The 20 Best Chelsea Boots of 2024
The Chelsea boot is a timeless, versatile, and stylish piece of footwear to have in any wardrobe. A typical Chelesea boot comes up to the ankle and has features like a low heel, waterproof material, a non-slip lug sole, and elastic side panels, which all make it easy to walk in and slide on or off. Leather is the most common Chelsea boot material, but the stylish boot is also available in suede, rubber, and mix-material options. Its simplistic design and minimalistic features also make the Chelsea boot unisex, so everyone can benefit from having the classic shoe in their closet.
A great Chelsea boot should be comfortable, sleek, and strong enough to handle most wet or winter weather conditions. To help you find the best Chelsea boots, we searched top-rated options across high-end, mid-range, and accessible brands based on factors like material, shaft height, heel height, overall fit, and cost. We also consulted two experts, Fabiana Rigamonti, Head of Design at Aerosoles, and Roger LaGrone, Founder of Alexander Noel, for tips on finding the best Chelsea boots to suit various needs and styles.
Best Leather Chelsea Boots
Leather is the most common material Chelsea boots are made from due to its excellent durability. “Full-grain leather has a dense and tight grain structure that makes it resistant to abrasion, moisture, and general wear over time,” Rigamonti explains. Leather Chelsea boots are available in a variety of textures and colors, and can be made with waterproof and weatherproof coatings for protection against moisture and harsh elements.
Designed with fine-grain Virginia leather, this Dr. Martens boot is made for flexible comfort and durability. The soft leather gives your feet a more cushioned feel that is perfect for extended, everyday wear.
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The Laguna boot from Sam Edelman is made from leather and synthetic materials, which provides a pliable but sturdy feel. The boot has a heavily lugged sole that adds extra height and a chunky flair without straying from the classic Chelsea boot style.
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Everlane’s Chelsea boot is constructed with silver-rated Nappa leather which is known for its luxuriously soft and smooth texture. It features a cushioned insole, comes in three different colors, and has a standout rubber outside for extra sturdiness and flair.
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Sleek, minimalist, and reliable, Steve Madden’s Leopold Chelsea boot is designed with classic black leather and woven fabric, making it easy to style for casual outings or special occasions. It has a traditional Chelsea boot construction, and features a back pull tab and elastic gore inserts to easily slide on and off.
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Best Suede Chelsea Boots
Despite its softer appearance, suede is actually a part of the leather family, and is made from the underside of animal skin. However, its fuzzy, flexible texture isn’t as durable as its tough, full-grain counterpart. “Suede has a softer, more porous, and more supple surface, which is more susceptible to damage in comparison to full-grain leather,” says Rigamonti. While suede can’t withstand harsh elements as well as full-grain leather options, it still makes for a stylish boot with decent durability.
The Duchess Chelsea boot features a trademarked WeatherSafe suede upper that is buttery smooth and built to prevent water from penetrating the porous leather material. The studded rubber outsoles provide stability while the shock absorbing insole molds to the shape of your foot for an ultra-comfortable, contoured fit.
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When it comes to outdoor elements and wet weather, Ariat delivers. The Wexford Chelsea boot features suede constructed with trademarked DRYShield waterproof technology and a non-marking Duratread outsole for ultimate durability and maximum wear-resistance.
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In rain, snow, or shine, Cole Haan’s River Chelsea boot in Birch Suede is both stylish and functional. With a waterproof suede upper and a synthetic, block heel outsole, the boot can withstand the harshest of wet weather elements without losing its smooth, supple texture.
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Made from synthetic material, the Soda Chelsea boot is imitation suede, but is just as durable and high quality as its authentic competitors. It is weather-resistant with a low heel and lug sole that provides comfort, traction, and stability while walking.
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