Thursday Scout Chukka Review (After 1 Year of Wear)

In this Thursday Boots Scout review, we’re going to take a look at a pair of chukka boots that I’ve owned for over a year.

They were the first pair of non-work boots I’ve worn. I bought these boots with my own money and I’ve worn them frequently in the past year. 

Quick Take

Thursday’s Scout chukka is a fantastic smart casual boot. 

While it doesn’t pass muster for more formal looks, it pairs just as well with jeans and a t-shirt as it does with chinos, a button-up shirt, and a casual tie. 

Construction & Aesthetic

These boots are really well made. I could tell immediately that Thursday uses quality materials. These boots have a stitch-down construction, not a Goodyear welt.

Stitch-down means that extra suede on the upper is folded over and stitched to the midsole and down to the outsole. This construction makes for boots that stand up well against the elements.

I like the way these boots look. Since grey is a neutral color, they work well with both light and dark aesthetics. 

Thursday Scout Sizing

I wear size 10.5 in sneakers and 9.5 or 10 in dress shoes. Some reviewers recommended sizing down a half to a full size for the Scout Chukka. Initially, I ordered size 9.5, but they were too small, so I exchanged them for size 10. The 10s fit well. 

I have noticed that I have to tie them pretty tight so that they aren’t too loose in the ankle.

Thursday Scout Suede

While we’ve written before about Thursday’s Weathersafe Suede here on The Modest Man, my Scout Chukkas in Ash don’t have that feature. This means that they aren’t inherently water-resistant.

I contacted Thursday and they informed me that the Cognac Suede, Mocha, and Safari colorways are made with WeatherSafe Suede. I have no clue why some colorways, such as Ash don’t have this feature. 

However, Thursday’s regular old suede hasn’t really been a problem for me. I’ve worn my Scouts in the rain, and they’ve generally been fine.

While I’ve noticed some occasional minor staining on the suede, it’s been easy to get rid of with a suede brush, suede eraser, or even just dabbing them with a damp towel.

Recently, I’ve begun to apply a water-resistant silicon spray periodically. I’ve been caught out in a heavy downpour and the Scouts, with a silicon spray applied, kept my feet about 80% dry. To be honest, they kept my feet drier than expected, especially since it had been months since I’d last used the spray.

Long-Term Wear & Tear

I’m impressed with how well these boots have held up. In general, I’m hard on shoes and boots, and after a year, I’ve only noticed very minimal wear. 

There has been a little bit of loss of finish on the welt near the toe of the sole. Also, there the suede has “polished” a bit underneath the laces (this is normal). The soles show some wear, but I’m most surprised with how well the heels have held up.

I’ve walked many miles in these boots, and the heels still have months, maybe even another year, left in them. For me, that’s pretty good. 

The soft leather lining is still in great condition. 

There are places with some very minor separation between where the upper is stitched down to the sole, but the damage seems to be only cosmetic (and is hardly noticeable). 

How to Wear the Thursday Scout Chukkas

These boots are easy to style. I’ve even worn them with a suit once or twice. I think they can work with more casual suits, but they’re not ideal — in most cases, they’re a little too casual for that. They’re more at home with chinos, a casual button-up shirt, a casual tie, and a Harrington jacket than they are with a full suit. 

You can wear almost any colored belt with the Scout Chukkas. I usually wear a black belt if I’m wearing dark colors and a medium or light brown belt if I’m wearing lighter colors with these boots. 

Check out our complete guide, “How to Wear the Versatile Suede Chukka Boot” for more ideas. 

My Recommendation

While not ideal for hiking, Thursday Boot Scout chukkas are ok for short to medium-length hikes in easy terrain. If you’re looking for a boot that can easily go from city life to backcountry adventures, I’d recommend the Thursday Explorer boot over the Scout. 

If you’d prefer a suede slip-on boot over a lace-up boot, check out our Thursday Boots Dukes review. 

After a year of owning Thursday’s Scout chukkas, I’d recommend them to guys that are looking for a versatile, casual boot that can be dressed up. Overall, I’ve been impressed with how well these boots have performed. 

Questions? Comments? Leave them below!