Clarks "Desert Boots"

[Stringmaster]

Any experience with the Astorflex Desert Boots? I'm looking at an alternative to Clarks as they don't fit me well (too wide):
https://huckberry.com/store/astorflex/category/p/31826-greenflex-stone

I'm also considering the Red Wing Weekender:
http://www.redwingheritage.com/us/U...;sid=d4HgUevJd5viUbK6GOjhUeu27Lb5RnD-bpZ7ZvLe

Nordstrom is running a sale on the Red Wings, but they are a sand nubuck leather versus the nappy suede which is what I'm after.
Anything else to consider?

Following up:
I was able to try on the Red Wing Weekenders--pretty comfortable but would have liked a little more support in the sole in the ball of the foot area--had to size down one whole size. I ended up purchasing the Astorflex Greenflex through Huckberry as there is free shipping and returns. I'm really happy with the quality (and I'm picky)--seem very well made, nice leather including the soft leather lining. I like that the gum rubber soles are a little darker in color. They fit me much better than the Clarks (less wide)--they only offer whole sizes and I sized down a 1/2 size from my normal size per their recommendation. Only negative (if it's even that) is that there is not a removable insole, but the footbed is soft and cushiony. Again I'm very pleased in the quality and they were quite a bit less expensive that the Red Wings and more comfortable. Time will tell how they hold up but I'm not concerned about that.

 

[Trenchfriend]

@Stringmaster
Doublelike!!

 

[ConsiderMeMilesDavis]

Following up:
I was able to try on the Red Wing Weekenders--pretty comfortable but would have liked a little more support in the sole in the ball of the foot area--had to size down one whole size. I ended up purchasing the Astorflex Greenflex through Huckberry as there is free shipping and returns. I'm really happy with the quality (and I'm picky)--seem very well made, nice leather including the soft leather lining. I like that the gum rubber soles are a little darker in color. They fit me much better than the Clarks (less wide)--they only offer whole sizes and I sized down a 1/2 size from my normal size per their recommendation. Only negative (if it's even that) is that there is not a removable insole, but the footbed is soft and cushiony. Again I'm very pleased in the quality and they were quite a bit less expensive that the Red Wings and more comfortable. Time will tell how they hold up but I'm not concerned about that.

What's your Red Wing vs. Astorflex size?

I'm an 11 in Red Wing boots when wearing insoles, 10.5 without. I'm eyeing this exact pair of Astorflex's, but would like to avoid return shipping if possible (it's Earth Day, after all!). #consumeresponsibly

 

[ChazfromCali]

I have about a dozen pairs of Clark's desert boots. Split about half and half between "real" Clark's and knock-off's; strangely the knock-off's generally seem more comfortable. I love the style, so versatile, goes with almost anything I'm wearing.

 

[STW]

I’ll need to look into the RedWings Stringmaster posted. Those look very right.
My best desert boot was a perfect pair from Dunham’s, and 80s outfitter selling them as a hunting shoe. Say perfect but the gum sole wore badly and the mid sole was too soft for supportive walking. I added a khaki color thin vibram sole to replace the gum and that stiffened them up just right. No support of the kind Trenchfriend is looking for though, on this or any proper desert boot or Chukka—I think the tall sides are for keeping out sand, not for ankle support.
I wore out a pair of Clark’s in a summer a couple years ago, they were ok, nostalgic, but I did not re-buy.
A pair of Wolverine desert boots / Chukka boots is very good with good sole support for walking. I got them on deep discount but they’re likely in the RedWing $ range or above.
The reason I like desert boots / Chukka boots is for wearing with khaki shorts in summer. They’re fine with trousers too but a lot of boots do that well. I can’t bring myself to wear tennis shoes or running shoes unless I’m playing tennis or running, but I live in a high altitude desert where shorts are often appropriate and then for it’s either desert boots/Chukkas, Blundstones, or a light hiking boot.

 

[Talbot]

I picked up some Nunn Bush DB's at Ross a while back that are pretty much the same as my old Clarkes

 

[Stringmaster]

What's your Red Wing vs. Astorflex size?

I'm an 11 in Red Wing boots when wearing insoles, 10.5 without. I'm eyeing this exact pair of Astorflex's, but would like to avoid return shipping if possible (it's Earth Day, after all!). #consumeresponsibly

Well those Red Wing Chukka's are their own animals (imported I believe), so they don't fit like their handmade work boots. I typically wear a size 10 or 10 1/2 in most shoes--dress, tennis, causal, etc. My foot is a little on the narrow side, and I got the size 43 Astorflex's.

 

[Fifty150]

any other makers of this classic design that might be had?I do not like the gum soles,

the less expensive Bushacre II shoes with a different sole

Amazon has the original Desert Boot, Bushacre II, and Bushacre III.

Not a lot of information can be found on the Bushacre boots.

I wash dishes at Panda Express. Sometimes they let me stand in front to pass out menus or spin a sign. My finances are limited. I bought the Bushacre II, for about $20. To me, they fit well and are comfortable. I haven't slipped yet, so the sole is okay. The leather cleans up easily. What don't I like? Not much to complain about when you have $20 shoes. It doesn't have a gusseted tongue.

With the stitchdown design, I fully expect to be able to resole these at least once. Whether I will resole or not, is another matter. Is it even worth resoling boots this cheap? Or do I just buy another pair and move on with life?

Here they are today, after working a double shift. I took the laces off, and brushed them.

 

[One Drop]

I learned something interesting lately from a Rose Anvil video, namely that the old Clark's DB were made from CF Stead suède, which is actually closer to a rough-out leather than most suedes, thus much stronger. This tallies with my memories of my grandfather's Desert Boots in the 60s, that had as incredible hand and were supple, thin, and very soft to the touch, unlike any suede I've felt since, until I bought a pair of Alden Snuff Suede Chukkas a few year ago. They use this same leather and te difference is astonishing. I inherited his boots when he died, with some gorgeous Cashmere sweaters and a few cotton and wool V-necks from the Playboy brand, which made beautifully designed and constructed clothing in the '60s.

I went through the search for a good modern Desert Boot out of nostalgia a long time ago, by then Clark's were pure garbage, before they released a better quality line, not sure if they still make these. I handled a few pairs f these,, they were better but nowhere near the quality of the originals, which, by the way, were a bit greyer tan than the current models.

I ended up buying cheap copies when I found decent ones in Italy or Spain, that didn't have overly bulbous shapes. They were fine and lasted fairly well but were worth only what I paid for them, which wasn't much.

I finally splurged on the Aldens a few years and am glad I did, this was before the crazy price hikes and I also found a great deal online from a German shop, they have since become my go to summer shoe and look as good as the day I bought them in spite of being soaked, scuffed, and squished into suitcases. They feel like slippers and regulate the summer heat really well, and the grip is much better that the crepe ones, which were super comfortable but wore down very quickly and had a tendency to nearly melt on hot pavements, getting filthy and gummy.