canvas, every color

Love mine, bought them on eBay for$30

What is the colorway of the original leather ones?

Is it worth it...e Marinella tie?

I love Desert Boots because they are so unpretentious.

Where can I find the 190 version? I’ve been looking but have been unsuccessful

IMO Clark's desert boots aren't worth more than $80-90. The Bushacre can be had for as low as $40-50. If you wan't a higher quality desert boot with crepe sole made in Italy, check out Astorflex. I believe they have a shank, while Clarks definitely doesn't.

Rider Boot, especially when on sale are a fantastic alternative!

The all black ones are brilliant, i wear them as a daily shoe

Thanks for the video. Can either of these be resoled after the sole and heel wears?

Roomers are the best I wore them in the British Army and still wear them today in the summer with a beige cotton suit!

Love my desert boots, very comfortable and stylish.

Does anyone know where to find the made in Italy ones? The US Clarks website only has one kind. Thank you in advance!

Where can I buy the Italian made version?

Where can I find the Italian made ones?

I've been wearing desert boots for about 8 years, my one complaint is that the crepe sole isn't waterproof. Even walking on wet sidewalk for a long time leads to wet socks.

I love my beeswax desert Clark boots

I still wear them today leather mostly due to more wet weather , but suede in summer

I've recently bought a pair of the sand suede boots. They are made in Italy and have the same sole as the leather ones you show in the video. I paid £74 for mine. I bought them primarily for summer. I think they're worth £74 even if they're made in Italy and not here in England.

Ask a jamaican if they like Clark's

Great rundown! You should check out Paul Evans and their chukka boots... excellent quality.

If your tastes run more towards the Mod style Clarks dessert boots are totally appropriate to a three button suit, though I prefer black wing tips with my tonic suit. I also have a pair of chisel toed desert boots that Ben Sherman put out one year. They have a small two stroke oil stain on the toe which lends them a little Mod streer credit. Lol.

I never thought my feet would freeze wearing desert boots.

Of course they are! I mean 'real' ones (made by clarks) are like £90 in the UK.

Interesting video, given that it focuses on a specific shoe by a specific brand. Growing up in the UK, my parents generally bought me Clarke's shoes (normally black derbies) to wear for school, and they did a fine and reasonably priced job for that. However, they have decided to put their brand name on the side of all their leather shoes now, which looks really bad if you want to wear the shoes to look smart for work or for going out. It's a shame as I know this will cut some of their prospective customer base out.

I think they have reworked the Vietnam made style boots since mine have that inner smooth leather as well. As well as the sole being more textured like the Italian made. Bought them a week ago.

I feel the same way- shoes should be slimming and not round and clunky. With that said.. I still bought the beeswax chukka! It felt like it was a must have for those rugged outdoorsy days.