They even throw in some sole food.
Desert/Chukka Boots
- Thread starter johnniegold
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- #262
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- #263
I posted the above post in March of 2024 and a lot has happened since then, footwear-wise.
While I originally thought I would order a pair of Woodfords in the natural chromexcel, which would have been my first foray into this type of leather, since then I obtained 3 pairs of footwear made from chromexcel leather. 2 are natural chromexcel and the other is brown chromexcel.
Instead, I decided to go with a traditional desert boot from Crown Northampton in their Sand Janus Calf Suede with a traditional brown sole.
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Although I have a similar boot in the Greenflex from Astorflex, this boot from CN, has the more traditional silhouette of the true desert boot, without the bulbous toe box of the Greenflex. Closer
to the Brownflex offering by Astorflex.
The added bonus by ordering the Woodford boot is that I was actually sized by the owner of Crown Northampton, Chris Woodford, during their US visit to the Boot Camp event held in Brooklyn, NY, this weekend. So these boots will have a customized fit.
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I was told that the boots will arrive in approx. 12 weeks.
When I get ‘em… you’ll see em.
I just moved some these images from the Boot Camp thread to the Desert/Chukka Boot thread for purposes of continuity and posterity.
These boots were ordered on October 12, 2024 and arrived on February 5, 2025.
The Woodford Desert Boot in Sand Janus Calf Suede.
Congrats, I’ve always liked the looks of those.
In all the brands you’ve gone through over the years, have you found differences in crepe sole durability?
I had a pair a long time ago (I forget the brand) and wore through the sole in no time flat. I’ve been reticent of the soles ever since.
In all the brands you’ve gone through over the years, have you found differences in crepe sole durability?
I had a pair a long time ago (I forget the brand) and wore through the sole in no time flat. I’ve been reticent of the soles ever since.
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- #265
Since these boots are in a rotation, they don’t receive the wear and tear they would if they were worn regularly, so answering your question is somewhat difficult.
The Greenflex by Astorflex and the Luther by Sanders have seen the most action over the years and barely show any signs of real wear and tear. Like any crepe sole, I would imagine, if worn on a daily basis, or even several times per week, would wear out rather quickly.
The crepe is pretty fast wearing compared to a hard rubber (Vibram) or a good leather sole. The pics show Sanders Luthers and Crown Grove (similar materials and construction to the Woodford boot). I generally walk about 5 miles a day split between industrial space and urban streets. Both of these probably have 300-350 miles on them over a few years of use. They show significant heel wear, some toe and some general thinning. I doubt that the Luthers can be resoled since they are mostly glued together. They have a good bit of life yet but once that heel outer goes, they will need to be replaced soon. I don’t know if Crown does a resole on the Grove. It’s possible since they are sewn, so that maybe an option when the time comes.
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- #267
Here are a few wear & tear shots of two pairs of crepe-soled boots that have received a fair amount of attention over the last 3 years…
The stone Greenflex boot and the polo snuff suede Luther.
The stone Greenflex boot and the polo snuff suede Luther.
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- #268
Ok. I said I’d do some comparison shots of some desert boots with the newly-acquired Woodford Desert Boot from Crown Northampton.
The Woodford and The Greenflex.
The Woodford and The Alden 1493 Chukka
The Woodford and The Greenflex.
The Woodford and The Alden 1493 Chukka
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- #269
(Cont…)
The Woodford and the Brownflex
The Woodford and the Clark Desert Boot
The Woodford and the Brownflex
The Woodford and the Clark Desert Boot
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- #270
And although not a desert boot:
The Woodford and the Luther
The Woodford and the Luther
Thanks guys, that’s what I figured. Crepe is not for me, unless I just keep them as an around the house shoe.
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- #272
In February of 2024, I made mention of a new Astorflex model that was just released… The Montflex.
The Montflex mirrors the silhouette of the Brownflex which I picked up last year in nubuck leather.
The Montflex…
The Brownflex…
Last year, I said that I would consider trying the Montflex in the spring.
Well, with spring upon us (although 1 year later
), the Montflex is enroute.
As the sizing for Astorflex continues to be a conundrum, I went with a Size 10 US which is the same size as the Brownflex.
When I get ‘em, you’ll see ‘em.
The Montflex mirrors the silhouette of the Brownflex which I picked up last year in nubuck leather.
The Montflex…
The Brownflex…
Last year, I said that I would consider trying the Montflex in the spring.
Well, with spring upon us (although 1 year later
), the Montflex is enroute. As the sizing for Astorflex continues to be a conundrum, I went with a Size 10 US which is the same size as the Brownflex.
When I get ‘em, you’ll see ‘em.
enroute.
I’m intrigued about those soles. Do the different colors point to different densities for increased wear, or are they just for appearances?
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- #274
I n
I never had a pair of Astorflex with the two-tone soles. I’m thinking it’s more decorative than having anything to do with differences in the materials but when I see them, I’ll certainly provide an update here.
I never had a pair of Astorflex with the two-tone soles. I’m thinking it’s more decorative than having anything to do with differences in the materials but when I see them, I’ll certainly provide an update here.
I appreciate that.
Fascinating. I wonder if you get two sausage patties with the two tone sole versions? Could run them through the Shore tester and see if they have different hardness.
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- #277
AimlessWanderer
Remember to forget me!
Yup. I don't buy crepe soles for the same reason. Even before I developed a hunch front, and started pinning my shoes to the floor much more firmly, I tore through the soles way too fast to get any value from the shoe.
