• English

• Florsheim Imperial
  “Guardsman“ Chukka Boot
  Euro 340

  This vintage boot by Florsheim is far superior in build and finish than most shoes on the market today. This is an indestructible, Goodyear welted Shoe/Boot with solid brass buckle, a handsome Monk style shoe for town and a rugged and protective Chukka Boot for country. Tremendously comfortable, with glove-leather lining. The replacement cost today from one of the better American or English shoemakers today may safely be estimated at over 700 Euros. John Lobb’s almost identical version, the “Varese” is closer to 1400 Euros!

  Both the Chukka Boot and the Jodhpur Boot derive from the 19th century British presence in India, and the discovery of the game of Polo in the 1850s by British tea planters on the Burmese border with India. (A ‘chukker’ is a period of play in Polo). Both boots were readily adapted by the British at home and quickly became staples of the Gentleman’s wardrobe. The Chukka Boot is a casual, sporting boot to just above the ankle, plain toed, fastening with two (although sometimes three or four) high lacings or strap (as in a Monk). The Chukka Boot is often called the ‘Desert Boot’ through being much adopted -in suede- by British forces in the Western Desert campaign against the Afrika Korps in World War II.

  Size Details

  US 9,5 WIDE (UK 8,5WIDE.....European 42,5WIDE, for the WIDE foot. If you have been buying oversized shoes to get the width you need, here is the proper solution, a shoe that fits you in both length and width.

  Condition

  Superb! Trivial wear to original bottom and a lovely honey-tan patina that only time can provide.

Out of stock