The chukka's liminal character, offering a mid-cut profile and slender silhouette between a shoe and a boot, made it an icon of mid-60's cool. The Yuketen Chukka is a modern interpretation of the classic chukka that is rendered from an organic composition of leather, rubber and traditional moccasin construction. The unlined, two-eyelet shoe’s raw character is supported by details such as the hand-stitched heel closure and an intentionally-unfinished leather edge at the ankle. 

Each shoe is hand-stitched in our factory in Maine from full-grain American-tanned leather, the flesh side of which has been preserved and displayed. This 'flesh-out' leather is NOT suede, because it retains the grain side of the leather, providing a thickness, strength, and longevity not found with the latter material. The shoe's upper is hand-punched and hand-sewn with awl, needle, and thread on Yuketen's proprietary last in order to ensure reinforcement. In addition, the base of the vamp is cinched in order to create an integumentary fit.

Full-leather insoles, leather tucks, and steel shank reinforcements increase fitting in the arch and heel as well as lessen foot fatigue by forming a stable bridge between the heel and ball of the individual owner's foot. Our Yuketen signature tucks are also made from 100% vegetable-tanned leather and will naturally accommodate the distinct shape of the wearer.

Yuketen’s signature Boat Sole is made from 100% natural rubber and is stitched directly to the vamp. Razor thin incisions in the outsole (known as 'siping') serve to provide traction by opening where pressure is applied but staying sealed against debris, therefore protecting delicate surfaces against unwanted abrasion.