Do you prefer comfort over durability? Then you should get a pair of the traditional and famous Clarks Desert Boots. But if you are in favor of durability more than comfort, then you should go for the Bushacre Boots.
Clarks Desert Boots
Clarks Desert boots are undoubtedly one of the most iconic Chukka boots in the world. Nathan Clark created this remarkable boot back in 1950. However, people still use this boot due to its iconic style and versatility. Many boot lovers take pride in owning a pair of Desert Boots.
Leather
Although the boot was originally made in suede, now it is available in leather as well. They use pull-up leather for this boot, which is infused with a lot of oils and waxes. This helps the boot become quite flexible.
As it is made of pull-up leather, it does not tend to get creases that easily. Additionally, the leather gets lighter at the places where the boot bends. A lot of people prefer this distinct characteristic.
Sole
Desert Boots are manufactured with crepe soles. These are unrefined and coagulated latex soles which are quite squishy. Every regular boot wearer prefers a comfortable and easy on the feet type of boot, don’t they? Well, this crepe sole will certainly give you the comfort and softness that you desire.
However, the crepe sole wears out much faster. Also, rubbing or hitting on a hard or uneven surface can chip away little chunks of the sole. Therefore, it can not be classified as much durable. But it can last a long time if it is taken care of properly and mindfully.
Break-in Period
Let us admit it, breaking in a new pair of boots is really annoying and often painful. Luckily, the break-in period of Desert Boots is really short and sometimes there is no need for it at all! The flexible leather, soft crepe sole, squishy texture of the boot, all favors in a quick break-in.
Weather
The Desert Boots give a top-notch performance during the summer season. But the crepe sole is not suitable for wet or snowy surfaces. Moreover, the crepe sole is most likely to get harder in colder weather which can cause cold feet and pain. Furthermore, these boots are not water-resistant as well.
Clarks Bushacre Boots
The reason why Bushacre boots almost look like replicas of Desert boots is that Desert boots are actually the precursors of them. Almost all the features are identical except a few. Nevertheless, both of them are the two most popular and important products of Clarks.
Leather
Bushacre Boots and Desert Boots share the same kind of leather. So, features of pull-up leather, like flexibility, ability to creaseless are prominently noticed in the Bushacre Boots as well.
Additionally, another important attribute of pull-up leather is that they do not require much maintenance. As the leather is filled with oils and waxes, it kind of self-conditions itself. Therefore, using them carefully is all you need to do.
Sole
This is where Bushacre and Desert Boots mainly differ. Bushacre boots contain rubber soles which are quite different than crepe soles. Comparatively, it is rather hard and non-squishy.
Because of the hard texture of the sole, Bushacre is a more viable option for conducting heavy-duty works. Consequently, they do not break or damage on uneven hard surfaces. On the contrary, as the sole is made of hard rubber, it can get quite difficult to get used to the sole or to wear the boot for a longer period.
Break-in Period
Due to the hard rubber sole, it can take a little time to break in Bushacre boots. However, it does not take a long time or effort to do so. It can get used to the feet in a couple of days of wearing.
Weather
Unlike the Desert Boots, Bushacre Boots do come with a non-slip grip trait. Nonetheless, it is still not enough to withstand constant rain or cold. Bushacre Boots might give a better performance in rain and snow than Desert Boots but the sole is still not adequate for protecting the toes.
Clarks Bushacre vs Desert Boots
As you have seen that both of them share quite a lot of common features. The Bushacre Boots were introduced as the answer to all the complaints of Desert Boots. So, they can be called a modified version of the good old versatile Desert Boots.
| Bushacre Boots | Desert Boots |
| Contain hard rubber soles | Contain crepe soles |
| The sole tends to get less dirty and does not attach to small fabric | The sole being porous absorbs a lot of dirt and can get attached to small fabric |
| Feature cushioned insoles | Feature shock-absorbing footbed |
| Takes a while to break in into the hard sole | Takes little to no time to break-in |
| Easier to clean and also due to the dark sole less dirt is visible | Harder to clean the sucked-up dirt and dust and the cream-colored sole displays more dirt |
| More durable due to rubber sole | Comparatively less durable |
Cleaning Crepe Soles
Crepe soles unquestionably provide the utmost comfort and coziness to the feet due to their soft and squishy nature. But as the unrefined rubber contains a lot of pores, it is prone to absorbing a lot of dirt. Therefore, cleaning a crepe sole is a hectic job and you will never be able to clean them back to their original state.
However, to make it look as decent as possible you need to brush the sole with a soft-bristle brush. By doing this you will be able to get off big clumps of dirt.
Mild Detergent and Hard Soap
You need to mix a mild detergent with warm water and then use a sponge to gently rub it on the crepe sole. Be careful not to wet the leather as it can cause damage to the quality.
Besides, you can use hard or curd soap to clean the crepe as well. Wet the sole with warm water then scrub the dirt with soap on a brush.
Clarks Bushacre Boot 2
Clarks Bushacre Boot 2 is a very popular and renowned boot of Clarks brand and it has its reasons to be so. From a perspective of the price range, this boot provides more comfort and facilities than most other boots of the same range. Some features of this boot are:
- Available in leather and suede
- Vulcanized rubber sole
- Comfortable cushioned insole
- Absence of shank or arch support
- Stitch-down construction
FAQ
Q: Are Clarks Desert Boots good quality?
Ans: Yes, Clarks Desert Boots are of really good quality in terms of their price and feature. They can last a long time if proper care is taken.
Q: Are Clarks Desert Boots good for winter?
Ans: Unfortunately, Clarks Desert Boots cannot handle cold weather and snow. The crepe sole tends to get hard. Moreover, as it is made of thin leather, it is not suitable for winter.
Conclusion
It all really comes down to your preference. But keep in mind that Bushacre Boots have a harder sole. So, if you are someone who suffers from knee problems or cannot tolerate toe aches, then you should consider Desert Boots. They will provide you the comfort that you require.
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