Top 5 Suede Desert Boots For Smart-Casual Winter Days Under ₹12,000

In December, most men's wardrobes hit the same problem with footwear. Sneakers look a bit too casual with chinos and a blazer, and polished formal shoes feel stiff for a lunch or a weekend outing. A pair of suede desert boots fixes that quite easily. They cover the ankle, which helps on chilly mornings, and they go with jeans as well as trousers. The soft suede also looks better the more you wear it. Amazon has a decent range, from Clarks down to a few Indian brands.

5 Best Suede Desert Boots for Smart-Casual Winter Days Under ₹12,000
Photo Credit: iStock

Suede does need a little care, so it's worth knowing that before you buy. It doesn't like rain, and most pairs here aren't water-resistant. A suede brush and a protective spray will keep them looking good for years. The sole matters too, since a rubber one grips better on wet roads than a leather one. Lace-up desert boots are the classic style, but there's a pull-on Chelsea in this list as well. All five picks below are on Amazon.

Also Read: Weekend Footwear Refresh: Top Women's Boots And Sandals To Shop On Amazon

Top 5 Suede Desert Boots For Smart-Casual Winter Days Under ₹12,000

1. Clarks Men's Bushacre 2 Desert Boots 

Price: ₹11,893 | Customer Ratings: 4.3/5

This is the Bushacre 2 from Clarks, which is about as close to the original desert boot as you'll get. It has a suede upper with a leather lining underneath. The lace-up front has just two eyelets, the way a proper chukka should. Inside, there's a cushioned insole, and the sole is rubber. Clarks also notes that marks on the finish are part of the look and not scratches.

Key Features:

• Suede upper
• Leather lining
• Two-eyelet lace-up

Why Buy: 

If you want one pair that'll last you many winters, this is the one most people think of first. It's worn well with jeans, chinos, and even a linen suit. It's the one style here that never really goes out of fashion.

2. LOUIS STITCH Suede Leather Chukka Boot for Men 

Price: ₹3,197 | Customer Ratings: 4.0/5

Louis Stitch makes this chukka in Italian suede, with a stitch-down construction that's finished by hand. The brand calls it a British design with a brogue style. The lining is breathable, so your feet don't get sweaty by evening. It sits on a solid rubber sole with excellent grip. Louis Stitch says not to wash it and to use a suede spray and soft brush instead.

Key Features:

• Italian suede
• Stitch-down build
• Rubber grip sole

Why Buy: 

This one looks quite close to a much more expensive pair, especially with dark jeans. The brogue detailing gives it a bit more character than a plain chukka. Stock is running low, so check your size soon.

3. Woodland Men's Olive Green Nubuk Casual Shoes 

Price: ₹2,620 | Customer Ratings: 4.2/5

Woodland's pair is in olive green nubuck, which is a close cousin of suede with a slightly tougher feel. It laces up and sits on a flat rubber sole. There's a cushioned insole and a breathable leather lining inside. Woodland pitches it for long walks, office commutes, and weekends out. It isn't water-resistant, so keep it away from puddles.

Key Features:

• Olive green nubuck
• Rubber outsole
• Cushioned insole

Why Buy: 

Olive is a nice change from the usual tan and brown, and it goes well with navy or grey trousers. Nubuck also handles a bit of rough use better than regular suede. Woodland has been making this style for years, and it holds up well.

4. ARAMISH Men's Suede Leather Lace-Up Formal Ankle Chukka Boots 

Price: ₹1,899 | Customer Ratings: 3.8/5

Aramish makes this ankle chukka with a suede leather upper. The footbed is cushioned and padded. The upper is perforated, which lets a bit of air through and keeps sweating down. The sole is flat, and the brand suggests it for the office, parties, and everyday wear. The colour may look slightly different from the photos.

Key Features:

• Suede upper
• Perforated design
• Padded footbed

Why Buy: 

For someone trying out suede boots for the first time, this is an easy one to start with. The perforations keep it from feeling stuffy on warmer winter afternoons. It's dressy enough for a weekday at the office too.

5. Red Chief Genuine Suede Leather Casual Chelsea Boot for Men 

Price: ₹1,899 | Customer Ratings: 4.1/5

Red Chief's boot is a pull-on Chelsea in suede, so there are no laces to tie at all. It has a stitch welt, a block heel, and a flexible, light sole. The brand says it works for casual, formal, and party wear alike. A soft, damp cloth is enough to clean it. It's made in India.

Key Features:

• Pull-on Chelsea style
• Stitch welt
• Block heel

Why Buy: 

If laces annoy you, a Chelsea is quicker to slip on in the morning. The block heel adds a little height, which looks good with slim trousers. It asks the least of your budget here, along with the Aramish pair.

All five give you that suede look for winter, though they're quite different in feel. Clarks is the classic desert boot and the one that'll last the longest. Louis Stitch brings Italian suede and brogue detailing for a lot less. Woodland goes with olive nubuck that can take a bit of rough handling. Aramish keeps things simple and light, and Red Chief does away with laces altogether. Get a suede brush along with whichever pair you pick, and buy these products on Amazon today!