The 15 Very Best Chelsea Boots for Women

Sizes: 5–11 | Material: Leather | Design: ½-inch platform, slip-resistant lug sole, Docs signature stitching | Price: $$

Docs came up more times in our reporting than any other boot-maker. The 2976s weren’t the pair we heard about the most (see the Floras below), but they take the title here because (a) they fulfill the Chelsea-boot ideal we had in mind in making this list, and (b) they’ve made appearances all over our archives — including our guide to the best ankle boots — as further proof of their power.

London-based journalist Pandora Sykes lives in her oxblood pair, which Docs describes as a more rugged take on its classic Chelseas from the ’70s. That’s what also makes them a favorite of Freddie Harrel, founder of beauty company RadSwan. Harrel likes them more than the Floras for everyday — even though these are more casual, she feels they add an “extra badass edge” to whatever she’s wearing. Jenni Lee, founder of luxury sock label Comme Si, describes them as easy to wear because they have the construction of a functional boot with a silhouette that “looks good even when you’re treading through city slush.” New York Review of Books marketing manager Abigail Dunn shares a similar sentiment, pointing out that they’re a little subtler in a sea of much thicker-soled Docs (but still stand up to heavy abuse). If you do like drama, Elizabeth Tamkin, content and partnerships manager at Kule, pointed us to the Quad version of the 2976s, which have a thick 1.5-inch platform and a two-inch heel.

Sizes: 5–11 | Material: Leather | Design: High gloss, 1-inch block heel | Price: $

The Floras aren’t like other Docs, with a glossier finish and without the signature stitching that the boots are known for — which is exactly why their fans love them. (They did take the title of the most mentioned pair, after all.) For New York Times senior software engineer Nozlee Samadzadeh, these hit a sweet spot that’s neither too sleek nor too chunky. And the soles do double duty when it comes to practicality and style: The lower-profile heel is no-skid to prevent wintertime slippage and stands out against other (higher) Docs, Samadzadeh explains. Iva Dixit, noted coat collector and the New York Times Magazine editor, agrees that the subtler sole “makes them feel a little more adult.” Dixit has had her pair for years now and says they’re remarkably well-made, looking “like they’ve been worn, but not beaten up,” with the dark sheen developing a patina over time. Hannah Baxter, deputy beauty editor of The Zoe Report, seconds this, saying that because the Floras are British-made, she thinks they’re the “real deal.” If you needed any more convincing, Strategist associate editor Jenna Milliner-Waddell wears hers year-round.

Sizes: 35–42 (equivalent to U.S. 5–12) | Material: Leather | Design: Chunky, lugged soles | Price: $$

Swedish label Vagabond is a hit among past and present Strategist staffers — former writer Chloe Anello (a loafer collector) counts her Alex Ws as a favorite, and I also own a pair of boots from the brand (unfortunately, mine are sold out). Strategist deals editor Sam Daly loves these Kenovas. “Not to be a Scandiphile, but I did buy these partly because the brand is Swedish — I just feel like the Swedes know how to make very classic, non-‘trendy’ products,” Daly says. She also waxes poetic about the boots’ chameleonlike quality. “These are my going-out shoes, my ‘running to the grocery store’ shoes, and ‘spending all day in a coffee shop’ shoes,” she explains. Their comfort is another plus. “All my life, I thought comfy shoes meant that they had to be ugly,” but the Kenovas look great despite being something even her “podiatrist would be proud of.”

Sizes: 5.5–11 with half sizes | Material: Leather | Design: Socklike ribbed inset, ¾-inch platform, 2¼-inch heel | Price: $

It can be difficult to get platforms right. “If they’re too high or too bulky, you look like a tween who just hit up Steve Madden at the suburban mall,” Dixit says. But the Hayles, which happen to be from that very company, are an exception, according to Strategist junior writer Brenley Goertzen. Goertzen likes the contrast between the ribbed-knit “sock” at the top of the boots’ shaft and their statement-making lug sole along with their slightly flared heels. The combination makes the pair look edgier than the other classic silhouettes out there, according to Goertzen. She also reports that they didn’t require breaking in — she was on her feet for hours with zero discomfort when she put them on for the first time. The Hayles, additionally, survived a nasty red-wine spill during a night out — Goertzen was able to dab the splatter away with a warm, wet cloth.

(If you’re willing to splurge for a pair of platformed Chelseas, we also heard raves about Scandinavian shoemaker Eytys from Tamkin, Dixit, and Sea of Shoes blogger Jane Aldridge, who appreciates the company’s punkish ethos. Their picks, the Nikitas and the Ortegas, have since been discontinued, but you can find all its current styles here.)

Sizes: 5–11 with half sizes | Material: Water-repellent leather | Design: Almond-toe, flat sole, higher shaft with gored sides | Price: $$$

Personal stylist Erica Ball discovered the Cecyls while shopping for a client. From luxury label Vince, which is known for its basics, these boots have a distinctly clean look — their only “embellishment” is a higher-than-usual shaft for a slightly more dramatic effect. These Chelsea boots caught Ball’s attention for their versatility (she’s a big believer in having a “curated closet”) as she can wear them just as easily with a frillier dress as with a leather jacket and raw-hem denim. Ball adds that these are made of a quality leather and are likely to last a long time, making the Cecyls worth the investment if you subscribe to a “cost-per-wear” philosophy.

Sizes: 5–11 with half sizes | Material: Water-resistant leather | Design: 1¼-inch heel, triangular side panels | Price: $$

These Nisolos are more minimal than the Blundstones, but the shoes do feature a barely there blockish heel (available in a contrasting wood tone if you’re so inclined) that’s menswear inspired and more understated than the platformed options featured above. Peggy Economou, a co-founder of the nursery-clothes brand Teat and Cosset, and Kate McLeod, a co-founder of her eponymous label of lotion stones, each have a pair. Economou considers them understated and elegant. McLeod echoes that, calling them a “shoe staple” because they’re easy to dress up and down along with sliding right on and fitting snugly. To boot, both pointed out Nisolo’s commitment to sustainable practices, operating ethical factories, and fair trade.

Sizes: 6–11 with half sizes | Material: Waterproof leather | Design: Double pull tabs, sheepskin footbed | Price: $$

If you want something waterproof without looking like a rain boot, consider these Blundstones, which were highly raved about in our guide to the most comfortable shoes, according to pros who stand all day long. Chef Adina Halpern wears the 1477s in and out of the kitchen. These have more support than the ubiquitous-in-kitchens clogs and slides, and since they’re waterproof and slip-resistant, they can handle messes — including mud and slush. Halpern herself once tested them out on a butcher-shop floor covered in beef fat and didn’t stumble once.

Sizes: 6–11 with half sizes | Material: Water-resistant leather | Design: 1½-inch heel, square-toe | Price: $$

Longtime Strategist readers will be no strangers to Blundstones, which are among our favorite all-around boots for their durability and versatility. But when you want something dressier, try the Blundstone 63s. “They really just go with anything and work for everything,” says former Strategist newsletter editor Mia Leimkuhler. Emphasis on “everything” — Leimkuhler once brought only these shoes on a weekend trip to Portland, Oregon, that included going to the ballet and hiking up Multnomah Falls. Nadine Abramcyk, a co-founder of the salon Tenoverten, describes the 63s as both tough enough to “withstand heavy city walking” and feminine at the same time.

Sizes: 5–11 with half sizes | Material: Water-resistant leather | Design: Double pull tabs | Price: $$

Multiple Strategist staffers own a pair of Blundstones, and at least two of them have styles from the 500 series (which also appear in our guides to the best ankle boots and walking shoes). These are designed for rough conditions with a water-resistant finish and high-traction soles. Audio producer Amy Pedulla says Blundstones are big with the podcasting crowd — after years and years of wear while hauling heavy audio equipment, she’s only on her second pair because the boots are designed to last. Dancer Eva Alt agrees that they wear really well, especially on slippery walks around the city. (Or — for true safety-focused work shoes — Chicago-based patternmaker Xochil Herrera Scheer introduced us to the Xena Omegas. Scheer says they’re extremely wearable, as they are made of flexible leather to make them easier to walk in.)

Sizes: 5.5–12 with half sizes | Material: Leather | Design: Pointed toe, pitched heel, higher shaft | Price: $$

When Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo asked real-life cowgirls and country singers about their tried-and-true cowboy boots, Frye was one of the most mentioned brands. If you’re a non-traditionalist, the Sachas are a Western take on the classic Chelsea that musician Courtney Marie Andrews calls her absolute favorite — she wears this pair almost every day. This is thanks to their comfort: “Once you wear them in, they form to your foot,” she explains.

Sizes: 5–11 | Material: Waterproof rubber | Design: Double pull tabs, neoprene lining | Price: $

In our best-in-class rain-boots guide, these cheery boots from Merry Peoples earned the title of “best Chelsea.” Two gardeners gushed to us about them. “They’re just so comfortable and easy to clean,” says Amber Grossman, the creator of Black Girls Gardening. Katie Parks of Freckles and Sprouts agrees, adding that the boots “hold up well to our heavy clay soil that clumps to your boots in wet weather, and they have a nice grip, so I never slip.” She gets compliments on her pair all the time. And when Strategist writer Katherine Gillespie tried them out for herself, she was impressed with how “city-friendly” they were, with a neoprene lining that makes them softer and a slightly wider fit that’s ideal for socks.