The Desert Boot…. boots that were made popular by Clarks has no doubt been a go-to shoe for fans of desert boots.
And the Desert Boot has been so popular that many other companies have created their own (expensive or inexpensive) version of the desert boot including clothing and accessories retailers like Banana Republic.
Banana Republic was founded in 1978 by Mel and Patricia Ziegler was bought by The Gap, Inc. in 1983. And has since become the company’s mainstream luxury clothing retailer and has over 600 stores worldwide.
Banana Republic’s F1 Desert Boot features 100% leather upper that is soft and flexible. While the lining, sock and sole are made of other materials.
The leather lining wicks away moisture and the Advanced Comfort Technology insoles include shock absorption in the heel, arch support and breathable flex on the toe pads.
The shoe features a rubber outsole for maximum flexibility, reduced shock and better traction.
The boots are made in China.
For the most part, shoes are fit to size, whereas ordering Clark boots are something one will want to try on as ordering them online may yield different results as many feel they are one full size or half size longer or shorter. So, Clarks are recommended if you can try them on first.
But with Banana Republic, my size 11’s are indeed size 11.
As for the insoles, they are fine but I didn’t notice anything spectacular to make me feel the insoles were anything special.
The shoes are stitched and are held down tightly, while the rubber outsole was good but wish there was more than a flat, smooth sole to provide for even better traction.
For the price, while they often go for nearly $100, you can find Banana Republic Desert Boots around $50 on sale and much less with a coupon (code).
While the Clarks Desert Boots feature a crepe outsole and foam footbed, for the name and quality, you are going to spend much more for a Clarks Desert Boot (around $130), while you can find suede Clark Bushacre 2 leather or suede boots on sale once in awhile.
While the J. Crew Macalister Desert Boots feature Italian suede upper and are made in Italy, thus they cost a bit more.
H&M Desert Boots are made of imitation suede and are 100% polyester. They cost $49.95 and are another cheaper alternative.
But I do recommend the Banana Republic Desert Boots if you can get them on sale for under $50.
The Desert Boots are on sale at Banana Republic stores (ala YMMV), but online, it’s the Philip Boots that are currently being sold on the Website.
Knowing that the Banana Republic sales happen frequently, online or at the store, definitely snatch these desert boots when they are on sale.
