THE JOURNAL
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The Gallery: Five Top Of The Class Chelsea Boots For Winter
Words by Colin Crummy
1 December 2020
For such simple footwear, Chelsea boots have had an eventful history. They took their first strides in Victorian England, following a design patented in 1851 by royal bootmaker Mr J Sparkes-Hall. Skip a beat to the 1960s and a little band called The Beatles turned the Chelsea into a hit. In between times, this easy, sturdy footwear has made its mark with blue collar workers and the horse and hound crowd. But you didn’t come here for a history lesson. With the forecast for chillier, winter weather, you only need to learn how exactly the Chelsea will see you through the immediate future. We’ve got five that are top of the class.
01.
The classic suede Chelsea
It is not just the stacked Cuban heels that make these Wyatt Chelsea boots stand tall with the classics of the genre. These timeless SAINT LAURENT boots, in the tan New Cigarro colour, hit heights with traditional design details like elasticated sides and soft suede uppers. Sharp and elegant, these are a timeless option that should see you through this, and several more, winter terms.
02.
The smart leather boots
Chelsea boots may be easy to wear but they’re arguably a trickier shoe slot into your wardrobe than, say, an Oxford or Derby. Happily, TOM FORD is on hand to make the call for you. The Edgar leather boots fall distinctly on the smarter side –and go well with the kind of sharp, dark suiting that their namesake designer also does particularly well. That guy is a real help, honestly.
03.
The chunky sole statement
The leather uppers on the exclusive Huxley Chromexcel from Grenson are tanned using a base of chrome salts (hence their name) and infused with natural oils and greases to give these Chelsea boots a waxy, rugged finish. But enough with science class; it’s the mid-calf length and super chunky soles that make these A-grade footwear.
04.
The rugged Chelsea boots
In a stylish nod to the Chelsea’s roots in workwear, much labour has been put into this Lawry pair from John Lobb – 190 steps in total, to be precise. Handmade at the label’s site in Northampton from waxed suede, the lug soles ensure good grip underfoot. So even if you’re only stepping out to take a break from homeworking, these are the ideal boots to navigate rain-soaked pavements in.
05.
The minimalist pair
A textbook example of Common Projects’ commitment to minimalism (see also, the brand’s Achilles sneakers), these Chelsea boots are a no-nonsense affair. It’s all about the clean lines here, with black full-grain leather uppers and simple details like the golden serial numbers on the sides. It’s an 10/10 on the report card from us.
