For an item of dress to be both rock ‘n’ roll and routinely worn by Australian farmers may seem paradoxical, but it’s something the Chelsea boot has been managing for generations. These elasticated leathery workhorses are as versatile as they are visually appealing – something that has earned them a well-deserved spot in the footwear hall of fame.
An ally to tailoring and a fail-safe accompaniment to your weekend wardrobe, the Chelsea boot is a genuine all-rounder and a must-have in every stylish gent’s arsenal. Here, we explore everything from its rich heritage to where to purchase the perfect pair.
What Are Chelsea Boots?
Myrqvist
You may already be well versed on the intricacies of different boot styles, but assuming you’re not, allow us to fill you in: a Chelsea boot is, on a fundamental level, any ankle-high leather boot with elasticated panels at either side to aid putting it on and taking it off.
The style was first created by Queen Victoria’s shoemaker, J Sparks-Hall, who claimed that “She (Queen Victoria) walks in them daily and thus gives the strongest proof of the value she attaches to the invention”. It soon became popular for horse riding and walking, and robust versions featuring thick rubber soles and even steel toe caps started to make their way into workwear.
Fast forward to the 1950s and 1960s and the boots became highly fashionable on the back of the Swinging London scene. It’s thought that their association with the city, and in particular the King’s Road in Chelsea and Fulham, is how they got their name.
How To Style Chelsea Boots
Aside from their stripped-back, stylish looks, the greatest thing about Chelsea boots is their versatility. This is footwear a man can wear at work, play and everywhere else in between.
Office
It doesn’t matter whether your work dress code requires you to don a suit or simply a T-shirt and jeans, a pair of Chelsea boots will add a touch of flair. For corporate offices, opt for a sleek leather pair and match the colour to your suit (a navy suit with brown Chelsea boots and a grey suit with black Chelsea boots, for example).
It’s also important to make sure your trousers break in the right place. The hem should sit just above the ankle without revealing the top of the boot. For a more relaxed business casual look, try teaming brown suede Chelseas with black denim and a flannel shirt.
Party
Whether it’s a cocktail party, wedding or a big date, this elegant footwear option will see you right. For an outfit that works for all the aforementioned occasions and more, try an eye-catching suit or contrasting trouser and blazer separates with a tonal roll neck and leather Chelsea boots.
Casual
The Chelsea boot is a casual shoe first and foremost, making it a great choice for everyday wear. A reliable companion to everything from selvedge jeans to chinos, it can easily be dressed up or down based on the day’s activities.
For a foolproof look that requires almost no thought, pair dark wash jeans with a classic white T-shirt and suede jacket or overshirt. If you’re looking for something smarter, try cotton twill khakis with an Oxford button-down and lightweight sweater, finished with a blazer or leather motorcycle jacket.
The Best Brands For Chelsea Boots
You know what they are and you’re equipped with the knowledge you need in order to style them. Now allow us to walk you through the best brands for Chelsea boots and why they’re worth giving your money to.
Velasca
Key Style: Magut
If you’re looking for an Italian-made Chelsea Boot with added sprezzatura look no further than the artisanal-minded Velasca. Made from full-grain, smooth calfskin leather with a sturdy and durable vibram rubber soul, the brand’s Magut boot offers an extremely durable yet elegant option for a solid winter Chelsea option.
Buy now at Velasca
Oliver Cabell
Key Style: Chelsea boot
After making its name creating luxe, minimalist sneakers without the usual brand mark-ups, Oliver Cabell moved into more formal footwear styles, and brought the same transparent pricing with it.
The brand’s Chelsea boots take the classic silhouette and craft it with high-quality Italian leathers. Like all the best Chelsea boots, theirs are sleek and sophisticated but have an everyday, highly wearable quality to them.
Buy now at Oliver Cabell
Myrqvist
Key Style: Granhult
Goodyear-welted construction is difficult to come by without a heavy price tag attached. That’s not the case at Stockholm-based Myrqvist. The brand’s Chelsea boots are handcrafted in Portugal and there’s a choice of styles, with some designs coming made from a single piece of leather, while others are winter-ready with a commando sole.
Buy now at Myrqvist
Kleman
Key Style: Tonnant
French brand Klemen brings something rougher and tougher to the Chelsea boot market. Its chunky designs, often sat on a commando sole, sometimes remind us of a work boot. Not all of them, though. Others have dramatically shaped collars and come in faux snakeskin burgundy leather.
In other words, if you’re looking for a Chelsea boot that breaks the mould, this is a fine place to start.
Buy now at Klemen
Common Projects
Key Style: Suede Chelsea
Italian-American luxury footwear label Common Projects may be the last word in premium sneakers, but that’s by no means where the brand’s talents end. Aside from its now-iconic Achilles Low shoe the silhouette for which CP is best known is probably its Chelsea boot.
Expect the finest materials, Italian craftsmanship and trademark gold numbering to the heel. Buy it in suede for an easy-to-wear, everyday option.
Buy now at MR PORTER
Amberjack
Key Style: The Chelsea
Designed in Brooklyn, NY and produced in one of Portugal’s top factories, The Chelsea by American footwear brand Amberjack is arguably the most advanced boot on this list. Crafted using the highest quality leather, sourced from some of the best tanneries in the world (which Amberjack are also partners with), it features heat-activated arch support and laser perforated uppers for all-day comfort, along with a mechanical designed, proprietary outsole that provides support where you need it while guaranteeing longevity.
Available in a selection of versatile colourways, they’ll combine effortlessly with everything in your wardrobe and quickly becoming your go-to shoe.
Buy now at Amberjack
Saint Laurent
Key Style: Wyatt
You can’t have Saint Laurent without boots, and you can’t have boots without Saint Laurent. The French fashion house’s Wyatt silhouette has long been a staple in its collections – sleek, simple and oozing Parisian cool. Best worn with slim black denim and a black leather jacket. Bonus points if they’re all Saint Laurent too.
Buy now at END.
Tricker’s
Key Style: Henry Brogue
Northamptonshire-based shoemaker Tricker’s is a company with serious pedigree. Since 1829, the brand has been the manufacturer of choice for heavy-duty country footwear for England’s estate owners and landed gentry. These aren’t your typical low-profile, slim-fitting Chelsea boots, though. Instead, expect commando soles, brogue detailing and premium touches like Goodyear-welted soles and hand-stitched uppers.
Buy now at Tricker’s
Grenson
Key Style: Declan
Speaking of Goodyear welting, historic British shoemaker Grenson was the first brand to utilise the process. The label, which also hails from Northamptonshire, has since developed a reputation as one of the finest purveyors of footwear. Not just in Britain, either, but the whole world. If you want a pair of Chelsea boots built to stand the test of time, Grenson should be at the very top of your list.
Buy now at Grenson
Clarks Originals
Key Style: Clarkdale Gobi
Clarks Originals is best known for its casual, laid-back silhouettes like the desert boot and the Wallabee. However, its Chelsea boots shouldn’t be sniffed at. With Clarks, you can always rest assured you’re getting the best possible bang for your hard-earned buck. We’re talking unrivalled durability, quality construction and superb, timeless looks. And all for under £100? We challenge you to find a better deal than that.
Buy now at Amazon
R.M. Williams
Key Style: Gardener Whole-Cut
Borrowing its name from its founder, a travelling labourer and bushman who became a millionaire thanks to his leatherwork, Australia’s R.M.Williams is known the world over for producing some of the finest boots money can buy. Its Chelsea boots are no exception, featuring smooth, soft leather upper, sturdy soles and the sort of versatile styling that could take their wearer directly from bush to boardroom.
Buy now at MR PORTER
Dr Martens
Key Style: 2976
Chelsea boots can be stompers too. Just ask the good folk at Dr Martens, who bring the brand’s distinctive DGAF stylings to the traditionally sleeker design. There are a few dozen designs to explore from the classic yellow-stitch style to patterned or even quilted Chelsea boots. To be honest, they’re all great, the chunky dimensions subverting the usually slimmer silhouette. Your black jeans deserve a pair.
Buy now at Farfetch
Crockett & Jones
Key Style: Chelsea VIII
It’s difficult to look past Crockett & Jones in any footwear circle, and its Bonnie boot doesn’t disappoint. A classic silhouette with traditional ‘V’-shaped side elastics, it is made from the finest calf leather or suede and comes complete with City rubber soles for added traction.
Buy now at Pockets
Loake
Key Style: Emsworth
With nearly 150 years of heritage behind it, Loake does contemporary takes on classic footwear. The Chelsea boots are just lovely. Elegant profiles and sublime leathers sit on Goodyear-welted sole units and there are a number of lasts to choose from to make sure you get the perfect fit. Its chestnut-coloured leathers are particularly beautiful.
Buy now at Loake
Celine
Key Style: Hector
What’s a luxury rock n roll brand without an excellent line-up of ankle-high boots? Celine Homme, under the creative direction of Hedi Slimane, brings a mix of punk and glamour to the Chelsea boot. Think pointy toes, Cuban heels, biker embellishments and shiny calfskin leather. All of which look sublime with a pair of skinny black trousers.
Buy now at Celine
Blundstone
Key Style: #500
If you want a rugged Chelsea boot, look no further than Blundstone, an Australian brand that’s been making hard-wearing boots since the 1800s. Its Chelsea styles span the whole spectrum from safety boots to dress boots, but it’s the designs that sit somewhere in the middle that we like the best. Built on strong sole units with shock absorption for extra comfort, the solid design looks great with denim and workwear.
Buy now at Amazon
