The Most Popular Chelsea Boots For Men

Chelsea boots are ideal in casual yet elegant footwear. They are basic yet enduringly beautiful. In reality, the best men's Chelsea boots can go with almost any outfit, from a jacket and tailored trousers to rough denim and a statement t-shirt.

What other footwear can boast a royal as well as a rock 'n' roll heritage?

Queen Victoria's cobbler invented these game-changing shoes and was meant for walking or horse riding when they first appeared on the fashion scene in 1837. Initially, they were known as 'paddock boots.'

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While her Royal Highness may not be considered a fashion icon, Chelsea boots were a favourite of its crowd in London's district of Chelsea (thus the name) in the 1960s, where they were seen on the likes of the Beatles and Rolling Stones.

From budget-friendly styles that combine quality and price to creative versions with white suede or thick soles, as well as traditional black Chelsea boots, here's our list of the best men Chelsea boots to improve your style game.

The 12 best Chelsea boots for men

Check out our unique men's Chelsea boots style guide following the list to discover what factors you should look into when purchasing a pair of boots online.

Check out our in-depth guide to all the best boots for men to learn about different styles like desert boots and work boots.

1. Oliver Cabell: Best Men's Chelsea boots For Men

Oliver Cabell has arguably mastered the luxury sneaker, and now they've surpassed it with their Chelsea boots.

The soft split suede from Venice, Italy, is used to create the brand's interpretation of the footwear classic. The outsole is made of bespoke Italian crepe. The footbed is made of vegetable tanned leather with a detachable moulded insole for maximum comfort. The lining is made of Italian vegetable tanned leather for friction-free slip-on-slip-off action.

In other words, no compromises were made in terms of quality. Furthermore, Oliver Cabell includes a pricing breakdown so you can see precisely where your money is going.

These Oliver Cabell boots, available in various gentle and earthy tones, illustrate why Chelsea boots for men are and will always be a classic.

Best for Classic Chelsea boot cool.

2. Saint Laurent: Top Luxury Chelsea Boots For Men

The primary guideline for Chelsea boots is that the more pointed the toe, the more formal the boot. This is why these Saint Laurent designs are an excellent choice for anybody looking for a pair of Chelsea boots for men that are more 'high-end nightclub' than 'cantering about on a horse.'

Each season, Saint Laurent reinvents its trademark Wyatt boot, available in various colourways and fabrications. However, black leather is our favourite since it has a versatile fashion appeal that can be worn up or down.

These stylish Chelsea boots are handcrafted in Italy from black calf leather and feature the signature elasticated gators seen on all Chelsea boots. They're also placed on a daring Cuban heel to lend height and drama to your look, making these our favourite heeled Chelsea boots.

Wear these Saint Laurent Chelsea Boots with skinny jeans and a leather jacket for instant street cred or tailored trousers for a more formal occasion.

Best for Polished French elegance with a grunge twist.

3. New Republic: Best Value For Money

If your boot budget is a little tight, you'll want a pair of reasonably priced Chelsea boots like these from the New Republic. They come in both suede and leather to select according to your taste or practical needs.

The shape is elegant and traditional, striking a balance between functional pragmatism and timeless flair. Easy removal is made possible with an elasticated gusset and a pull tab (ideal for rushing home for supper).

The natural crepe outsole, cushioned insole, breathable leather lining, and footbed will provide all-day comfort whether you're wearing these New Republic boots to work or out on the town with family or friends.

Best for: Boots with a lot of bang for your buck.

4. Axel Arigato: Best Comfortable Men's Chelsea Boots

If you're on your feet all day and busy hustling with life, these Axel Arigato boots are among the most comfortable Chelsea boots for men we've seen.

The boot's main body is 100 per cent black calf leather, the go-to material for high-end shoes due to its fine grain and excellent durability. They'll amaze you with their levels of comfort once you've worn them in—which won't take long.

Meanwhile, the rubber soles provide a flexible yet firm feel. These boots are waterproof, shock-absorbing (ideal for pounding the pavement), and resistant to most weather situations. All of this adds up to footwear that will take your feet to the seventh heaven.

Oh, and did we mention that these Axel Arigato Chelsea boots are also quite fashionable? Basic yet perfectly exquisite, it looks best when combined with a matching minimalist watch.

5. Church's: Iconic Black Chelsea Boots for Men

Suppose nothing but the classics will do, invest in a pair of Church's Prenton leather Chelsea boots. These are precisely what we all envision when we think of Chelsea boots, so if you're a purist, these are the boots for you.

Unlike many of the Italian-made boots on our list, these black leather Chelsea boots are manufactured in England by a company that has been in the shoemaking industry since 1873 and is regarded as one of the country's best bootmakers.

Church's Chelsea boots include elasticated sides and pull-tabs for easy access and egress. They also have lightweight rubber soles for ease of walking and traction on slick surfaces like wet streets or glossy floors.

These black Chelsea boots look great with elegant cut trousers or slimline jeans. And a little scuffing adds to the grungy rocker image.

Best for: A flexible and classic take on a long-lasting fashion favourite.

6. Koio: The Best Waterproof Chelsea Boots

Are you looking for the best winter boots for dodging puddles and crossing wet winter streets? These Koio waterproof Chelsea boots are our favourite. Although they're constructed of suede, which isn't often associated with weather resilience, they've been engineered to withstand even the most ferocious forecasts.

These boots have a stompy, no-nonsense style that we adore. They have the counter-culture edge that we associate with Chelsea boots. They're also available in either gritty charcoal grey or opulent mocha brown.

The Chelsea boot by Koio is very lightweight and comfortable, with a flexible jagged-edge bottom that absorbs stress and provides grip when walking in inclement weather. Double stitching adds to the toughness and assures that these boots will last season after season.

Best for Storm-conquering fashion footwear.

7. M.Germi: The Best Low-Top Chelsea Boots for Men

We salute M.Gemi for a unique twist on the classic Chelsea boot shape. This pair of low top Chelsea boots are perfect for a more mature setting and may be worn in the boardroom and the cocktail bar.

Whether you choose leather or Capra suede (hand-washed for a lovely vintage touch), these boots would look great with work casual clothes, out to dine with friends, or picking up the kids from school.

All Chelsea boots' elastic gore side panels are included on these M.Gemi boots, and the all-leather interior and footbed provide exceptional comfort. The low-cut style has the added benefit of being able to be worn with contemporary rolled-up designer jeans. It also appears to be a little smarter and less equestrian than some of the more classic Chelsea boots.

Best for Casual elegance to match with your smart-casual ensemble.

8. Common Projects: Best suede Chelsea boots for men      

Check out Common Projects' designs for the ultimate high-fashion take on the classic Chelsea boot. They're composed of delectably soft suede and come in a trendy sand colour that immediately reminds us of balmy afternoons in the Balearics.

The softly tapered toes add a dressier touch, while the rubber-crepe bottoms are comparable to the boot for a seamless visual experience. The engraved gold serial numbers are the brand's trademark and tell everybody who looks that you're a savvy shopper.

Best for: A polished reimagining of the quintessential rock 'n' roll footwear.

9. R.M. Williams: Best Leather Boots for Men

Only the best leather will do when it comes to Chelsea boots, and we have got the ones for you. These R.M. Williams Craftsman boots are made of black cow leather and come from Australia, where they are handcrafted by some of the country's most accomplished artisans (thus the name).

The silky-smooth leather will start to mould to the form of your feet as you break these boots in, providing figure-hugging comfort that you won't get in lesser alternatives. The block heel also provides a little more lift, giving you a boost as you sprint through your day.

One of our favourite aspects of these R.M.Williams leather Chelsea boots is the vivid red sole, which ensures you create a lasting impact as you walk away. Pair with straight-leg jeans and a trench coat or selvedge denim and a bomber jacket for a more bohemian look.

Best for: The ideal middle ground between dapper and adventurous.

10. Grenson: Classic Men's Chelsea Boots

If you consider yourself a fashion enthusiast, you want a Chelsea boot that follows the guidelines and has the same silhouette as the original form. Grenson's traditional Chelsea boots are the best we've found.

These boots are designed in the traditional Chelsea profile, developed by Queen Victoria's shoemaker and has been sought by the fashion crowd ever since. They're quite aesthetically attractive with their beige colour scheme, slightly contrasted midsole, and curved but not bulbous toe.

These boots are incredibly long-lasting, and the anti-slip rubber sole ensures no falls or stumbles when running about town.

Forget whatever ideas you may have had with Chelsea boots and Western barn dances. These boots by Grenson are some of the most admirable Chelsea boots for men we've seen, as well as some of the most cocktail-appropriate footwear we've seen.

Best for: A classic boot that still looks and feels new.

11. Bruno Marc: Best Affordable Chelsea Boots for Men

Suppose you can't justify spending your money on the most expensive footwear. In that case, Bruno Marc has you covered with this cost-effective twist on the Chelsea boot classic, which is likely to become your go-to choice of footwear for Mondays, Saturdays, and every day in between.

Despite being no more than $50, these boots are composed of high-quality suede leather that is difficult to differentiate from more expensive models. Along with the meticulously made leather interior, the suede will keep your feet toasty when the weather becomes cooler.

The sidebands offer good flexibility and make getting these boots on and off a breeze when paired with the pull tab. You'll wonder why you are ever bothered with laces in the first place. Furthermore, the EVA foam footbed keeps you light on your feet all day, while the TPR outsole provides grip and tear resistance.

These Bruno Marc Chelsea boots are some of the nicest suede Chelsea boots available and will stay for a long time in your collection.

Best for: Saving money while looking sassy.

12. Berluti: Luxury Chelsea Boots For Men

If only the best Chelsea boots in the world will do, you'll want—no, you'll need—these Berluti Leather Chelsea Boots. Leave it to a company recognized for its blend of classic artistry and current design to develop a pair of shoes that are practically your ticket to the biggest events in town—along with our favourite brown Chelsea boots.

They're constructed of smooth Venezia leather with a beautiful patina that will make it appear as though you've been wearing these boots your entire life (trendsetter that you are).

The toe is tapered enough to look good with a suit but not so pointed that it seems out of place with jeans. The elasticated sides and elegant leather interior ensure that you'll be comfy in these Berluti Chelsea boots, even while the praises pour in.

Best for: Making your feet feel like they're flying luxurious first class.

How to pick and wear Chelsea boots?

While the fundamental shape and style of a Chelsea boot are almost always the same, there are a variety of choices on the market to fit a variety of preferences and purposes, ranging from tough weather-resistant versions to luxurious Italian leather designs.

When selecting the best men's Chelsea boots, keep the following factors in mind:

Material

Chelsea boots are commonly constructed of leather or suede. Leather is a good choice for durability and classic elegance, whilst suede is more modern, trendy, and informal.

Leather is available in various textures, including ultra-fine calfskin, stiffer and harder vegetable-tanned leather, and glossy patent leather. Leather also acquires a patina over time, which may lend your boots a charming antique appearance.

Suede is more porous than leather, making it less resistant to water and stains. It is, nevertheless, quite comfortable, having a soft and malleable feel.

The soles are available in leather, rubber, or PU. Rubber and PU are ideal choices for boots that can withstand wet streets while also providing non-slip traction and wear resistance. Rubber soles can also be more flexible, requiring less break-in time. However, because rubber does not conform to your feet like leather, it may not be as pleasant after a long day of usage.

Colours

Chelsea boots look best in earthy and organic colours such as browns and greys and classic black. Brown Chelsea boots might feel more rough and outdoorsy than black Chelsea boots, which are more metropolitan in design. Lighter colours are ideal for a relaxed summer look.

Ankle closure

Chelsea boots are easily identified by their U-shaped elasticated or vulcanized sides, initially developed as a time-saving alternative to laces. The top men's Chelsea boots also include a draw button at the rear, making putting these boots on and taking them off faster and easier.

Heel height

The most versatile Chelsea boots feature a modest heel that makes walking easy. Boots with a hefty Cuban heel are also available. The Beatles popularized this look, which provides a dazzling rock 'n' roll vibe.

Toe Shape

Tapered Chelsea boots with a pointed toe are generally more formal and better suited to sophisticated events. They'd look great with a suit.

Toes with a rounded shape are more casual. You don't want your Chelsea boots to be overly bulbous, though. A slight tapering is more elegant and attractive.