There is no doubt the Chelsea boot is a perennial favourite. But wait…do not assume that makes the it boring! The joy of a Chelsea boot is that it comes in so many different styles within a single genre to keep it fresh for every season.
The history of the Chelsea boot
The Chelsea boot is steeped in history with Queen Victoria first stepping out in their first iteration. They were designed to meet her needs for comfortable, easy to pull on and off footwear. The Queen’s bootmaker Joseph Sparkes-Hall added vulcanised rubber soles from Charles Goodyear and thought J. Sparkes Hall’s Patent Elastic Ankle Boots would serve as an adequate product name.
Significantly, it was not until the super-cool artsy kids from London’s King’s Road started adopting these boots that the shoemaking industry settled on the name we are all familiar with today.
The Chelsea boot has evolved from the horse-lovers’ favourite footwear and the rockstars’ go-to boot to wear with skinny jeans. These elements are never too far from away from the plethora of choice that we consequently see in today’s modern boot designs.
New Chelsea boots styles
Our newest style – the Guards – has the Mod-ish sleek toe in polished burgundy or black leather. The dedicated followers of fashion of the 1960s would wholeheartedly approve.
Made in England, the Coltham (below) is a more classic style. This model is made from a rain-resistant waxy leather upper. We have had these made exclusively for us in black and brown calf.
Our perennial best-seller is the Wilson Chelsea boot. The Wilson has been made by expert bootmakers, Cheaney, using the finest calf leathers and 11028 last. They have a full leather lining too to make them a premier grade boot. They will work well in the office or on a night out.
To switch it up a bit, we have used an inner zip rather than an elasticated gusset for the Jude. I believe this makes them just that little bit more edgy and definitely more swinging 60s.
For a more casual, everyday look, suede is always a good way to go. Our Chichester style is Blake-stitched so they are more lightweight and flexible from the get-go.
Chelsea boots for women
And for women, we have the Tamara (above. This is a British-made boot, with the choice of suede or calf, that sports a slightly raised heel. For a more horsey vibe, the Jodie’s buckled strap ticks the box while the Giovanna embraces brogue detailing.
The Chelsea boot really is very versatile in terms of the many styles available for you to choose from. But also the circumstances they befit.
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