Few shoes blend casual style and smart versatility quite like the desert boot. Originally designed for military wear in hot climates, the desert boot has since become a timeless staple in men’s wardrobes. With its clean lines, simple lace-up design and signature crepe sole, it’s a shoe that works just as well with jeans and a tee as it does with chinos and a blazer.
Whether you’re after a traditional suede pair, a more rugged leather version, or a modern update with eco-conscious materials, there’s never been a better time to invest in a great pair of desert boots.
Here’s our definitive guide to the best men’s desert boots to buy in the UK in 2025, featuring heritage favourites and fresh takes on this menswear classic.
What Are Desert Boots?
Desert boots are ankle-high lace-up boots, typically made from suede or leather with a crepe rubber sole. They’re lightweight, breathable, and incredibly easy to wear — ideal for both transitional weather and year-round layering.
Originally popularised by Clarks in the 1950s, desert boots have become a key item in British menswear thanks to their blend of form and function.
1. Clarks Originals Desert Boot – The Iconic Choice
Price: £110
Why we rate it: The original and still one of the best
No list would be complete without the shoe that started it all. The Clarks Originals Desert Boot is the gold standard — made with premium suede or leather uppers and the trademark crepe sole. Still made in the same silhouette since 1950, they’re effortlessly stylish and endlessly wearable.
Go for sand suede for a classic look, or upgrade to beeswax leather for a more rugged, all-season pair.
Best for: Everyday wear, classic British style
Available from: Stuarts London
2. Astorflex Greenflex – Best Eco-Friendly Option
Price: £180
Why we rate it: Sustainable and handcrafted in Italy
Astorflex is a small family-run brand in Italy producing eco-conscious footwear. The Greenflex desert boot is handmade using natural crepe soles, vegetable-tanned leather and water-based adhesives.
They’re incredibly comfortable straight out of the box and have a slightly more relaxed silhouette, perfect for casual outfits.
Best for: Ethical style, soft leather comfort
Available from: A Fine Pair of Shoes
3. Sanders Hi-Top Desert Boot – Best Heritage British Brand
Price: £170
Why we rate it: Military roots, Made in England
Sanders & Sanders is a Northamptonshire shoemaker that’s been producing quality footwear since 1873. Their desert boots are built with British military specifications in mind, offering a slightly chunkier feel than the Clarks version and excellent durability.
Available in a range of suede finishes, they’re a solid investment that will wear in beautifully.
Best for: Traditionalists, British-made quality
Available from: Sanders
4. Loake Chukka Boot – Best for Office-Friendly Desert Boots
Price: £195
Why we rate it: Smart enough for formal wear
Loake’s chukka boots lean towards the formal side of the desert boot family. Made with premium leather and a welted sole, they’re ideal for dressing up without going full brogue. The slightly slimmer fit means they pair well with suit trousers or smart chinos.
They’re not as soft or laid-back as classic desert boots, but offer a sharper silhouette for work or events.
Best for: Workwear, formal outfits, smarter dressers
Available from: Philip Morris, Loake, John Lewis, Herring Shoes
5. Drake’s Crosby Boot – Best for Elevated Everyday Style
Price: £325
Why we rate it: Beautiful suede, elevated details, made in Italy
If you want something a bit special, Drake’s delivers. The Crosby Desert Boot is made in Italy with a soft suede upper, tonal stitching, and a slimmed-down crepe sole for a refined yet casual finish.
It’s smart enough for dinners out but relaxed enough for weekend wear — the ideal middle ground.
Best for: Discerning dressers, premium casualwear
Available from: Mr Porter
6. Clarks Desert Trek – Best Alternative Classic
Price: £125
Why we rate it: Unique design with retro appeal
Another option from Clarks, the Desert Trek has a distinctive central seam and a slightly broader toe box. Originally introduced in the 1970s, it’s gained a cult following for its quirky shape and comfortable fit.
It’s ideal if you want something a little less conventional while still sticking to the desert boot look.
Best for: Retro fans, comfort seekers
Available from: Clarks Originals
How to Style Desert Boots
Desert boots are one of the most adaptable shoes you can own. Here’s how to wear them:
- With jeans: A classic combo — slim or straight-leg jeans, rolled cuffs, and a suede pair of desert boots.
- With chinos: Ideal for smart-casual. Add an Oxford shirt or fine knitwear.
- With suits: Go for a slimmer, more polished pair (like Grenson or Loake) in leather.
- With shorts: In summer, try lighter suede colours with tailored shorts and a relaxed shirt.
Care Tips
Desert boots last longer with proper care. Use a suede protector spray to prevent staining, and gently brush off dirt with a suede brush. For leather pairs, use conditioner to keep them supple and avoid cracking.
Avoid wearing them in heavy rain if they have a crepe sole — they’re not built for serious wet conditions.
Final Thoughts
The desert boot is a true staple — easy to wear, endlessly versatile, and available in a range of finishes and prices to suit every man. Whether you want the authenticity of Clarks Originals, the eco-credentials of Astorflex, or the elevated craftsmanship of Grenson or Drake’s, there’s a perfect pair waiting to be worn in.
Simple, stylish, and always relevant — the best men’s desert boots are an investment in timeless, everyday style.