Chukka Boots are unlined ankle high boots, typically with suede or leather uppers and rubber or leather soles. Often wore in casual settings, the Chukka Boot evolved from "crepe-soled, rough suede boots" made in Cairo for British Soldiers in World War II.

The Clarks family of Clarks shoes sent off one of their sons, Nathan Clark, to fight in the war with two missions.

1. Fight for and Protect his country.
2. Discover new shoe styles for the family company.

Nathan was deployed to Burma and noticed these sand colored boots the officers he was deployed with were wearing. Upon further investigation, he discovered they were boots commisioned out of Cairo for South African Soldiers who needed boots that could stand the tough desert terrain. They required lightweight durability and traction, which led to the combination of a suede upper and the crepe sole.

Chukka? That's A Weird Name.

The name "Chukka" comes from the game Polo where a Chukka (or Chukker) is the 7 and a half Minute playing period. It's unclear whether the name stuck because Polo players were wearing them to play Polo or if they were just similar enough to the Jodhpur boots polo players were wearing to play.

There isn't much information about what the original chukka boots looked like but it could have been named after the Hindi word ‘chukkar’ meaning ‘circle’ or ‘turn’

What Makes A Boot A Chukka?

According to Shoe Historian June Swann, the classic Chukka has a few defining characteristics:

1. It's a lace up ankle boot.
2. Only two or three eyelets. Any more or other types makes it not a chukka.
3. Thin Soles and Open Lacing.
4. Traditionally Suede uppers with Leather soles.
5. A Rounded Toe Box.
6. Two parts made from a single piece of leather
7. The quarters are sewn on top of the vamp.

Popularity and Rise

In the 1940s and 1950s, the Chukka became imensely popular due to it's great design. It was designed with comfort, durability and style in mind which led to it's massive success. It fits both as a casual style and you can wear it when you need to dress up. Now a days you can get a Chukka boot in just about any combination of uppers and soles, whether synthetic is your preference or your looking for a fancier dress boot.

Shop the original Clarks Desert Boot, or check out all the other Chukka's we carry to get your own piece of history.

Have you ever ordered something and it wasn’t quite what you were expecting? Have you ever NOT ordered something because you were unsure about it?

Well we’re here to help and put your mind at ease!

Here are the top 5 questions we get the most when it comes to footwear.

Is This Real Leather?

Always read the description – You can always find your answer here. Suede, Nubuck, and Patent Leathers are all types of leather. Don’t worry if you’re not up to date with the latest shoe lingo. If the description says something like Faux, Synthetic, Imitation, or Vegan then this is an indication it’s not the real thing. FRYE carries some of the highest quality leathers in the business.

Shop Our Selection of FRYE Boots »

Is This Shoe A Wide or A Medium?

Feet come in a different sizes and width and yes, this can be quite confusing. So here a break down:

A women’s medium width is a “B” width. A man’s medium would be “D” width. Usually if the size is wide, it will indicate that on the size selection. Typically a wide is indicated with the letter “E”. 

Are you looking for a wide? SHOOLU carries many wide widths and New Balance shoes are a great option for that.

What Size Shoe Should I Be Wearing?

Did you know most people are wearing the wrong size?? The following tips can help you find the perfect fit.

• Your heel should NOT slide in the shoe unless you are fitting for a clog. 
• You should have at least half a thumb width of room in the toe for adults and a thumb width of room for kids. This ensures you can wiggle your toes and you keep you from damaging your toes.
• Most of the time a shoe will not stretch. Never buy a shoe if it is too tight, because chances of it stretching, is slim.
• If a shoe has an arch support, the support should feel like it’s in the right spot. If its hitting your foot in the wrong spot, chances are, it is not for you and is an indication you need to change the size. Wearing shoe with the arch too low or too high can be uncomfortable and possibly damage your feet.

Do these shoes fit true to size?

This is often a tough one to answer. Usually the brand will let you know if it’s true to size or if something runs a bit small. Read reviews and descriptions for the best clues.

With that in mind, you can be a size 7 in one brand and an 8 in another. I know, it’s not very practical, but in the shoe biz, that’s the name of game.

Every shoe company has their own way of making their shoes. Some are handmade, others are manufactured by machine. Other factors that can take part in sizing are the style of shoe and in some cases, the material it is made from.

Flats can sometime run smaller than a sandal, but boots will fit differently too. With all this being said. Don’t be afraid to try on more sizes. Be adventurous. You won’t always be the same size. You might find going up in size is what’s best, and no one can tell you better than your own feet.

What Is The Best Way To Break In My Shoes/Boots?

Depending on the shoe/boot, sometimes you will need to wear the shoes a little bit at a time, other times, there’s no need to break them in. For example, running shoes don’t need to break in much, just use them!

However, if you are getting a leather boot, or something with a cork bed you will need to break them in. Thick leathers are usually very stiff at first. The more you wear them, the softer and more comfortable they will become. Heat is a good way to break in a pair of boots. Some recommend wearing thick socks while breaking in to give you some extra wiggle room without tearing up your feet. 

If you are new to shoes & sandals with cork footbeds, It is recommend to wear them for only a few hours a day until your feet are used to the support. Over time your foot will be imprinted in the foot bed making them some of the most comfortable shoes ever.

Shop Our Selection of Birkenstock »

If you have any other question, concerns or comments we would love to hear from you!

You can always reach us through the Shoolu Support Center or shoot us a message on Twitter or Instagram.

We picked 5 easy to make recipes for you to try at home this summer!

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for your family, we’re sure you will enjoy these recipes. We’ve included the ingredients as well as instructions on how to make each one.

Let us know which one YOU tried and what you thought about it!

Let’s get cookin!

Caesar Chicken Pasta Salad

Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (any shape you like.)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 1 to 2 large hearts Romaine lettuce, rinsed, dried then chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup seasoned croutons
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• For dressing: Use your favorite Caesar salad
• OR use this Homemade Caesar Dressing recipe below:
• 1 cup light mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• juice of 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoons anchovy paste
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. FOR HOMEMADE DRESSING: Whisk together all of the dressing ingredients. Cover and chill in fridge until ready to use.
2. FOR SALAD:
3. Boil pasta in a large pot of water until al dente. Drain water and rinse noodles under cold water to cool.
4. In a large serving bowl combine cooked chicken, tomatoes and cooled pasta. Chill until ready to serve. When ready- add the romaine lettuce, croutons and as much or little Caesar dressing you prefer to bowl. Gently stir to combine everything. Top with Parmesan cheese. 
5. Serve and enjoy!

Source: Life In The Lofthouse

Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds

Serves: 2-4

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized zucchini
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic salt & freshly ground black pepper (Optional)

Instructions

1. Place oven rack in center position of oven. Preheat to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil (lightly misted with cooking spray) OR parchment paper.
2. Wash and dry zucchini, and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices.
3. Arrange zucchini rounds on prepared pan, with little to no space between them. (If desired, lightly sprinkle zucchini with garlic salt and freshly ground black pepper.)
4. Use a small spoon to spread a thin layer of Parmesan cheese on each slice of zucchini.
5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until Parmesan turns a light golden brown. (Watch these closely the first time you make them and pull them out of the oven early if the Parmesan is golden before 15 minutes!)
6. Serve immediately.

Source: Complete Recipies

Chicken And Rice Stuffed Peppers

Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 6 Bell peppers, tops sliced off
• 3 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 lb, chicken breast, chopped
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tbsps cooking oil
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup mozzarella, shredded

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Pour 1 cup of water into a 2 quart glass baking dish.
3. Into the baking dish, arrange the six bell peppers so that they are standing. The peppers should be sitting in the water. Set the baking dish aside while you prepare the filling.
4. In a large frying pan for skillet, heat the cooking oil on medium heat.
5. Add the onions and mushrooms to the pan along with the salt. Stir this around and cook for about 5 minutes or until everything is softened in the onions begin to look translucent.
6. Add the garlic to the pan and give it a stir to combine with the onions and mushrooms.
7. To the pan, add the pepper, smoked paprika and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine well.
8. Allow this to cook for five minutes more and then add the chicken to the pan.
9. Allow the chicken to cook and brown up in the pan with the other ingredients for about five minutes, while stirring a couple times.
10. Next add the chicken stock and the tomato sauce. Combine well with the ingredients of the pan.
11. Turn down the heat and add the cooked brown rice to the pan. Stir everything together and allow simmering, and then reduce for about 10 minutes.
12. Fill each pepper a little more than 3/4 full using the rice and chicken mixture.
13. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place into the oven to bake for 45- 60 minutes. Make sure that the foil makes a tight seal so that the peppers cook properly.
14. Once the peppers have finished cooking, remove them from the oven and sprinkle mozzarella over each.
15. Place the peppers back into the oven uncovered and turn on the broiler setting. Broil for about 5 minutes to melt the cheese. Cheese should bubble up a bit and get a little golden color.

Source: Dishes & Dust Bunnies

Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of Italian bread
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (see note)

  1 cup and 1/2 shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Cut the bread lengthwise and place both parts face up on the sheet.
4. Brush both pieces with melted butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder.
5. Cover with a piece of aluminum foil and place in the oven.
6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
7. Uncover bread. Top with cheese.
8. Place bread back in the oven for 2 to 4 more minutes, to melt the cheese. (see note)
9. Remove from the oven and place on a cutting board. Let cool for few minutes.
10. Slice and serve.

Source: Crunchy Creamy Sweet

5 Ingredient Broccoli Soup

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups chopped broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
• ½ small onion, diced
• 15 oz can evaporated milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and Pepper To Taste

Instructions

1. In a large stockpot - place chicken stock - onion and healthy amount of salt and pepper over medium heat - add broccoli - and cook for 15 minutes
2. Stir in cheese and milk and cook at lower heat for 15 minutes
3. Serve and Enjoy

Source: Budget Savvy Diva

ENJOY!

Be sure to tag us on Instagram or Twitter if you make any of these! We'd love to hear from you.

Aerosoles Have Fun

1 - The Aerosoles Have Fun slip on shoe is perfect for spring! Not too hot, not too cold. These cute shoes have a soft fabric upper and Core Comfort features a soothing memory foam foot bed for total comfort. They retail for $69.00 but are on sale now for $44.90. What a deal!!

Pair these with skinny jeans and a cotton top for a perfect day outside!

Shop Aerosoles Have Fun

Earth Sugar

2 – Earth Shoes are known for their amazing support and versatile styles. Lots of amazing spring ready styles for everyone. The Earth Sugar flat is perfect for a walk in the park or getting a coffee in the afternoon. They feature soft suede upper, perforated details for a cute spring time look. These are only $59.90!

Pair these with some shorts and springy top for an afternoon with the girls.

Shop Earth Sugar

OTZ Espadrille

3 - OTZs are perfect for after yoga, or for “no plans” daytime relaxing. Not only are they super lightweight, But they offer incredible support. They have a canvas upper and a cork sole. These come in many different colors and are now on sale for $39.90! Can’t beat that!

Pair these with your favorite leggings, your favorite comfy top and put that hair up! You deserve it!

Shop OTZ Espadrille

Dansko Delphina

4 – Wanting to show a little toe, but ready for sandals yet? Try the Dansko Delphina Peep Toe Bootie! This beautiful shoe has a very soft nubuck upper and features a 3 ¼” heel with a ¾” platform. This boot also has an inside zipper (YES!) for easy on/off. The best thing about this? They are so versatile!

Dress these up with your favorite spring dress, or down with a flowy top and some skinny jeans! Perfect for a day and night out! Now $129.90!

Shop Dansko Delphina

Find each of these products on sale now at www.shoolu.com and get your spring on!

Need to polish your dress shoes but don't have 15 - 25 minutes for a full polish? Luckily we found a quick one-minute technique to shine shoes that will get your shoes shined and you out the door.

Antonio Centeno of RealMenRealStyle.com details a quick and easy way to shine your shoes. All you need is polish that matches your shoe's color, a horsehair brush, and a soft rag or old t-shirt. Watch the video above or click the link below to get more detailed instructions!

Check out our selection of Dress Shoes: Men's | Women's

The Summary

Essentially you just apply the wax in small circles with your rag to a dust free shoe. Then you do the other shoe while the first one dries. Once you're finished with the second shoe, brush the excess polish off the first shoe and then do the same on the other shoe.

How To Polish Your Shoes When You're In A Hurry | The One-Minute Shoe Shine - RealMenRealStyle.com

Trick or Treating is no fun if your feet start to hurt two houses in. Check out our currated collection of comfortable walking shoes  here.

Stay Where You Know

Nothing ruins a great night of tricks and treats like losing your child. Make sure to stay in neighborhoods you and your kids are familiar with. Consider planning a route ahead of time so you don’t end up to far away from your house

Stick Together

Have your kids invite their friends to come out with your family. There’s safety in numbers but make sure you get a headcount before you leave. Check often to make sure you didn’t leave anybody behind!

Proper Fitting Costumes

If your kids costume is too long, you run the risk of them tripping and hurting themselves. Make sure their costumes aren't too long and hem any problematic areas.

Shine in the Dark

Make sure to apply some sort of reflective tape to your kids costumes so they are easily visible in the dark. Carry a flashlight and avoid particularly dark areas.

Use Flexible Props

Try to avoid costumes with weapons, but what would a pirate be without a sword? If the prop is what makes the costume, use foam or soft plastic to avoid any accidental injuries.

Check Your Kid's Candy

When sorting through candy at the end of the night, be sure to throw away any candy that is not in its original wrapper, or looks as though it has been opened.

Have Fun!

Halloween is about getting scared (safely) and enjoying some delicious candy!

While they're no hoverboard, everyone wanted to get their hands on these self lacing shoes in 1989 and Nike just made that a reality. Meet the Nike HypderAdapt 1.0:

The shoes have a sensor inside the insole so when you step in the shoes, they tighten down around your feet. On the back of the shoe it has two buttons that allow you to adjust the tension as you go through your day. Shoes to tight? It takes just about two seconds to get the correct pressure around your foot! 

The first generation of the HyperAdapt 1.0 will be available in the U.S. at select Nike retail locations. Appointments to experience and purchase the product begin November 28. In the meantime, check out our selection of Nike's!

Women's Boots

These boots are made for walking around the office. Both offer a slight heel, and incredible arch support. You'll feel like you're walking on clouds all day long.

Shop Women's Boots

Women's Flats

For a more comfortable and casual look, go with a pair of these Blustery Flats by Nine West. We have them in several different colors to go with every outfit!

Shop Women's Flats

Men's Dress Shoes

You'll be the talk of the water cooler when you're rocking a pair of these dress shoes. Stylish and comfortable!

Shop Men's Dress Shoes

Men's Loafers

Want to be comfortable but hate tying your shoes? These loafers from FRYE are amazing on your feet. They are clean and comfortable, yet still professional.

Shop Men's Loafers

It shouldn't be hard to shop for shoes, and here at Shoolu we're doing our best to simplify the process. We offer free exchanges, so you can shop without the hassle of ordering the wrong size.

Men's Loafers

Whether you're lounging around at the house or going out for a night with the buddies, these casual loafers will be comfortable.

Shop Men's Loafers

Men's Slippers

As the weather begins to turn, the floors in your house can start to get just as cold as the Arctic Tundra. Instead of cranking up the heat, throw on a pair of these comfy slippers and save both your feet and your utility bill.

Shop Men's Slippers

Women's Boots

There's more to UGGs than just the Classic boot. For a more professional look the Lula Mae provides a nostalgic nod to classic New Orleans style. The Bailey Bow Boot is a new twist on the Classic that’s sure to look good with any outfit.

Shop Women's Boots

Women's Slippers

Slippers are great. You just slip them on, and go. No more fussing with shoe laces or pesky straps. Just surround your foot with the comfortable sheepskin insole, and you’re ready to tackle any tasks, in or outside your house!

Shop Women's Slippers

It shouldn't be hard to shop for shoes, and here at Shoolu we're doing our best to simplify the process. We offer free exchanges, so you can shop without the hassle of ordering the wrong size.