No other footwear can add class, style, and professionalism to one’s outfit than mens Chelsea boots. Inheriting their name from one of London’s most affluent and trendiest places, these boots have been around since the 1950s.
Another reason these boots are famous is their affiliation with the Royal Family. Queen Victoria’s shoemaker is credited with creating Chelsea boots, which immediately became a symbol of the elite English society.
Over time, Chelsea boots have seen a wide array of variations in terms of their design. Let’s look at some of the best pairs that will surely amp up your look.
Best Mens Chelsea Boots: A Quick Overview
| Product Name | Best Feature | Rating | Price | Where To Buy |
| Yves Saint Laurent’s Wyatt Boots | Sleek look suitable for formal occasions | ★★★★★ | $$$$ | Any Saint Laurent’s store or online |
| Chalet Plain Toe Gore Boots | Budget-friendly formal wear | ★★★★ | $$ | Florsheim |
| New Republic’s Sonoma | Soft inner padding for formal wear | ★★★★ | $ | Amazon |
| Tecovas’ The Chance | Soft suede upper | ★★★★ | $$ | Tecovas Store |
| R.M. Williams Gardener Boots | Rounded flat heels for comfort | ★★★★ | $$ | Todd Snyder’s Shop |
| Thursday Boot Company Cavalier Boots | High-end leather material | ★★★★ | $$ | Amazon |
| Clarks Clarkdale Hall Boots | Durable upper with comfortable inner padding | ★★★★ | $$ | Clarks Online Store |
| Celine Cruiser Chelsea Boots | Funky vibe with a 1.6-inch heel | ★★★★ | $$$$ | Celine Store |
Top 8 Best Men’s Chelsea Boots
Finding your style and the perfect pair of Chelsea boots to match will make you look effortlessly styled wherever you go. Here are eight pairs that can improve your style and garner you that much-deserved recognition:
1. Yves Saint Laurent’s Wyatt Boots in Smooth Leather
If you are willing to spend some money (okay, more than some) on the best Chelsea boots, you will never go wrong with Yves Saint Laurent’s Wyatt Boots. As a high-end pair of shoes from a luxury brand, these are made from the best materials.
Even at first glance, the matte leather material in pitch black will leave anyone in awe. Plus, you won’t have a hard time pairing it with almost anything.
While others may see them as too simple-looking, it’s actually where the charm of these boots lies. From its ankle-hugging elastic band to the almond-shaped front silhouette and soft insoles, you will get exactly what you pay for from these boots.
Pros:
- Perfect boots for formal wear
- High-quality leather material
- Ankle hook for easy wear
Con:
- Too expensive for some
2. Chalet Plain Toe Gore Boot
Looking for a pair of budget-friendly boots durable enough for daily use? Chalet’s Plain Toe Gore Boots might just be the answer.
These affordable yet stylish boots will instantly amp up your outfit. With its soft suede lining and padded footbed, you can wear them every day to the office or during a date without sacrificing comfort for style.
The shoes boast clean lines, so they don’t look cheap or knockoffs. What’s more, the supporting arch and comfy insoles ensure you will stay comfortable even if you wear them for long hours.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly but fashionable
- Slip-on with ample support
- Padded footbed
Con:
- The leather is prone to cracking
3. New Republic’s Sonoma Suede Chelsea Boots
New Republic’s Sonoma is the best pick if you want a stunning pair of Chelsea boots for under $100. These boots are a testament to the fact that you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to upgrade your fall wardrobe.
The Sonoma boots are available in two color options: tan and black. Both look classy and will match most outfits. Plus, you’ll also like the soft padding of the footbed, which will make you feel like you are walking on feathery pillows.
The tailoring of the shoe is also top-notch and nothing less than any other expensive brand. Overall, the look, price, and comfort level of the Sonoma boots make it hard for anyone to turn these bad boys down.
Pros:
- Stylish look
- Affordable
- Comfortable to wear for long hours
Con:
- Does not repel dust
4. Tecovas The Chance Chelsea Boots
The Chance boots are specifically crafted for urban fashion, making them the perfect footwear to pair with jeans or slacks. The boots have a six-inch-long shaft, rounded toes, and a 1.25-inch-high heel.
What we like most about them, though, is the chestnut calfskin upper that is 100% water-resistant. You can also get them made with roughout suede material, but they won’t be able to resist water then.
All in all, these timeless shoes offer a perfect exchange of elegance and fashion in a budget-friendly price range. For the price, you’d be shocked by these boots’ overall performance.
Pros:
- Perfect for formal and casual wear
- Resists water
- An elegant look to match any outfit
Con:
- Requires regular maintenance
5. R.M. Williams Gardener Leather Chelsea Boots
Even though they mirror the profile of Yves Saint Laurent’s Wyatt Boots, the Gardener Boots come in a more affordable price range. The front end is rounded with a flat heel and unlined upper.
The shoes’ insoles are made of leather, adding to their bougie appearance. Then, there are the double-branded tugs that make the boots easy to wear without destroying their beautiful form.
The only possible issue with these shoes is that they require constant maintenance. You’ll need to take the time to keep the leather moist and supple to avoid cracks from forming on the top layer.
Pros:
- Rounded flat heel
- Made from a high-end leather material
- Comfortable heel
Con:
- Need constant maintenance
6. Thursday Boot Company Cavalier Boot
Anyone will agree that the Cavalier Chelsea Boots are among the best options if you’re looking for footwear you can pair with both skinny jeans and dress pants. These shoes come in a perfect fit variant, meaning the shoe material does not stretch over time.
The genuine leather used, combined with Thursday Boot Company’s signature craftsmanship, provide these boots a neat finish. With the flexible elastic goring, anti-slip midsoles, and padded insoles, you’d have extra comfort for your feet.
Pros:
- Convenient slip-on style
- True-to-size fitting
- Flexible elastic goring
Con:
- Prone to cracking
7. Clarks Clarkdale Hall Cognac Suede Boots
The Clarkdale Hall Cognac Suede Boots combine rustic and classic fashion under one label. The material is made of premium cognac suede, a good complement to the comfortable inner padding.
Aside from suede, these boots are available in three other variants: black leather, brown suede, and beeswax leather. The boots also have an ankle loop at the top to avoid messing up the structure while wearing.
You can wear these shoes at work, at formal events, or when hanging out with friends. For every event, you can easily match the vibe of the occasion with your sleek and convenient suede shoes.
Pros:
- Cushioned inner padding
- Durable leather material
- Ankle loops for easy wear
Con:
- Need regular maintenance
8. Celine Cruiser Chelsea Boots
The Celine Cruiser boots can be a game-changer if you are more of a daring fashionista and looking for something fun to add to your shoe collection. Made from 100% calfskin, everyone will know you mean serious business with these boots on.
These shoes have a pointy heel of about 1.6 inches, accompanied by hand-made outsole stitching. You can feel the confidence, fun, yet class oozing out of this pair of Chelsea boots at a glance.
Sporting a mixture of country fashion with ‘70s rockstar vibes, you can easily pair these boots with hip-hugging flared jeans, and voila! You will feel the center of your personality shifting.
Pros:
- Fashion-forward style
- Comfortable 1.6 inches heel
- Made from 100% calfskin
Con:
- Not suitable for formal wear
How To Style Chelsea Boots?
Chelsea shoes have a long history of supporting trendy fashions. From the Beatles to BTS, they have always been adored by celebrities across the planet. Here are some tips for styling your Chelsea shoes with the clothing items of your choice:
Casual Wear
If you are aiming for a more casual look, you can choose Chelsea boots made of suede or leather. These shoe options go well with straight pants, slim trousers, or rolled-up jeans. You can finish the look with a fitted jacket, a jumper, or a classic t-shirt.
If you want style combined with casual clothing options, you can pick Chelsea boots with chunkier soles.
Formal Wear
You will love the combination of your formal wear with Chelsea boots. They have always been famous for formal trends to make you look more suave.
Pair either black or brown boots with a classic suit and a black tie, and you are ready to attend your formal occasions. You can also pair Chelsea boots with pleated trousers to create a timeless aesthetic while projecting a classic look.
How To Take Care of Chelsea Shoes?
Chelsea boots are by no means cheap. You need to ensure regular maintenance so that they can last for a long time. Here is how you can take care of your new boots:
1. Be Careful While Putting Them On
Putting on your boots the wrong way is the fastest way to destroy their appearance. It’s best to use a shoehorn so that you don’t overstretch the elastic sides.
2. Condition the Leather
Hydrating the leather of your shoes is a great way to protect them from cracking and looking worn out. You can use any leather cream or conditioner to improve their luster and appearance.
Products like R.M. Williams Leather Conditioner or DuBarry Leather Cream are specially designed for smoothening shoe leather. Before you condition your shoes, make sure they are clean of dust or mud.
3. Resoling
The shoe sole gets worn quickly and destroys the appearance of the shoes. Thankfully, with Chelsea boots, you can easily replace the sole of your shoes and wear them for a lifetime.
Buyer’s Guide
While you add the best Chelsea boots options to your cart, make sure your selected pair has all the positive qualities that mark the pair classy and unique. Here are some key qualities that a nice pair of genuine mens Chelsea boosts incorporate:
Shape
The shaft of the shoes should be slightly above the ankle, while the toes must be rounded. Also, Chelsea boots are known for having subtle heels.
Structure
These boots are made from two parts, each consisting of a single leather piece. The two parts are known as the vamp and the quarters. A strip of vulcanized rubber will connect the two pieces of leather.
A genuine pair of Chelsea boots have the vamp and quarters sewn in one plane instead of sewn on top of each other.
Elastic Band
The boots extend just below the ankle and not down to the sole if they contain an elastic strip.
Chelsea Boots for Men FAQs
1. Why do some men prefer wearing Chelsea boots?
Most men love to wear Chelsea boots for three reasons: comfort, fashion, and versatility. To keep up with the trend, you can wear Chelsea boots with almost any outfit, from casual footwear to slacks to formal suits.
2. Are Chelsea boots only for men?
Both men and women can wear Chelsea boots, given their unisex style. These ankle-high boots with a close fitting are comfortable to wear for all gender types. You can pair them with as many outfits as you want.
3. Should I tuck my jeans into my Chelsea boots?
No. Tucking your jeans into your Chelsea boots gives off a tacky and unappealing vibe.
While wearing these boots, ensure that the length of your trouser is slightly above the ankles. You can also roll the bottom of your trousers to ensure the materials are slightly above the shoe. Match your boots with dark-colored socks, and you are good to go.
4. Which color is the best for Chelsea boots?
Chelsea boots usually come in beige, burgundy, or black. These are also the ideal colors for them since they match almost any attire and event. If you are looking for funky boots, you can buy them in white and colorful prints.
5. Should I size down while choosing my Chelsea boots?
Chelsea boots do not loosen up with time, so there is no need to size down when buying them. They are usually true to size, which means buying the right size is more appropriate. If you feel that your boots have loosened up, just add a pair of socks, and you are good to go.
Are Chelsea Boots Worth the Money?
For almost a century, Chelsea boots have been a fashion staple for men’s footwear. Their sleek and elegant design makes them an excellent pick for all occasions, casual or formal.
Buying Chelsea boots is worth every penny because they are easy to style and boost your self-confidence. The only thing you should be careful about is the fact that they require regular maintenance.
Since Chelsea boots are often expensive and mostly made from leather, taking good care of them is important so that they last for a long time.
