Our Editors Reveal Their Top Picks for the Best Chelsea Boots

Best Overall

According to Mytour Senior Editor Hannah Baker, these boots break in beautifully—they gradually shape to your feet (which might take a few wears), but once they do, they’re incredibly comfortable. She’s worn them all over New York City and during walks upstate, and they’ve stood the test of time, showing only minor signs of wear like small scuffs and slight fading of color.

We’ve discovered that their leather build makes them more resistant to weather than other boots. However, like any footwear, you can increase their longevity by avoiding wearing them in the rain when possible, applying a protective spray, and using a leather and suede cleaner if you want to be extra careful.

What we love most about these boots, besides their durability, is their timeless design and premium construction. The high quality is what justifies the price, plus they’ll never go out of fashion. Honestly, we wouldn’t change a thing about them.

Size Range: 6–11 | Material: Leather | Heel Height: 1 inch

Other Styles We Adore

Top Pick for Heels

A well-heeled boot is essential no matter where you’re based, but from my experience living in a warmer climate, these are the only boots you’ll ever need.

Having spent the majority of my life in Arizona and now California, my main criteria when buying Chelsea boots in 2021 was to keep them affordable, considering the weather doesn’t always call for boots, even in cooler months. The cost per wear really matters!

At just $40, I’ve certainly gotten my money’s worth, wearing these boots on month-long city trips, to dinner, and even during long shifts as a restaurant hostess. I love the edgy vibe they add to outfits like silk skirts, denim jeans, and dresses. Even after three years, they’ve held up beautifully without any fraying, scuffing, or tearing.

Raindrops roll right off of them when it drizzles, too—basically, they look the same as when I got them (albeit a few creases from walking, which is to be expected). A quick wipe with a paper towel takes care of any dust or water. Even with a heel, I’ve never experienced discomfort, either, no matter how far I’ve walked on city streets.

Size Range: 5.5–11, plus wide options | Material: Leather | Heel Height: 2.5 inches

Other Heeled Styles We Adore

Top Choice for Suede

Suede boots are a top pick for summer when you want something lighter than leather but still stylish. While suede is usually less waterproof than leather, and requires either careful maintenance or a good waterproof spray, the Tecovas The Taylor boot has defied this issue.

Senior Editorial Director Meg Lappe attests that even after getting caught in a downpour with these boots—soaking the toes—they dried out without issue. The rain didn’t leave her socks completely wet either. The brand assures that the suede is water-resistant, meaning that while it’s always good to be cautious, unexpected rain doesn’t need to cause panic.

Lappe is impressed by how well the boots have held up over five months, despite their light brown color and suede material. Their versatility is outstanding—she’s worn them with everything from shorts and jeans to jumpsuits and even wedding attire. Plus, this is the only pointed-toe style among our editor’s picks, offering the flexibility to dress up or down, just like Lappe does.

These boots are perfect for long days, whether you're exploring the city, working at the office, or dancing the night away. The only downside is that they felt a little tight around the toes in the first month. However, since they’re made from suede, they’ve stretched out to fit comfortably enough for all-day wear.

Size Range: 5–12 | Material: Suede | Heel Height: 2 inches

Other Suede Styles We Love

A Pro's Guide to Shopping for Chelsea Boots

Material Choices

The boots featured here are crafted from either leather (or its synthetic counterpart) or suede. According to Fabiana Rigamonti, head of design at Aerosoles, "Full-grain leather offers a compact, resilient grain structure, making it durable against wear, moisture, and abrasion over time." Conversely, "Suede has a softer and more porous texture, which makes it more vulnerable to damage compared to full-grain leather."

If longevity is your primary concern, opting for leather could be the smarter choice. However, that doesn’t mean suede lacks its merits. Suede is an excellent option for cozy fall and winter outfits, easily pairing with items like heavy winter jackets or skirts layered over tights. It also tends to offer a more relaxed, understated vibe than the bold statement of leather boots.

Heel Height

Both heeled and flat boots can complement your wardrobe, depending on the occasion. You may find yourself wanting both. Heeled boots are ideal for formal events like weddings, dinners, or professional settings, while flat boots shine in more casual environments, such as weekend trips, running errands, or hanging out with friends. However, don't be afraid to mix it up—if you're drawn to wearing one style all the time, go ahead!

Size & Fit

“Since many Chelsea boots tend to be less flexible, it’s a good idea to seek out retailers that offer additional width sizing if you have larger feet to ensure a comfortable fit,” says Roger LaGrone, founder of Alexander Noel.

To ensure the best possible fit, you can also measure your foot while standing and compare it to the retailer’s size chart to account for any differences between your usual size and the chart's recommendation.

Next, take into consideration the boot's toe shape, as boots often have narrower toes compared to shoes like sneakers or clogs. “Chelsea boots can be more refined and come in a western-inspired style with pointed, square, or round toes,” says Rigamonti, much like our Tecovas The Taylor choice, for instance.

Questions You Might Have 

Which type of Chelsea boots have the longest lifespan?

Similar to most footwear, leather Chelsea boots generally outlast suede ones because leather is more durable and resistant to weather and stains compared to other materials.

Cleaning and shining your boots in case of scuffs, dirt, or spills is effortless with the right materials, but suede boots can also stand the test of time if you take extra care. A pair of premium boots, such as the Blundstone #1352 Women's Originals High Top Boots, have lasted our editor for several years.

What is the typical price range for Chelsea boots?

Lagrone mentions that most Chelsea boots are usually priced between $150 and $900. However, it’s possible to find a high-quality pair at the lower end of this range by researching and understanding the materials that define a good boot.

Some boots on this list are available for less than $30. For instance, our Best Heeled choice, the Soda Jaber Ankle Boot, was priced at $47 when purchased and has remained durable over the years.

Trust Our Expertise

This piece was penned by Camryn Dilger, an associate editor at Mytour, who brings years of hands-on experience in researching, testing, editing, and reviewing a variety of products. Despite spending much of her life under the sunny skies of Arizona, her cherished pair of (heeled!) Chelsea boots have carried her through month-long trips in both Washington, D.C., and New York, where she braved countless cobblestone streets.

In addition to sharing her personal experience with her Chelsea boots, she also rounded up editor-approved selections and a variety of other chic options she believes are worthy of your attention.

Alicia Geigel also played a role in this article, interviewing Fabiana Rigamonti, the head of design at Aerosoles, and Roger LaGrone, the founder of Alexander Noel.