The Originals Original
When looking at trends it is important to remember that not all trends are set on the catwalks by the big power fashion houses. There are occasions when trends are set by the people on the street, and images of celebrity endorsement are key. Lets be honest all of us at some point have taken inspiration from a certain look or tried to replicate an item that a certain celebrity has worn. So for this article we are moving away from the true catwalks and trying to identify a trend that is appearing on the street, and as a result a particular item has arisen to the eye which some people might not of thought likely.
The Original Desert Boot has been around us for the best part of six decades, yet never really held the acclaim it deserved. However this Original has been revived, replicated and reinterpreted so many times by so many different people over the years it has never fallen out of style. The distinguishing feature about the desert boot is its strange crepe sole, yet it is still considered an essential feature and part of the character of the boot. Both shock absorbing and water-repellent, it is a practical material to have on the bottom of a shoe.
The first ever Desert Boot was created by a young Nathan Clark, whilst serving in a Burmese military outpost with the West African Brigade. Since that moment the desert boot has developed and branched off to so many different areas. The Clarks shoe brand still has the item as one of its most popular shoes and a top seller.
So how to wear this item? Well because the Desert Boot typically comes in two different materials (leather and suede), you can wear them with pretty much everything. Although highly recommended NOT to wear them with a suit. Denim is generally the chosen fabric of choice to wear with the desert boot, so a pair of dark blue denim jeans worn with a black or brown suede Desert Boot would complement each other highly. The other look to think about particularly for this spring/summer is the revival of the relaxed chino and casual shoe. The desert boot are generally low to mid-cut and it means they would also look great with a pair of rolled chinos, like a modified deck shoe. Lacoste were one of the only fashion brands to actually promote the trend suring their runway previews so take inspiration at how they dressed up their models below.
Now for the doubters who feel that the desert boot isn’t worthy as a trend or are still unsure lets take a look at who has worn this particular shoe over the years. In their time they’ve been pictured by famous name photographers like David Bailey and the visionary Helmut Newton. They’ve been worn by Hollywood legends like Steve McQueen. They’ve even been championed by rap stars and revered by rock stars like Liam Gallagher, lead singer of the now broken up Oasis.
60 long years after it made its début, the Desert Boot lives on. Its simplicity, its versatility and its individuality have all helped to secure its place on the roll-call of iconic designs. It’s a cult classic. Every man’s ideal shoe and one that would look great in your wardrobe this Spring.
Desert Boots on the Runway
Desert Boot Picks
Clarks
Office
Oki-ni
Coggles
MyWardrobe
Comments (21)
Je n’agreé pas. They’re hideous!
yeah but do gals find these type of looks attractive thats what i mean, like for example if you wore chinos to a nightclub, gals would think it weird and anti fashionable, well at least the gals i know which i know that go to nightclubs, i think an article on what to wear on a night out would be great
@KRIS
I think they look alright, these are blatantly for casual wear though in our times but like you said if there is an article for a night out that would make things interesting
granted guys, these desert boots are not for everyone but then that’s what fashion is about, having your own taste.
Kris – The desert boots are not meant to be worn out into nightclubs, that’s not their point, they are a very casual shoe and worn leisurely.
One thing I wanted to achieve with this article is to show that not all trends are set by the big fashion houses on the catwalks. It’s the people on the street that have registered this one.
Personally I LOVE these boots and think they are going to be big. This year the casual shoe/boot will make a massive comeback within men’s fashion generally within the daytime outfits. It is not something you would generally wear to a club, although you can easily rock a leather version with jeans, shirt and even blazer as shown in the top photo.
Last year the rise of the deck shoe and brogues showed how men’s fashion is ready to evolve. Some of the best looks I saw last year were younger guys rolling up the hem on the jeans/chinos and throwing on the deck shoes without socks. Perfect for those bright Spring/Summer days and a pair of desert boots in a light suede or leather would also look amazing and still edgy.
They are not for everyone, but broaden your horizons and look at different items or styles that you normally wouldn’t. Even if you don’t like them, at least you have formed an opinion and your personal style has developed that little bit further.
A look book for a night out I have listed as a topic I want to cover, but let me tell you now it will not be easy because EVERYONE is different and are different ages. It would be a real generalisation to do something like that but I will have a go.
Cheers for the comments
@ ben and edd I absolutely adore this kind of boots. I remember some 10-12 years ago having a pair of Nicholaas Deakins in suede desert boot. I love the 3 fotos in this article also.
They are so comfortable and versatile also, i bought the Pointer Cyril version two weeks ago and literally they look perfect with all my jeans ! (both straight and tapered)
ben, ive seen that whole nautical look with rolled up chinos and acid wash jeans and the low boater shoe also, but without the socks…mmmm not sure, maybe it is best to wear some colourful happy socks to show off your boaters/brogues if you are rolling up and keep your ankles warm in the great british weather.
Overall, I think desert boots can be worn from morning through til night but would you really want to wear a suede pair in a west end niteclub, they would get trashed and end up stained with other peoples booze spillages probably.
Great summer look though…Cotton/chambray.denim shirt with chinos and the boots would look effortlessly cool, like the guy in the top right pic.
Oh yes Jason completely agree, I loved that look last year and want to progress it myself next year. Can also use great tasselled loafers or something similar within there.
Whether you use socks or not is obviously weather dependant but also personal preference. I’m a fan of not wearing then when you can but I am also very much into the bright bold statement socks which coordinate well with the trouser/jeans colouring. Will be a great look to get on board with this summer.
Oh and yes please do not wear suede versions out to nightclubs where you know they will get ruined! The fashion gods will cry for that schoolboy error
@edd clark, i did not mean specifically wearing desert boots on a night out, i just meant clothing for a nightout on general, only posted the comment here as i thought it would be viewed more since it;s latest article, posted some comment on another article but it never got a reply,
@Ben, thanks for taking into consideration the prospect of writing an article specifically tappered for a night out, however i do agree with your comment that everyone has there own individual look when it comes to these things, but if i could suggest that even maybe that you suggest what looks, would go well at any nightclub, for example it would be inaproppiate to wear tailored clothing to some nightclubs and others it would be the must, just as an example a friend of mine isa a fashion stuent over here in nothern ireland, and he got turned down to the box nightclub in belfast simply because his clothing was deemed to eccentric fo nightclub wear, even though he looked fantastic, and others weargoing in wearing henleys tops and jeans without beeing looked at, its a flaw in the teenage an young adult fashio word that to be a so-called fashionista you have to wear g-star tops and jeans and so on, what im trying to say is basically something smart casual but approiate for a night-out would be great advice,
thanks
kris
Any hot picks for chambray shirts, preferably not from all saints?
Great article – I’ve been waiting for these to crop up. I’ve started wearing a pair of brown suede Clarks desert lynx boots, which whilst not being strictly Desert Boots may appeal to those who find the original design not quite to taste. Very pleased with them so far, though of course suede isn’t always the easiest material to maintain and the crepe soles which you know will never stay clean!
But apart from that they are the perfect shoe for spring and make a refreshing change from plim-soles and full on boots! I’ve still yet to bump into another wearing them.
http://www.clarks.co.uk/find/keyword-is-desert+boot/Department-is-men/product-is-20332728
Great sight, thanks
Ian
**Great site haha, but i guess great sight as well
I personally think that these boots are great. They are not for every guy to wear but thats what Fashion is all about, everyone has their own style. I will definitely wear these boots. Desert Boots are great.
This is a good article, ive seen that a more and more places are starting to stock desert boots now.
I have a pair of leather ones that i need to start wearing more.
A great thing about these is that i believe they look even better with abit of wear.
What shoe is the guy wearing in the top right photo (red shirt). I have been looking for a casual shoe that is not a trainer, think i will give these a try.
Im loving the look!
Do you know what items make the outfit with the blue jeans and red shirt as i think the whole outfits great =D
oh and where i can get similar/ the actual items
@ LUKE – If you do find or know where the clothes can be find please post on here so i can find Cheers
I think these are bang on for spring summer 2010. However, definately NOT for a nightclub! Wear with rolled Chinos as previously suggested or Turn Up Jeans. You forgot to mention that James Bond (Daniel Craig) dons Church’s Ryder III desert boots. Surely, this international mans man of timeless style cannot be wrong?
Ian H – Thanks for the mention that Danial Craig wears them, I had no idea. 007 and Steve McQueen have both worn them, if that isn’t a sure sign that they are right on track to becoming a classic then I don’t know what is
I just bought a pair of dessys yesterday and was stuck on the colour to choose. I opted for the light beige suede ones and they look absolutely wicked with all of my jeans, especially my nice pair of dark blue Replays. I might still purchase a nice pair of chocolate suede desserts for a smarter look but I also think that a good shade of blue would look cool and a bit different.
Dessert boots are the ultimate in comfort and they complete any casual day-wear outfit or casual pub dress.
PS. Sorry…DESERT. They may be lush but you don’t eat them!
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