20 Best Chelsea Boots (Review) In 2021

How Do We Choose Our Selection Of Chelsea Boots

Our comprehensive product review guides contain a carefully curated and hand-picked cross section of Chelsea boots from a wide range of brands to meet all budgetary requirements. We focus on quality rather than price but of course appreciate that cost can be an important factor in the decision-making process, so our selections try to accommodate low, mid as well as higher price points. We very carefully review and analyze customer feedback and honest consumer appraisals about what they love and loathe about the Chelsea Boots on offer to narrow down our final product recommendations. We aim to include a representative range of brands from the genre, traditional and more contemporary designs as well as various options when it comes to color, material, and construction. If you are ready to upgrade your wardrobe and are seriously considering investing a new pair of men’s Chelsea Boots, then we’re confident the perfect pair for you will be featured in today’s round-up.

Features To Look For In Chelsea Boots

Before you go all guns blazing, diving in to spend your hard earned cash on a pair of shiny new leather or suede shoes, there are a couple of essential features to keep in mind that will help you to make the right decision and not one which you might live to regret. In no particular order, we recommend that you first consider the following.

Material - You are mainly going to have the choice here of either leather or suede or a man-made synthetic option if you are on a budget. Suede does have that more luxurious look and feel and is great for evening wear and also drier weather conditions and environments. If you do opt for suede, then be prepared to carry out some regular maintenance, especially if you are wearing in wet and dirty conditions. Leather is a great all season option and particularly practical in colder and wetter conditions, however, make sure you do invest in sound quality and highly durable leather otherwise you will constantly be having to get your leather ankle boots repaired re-soled and re-healed.

Color - Black is the most popular and traditional color when it comes to men’s footwear generally and is certainly a dependable and versatile choice for a Chelsea boot as it lends itself to so many other outfit colors and styles. From a suit to jeans, and everything else in between, you can’t really go wrong with black. However, if you are experimental with your fashion, already have plenty of black boots and want something more refreshing to uplift your wardrobe or have the budget to purchase multiple pairs, there are plenty of options. Go for brown, burgundy, Elvis’s favorite blue suede, or for one of the increasingly popular exotic animal leathers.

Fit - When it comes to Chelsea Boots, mainly because they don’t have a tight fitting lace system which you can easily adjust, the fit is everything. A Chelsea boot is designed to be close fitting with the flexibility supplied from that side panel so make sure you opt for a pair that fit nice and snug, yes, but that isn’t overly tight. If you go too small and end up with pinched toes and blisters on your ankles, it doesn’t matter how much you paid for your leather boots or how in the fashion they might be, chances are they’ll just get chucked to the back of your wardrobe alongside the other fashion faux-pas you’ve made.

Sole - Of course, pretty much all footwear comes with a sole of some description or other. With a Chelsea boot, your best bet concerning both durability and how it lends itself better stylistically to the overall design aesthetic of this type of men’s footwear is to go for a leather sole.

Comfort - The last word is always reserved for comfort when it comes to footwear! You may well fancy a pair of shiny patent leather, pointed toe boots with a bit of a Cuban heel! Ask yourself through if you really want to try and squeeze your feet into them just because they’re currently all the rage when you know that they are going to cripple you later! A good old fashioned pair of Chelsea boots will always stand the test of time so you can afford to play it safe, keep it simple, opt for something traditional yet still stylish and above all, that slips on comfortably, and you are happy to be seen in and to wear all day long.

The History Of Chelsea Boots

The first iteration of the Chelsea Boot was credited to the shoemaker to the royal court of Queen Victoria and a gentleman by the name of J Sparkes-Hall. Apparently, the Queen was a big fan and was frequently seen out walking in her version of the Chelsea Boot. They are also popularised by horse rider as well as walkers of the time. It wasn’t until an American by the name of Charles Goodyear got his hands on this classic invention that it really began to take shape and form into the famous and recognizable footwear of today. He’s credited with creating the vulcanized rubber process that when into the invention of the elastic gusset and by the 1940s this trend in shoe design was becoming increasingly popular. It enjoyed a further resurgence with the onset of World War One and more recently, in the 1950s and 1960s of what was very much Swinging London, the show of choice for the residents of Chelsea and in particular those frequenting the famous Kings Road. That’s when the name Chelsea stuck and became from thereon in associated with this elasticated side gusset boot.

How To Combine Chelsea Boots

There’s no wrong way really to style your Chelsea Boots. One of the enormous advantages of this fabulous footwear is just how versatile and wearable it really is. Whether you are keeping it classic in black or going for something slightly more contemporary in a quality leather or suede perhaps in a chic burgundy or a tan, they’re the perfect boot to team with everything from a sharply tailored suit, to fitted yet casual chinos with a sports blazer or even with your dark denims. Pick up a dark brown pair, and you can experiment with tweed and other dandy types of fabrics. Don’t be afraid to own and rock your unique individuality. While a Chelsea Boots is a functional, friendly and practical piece of footwear, there’s no need to go all stiff and formal. Streamlined, stylish and straightforward works a treat but if you have the personality to carry off something more outlandish, just go for it. With a boot as forgiving as the Chelsea Boot, you wear them your way.

How To Clean And Care For Your Chelsea Boots

It’s not just cleaning your Chelsea boots which is essential. You need to give them plenty of general TLC if you want to keep them looking in tip-top condition. That’s even more critical if you have opted for a more luxurious but less durable suede pair. Besides wanting them to look good (and clean) you also want your investment to last too, so it pays to take good care of your boots so they can take good care of your feet! We have a couple of top tips to help you out on that score.

1. When you are not wearing your boots, it’s a sensible idea to purchase a boot tree to help maintain the integrity of the interior leather and insoles and to keep the boots in their original shape. Don’t just toss your shoes to one side, leave them out on the floor or worse still, store them in plastic bags! If you do, the lack of air might cause them to go moldy
2. Unless you are specifically drying out a pair of wet boots by a radiator, don’t be tempted to leave them close to a heat source for any length of time. Too much heat can, unfortunately, cause the leather to warp, crack and go brittle.
3. If they’re the kind of boots that you only ever wear in the winter, after which they get stored away, make sure that you give them a thorough clean before you pack them away for an extended period. Take care to remove any salt, chemicals or dirt that would eat away and deteriorate the quality of your boots over time.
4. If you’ve gone for a pair of suede Chelsea boots, these both require a different approach to storing and cleaning. They need to be kept in a cool place and not exposed to direct sunlight which can fade the color of the suede. Any humidity and dampness can lead to mildew so make sure that they are clean and dry before you store them. Use a high-quality bristle shoe brush and a specialist suede cleaning product. Don’t use water when you’re cleaning your suede boots as it will damage the texture and surface of the shoes. It’s a good idea to use a suede protective spray after cleaning your suede boots and also before you first wear them to protect them from water damage.
5. When it comes specifically to cleaning your leather Chelsea boots, use a soft brush as a harder one might scratch the leather. For any stubborn dirt or debris, you can also use a damp sponge or cloth with a soapy water mixture or even a capful of vinegar. Give them a quick wipe before polishing, or you could buy a specific leather cleaner. Make sure you look after your leather Chelsea boots with pride and regularly polish them. There’s nothing more stylish than a shiny pair of well maintained and cared for boots.

Chelsea Boots FAQ

Q: What are Chelsea Boots?

A: You don’t need to be a dedicated follower of fashion to know what a Chelsea boot is these days. It’s one of those iconic pieces of gentleman’s everyday footwear that has cut through into the mainstream thanks to a host of famous devotees from rock royalty to actual royalty, and no, we don’t mean Kanye West although he is partial to a pair as it goes. Even if you don’t have your finger well and truly on the fashion pulse, it doesn’t take a college degree to guess the origins of the Chelsea Boot. We discussed the history of this elegant and supremely wearable boot earlier, and yes, it does indeed have a foot in the London borough of Chelsea, dating back to Queen Victoria no less.

What we today recognize as the typical Chelsea Boot with its characteristic traits, was down to an American though who patented a process that could vulcanize rubber to create the Chelsea’s boots instantly detectable shape and form. By that, what we are cleverly referring to is that distinctive elasticated side design that all Chelsea Boots must feature and which provides this boot, instead to laces or buckles, with the ease of pulling on and off your foot. Besides that, a Chelsea Boot will be ankle length, typically have a low heel and a round toe and be for the most part principally made from some type of leather. Popularised by the Mods of Great Britain on their scooters, it’s a classic piece of footwear that has always work well with a stylish suit and is as chic today as it was back when Mick Jagger and the Beatles were bowling around town in theirs!

Q: How do Chelsea Boots fit?

A: The Chelsea Boot is designed to be a close-fitting but comfortable ankle boot, hence the elasticated sides panels which enable these boots to be easily pulled on and off. They’ll usually also have a loop or fabric tab on the back which makes donning and doffing even more effortless! Suitable for both men and women, they’re a comfortable fit and ideal for everyday wear.  The flexibility of this shoe actually comes from that elasticated side panel rather than from the instep, so it’s essential that you pick the correct fitting pair. We highly recommend you so that my first trying them on rather than just guessing and trusting that the standard size shoe chart will suffice. That’s especially true the higher the price label and the more expensive the leather used in their construction.

Q: What is the difference between Chelsea Boots and Chukka Boots?

A: The Chelsea and the Chukka! Two stylish and popular boots for men but where do they originate from, how are they different and what’s the best way of styling them? We’ve already done some researching into the Chelsea so let’s start with the Chukka which is thought to have derived its name and its style from the game of polo. We’re not sure whether the players wore them on or off their horses, but they became more popular in World War a variation of the Chukka was the chosen footwear for desert-based soldiers. It should come as little surprise then that this boot is commonly also referred to as the desert boot. It’s remained, just like the Chelsea, a favorite boot for men, suitable for both casual and smart occasions.

Regarding how it differentiates from the Chelsea there is one pronounced variation. They may both be ankle boots with a classic plain toe design, but the Chelsea is a slip on whereas the Chukka has eyelets and laces. Generally speaking, you will also find a Chelsea is predominantly made from leather whereas a Chukka is popular in calfskin and suede.

Q: Leather vs. Suede?

A: Generally speaking, leather is used because it tends to be harder wearing as well as easier to take care of, but suede can look really luxe and is excellent in lighter colors for the spring and summer seasons. Leather is durable and versatile and weatherproof too. You can definitely wear leather in far more varying weather conditions than you can a suede boot without fear of damaging it. In either instance, regardless of which material you end up going for, proper maintenance, care, and cleaning program will be required to keep your boots in optimum condition. Leather, of course, needs to be regularly polished whereas with suede, you are going to need a good solid brush and cleaner plus a bit more time dedicated to the pursuit of keeping your new boots in immaculate condition.

Sources:

1. Chukka vs Chelsea – Know your boots this autumn - The British Gent
2. How to Wear Chelsea Boots (and What to Look For When You Buy Them) - Complex