Chukka Boots 708

The 708 is available in multiple leather options including brown suede, shell cordovan from Horween Leather Company, and reverse calf from Charles F. Stead. Standard versions feature a silver rubber sole and calf leather lining, with pricing starting at $685 for the brown suede configuration.

The 708 features a three-eyelet design with a thin welt that runs close to the upper. Construction follows Goodyear welt principles, where the upper, lining, and welt are sewn to the insole before the outsole is attached through stitching. Some versions employ what Carmina designates as Softwelt construction, where the welt is sewn directly to a cut in the sole, creating a flexible and lightweight structure. This construction method allows the boots to be resoled multiple times over their lifespan.

Quality considerations noted in independent reviews include the potential for the inner edge of the eyelet strip to separate slightly after initial wear. The thin welt profile gives the boots a dressy appearance that may differ from expectations for casual chukka designs.

The Detroit last represents an American-inspired design approach with a slightly squared toe and roomier proportions in both the instep and toe area. Carmina describes the last as providing a comfortable fit, wide at the toe box and defined at the heel. The Detroit ranks among the company's wider last options, though assessments of its width relative to other manufacturers vary across sources.

The last is available in standard EE width as well as an EEE extra-wide configuration. Sizing recommendations from retailers suggest going down a half size from Carmina's Rain and Forest lasts, though individual fit preferences vary. The Detroit last's generous proportions make it comparable to Alden's Barrie last according to some assessments.

The standard brown suede version is mounted on a silver rubber sole and lined with calf leather. The silver sole provides greater texture and thickness than Carmina's York and Tomir sole options, offering weather protection for wet conditions and cobblestone surfaces.

Shell cordovan versions utilize leather from Horween Leather Company in Chicago, available in multiple colors including navy and armagnac. The cordovan undergoes vegetable tanning in pits for approximately 60 days as part of a six-month total process. Some unlined chukka variations use reverse calf from Charles F. Stead tannery, noted for its soft texture and luxurious feel.

The standard 708 in brown suede is priced at $685, including taxes, through Carmina's direct channels. Shell cordovan versions command higher pricing due to the material's labor-intensive production process. The 708 has been produced in exclusive configurations for specific retailers, including a snuff suede version manufactured exclusively for Skoaktiebolaget in Sweden.

The boots are available through Carmina's own retail locations in New York, Paris, Madrid, Singapore, Barcelona, and Palma de Mallorca, as well as through authorized retailers including Gentlemens Footwear. Custom configurations may be available through Carmina's made-to-order program.