I went into this product review not knowing a whole lot about Bogs boots. But I’m glad they offered to let me test their footwear, because now I’m hooked. With fall in full swing and winter closing in, Northern Michigan becomes the perfect location for the Johnny Chukka II’s. The months of October and November bring a wide range of possible weather conditions in my neck of the woods. We’ve already experienced an unusually warm sunny stretch in October and expect it to start snowing in the next few weeks. Selecting the correct footwear can be a challenge.
Founded in 2002 in Eugene, Oregon, Bogs is no stranger to inclement weather. Although they started with a more utilitarian line of rubber work boots, I’m focusing on their casual line of leather boots introduced in 2014. The Johnny Chukka II is a 21st century remake of the Chukka boots, popular from 1940 to the 1960’s. Constructed with a 100% waterproof seam sealed leather upper, the Johnny Chukka II’s are right at home in less than ideal weather conditions. As soon as I put these boots on my feet, I knew I would be wearing them quite often. The un-lined suede uppers offer a soft, broken-in feel. Additionally, Bogs lines the interior of the boot with a material called Durafresh. An Earth-friendly bio-technology that activates to fight unwanted odors. Saving you from that funky smell, common after a long day in leather boots.
However, the soul of any boot is its sole. The Johnny Chukka II features a conventional “work boot” rubber lugged sole. But the suppleness of the rubber is what sets it apart from the competition in my opinion. Because these boots are considered casual boots, Bogs can get away from the stiff rubber compounds used in 100% work boots. As a General Contractor, I’ve spent a day or two in conventional work boots. And my feet have paid the price. The Johnny Chukka’s further enhance comfort by adding an 1/8″ of memory foam attached to the bottom of the boot under the insole. Adding to the all day comfort these boots provide. The Johnny Chukka II’s are a perfect compromise between form and function.
Johnny Chukka II features courtesy of bogsfootwear.com
- Waterproof, seam sealed full-grain leather
- Rebound technology in outsole provies lasting comfort.
- Lined with DuraFresh bio-technology that activates to fight odors
- Bogs Max-Wick moves sweat away from your foot to keep you dry
- Soft leather footbed with dual density EVA and gel cushioning
- BioGrip slip-resistant lugged outsole
- MSRP $155
Final thoughts: If you haven’t had the chance to try on a pair of Bogs footwear, I suggest you find a local retailer. The high quality of material and craftsmanship is very obvious in the construction of these boots. And although I’ve only owned these boots for a short time, I’m confident they will stand the test of time. Besides, Bogs stands behind their product with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. So take a minute and scope out the Bogs website. With a wide range of wet weather, work and casual boots, I’m sure you’ll find a boot that works for you. For me? I’m off to test the true waterproofness of these leather Chukka’s in the months to come.
