The best men’s polo boots are much more than their unusual names, but we might as well start there. A “chukka” is a seven-minute period in polo, which is the sport these boots were designed for in the mid-20th century. The idea was to create a shoe that was comfortable, supportive and aesthetically pleasing, and given their stellar performance, it’s no surprise that by the 1950s and 1960s polo boots were quickly withdrawn from the polo fields and were used in the UK and overseas Used by Beatniks and Mods.
While the classic chukka silhouette hasn’t changed much since then, the sheer volume on the market means purchasing a pair is almost like scrolling through a never-ending Netflix queue. So we’ve whittled it down to what’s really important to consider—from designer renditions to heavier, safari-inspired pieces. Whether you’re attending a polo match or just want to show off on the silver screen, these are the pieces you should get.
GQ Magazine’s Best Men’s Polo Boots
take me: More Chukkas We Love | How We Review Products | How We Made These Choices | How to Style Polo Shoes in 2024
Best Polo Boots: Buck Mason Padmore & Barnes Roughout Upland Chukka Boots
Buck Mason’s collaborations are not to be missed, whether it’s a cozy collaboration with Eddie Bauer or a sleek deck shoe with legendary Japanese manufacturer Moonstar. This summer, they’re launching the chukka in partnership with traditional Irish shoemakers Padmore and Barnes, the same companies that make Clarks’ iconic Wallabee and Weaver boots, and we think it’s the best deal on the market right now. These lightweight shearling suede beauties are unlined, so no more bloody heels, but the textured sole grips like a pro on any terrain. The moc toe box also gives off Wallabee vibes, while the reinforced arch support turns these into a shoe you’ll wear every day rather than just admire the way they look. Not to mention how well these slightly different laces pair with the two available colorways.
Best Budget Polo Boots: Clarks Desert Boot
Listen to classic albums e.g. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Watch an important movie e.g. Good guy. There are certain rites of passage in life, and another is owning a pair of Clarks desert boots. Invented by Nathan Clark, who noticed that officers were ditching bulky military boots in favor of crepe-soled suede boots. People love it because its crepe insole molds to your foot quickly and efficiently, the suede upper is loose enough for comfort, and there’s no break-in period. Recently, the boot got a new look: It now comes in a polished, sustainably-minded vegan brown.
Best Bond Approved Polo Boots: Drake’s Crosby Moc-Toe Polo Boots
Pound’s boots. Drake’s, which operates primarily out of London’s sartorial mecca of Savile Row, perfects its recipe every time it releases a new classic, and their Crosby chukka is perhaps the perfect example. Mock-style stitching and a rugged, chunky suede upper make for a handsome and tough combination. The reinforced heel keeps you comfortable so you don’t have to go to the cobbler for a while. Plus, the subtle slope of the boot shape and the monochrome color throughout mean we can’t really think of where it would be noticeably out of place. Of course, buying a pair of shoes costs nearly $600, which is way too expensive. But when you consider that it’s the only pair of shoes you’ll ever really need—and that they look better the more worn out they are—the financial assessment looks a little more optimistic.
The most sophisticated polo boots: Tricker’s Aldo suede polo boots
England’s long history of shoemaking is unparalleled, and brands like Tricker’s are among the historical standard leaders. They are one of the oldest and most prestigious shoemakers still in business today, with roots dating back to 1829 when Joseph Tricker began making shoes that were both stylish and fit for true kings. For nearly two centuries, they have been making luxury shoes for discerning gentlemen, including King Charles III. Suffice it to say, they know a thing or two about shoemaking and incorporate all that knowledge into their chukka. These soft brown suede boots are as beautiful as they are sturdy. They’re built with a rubber Vibram outsole that’ll grip any terrain (including slippery subway stairs) without feeling like you’re dragging a pair of lead bricks. If these boots are smooth enough to earn a royal seal, then they’re definitely good enough for us mere mortals to wear for years to come—just remember to keep the royal mud off them with a chamois protector or brush when needed.
Best Polo Boots for Fashionistas: Wales Bonner Studded Desert Boots
These chukkas will turn into cowboys! As her Sambas demonstrate, Grace Wales Bonner prides herself on capturing classic shoe styles and reinventing them. Take these Italian-made polo shoes, for example, which feature whipstitching around the collar and tongue for added durability and metal studs, because why not? Her addition adds a confident air to the otherwise more understated, subdued boots. I’ve seen them get a lot of love on NBA League Fits.
More polo boots we love
Morjas polo boots
Quoddy Telos polo boots
Alden Barrie polo boots
Paraboot Maine Desert Boots
J.Crew 1990 MacAlister boots
Astorflex Brownflex polo boots
How we test and review products
We know that style is subjective – that’s the fun of it. But we are serious about helping our audience get dressed. Whether it’s the best white sneakers, the most affordable suits, or the menswear pieces you need to know this week, GQ Recommends opinion is built on years of hands-on experience, an inside look at what’s trending and what’s to come, And our mission is to find the best versions of all products at every price point.
Our staff can’t try on every piece of clothing you read about on GQ.com (fashion moves so fast these days), but we have a deep understanding of each brand’s strengths and understand the hallmarks of quality clothing—from the materials and procurement, processes, and sustainability efforts are more than just greenwashing. GQ Recommendations places a heavy emphasis on our own editorial experience with these brands, how they make their clothes, and what customers say about them. Bottom line: If we didn’t, GQ wouldn’t tell you to wear it.
We make every effort to cast the widest possible net and look to identify the best options in three key categories: quality, fitand price.
To kick off the process, we asked the GQ Recommendations Think Tank to vote on our contenders. Some of those involved work in retail, selling clothes to the masses; others work for small-batch menswear brands; all spend too much time thinking about what’s hanging in their closets.
We relied on our collective experience to guide our search, curating household names, indie favorites, and handcrafted imprints at the forefront of the genre. We then narrowed it down to the options that scored the best for quality, fit, and price.
As with most of our buying guides, our team has first-hand experience with most of the ones we choose, but there are a few that are completely new to us. So, after months of heated debate, we’ve tallied the votes, compiled the anecdotal evidence, and compiled a list of what we think are the absolute best in the category right now, from tried-and-true stalwarts to modern-day disruptors, From affordable drummers to insanely expensive (but well worth it) designer riffs.
Whatever your preference, whatever your style, there’s bound to be a superlative version for you on this list. (Read more about GQ’s testing process here.)
How to style your polo boots
In 2024, polo shoes still have plenty of baggy rock energy, but not since Daniel Craig played James Bond in Norway’s Since wearing a pair of polo shoes in the woods, No time to dieit’s clear that they are an excellent footwear choice for any man. Unlined in bamboo smoke suede or pebbled brown leather with a crepe, leather or rubber outsole, it’s just what you’re looking for. They’re perfect with any preppy outfit and would work just as well (if not better) with cuffed jeans or wider overalls. Yes, suits are completely fair game – that’s the beauty of polo shirts; they come in a wide range and the more they’re worn, the better they get.
