Shoes and sneakers
Chelsea boots and chukkas in a hot climate
By sneakersInn team · Updated
Chelsea boots and chukka boots can work in Ghana, but choose your moments: cooler harmattan mornings, the rainy season, air-conditioned evening events and travel to colder places. Pick suede or thin leather, wear breathable socks, and pair them with slim or straight trousers that sit on top of the boot.
| Boot | What it looks like | Wear it with | Best time in Accra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea | Ankle boot with elastic side panels, no laces | Slim jeans, tailored trousers, suits | Evenings, rainy season |
| Chukka | Ankle boot with two or three eyelets | Chinos, jeans | Harmattan, smart casual |
| Desert boot | Chukka with a crepe rubber sole | Chinos, jeans, overshirts | Casual, dry days |
Why do boots feel hot in Accra?
They cover the ankle and trap heat and sweat. Average highs stay around 31°C for most of the year (climate of Accra), so boots are a sometimes shoe here, not an everyday one.
When are boots a good choice?
- Rainy season: leather Chelsea boots with rubber soles keep feet drier. See rainy season shoes.
- Harmattan mornings: cooler and drier. See harmattan style.
- Evening events indoors, with a slim suit or dark trousers.
- Travel to colder countries.
What should I wear with them?
Trousers that are slim or straight at the ankle and end on top of the boot with no break. Wide trousers hide boots; cropped trousers show the elastic. A Chelsea boot with a slim suit is a sharp evening look.
Suede or leather?
Suede is softer and more breathable, best for dry days. Leather copes with rain. See suede vs leather sneakers for care.
How do I keep cool in boots?
Wear thin merino or cotton blend socks, take them off when you get home so they dry, and rotate with sneakers and loafers.
Questions
Are boots formal?
Plain black leather Chelsea boots are smart enough with a slim suit at evening events. Chukkas are smart casual.
Can I wear boots with shorts?
Usually not; it looks heavy.
What about high-top sneakers?
See low-top vs high-top sneakers and the only shoe guide a man needs.