Let’s talk about boots, baby. Specifically–Chelsea boots. You’ve undoubtedly seen them before. They're a staple in menswear, if you will, spanning years and ages and personal styles. The Chelsea boot has been a champion of versatility and casual, effortless dressing since—well, maybe not since it’s Victorian-era inception, but definitely since it gained mainstream popularity in 1960s London, where Mod scene-goers realized that function (the boots were created for horseback riding) didn’t require a sacrifice of fashion (it turns out they look just as good with a tailored suit as they do with riding chaps).
Best Affordable Chelsea Boot
New Republic Sonoma Suede Chelsea Boots
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Best Affordable Italian Chelsea Boot
Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots
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Best Classic Chelsea Boot
R.M.Williams Craftsman Leather Chelsea Boots
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Best Burnished Chelsea Boot
Polo Ralph Lauren Bryson Leather Chelsea Boots
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best chunky chelsea boot
Ted Baker Chunky Leather Chelsea Boots
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best all-occasion chelsea boot
Banana Republic Diego Leather Chelsea Boots
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best high-quality chelsea boot
Tecovas Chance Chelsea Boots
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Today’s Chelsea boots haven’t sacrificed looks for longevity, or vice versa. In fact, in the expansive and ever-evolving market of men's footwear, Chelsea boots remain a curious anomaly: timelessly en vogue, differentiated from other boots by a shorter height and an elastic insert to keep them snug, the details that make all the difference. Some permutations have side zippers or feature a shaft that extends to the lower calf, but a close-fitting, pull-on ankle boot is pretty much the gist.
What makes best Chelsea boots boils down to your personal taste–and no matter what your taste, there’s a Chelsea boot to sate it. With that in mind, we've have gathered a slew of different options just ready for the picking.
Best Affordable Chelsea Boot
New Republic Sonoma Suede Chelsea Boots
Best Affordable Chelsea Boot
New Republic Sonoma Suede Chelsea Boots
Pros
- Elastic sides and pull tab for ease
- Padded insole for extra comfort
Cons
- Not great for wide feet
- Suede isn't waterproof
When it comes to a Chelsea boot that'll offer the most bang for your buck, it's undoubtedly New Republic's Sonoma, the brand's signature style. This one in sleek tan suede, completely devoid of flourishes, features a crepe outsole and padded insole. It looks like a designer option that should cost a pretty penny, but it's priced at under $100. Again, under $100!
Colors | Tan |
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Sizes | 7-7.5 |
Materials | Suede, Leather |
Best Affordable Italian Chelsea Boot
Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots
Best Affordable Italian Chelsea Boot
Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots
Pros
- High-quality craftsmanship
- Ergonomic footbed
- Cushiony footbeds
Cons
- No half sizes
Made-in-Italy shoes are some of them best, which is why they often come at a steep price. This, however, does not apply to Astorflex, a brand that offers incredible Italian-made Chelsea boots that won't break the bank.
Colors | Tan, Stone (Taupe), Tobacco (Brown), Dark Chestnut Nubuck (Light Brown) |
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Sizes | 7-14 |
Materials | Suede, Leather |
Best All-Weather Chelsea Boot
Blundstone Original 510 Chelsea Boots
Best All-Weather Chelsea Boot
Blundstone Original 510 Chelsea Boots
Pros
- Pull-on tabs
- Weatherproof outer is still breathable
- Steel shanks for stability
Cons
- Not insulated
- Needs to be broken in
Blundstone is favorite here at Esquire, especially the 510 Chelsea boot. Why? Because of its buttery exterior that's also able to keep your feet dry in all but the gnarliest of weather. It's a shoe that you can wear in the rain, slush, or sun. It's a shoe for every scenario.
Colors | Black |
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Sizes | 4-14 |
Materials | Leather |
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Pros
- Cushiony sole is oil and fat resistant
- Slip-resistant
Cons
- Takes a while to break in
- Some buyers report tight ankles
C'mon—you knew the Docs would show up in here eventually! After all, you can't really talk about British footwear (or, modern footwear in general, really) without spotlighting the ultimate boot makers.
Colors | 13 |
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Sizes | 4-14 |
Materials | Leather |
Best Classic Chelsea Boot
R.M.Williams Craftsman Leather Chelsea Boots
Best Classic Chelsea Boot
R.M.Williams Craftsman Leather Chelsea Boots
Pros
- Chic look
- Pull tabs
- Elasticated panels for comfort and flexibility
Cons
- Pricey
- Limited color options
- Narrow toes
R.M. Williams makes about as classic a Chelsea boot as you can get, Goodyear-welted sole and all. If you're looking to invest in your first pair—or upgrade on a style that'll always work with everything in your wardrobe—look no further than the aptly titled Craftsman.
Colors | Brown, Black |
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Sizes | UK 6-UK 12 |
Materials | Leather |
Best Burnished Chelsea Boot
Polo Ralph Lauren Bryson Leather Chelsea Boots
Best Burnished Chelsea Boot
Polo Ralph Lauren Bryson Leather Chelsea Boots
Pros
- Lined with leather for luxe feel
- Embroidered pull tab
- Elasticated side panels
Cons
- Only one color option
- Runs slightly small
No one does cool, casual everyday elegance quite like Polo Ralph Lauren. In timeless shade of brown, these burnished leather boots have a classic silhouette, elastic sides for all-day comfort, and an easy, slip-on tab at the heel.
Colors | Polo Brown |
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Sizes | 7-15 |
Materials | Leather |
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best everyday chelsea boot
Greats Bowery Chelsea Boots
best everyday chelsea boot
Greats Bowery Chelsea Boots
Pros
- Leather lining for breathability
- Durable outsole
- Pull tabs
Cons
- On the pricier side
- Chunky sole adds weight
Greats has a Chelsea boot that looks the part, with some added flair. The slight platform gives these an extra edge, while the smooth, sleek, leather provides a luxe finish.
Colors | Black |
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Sizes | 7-12 |
Materials | Leather |
Pros
- Round toe for extra comfort
- Elasticated ankle panel adds stretch and flexibility
Cons
- Limited color options
With a smooth leather finish and timeless elegance, these are the perfect go-to pair of classic, elevated Chelsea boots. And for a contemporary edge, the soles are ever-so-slightly platformed, giving these a subtly chunky look.
Colors | Black |
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Sizes | 7-13 |
Materials | Leather |
best all-occasion chelsea boot
Banana Republic Diego Leather Chelsea Boots
best all-occasion chelsea boot
Banana Republic Diego Leather Chelsea Boots
Pros
- Easy to dress up or down
- Lightweight outsoles
- Hand-finished burnishing
Cons
- Runs small
- Buyers report ankles feel tight
For something stylish yet functional, BR has you covered. These leather Chelsea boots are so easy to style—jeans, trousers, and, hell, even chinos will love 'em.
Colors | Brown |
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Sizes | 7-13 |
Materials | Leather |
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best high-quality chelsea boot
Tecovas Chance Chelsea Boots
best high-quality chelsea boot
Tecovas Chance Chelsea Boots
Pros
- Rubber end cap on heel for grip
- Elastic gores
- Timeless look
Cons
- Runs small and narrow
- On the pricier side
Tecovas does cowboy boots to a T, and they're taking their artisanship out of the warm, dry South and into the wet, cold winter weather with these Chelsea boots. Made from calfskin leather, these durable shoes have a slight heel and rounded toe for a chic look and all-day comfort.
Colors | Brandy (Brown), Midnight (Black) |
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Sizes | 8-14 |
Materials | Leather |
best unique chelsea boot
Thursday Boot Company Duke Chelsea Leather Boots
best unique chelsea boot
Thursday Boot Company Duke Chelsea Leather Boots
Pros
- Timeless, versatile look
- Water-resistant seal
- Shock-absorbing insoles
Cons
- Takes a long time to break in
- Buyers report they run small
Made from 100 percent leather, this burgundy style is an autumnal show-stopper, complete with shock-absorbing insoles.
Colors | Black, Brown, Dark Olive Suede, Honey Suede, Chocolate |
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Sizes | 6-14 |
Materials | Leather |
Pros
- Sleek, timeless look
- Elasticated sides
- Pull tabs for ease
Cons
- Pricey
- Narrow toes
Far and few between are the outfits that aren't elevated by a simple, classic black boot. Made from 100 percent leather, these chunky-soled Chelseas are an effortless and timeless adaptation staying true to the '60s style.
Colors | Black |
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Sizes | UK 6-UK 8.5 |
Materials | Leather |
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most comfortable chelsea boot
Clarks Cologne Arlo 2 Chelsea Boots
most comfortable chelsea boot
Clarks Cologne Arlo 2 Chelsea Boots
Pros
- Cushiony, contoured footbed
- Flexible elastic sides
- Comes in wide sizes
Cons
- Block heel isn't cushioned
- Narrow toes
Clarks is known for being one of the most comfortable, durable shoe brands out there. Good news—they have a damn good leather Chelsea boot, with a durable upper, stretchy side panel, and heeled sole.
Colors | Black Leather, Tan Leather, Black Suede, Dark Sand Suede |
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Sizes | 5.5-12 |
Materials | Suede, Textiles |
best waterproof chelsea boot
Ugg Biltmore Waterproof Chelsea Boots
best waterproof chelsea boot
Ugg Biltmore Waterproof Chelsea Boots
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Pros
- Waterproof
- Plush insoles
Cons
- More of a casual look
All the coziness and warmth of Uggs, but with the style of a Chelsea boot. Plus—they're waterproof!
Colors | Black, Chestnut Suede, Dark Olive Suede, Dusted Cocoa |
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Sizes | 7-15 |
Materials | Leather, Textiles |
best cushiony chelsea boot
Magnanni Monza Chelsea Slip On Boots
best cushiony chelsea boot
Magnanni Monza Chelsea Slip On Boots
Pros
- Luxe look
- Elasticated sides
- Pull-on tabs
Cons
- Pricey
- Limited color options
- Runs a half size large
Crafted from Italian leather, these boots are an investment piece you'll reap the rewards of for years to come. They're waterproof, stylish, and oh-so cushiony.
Colors | Brown |
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Sizes | 7-13 |
Materials | Leather |
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best chelsea boot under $100
Calvin Klein Brayden Chelsea Boots
best chelsea boot under $100
Calvin Klein Brayden Chelsea Boots
Pros
- Breathable
- Elasticated sides
- Easy, slip-on design
Cons
- Narrow toes
- Not waterproof
Affordable and suave, Calvin Klein's Chelsea boot is the perfect pick for a dressier look—without the high price tag. The pointed toe on this style is a surefire elevated vibe, while the leather sole will last you many winters to come.
Colors | Black Leather, Black Saffiano |
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Sizes | 7-12 |
Materials | Leather |
best chelsea boot under $50
Amazon Essentials Chelsea Boots
best chelsea boot under $50
Amazon Essentials Chelsea Boots
Pros
- Padded insole for comfort
- Elastic gussets for easy slip-on
- Non-slip sole
Cons
- Runs small and narrow
- Buyers report they are inflexible before break-in
Need a Chelsea boot in a pinch? Amazon Essentials has a style that you can get via Prime within a few days—it looks and feels the part of an elevated shoe, too.
Colors | Black, Black Faux Leather, Chestnut Brown, Dark Tan |
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Sizes | 7-13 |
Materials | Faux Suede, Faux Leather |
Best High-Fashion Chelsea Boot
Bottega Veneta Tire Chelsea Boots
Best High-Fashion Chelsea Boot
Bottega Veneta Tire Chelsea Boots
Pros
- Bold look
- Elastic gussets
- Two pull tabs on each shoe
Cons
- Pricey
- Heavy, chunky sole
Over the past few years, Bottega Veneta really brought its A-game when it comes to footwear, dropping styles—particularly its collection of bright, eye-catching boots—that fashion insiders and followers are coveting. Lewis Hamilton knows what's up.
Colors | Blue |
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Sizes | IT 39-IT 41.5 |
Materials | Leather, Rubber |
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best heritage chelsea boot
Burberry Vintage Check Chelsea Boots
best heritage chelsea boot
Burberry Vintage Check Chelsea Boots
Pros
- Unique elasticated gussets
- Non-slip tread
Cons
- Pricey
- Narrow toes
If there's any brand that has expertise in the traditions of English horseback riding—and the footwear required for it—it's Burberry. Crafted from calf leather and a signature checked panel, these are the Chelsea boots for the man who knows what he's doing.
Colors | Black |
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Sizes | IT 39-IT 43.5 |
Materials | Leather, Textiles |
Pros
- Round toe for comfort
- Elasticated side panels
- Low heel for extra height
Cons
- Runs wide
- Not very warm
Burnished yellow leather sets this Chelsea boot apart. And, because it's CamperLab, the quality speaks for itself.
Colors | Yellow |
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Sizes | IT 39-IT 46 |
Materials | Leather |