Bogs Johnny Chukka boots review

 

Over the past month I have been reviewing the BOGS Johnny Chukka boots…

Bogs is a brand I hadn’t heard of before, but I liked the look of their gear. They to me feel like Timberland did 15 years ago. Unsung quality, dependable, dapper. Timberland now seem to have sold out, most of the stuff I see from them now is purely aesthetic cosmetic fashion emphasised (unless you splash out on their original “waterproof” boots-pricey now)and as such they have lost me as a customer.

So BOGS. A new brand, well new to the UK anyway. I had a little look, and it seems they started life in the USA, Oregon to be specific. They were an agriculture footwear manufacturer, and developed in 06 to children’s footwear, and styles and colours were developed in 07. So an American farmers footwear! That’s not a bad thing- those guys and gals are out in all weather on some of the biggest farms on the planet! And guaranteed waterproof. Always a good thing, who wants wet feet?

They look good, out of the box, they feel quality. A nice waxy outer-this will show scuffs, but they will soon add to the look.

Fashion is something that doesn’t really bother to me. What I mean to say is I buy stuff on its technicalities. If it will be good for x and y, then ideal. If they have a colour thats ok, than ideal. But I really Don’t care. These boots however look good. They are unassuming. They are quietly classy. Happy walking a trail for a few miles, or walking to the bar on a Friday night. They do well. A brown boot is a very versatile thing.

When first out of the box, I put them on, and they were a good size. However as with all new boots they were not quite adapted to my feet. So to remedy this I wore my hiking socks in them the first few times. These kept the boots comfy, while gently encouraging the boots to stretch where they needed to. As I said after about a week to ten days they were great. Soft, warm and comfortable-and waterproof(Or so they say, I have yet to wear them in a downpour, however I am sure they will stand up to the challenge).

I particularly like the elasticated heel section (See pic below), just adds a bit of ease in putting them on, without the worry of stretching and thus ruining your boots.

 

 

 

The “urban” boot was just that. A boot for town, for the shops, for a cappuccino or a pint. The Bogs offer that too, but because of the waterproofness, and the decent tread pattern, these are just as at home on the trail, walking the dog, or pottering in the garage. They are a boot I am really liking, as they are not as ridiculously priced as Timberlands you can replace them easily once they are used up. So don’t save them for best, or only wear them when you will be clean and dry, wear them always, wear them in the rain. They will hopefully make you smile, but they will definitely make your feet smile.