Chelsea Boot Buyers Guide | A Hume Country Clothing Blog (2024)

Last Updated on June 7, 2023 by Mairi Cameron

An iconic piece of footwear with a timeless design, the Chelsea boot is here to stay. For nearly 200 years, the Chelsea boot has been a favourite with everyone from Victorian royalty to rock and roll bands of the swinging sixties. This quintessentially British footwear style is a must for everyone’s wardrobe. Simple yet sophisticated, the Chelsea boot is incredibly versatile and will take you anywhere. Read our guide to discover the origins of the Chelsea boot, how to find a Chelsea boot to suit you, getting the best fit and how to style them.

The History of the Chelsea boot

The original Chelsea boot

The first Chelsea boot was designed by Queen Victoria’s cobbler, J. Sparkes-Hall, in England in 1837. Known at the time as ‘paddock boots’, they had time-saving elasticated sides using vulcanised rubber. The invention of vulcanised rubber, where sulphur is added to rubber to make it more resistant and elasticated, was vital for the creation of the Chelsea boot. Without this type of material, the Chelsea boot would never have been designed.

1. Sparkes-Hall had the idea to produce an elasticated sided boot using vulcanised rubber that could be slipped on and off easily, fitting well without the need for laces. This may not sound significant to you now, but in a time when boots had intrinsic lacing, slip-on Chelsea boots made things a lot easier.

Sparkes-Hall patented the ‘elastic ankle boots’ in 1851 and Queen Victoria enjoyed wearing the boots in her daily walks. Once patented, the boots became a hit with Victorian men and women for walking and riding, gaining status as an essential boot for country and equestrian life. Chelsea boots have remained firmly in country fashion ever since. Generations later they also became a fashion statement in London’s vibrant youth scene.

Why are Chelsea boots called Chelsea boots?

In the mid-1950s, the boots became a style item worn by the trendsetters that frequented the fashionable King’s Road area in Chelsea, West London. The ‘Chelsea set’, a group of artists, designers and socialites, started wearing the boots regularly, and the boots soon became known by the renowned name of Chelsea boots.

Rock ‘n’ roll and the Chelsea boot

In the 1960s, a Cuban heel was added to the design by shoemakers Anello & Davide who made the four members of The Beatles Chelsea boots that would become an important part of their ‘uniform’. They were often known as ‘the Beatle boot’ at this time. Bands like The Rolling Stones, The Who and The Small Faces soon followed suit, wearing the footwear style as part of their look. Others who were trailblazers of the style included Andy Warhol, Jimi Hendrix, and Bob Dylan who made the boot part of his sartorial identity.

If you were a mod in the ‘60s, you probably owned a Chelsea boot. Mods favoured Chelsea boots as they complimented their slim tailored trousers and suits – a way you can still style them today. Also, the boots were sturdy enough for scootering in.

Characteristics of the Chelsea boot

What are Chelsea boots?

A Chelsea boot is a laceless ankle boot with elastic panels at the sides. Its streamlined, clean shape is a hallmark of the traditional Chelsea boot. Over time there have been many variations of the Chelsea boot and some of the characteristics have changed from J. Sparkes-Hall’s original design which included a pointed toe with a black toecap.

Look out for these recognisable features of a classic Chelsea boot today:

Elasticated sides
This is what makes the Chelsea boot and is the prevailing feature from the original boot design. The elasticated sides allow them to be put on and off with minimal effort. It gave the boots their selling point, as there was no need to spend extra minutes lacing up shoes. The elasticated gusset is located over the ankle bone and joins the vamp and the quarters, which are stitched securely below the gusset. The elasticated sides are usually in a U-shape and contrasting colour to the rest of the boot, extending to just below the ankle but not to the sole (just above the welt). We stock a range of Chelsea boots with coloured elastics such as from Blundstone.

Ankle height
Chelsea boots are designed to cover the ankle, providing added protection for country wear and making them popular with horse riders, for example.

Low heels
A traditional Chelsea boots heel are low as they were originally designed for walking, rather than the higher Cuban heel.

Two-part shoe
The upper of a traditional Chelsea boot is made up of two separate pieces of leather, thevamp (the front) and quarters (the back), which are joined together near the ankle by a piece of vulcanised rubber or elastic (the elasticated gusset). This design makes them durable and long-lasting. Unlike the Jodhpur boot, the vamp and quarters of a Chelsea boot are notsewn one on top of the other. Instead, they are sewn together in one seam below the ankle.The exception, are boots made by Australian brand RM Williams who uniquely handcrafteach of their boots from a single piece of leather, stitched together once at the heel. Thiskeeps stitching to a minimum for a tidy look, and also increases boot strength and longevity.

Rounded, plain toes
Chelsea boots typically have round toes and a plain toe style – with no details or adornment to the vamp, giving a clean look. However, some variations feature chisel square toes and may include a brogue pattern. The signature Classic Craftsman Yearling Boot from RM Williams has a chisel square toe, which is smarter than an overly round style.

Handy pull tugs
Slip on Chelsea boots should have a snug fit. The pull tugs at the front and rear of the boot, combine with the elasticated sides to make it easier to put your boots on and take them off while ensuring a snug, comfortable fit in wear.

How to choose the Chelsea boot for you – a guide to different styles

Just like your handshake, your footwear is one of the first things people notice. If you are deliberating between suede or leather Chelsea boots; to help you choose, we cover the most popular types of Chelsea Boots and their features:

Leather Chelsea boots

The classic leather Chelsea boot is simple, sleek and perfect for smart or smart-casual occasions. For a formal occasion, polished black leather Chelsea boots will always look smart. For semi-formal or business casual, brown leather works well, or try RM Williams Comfort Kangaroo Craftsman Boots in Tanbark colour. Tanbark is the ideal ‘goes with everything’ shade, between brown and tan, which looks great with grey or lighter coloured trousers like beige.

If you plan to wear Chelsea boots in the winter, choose a pair of leather ones as they will be easier to care for and last longer than suede which is less durable in wet weather.

The quality of the boot leather will also affect how well your boots last with regular wear. Always buy the best quality boots you can afford that are made from premium leather. RM Williams, Loake, Taylor & Twill, Blundstone and Dubarry all make leather Chelsea boots that are designed using the finest materials to withstand an outdoor country lifestyle.

Suede Chelsea boots

Great for weekends and informal events, suede Chelsea boots are a more casual alternative to leather boots. Wear your suede Chelsea boots with casual or smart-casual attire.

Quality suede Chelsea boots will give you effortless style when you want to look good, but not look like you have tried too hard. Choose a pair of black suede Chelsea boots to create an urban feel to your outfit, or brown suede for a relaxed country look. Also, Suede Chelsea boots are available in pale shades that look great for attending summer country events.

Just remember to protect your boots with suede protector before their first wear to keep them at their best. Suede is a luxurious material but is more delicate than leather, so it is important to guard suede Chelsea boots against stains. Generally, if the weather is bad, it is better to wear a pair of leather Chelsea boots.

Brogue Chelsea boots

The brogue Chelsea boot is a day-to-evening all-rounder. Try Loake’s Hoskins Boots for a stylish pair of brogue detailed Chelsea boots. These boots are part of its premium 1880 range that emulates the way the Company first handcrafted its boots and shoes.

The Fermanagh by Dubarry is another quality brogue Chelsea boot. Made from Dubarry’s signature DrySoft-DryFast™ water-resistant leather and fully leather lined, they have a smart yet rugged look that is great for smart-casual wear.

Leather soles vs rubber soles

A traditional Chelsea boot is made with a leather sole, however, there are many high-quality rubber-soled Chelsea boots today as well. Rubber tends to be more hardwearing for everyday wear – useful if you are using the boots for work or regularly outdoors as walking Chelsea boots. Rubber soles provide better grip in all terrains, mud and rain, whereas leather soles are ideal for dress boots, sporting the same timeless elegance of the original Chelsea boot.

A decent sole is something you should look for when buying a new pair of Chelsea boots. Whether you choose rubber or leather soles, it is worth checking if the outsole is Goodyear welted. A Goodyear welted sole means they can be repaired easily over time, giving you a lifetime of wear from a single pair of boots.

Rounded or tapered toes

A classic Chelsea boot has a rounded toe. However, you may find chiselled square toe Chelsea boots more fitting to your taste. Generally, the more tapered the toe, the dressier the shoe. It is best to choose a Chelsea boot that is neither severely pointy nor clown-shoe bulbous.

Stay minimalistic

The clean lines of a Chelsea boot are what makes it such an enduring and popular style. A low-heeled Chelsea boot in a dark colour will never go out of fashion. If it is your first pair of Chelsea boots, opt for a plain style, rather than boots with brogue detailing. Stay clear of high-shine patent leathers or chunky and tall heels. The more design frills or embellishments on the boots, the harder they are to style. Their simplicity is what makes Chelsea boots so wearable: jeans are smartened, and traditional suits get a modern edge.

High quality and made to last

Investing in a pair of quality Chelsea boots will make sure you get the most wear out of your purchase. Always consider the quality of manufacturing that has gone into making your Chelsea boots. From the uppers to the soles, and the elastic to the heels, every detail should be created using high-quality materials. Look for premium leathers and suedes, and a welted outsole for water resistance. Also, do not forget that the quality of the elastic sides determines the life of your boots. If the elastic is poor, it will stretch after little wear, leaving your boots loose around the ankle.

How should Chelsea boots fit?

Chelsea boots are extremely practical as they simply slip on. This means they cannot be adjusted by tightening or loosening laces, so you must get the best fit for your feet.

Putting on your Chelsea boots
Chelsea boots include one of two useful pull tugs attached to the boot at the top of the ankle area. Hold on to these while easing your foot into each boot. Using these pull tugs means you will not drag unnecessarily on the elastic sides. Otherwise, a shoehorn will help your foot slide in easily.

A snug fit, not tight
How are Chelsea boots supposed to fit? It is important to choose a Chelsea boot that fits snugly around your ankle, as there are no laces to tighten. The fit on the ankle keeps these boots on your feet. Do Chelsea boots stretch? The elastic and leather of the boots will stretch over time through wear, meaning it is essential to get a good snug fit from the start, ensuring your heel is not slipping out of the boots when you walk. Although the fit should be snug, do not force your feet into a pair of Chelsea boots. There should be a small amount of resistance as the elastic sides stretch to allow your feet into the boots. Just be careful not to get a pair that feels too tight, as you do not want your feet to feel sore or pinched.

When you try on Chelsea boots, wear the thickness of socks you intend to wear them with to get the best fit. Also, bring any insoles or orthotics you usually wear in your shoes.

Get the best pair for your feet
Ideally, try several different brands and styles of Chelsea boot before you decide which to buy to ensure you find the right pair for your feet.

Ensure the toes of the boot give you enough room when your feet are warm. It is a good idea to try on boots later in the day when you have already done some walking. You should be able to move your toes easily, without feeling pinched or hitting the front of the boots. Traditional rounded toe Chelsea boots work better if you have wider feet than pointed ones. Or if you have small feet, a Chelsea boot with a tapered or pointed toe can help to elongate your foot.

When you walk in your boots the heels should not feel too loose. A small amount of Chelsea boot heel slip is OK and will likely stop once worn in, but much more and they are too loose, and you should try a size down.

Do Chelsea boots run big? Chelsea boot sizing is completely dependent on the brand and model which is why it is so important to try on a range of styles to make sure you find the perfect fit. If you can, try on different boot widths as well as sizes. Several brands have different width fittings, including RM Williams and Loake. For a standard fitting boot, try the G fit in RM Williams – available in all their Chelsea boot styles. If you have a wide foot, RM Williams does an H fit (wide fitting), in some Chelsea boot styles, such as the Gardener Boots, Comfort Kangaroo Craftsman Boots, Chinchilla Boots, or Dynamic Flex Comfort Craftsman Boots.

Elastic sides
The quality of the elastic is important for the shape and longevity of your boots. The elastic sides hold the boot to your ankle and they should feel quite snug once on. The elastic at the sides needs to be of good quality to get this snug fit. If it feels like the elastic stretches too easily and does not provide any resistance when you put your feet into the boots, then it probably will not last well and support your feet long term. At A Hume, we only stock high-quality boots that are manufactured with care and attention and this includes details like the elastic.

Caring for your Chelsea boots

When you invest in a quality pair of Chelsea boots such as RM Williams, you will want to keep them looking their best.

Take care putting your Chelsea boots on
If you’re wondering how to put on Chelsea boots its highly recommended to invest in a good quality boot horn. Always put on your boots using the pull tugs or a shoehorn, so you are not overstretching the elastic sides.

Conditioning and protecting your boots
It is important to hydrate your leather Chelsea boots to prevent cracking. When leather dries out it is more susceptible to cracking. To prevent cracking, use leather cream or conditioner at least a couple of times a year to keep the leather supple with a good sheen. Try the RM Williams Leather Conditioner or the Dubarry Leather Cream; both are specifically designed to preserve and soften smooth leathers. Just remember to always clean your boots first before putting leather conditioner on. Apply leather cleaner with a clean cloth to remove any dirt from your Chelsea boots, such as the RM Williams Leather Cleaner.

For suede Chelsea boots, use a suede brush to keep them looking smart and finish with a Protector Spray that is suitable for suede. Waterproof protector sprays can be used on all types of leather and suede boots to give them a water-repellent finish and resistance to oil and stains.

Resoling
Many Chelsea boots are made with Goodyear welted soles, allowing you to have them resoled easily over a lifetime of wear.

How to style Chelsea boots

You have a pair of Chelsea boots but how do you choose the rest of your look? The ultimate in versatile footwear, Chelsea boots have a minimalistic and timeless design that makes them ideal for smart and casual wear. They work with suits, jeans, tweed, chinos and more. Read our style guide to discover easy ways to dress your Chelsea boots for work, weekends and everything in between.

How to style different coloured boots

Brown Chelsea boots
If you are only going to buy one pair of Chelsea boots, brown leather are the ones to get. They will suit a country lifestyle and coordinate with most outfits.

Brown coloured Chelsea boots are a country gentleman’s mainstay. Wear yours with chinos, jeans or smarter trousers – just make sure your trouser legs are tapered and not baggy. Also, avoid wearing too much black with brown boots. Pair RM Williams Comfort Craftsman Boots inChestnut or Dark Tan with chinos for summer and dark blue jeans for the cooler months. The Comfort Craftsman is a traditional country boot handcrafted from durable yearling leather, with non-slip rubber soles. Also, Loake’s brown Chatsworth Boots have a classic Chelsea boot style that will not date. They are made to last with Goodyear welted Dainite rubber soles and full leather linings. The A Hume Bracknell boot is a stylish burnished effect, complete with a goodyear welted sole and is fully leather lined, with all the traditional characteristics of a chelsea boot.

Dark brown or chestnut coloured leather Chelsea boots are ideal for smart weekend style as well as everyday wear. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, a dark brown boot will not show the dirt easily, making them a practical option. For a tough outdoor boot – the Gardener is hard to beat.

You can also get stylish dark brown boots for smart-casual or smart occasions. When it comes to dress boots – the darker the shade of brown, the smarter your boots will look. Choose a pair made from yearling leather, which when polished has a smart finish, such as the Classic Craftsman Yearling Boots or the Classic Turnout Yearling Boots. Style with a navy, blue or grey suit for smart events. Generally, dark brown boots look good with everything except a black suit. Otherwise, if the pub is your weekend destination, a traditional blue jean like the Ramco Denim Jeans will go perfectly with your Chelsea boots. Complete your outfit with a tweed sports jacket for easy Sunday lunch style.

The Chelsea boot remains an iconic piece of footwear in the countryside scene, no matter if they are leather or suede. Suede Chelsea boots in brown or pale shades are best for casual or weekend wear. Wear yours with jeans and a tattersall shirt tucked in, and for relaxed style, roll your sleeves up and leave the top two buttons of your shirt undone. For summer, dark brown suede Chelsea boots look great with contrasting coloured beige chinos or Ramco Drill Jeans in a pale shade.

Black Chelsea boots
An alternative to dark brown, black leather Chelsea boots are a great classic option, especially if you want a polished look. Wear your black Chelsea boots as your failsafe for smart occasions. They look great with a tailored trouser or grey, black or blue suits. If you work in an office, a pair of Chelsea boots will give you the chance to switch up your footwear during the working week, making a change from Oxfords and brogues. RM Williams Comfort Turnout Boots are a great all-rounder, or for a really smart boot, look no further than the Signature Craftsman Boot by RM Williams. They are made from premium veal calf leather, with full leather insoles and outsoles, and a stylish square chisel toe.

Black suede Chelsea boots can also easily achieve a smart-casual look, especially if you keep your other clothes in toning colours.

Did you know?
Wearing Chelsea boots and trousers in the same dark shades creates a single uninterrupted line of colour. This has the instant effect of making you appear taller and leaner.

Tan and burnished Chelsea boots
Tan boots perfectly bridge the line between smart and casual. A pair of tan Chelsea boots are just what you need when an invite drops through your door with a ‘smart-casual’ dress code. Outfits with tan Chelsea boots can range from navy chinos and shirts to jeans and a sweatshirt. Tan goes well with dark coloured jeans as a contrast and style better with black jeans or trousers, instead of brown boots. Burnished effect boots, such as the Chinchilla Boots, are another excellent choice for the sometimes tricky, smart-casual look. Crafted using natural yearling hide, the Chinchilla Boots are available in attractive bordeaux, mahogany or cognac colours. The earthy red tones to these boots mean they look effortlessly smart and can work well with almost any colour.

What to wear with Chelsea boots?

Chelsea boots with tweed
For effortless smart-casual style, pair Chelsea boots with another country favourite, tweed. The simplicity of Chelsea boots, combined with the texture and warmth of a tweed jacket is a failsafe for nailing stylish weekend wear. Add a pair of jeans, a soft cotton shirt and finish with a leather belt to complete your Chelsea boot outfit. This look can take you anywhere – from Sunday lunch with the family to drinks with friends, you will not have to think twice the next time you want to dress with style in a hurry. Tweed sports jackets always smarten casual outfits.

Chelsea boots with slim tailored trousers
Take your cue from the Beatles and wear tapered tailored trousers with Chelsea boots to show off the details of your boots. Trousers with a tapered leg will also help you maintain a streamlined silhouette.

Avoid wearing loose-fitting or bootcut jeans or trousers – they hide too much of your Chelsea boots, losing the stylish effect.

How to wear chinos and Chelsea boots
Tapered leg jeans or chinos go well with suede Chelsea boots for a casual look. Tapered jeans narrow towards the ankle, accentuating the boot and allowing the hem of your jeans to sit naturally just over the top of your boots. Wear your jeans with a T-shirt and casual jacket for relaxed weekend style in the summer.

Just because you are wearing jeans with your Chelsea boots, does not mean your outfit needs to be overly casual. For a smarter look, you could try a polished leather boot with jeans. The Classic Craftsman Yearling Boots by RM Williams are made with a smooth yearling leather upper, a leather insole and a Goodyear welted leather outsole. Team your leather Chelsea boots and jeans with a plain white shirt and tweed sports jacket to add instant sophistication to your casual outfit.

Chelsea boots with chinos can look a little more dressed-up than jeans for a sophisticated weekend look. Gant’s Allister Twill Chinos are the perfect partner to Chelsea boots as they have a slim straight leg which tapers slightly towards the bottom, allowing your chinos to sit neatly over your boots. Style the rest of your outfit with a Viyella or A Hume Tattersall Shirt and a quilted Barbour or Schoffel jacket for country style.

When you are wearing casual jeans or chinos you can pinroll them to get the desired length to show off your Chelsea boots. This works especially well with tapered jeans. Avoid pinrolling smart or suit trousers as they are too formal for this look. Pinrolling jeans looks great with a pair of Blundstone Chelsea Boots, these more urban styled boots remain extremely practical for country life, whilst adding a little bit of modern flair when still with a relaxed pair of rolled up jeans.

Chelsea boots with a suit
Chelsea boots are not just for after-hours wear; their clean, simple lines work well with a suit for the office or formal occasions. Just make sure you choose a smarter style to echo the sophistication of your suit and polish your boots to a high sheen. Suede boots are too casual for a suit. Instead, invest in a pair of smart A Hume or RM Williams Chelsea boots with well-made smooth leather uppers and durable soles.

Bear in mind that Chelsea boots sit higher on your foot than a standard brogue might. Therefore, your trouser hem needs to be shorter to avoid multiple breaks at the front. When you buy new Chelsea boots, try them on with the trousers you intend to wear them with, so you can get your suit trousers hemmed to the right length. The hem should sit just above the ankle, without showing the top of the boot.

What colour of boot should you choose to go with your suit? If you are wearing a black suit, opt for black Chelsea boots to keep the look as streamlined and smart as possible. For a corporate office, black Chelsea boots will always be your safest option. A grey suit also looks smart with black or brown Chelsea boots, or try dark brown or tan Chelsea boots for a more casual look. Navy suits look great paired with black or dark brown Chelsea boots.

Finish off your smart Chelsea boots outfit with a stylish leather belt and a white button-down shirt underneath your suit. A white shirt never goes out of fashion, just like the iconic Chelsea boot.

Golden rules for styling trousers with Chelsea boots:

1. Know where your trouser leg should end
   Your trousers should sit just over the top of your Chelsea boots for a clean, smart look – but only just, do not cover too much of the boot. You should still show some of the characteristic elastic sides and details of the boot. It is most flattering when your trousers just barely rest on the front of the boot without a fold (known as a break).
2. Never tuck your trousers into your Chelsea boots
   Always leave your trousers sitting just over the top of your Chelsea boots, as this gives a cleaner, smarter look.
3. Do not wear bootcut or loose trousers
   Bootcut trousers do not go well with Chelsea boots as you cannot see your boots. Keep your trouser fit slim to carry through the streamlined silhouette of your boots to the rest of your outfit.
4. Slim-cut, not skinny
   Slim-cut trousers will sit comfortably over your boot’s upper, whereas skinny leg jeans, trousers or chinos will grip your calves and be squashed near the top of your boots.

Styling Chelsea boots for different occasions – For Gents

No matter your age or personal style, there is a Chelsea boot to suit every occasion; whether formal, casual or somewhere in between. Here is some inspiration for some Chelsea boots men style.

Casual
Chelsea boots look more sophisticated with a casual ensemble than any pair of trainers could ever do. Wear your Chelsea boots with jeans and a T-shirt for a look that will never go out of fashion.
Or try a layered look by wearing straight leg traditional blue jeans teamed with a classic overcoat, a plain T-shirt, a fine knit jumper if it is cold, and a pair of casual Dubarry Antrims in nubuck leather.

Robust Chelsea boots by Australian brand RM Williams are ideal for off-duty weekend style, whether for dog walking or Sunday lunch at your local pub. The Lachlan is a popular boot style that looks great worn with jeans and is made from tough Vesta leather. Complete your outfit with a William Lockie Chunky Lambswool Crew jumper and a quilted or wax Barbour jacket – perfect for cosy winter style. RM Williams boots include handy twin pull-tabs that have become synonymous with the brand, making it easy for you to pull your boots off and on.

Blundstone are the ultimate casual Chelsea boot, Blunnies as they are fondly referred to are water resistant, with a comfortable sole that doesn’t wear you down, ideal for sport spectating, beach walks with the dog, and days out in the city.

Outdoor work or play
Chelsea boots are perfect for outdoor adventures. They are practical and tough enough for country life, slipping on easily and protecting your ankles from the rain and cold.

Blundstone boots are commonly worn by farmers and workmen. Given their practicality and durability, they are ideal for long days spent outdoors working.

For the ultimate outdoor Chelsea boot, RM Williams have created the Gammon and Lachlan boot styles from Vesta leather. This type of leather is heavyweight and hardwearing with a matte water-repellent finish – ideal if you regularly work outdoors. Also, consider the Gardener Boots by RM Williams, hand-crafted using Greasy Kip leather. Designed with practicality in mind, these durable Chelsea boots are a godsend for anyone who appreciates a country lifestyle. All these RM Williams boot styles, the Gammon, Gardener and Lachlan, include treaded composite rubber soles for excellent grip in wet or muddy conditions.

Dubarry’s Kerry Boot is another quality Chelsea boot which will stand up to daily wear. This boot is made with DryFast-DrySoft™ leathers and a full Gore-Tex® lining, meaning they are waterproof and breathable – just what you need for country life.

Style your outdoor Chelsea boots look with a Fjallraven Sweater, the Koster or Lada are both sturdy knits for work outdoors in those cooler months.

Office wear
Chelsea boots suit any work dress code, whether the status quo is wearing a suit, or jeans and a T-shirt. Wearing quality Chelsea boots will ensure you stand out for all the right reasons.

If your workplace is corporate, choose a sleek leather pair and coordinate the colour of your boots to your suit – a black suit with black Chelsea boots; a navy suit with dark brown Chelsea boots; and a grey suit with black Chelsea boots. It is important to make sure your trousers break in the right place. Make sure there are not multiple folds or breaks at the front, and your trousers should finish just over the top of your boots. Put the finishing touches to your office outfit with smart accessories such as RM Williams’ 3 Piece Buckle Belt for effortless style.

For a more casual office, dark brown or black suede boots go well with smart-casual chinos or jeans. Team with a pair of black jeans and a Barbour check shirt; useful for work and weekends. Suede Chelsea boots go best with casual or smart-casual ensembles – they are not smart enough if you wear a suit to work.

Dark coloured Chelsea boots are most practical for everyday wear and are less likely to show marks. Leave the sand-coloured or pale suede Chelsea boots for the weekend.

Smart casual
Chelsea boots can take you from the office to the bar. Perfect for semi-formal occasions, wear your boots with a tweed sports jacket, a collared shirt, and a smart pair of chinos or dark jeans. Polished black or dark brown leather Chelsea boots will always look smart and add finesse to any outfit. Also, a tan Chelsea boot in leather or suede can add sophistication to your smart-casual wardrobe – try A Hume’s Bracknell Chelsea or RM Williams’ Suede Comfort Craftsman Boots. These boot styles are made with Goodyear welted non-slip rubber soles to ensure a sturdy and long-lasting grip.

For suave Chelsea boots style, Chelsea boots look great with simple items, such as black jeans, a smart winter coat and a roll-neck sweater. Whether you are meeting friends in the country or heading for a city break, Chelsea boots are a must for your packing list.

Smart occasions
A dressy and lightweight Chelsea boot is your saviour for dinners out or impromptu celebrations. Look for boots made from yearling leather for smart style, such as the Classic Craftsman Yearling Boot. A traditional leather sole also suits a dressier Chelsea boot. Pair your Chelsea boots with a matching blazer and trouser set in a flattering tapered fit for the ultimate gentleman’s outfit.

End summary:
For almost two centuries, the Chelsea boot has remained a timeless classic and for good reason. Chelsea boots are comfortable, practical and look great with nearly any outfit. If you do not have a pair, what are you waiting for? If you do own Chelsea boots, how do you like to wear them? Share your pictures with us on Instagram or Facebook.

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