Herring Shoes Journal

There is no doubt the Chelsea boot is a perennial favourite. But wait, do not assume that makes it boring! Absolutely not, as the joy of a Chelsea boot is that it comes in so many different styles within a single boot genre to keep it fresh for every season.

Sure, the Chelsea boot is steeped in history with Queen Victoria first stepping out in their first iteration to meet her needs for comfortable footwear that was easy to pull on and off. The Queen’s bootmaker Joseph Sparkes-Hall added vulcanised rubber soles from Charles Goodyear and thought J. Sparkes Hall’s Patent Elastic Ankle Boots would serve as an adequate product name.

It was not until the super-cool artsy kids from London’s King’s Road started adopting these boots that the shoemaking industry settled on the name that we are all familiar with today.  

However, while the Chelsea boot has evolved from the horse-lovers’ favourite footwear and the rockstars’ go-to boot to wear with skinny jeans, these elements are never too far from away from the plethora of choice we see in today’s modern designs.

For example, our newest style – the Guards (above) – has the Mod-ish sleek toe but has been given an upgrade with polished leather in burgundy or black. The dedicated followers of fashion of the 1960s would wholeheartedly approve.

Made in England, the Coltham (below) is a more classic style. This model is made from a waxy leather upper to help keep the rain out. We have had these made exclusively for us in black and brown calf.

Our best-seller though is the Wilson Chelsea boot. Crafted on our much-loved 11028 last by expert bootmakers Cheaney, they are made from the finest calf leathers, with a full leather lining; this is a premier grade boot that will work well in the office or on a night out.

To switch it up a bit, we have used an inner zip rather than an elasticated gusset in the creation of the Jude. I believe this makes them just that little bit more edgy and definitely more swinging 60s.

For a more casual, everyday look, suede is always a good way to go. Our Portuguese-made Chichester style is Blake-stitched, which makes it more lightweight and flexible from the get-go.

And for women, we have the Tamara (above); a British-made boot, with the choice of suede or calf, that sports a slightly raised heel. Like many of our boots, it is welted so is designed to be repaired. For a more horsey vibe, the Jodie’s buckled strap ticks the box while the Giovanna embraces brogue detailing.

The Chelsea boot really is very versatile in terms of the many styles available for you to choose from and the circumstances they befit. There are a few places a Chelsea boot will not be welcomed.