Since its creation in 1837, the silhouette has become a fashion mainstay, worn by editors and rock stars alike. “It’s an iconic shoe that’s easy to wear, thanks to its slip-on-and-off functionality, ” explains Nordstrom’s women’s fashion director Rickie De Sole. Given their sleek bodice and low-heel, they’re suitable for long commutes and look just as cool when styled with cigarette jeans as they do with a suede midi skirt. Joni Pangsaeng, senior director of design and merchandising at Reformation, confirms why they’ve had such enduring appeal: “Chelsea boots are wardrobe building blocks because they’re versatile and timeless.”
Below, we’ve shopped out the best Chelsea boots for women this fall, including a selection of sleek styles crafted from Italian buffed leathers and sumptuous suedes to chunkier silhouettes complete with puddle-proof f lug-soles.
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“The Katerina is one of my absolute favorites and a style that has been in the collection since we first launched boots,” Pangsaeng says. It’s not surprising these sleek boots have remained a steady part of Reformation’s boot collection. The sensible silhouette and durable construction keep them relevant year after year.
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: Black
Materials: Leather
Something’s brewing in fashion and it’s the pointy-toe. From suede loafers to patent-leather heels and now Chelsea boots, footwear is getting witchy just in time for fall.
Sizes: 35-42
Colors: black
Material: leather
Chocolate suede is everywhere this season, from slouchy bohemian totes to tailored blazers, and now Chelsea boots. We like Margaux’s West style, which is crafted from water-resistant Italian suede and features a stacked lug sole, ensuring your gorgeous suede uppers are well-protected from rain puddles and city grime.
Sizes: 3.4-14
Colors: Cocoa, sandstone, black, and two more
Materials: Suede, calkfskin
Staud gives the rock n’ roll staple a fresh twist with a pointed toe and tapered low heel. Pair with a ruffled blouse layered under a leather moto jacket and seriously skinny jeans to complete the effect.
Sizes: 35-42
Colors: black, brown, mahogany
Materials: leather
Ganni’s tough-looking boots feature a generous rubber lug sole with reinforced cap toes to make your new shoes last for years to come. To soften up the look, pair with a satin slip dress layered under an oversized crewneck sweater. Finish with a pendant necklace and a slouchy tote.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: black
Materials: leather
If you’re going to splurge on Chelsea boots, De Sole recommends this pair from Prada, which can easily be dressed up or down. “They look just as good peeking out from the bottom of a romantic skirt as they do accompanying a high-rise straight-leg jean,” the fashion director says.
Sizes: 5–10
Colors: Black
Materials: Leather, rubber
What reviewers are saying: “Such beautiful boots! Can style in many ways. Pricey but worth it!”
For drizzly days, you’ll want to slip into this pair of Hunter boots, which fuse the functionality of a rain boot and the style of a Chelsea. Their natural latex rubber will keep you completely dry in the strongest showers.
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: Red, green, black
Materials: Rubber
What reviewers are saying: “These are perfect for keeping your feet dry as the weather turns wetter and colder.”
With a walkable 2-inch heel and elasticized back to make slipping on and off a breeze, Zara’s elevated spin on the Chelsea silhouette is not only a financial win, it’s a wardrobe staple you’ll wear this season and next.
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: Black
Materials: 60% polyurethane, 16% polyester, 12% cotton, 12% elastodiene
An oversize buckle adds some glamour to a shoe that otherwise conforms to Chelsea boot standards. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with keeping it simple—trust me, minimalism is the foundation of my wardrobe—but sometimes it doesn’t hurt to spice things up a bit. Gold hardware will always do the trick.
Sizes: 35–42 EU
Colors: Black
Materials: Leather
Manolo is widely known for its high-heeled satin pumps (thank you, Carrie Bradshaw), but the low-heeled boots are just as investment-worthy. If you despise the idea of walking around in stilettos, let us introduce you to the designer’s Chelsea boots—your new go-to shoe.
Sizes: 34–43 EU
Colors: Black
Materials: Leather
We often think of wearing cashmere in the form of a sweater or scarf, but this soft fabric can also be worn on our feet. Gabriela Hearst’s Hobbes shoes aren’t the first pair of cashmere-trimmed boots I’ve seen, and they certainly won’t be the last. They’re that warm.
Sizes: 36–42 EU
Colors: Beige, black
Materials: Leather, cashmere
As if fitting into a pair of Chelsea boots couldn’t get any easier, the Row introduced an innovative design that features a front zip fastening. If you’re bundling up with a pair of heavy socks, slipping into these shoes is not a problem.
Sizes: 35–42 EU
Colors: Beige
Materials: Leather, rubber
Stuart Weitzman is the master of all things boots. Keep this pair in your closet, as it’s a wardrobe staple that isn’t going anywhere any time soon. The timeless black leather and lug-sole design make it timelessly functional.
What reviewers are saying: “These boots have become my go-to! I’m so happy I purchased them. The leather is so soft and is so comfortable.”
Sizes: 3½–13
Colors: Black
Materials: Leather, rubber
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