10 best Chelsea boots for men UK 2023, including leather and suede options
CHELSEA boots have nearly always been cool.
Although originally dreamt up by royalty for riding on horseback, the distinctive style was later adopted by rock ’n’ roll culture in the ‘60s and ‘70s, when bands like The Beatles and the Rolling Stones wore them with slick suits and tailored separates.
Since then they’ve become synonymous with leather jackets and selvedge denim jeans, loved as much for their comfort as their ability to be worn virtually everywhere.
Today, Chelseas might just be the ultimate smart casual boots, given they can be worn on the weekend with casualwear, or dressed up for the 9-5. If you’re in need of a new pair that offers bags of comfort and style, you could do worse than turn to the British classic.
What are Chelsea boots?
Like many other pieces of classic design, Chelsea boots were born from a place of function.
The boot was widely believed to be created by Queen Victoria’s bootmaker, at the request of the monarch who wanted a pair of boots she could slip on and off between riding horses.
It was smart enough, had a high ankle finish for added protection, and was made from a tough leather that would be both durable and appropriate for wearing to and from the stables.
The basic design hasn’t changed much since it first surfaced in the 1830s. The boot is defined by its elastic side profile, which allows the laceless design to be pulled on and off easily. They’re usually made with either leather or suede and come with clean, minimal uppers made from a single panel of material.
They’re most commonly available in either slick, slim shapes in smooth, polished leather, which are smarter and better worn with tailored clothing; or a more country-style silhouette with chunkier shapes and durable rubber soles that work better in more casual contexts.
The best Chelsea boots for men, at a glance
- Best budget Chelsea boots: Hush Puppies Shaun Chelsea Boot
- Best statement Chelsea boots: Blundstone 1306
- Best luxury Chelsea boots: Charles Tyrwhitt
- Best minimal Chelsea boots: John Lewis
- Best value Chelsea boots: Marks & Spencer
Hush Puppies Shaun Chelsea Boot
- Hush Puppies Shaun Chelsea Boot,
£70£54.99 – buy here
Hush Puppies is all about comfort, whether that’s with its formal black leather shoes or its more laid-back leather or suede boots.
This pair of Chelseas slot perfectly into the existing range, with their soft suede two-piece uppers, elasticated sides and flexible rubber soles.
Designed to offer comfort and support all day long, they come with a canvas interior and subtle contrast stitching around the sole and ankle, hinting at the craftsmanship that’s gone into them.
Ideal for weekend wear, try them with chinos and a knitted polo shirt and you can’t go wrong.
Blundstone 1306
- Blundstone 1306, £130.99 from Amazon – buy here
When it comes to casual Chelsea boots, Blundstone is up there with the best. The Australian brand is well regarded for its rugged, waxy leather footwear, and its Chelsea boots are no exception.
They’re incredibly lightweight and built to last with their durable rubber soles, and rustic nubuck leather, which will take on a beautiful patina with wear and tear. They’re also comfortable and come with the style’s signature slip-on elasticated sides, which makes pulling them on and off a breeze.
Ideal for long walks in the countryside or for wearing with jeans and T-shirts on the weekend, there is nothing not to like about this classic pair.
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Vagabond Alex M
- Alex M Boots, £145 from Vagabond – buy here
With a slightly chunky silhouette and an attractive almond-shaped last (the general foot shape of the shoe), these Chelsea boots from Vagabond are a more contemporary take on a classic design.
The double sole gives them a bold feel, while the panelled upper injects a modern feel that ensures they’ll work perfectly as part of a monochrome look.
Jones Bootmaker Deakin Chelsea Boots
- Deakin Chelsea Boots, £110 from Jones Bootmaker – buy here
A clean, classic Chelsea boot design, this pair by Jones is easy to wear and built to last.
Perfect for dressing up or down with their timeless silhouette and soft, smooth leather, they come with rubber soles and a minimal upper.
Birkenstock Stalon
- Stalon Nubuck Leather Mocha, £160 from Birkenstock – buy here
For its take on the Chelsea boot, Birkenstock has upped the ante, engineering them with a chunky yet lightweight sole for a bold, durable look.
They come with the brand’s distinctive wide, rounded toe box as well as its oiled nubuck leather, which will soften with age just like it does with Birkenstock’s signature sandals.
Charles Tyrwhitt Suede Chelsea Boots
- Suede Chelsea Boots, £199.95 from Charles Tyrwhitt – buy here
Combining the best of both worlds, these Chelseas boast a smart suede upper and a robust rubber commando sole, for a durable look and feel.
Coming with a six-month guarantee, the EVA foam-filled sole moulds to the wearer’s foot, while the leather lining promises all-day comfort.
Ted Baker Adkin
- Adkin Leather Chelsea Boots,
£150£90 from Ted Baker – buy here
Best suited to smarter looks, this Ted Baker pair is finished in high-shine leather and comes complete with a double-step sole.
Try them with tapered black trousers and a white Oxford shirt for a sleek monochrome look.
M&S Collection Suede Pull-On Chelsea Boots
- Suede Pull-On Chelsea Boots, £80 from M&S – buy here
Hand-finished and with a soft suede upper, this M&S pair combines affordability with classic style.
They’re made with a breathable leather lining and come with Duraheel 50 technology in the heel, ensuring they will last up to six times longer than inferior soles.
John Lewis Suede Chelsea Boots
- Suede Chelsea Boots, £79 from John Lewis – buy here
Black suede is an underrated option for Chelsea boots.
With a slightly more casual feel, this pair has a slightly burnished finish that would work perfectly with slim black jeans and a matching black tee.
Barbour Farsley Boots
- Barbour Farsley Boots,
£129£105 from House of Fraser – buy here
Barbour might be more renowned for its waxed jackets, but its footwear is up to scratch too.
This pair comes with a soft leather upper, canvas pull tabs and a durable rubber sole, for impressive grip in adverse weather conditions.
How much are Chelsea Boots?
With boots (as with many things), you get what you pay for. That doesn’t mean you should go and blow hundreds of pounds on a designer pair, but as a general rule, a pair of boots that cost £100 are likely to be of higher quality and durability than a pair that costs £30, thanks to the quality of the materials used.
That said, if you’re in a pinch, you can pick up a high-street pair for a very reasonable price.
Where to buy Chelsea Boots
Thanks to their surge in popularity over the last decade, you’ll find Chelsea boots at almost every single men’s fashion and footwear retailer nowadays.
Here is a range of options, at various price points:
How to wear Chelsea boots
Chelsea boots have long been a shoe that bridges the gap between formal and informal.
As long as you invest in the right pair, they’ll look as good with a pair of smart trousers, a blazer and a shirt as they do with a pair of slim black jeans, a leather jacket and your favourite T-shirt.