The 10 Very Best Chelsea Boots for Women

Whatwe’relookingfor

Sizes:5–11 |Material:Leather |Design:¾-inch platform, grooving on the elastic gussets, Docs signature stitching, lettering on pull tab |Price:$

Dr. Martensmakes functional and durable boots with an edge. The 2976, which has been manufactured since the ’70s, is the brand’s hard-wearing Chelsea boot. The pair is handsome and understated, made from a smooth leather that’s more matte than patent, though there’s some subtle sheen to them. Everyone will know you’re wearing Docs because of the signature yellow stitching — something you’ll either love or hate. But as someone who grew up on the Ramones, I like that the boots feel a little rebellious without drawing too much attention to themselves. I’ve named them the best overall Chelsea boots for their wearability and iconic style. Not only are they sleek, they’re comfortable enough for long days on your feet (my dad used to wear a pair daily while packaging pharmaceuticals on afactory floor).

But getting them there can take time. Docs are infamous for their brutalbreak-in.New York Review of Booksmarketing manager Abigail Dunn recommends coating them in the brand’sWonder Balsamto soften the leather. Anothertrickto loosen them up is to heat them with ablow-dryer. In the end, I went with the double-sockmethod, wearing twocrewsat once, on and off for months, to prevent blisters and rubbing as the shoes stretched out. Because I havebigger calves, the shafts needed the most easing, but now I can slip into the boots painlessly.

I’ve worn mine in bothrainand mud, and the boots wiped up easily, even though I haven’twaterproofedthem yet. And I’ve heard from people who’ve owned theirs for years, includingComme Sifounder Jenni Lee, that they’re very long-lasting — she wears hers while treading through city slush. They get the job done, while adding whatRadSwanfounderFreddie Harrelpraises as an “extra badass edge” — and they come in aplatform versiontoo, if you want a more eye-catching look.

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

If the 2976s from Dr. Martens are too utilitarian (or too punk) for your taste, consider the 63s from Blundstone. Blundstones (orBlunnies, as the boots are called in Australia) have a following that includescurrent and former Strategist staffers, musicianSharon Van Ettenand thePrincess of Wales. And while the brand is largely known for its rugged round-toe boots, the 63s are billed as a dress boot, with a square toe and softer shape throughout. “They really just go with anything and work for everything,” says former Strategist newsletter editorMia Leimkuhler. Emphasis on “everything” — Leimkuhler has worn them both to ballet and whilehikingup Portland, Oregon’s Multnomah Falls. The 63s are made from water-resistant leather with a durable outsole, and Nadine Abramcyk, co-founder of the salonTenoverten, describes them as tough enough to “withstand heavy city walking” too.

Sizes:5–11 with half sizes |Material:Water-resistant leather |Design:1½-inch heel, front and back pull tabs, double stitching |Price:$$

Though the differences are subtle between the 63s and the 510s, the 510s are more of a typicalwinter boot, with a rounded toe and more of that signature Blundstone ruggedness. Strategist writerKatherine Gillespiehas worn them for the last six winters on the East Coast and says she can’t imagine “conquering the elements without them,” as the lugged sole and “reasonably waterproof” leather mean they can easily handle wet park walks and puddle-filled commutes. (Strategist writer Jeremy Rellosa is also a fan and further “winterizes” his Blundstones withtoilet wax.) The boots get a nice patina after a while and don’t require too much breaking in, but they will mold to your feet through wear.

You can’t go wrong with otherankle bootstyles in the500 series, either — each has a water-resistant finish and high-traction soles. Audio producerAmy Pedullatold me that the boots are big with the podcasting crowd, while dancerEva Altsays they wear really well, especially on slippery strolls around the city.

Sizes:35–42 (equivalent to sizes 5–12) |Material:Leather |Design:1 ½-inch heel, lugged soles |Price:$

I own three pairs of boots from Swedish shoemaker Vagabond (which also sells excellentloafers) and they’ve all lasted me years (I’ve had my oldest pair for five). These Kenovas come recommended by Strategist deals editorSam Dalyand have a more minimalist look than the chunkier Ganni pair above, with smaller lugs throughout the sole. Daly chose them because the brand is Swedish — and “the Swedes know how to make very classic, non-trendy things.” The boots have become her go-to for everything from going out to swinging by the supermarket. “All my life, I thought comfy shoes meant that they had to be ugly,” Daly says, but the Kenovas are both nice-looking and shoes her podiatrist “would be proud of.” (Pro tip: You can sometimes catch Vagabond stylesmarked downat Urban Outfitters, which is where I found mine.)

Sizes:5.5–11 with half sizes and wide options|Material:Leather (also available in suede) |Design:Socklike ribbed inset, ¾-inch platform, 2¼-inch heel |Price:$

It can be difficult to get platforms right because, asTheNew York TimesMagazineeditorIva Dixitsays, “if they’re too high or too bulky, you look like a tween who just hit up Steve Madden at the suburban mall.” The Hayles, which happen to be from that very company, aren’t that at all. Strategist writerBrenley Goertzenlikes the contrast between the ribbed-knit inset where the traditional gusset would be and the combination of the statement-makinglug solewith a thicker, flared heel. The nontraditional socklike shaft and stomp-y sole add interest. And the stretchy opening is especially comfortable — Goertzen didn’t even have to break these in. They are one of the most affordable pairs on this list and come in two shades of fairly hardy suede (Goertzen’s even cleaned up well after an unfortunate red-wine spill, despite the fact that she hadn’t weatherproofed them) as well as black or white leather. They are also the only boots on this list that come in wide widths, though many of the wide-width sizes are sold out.

Sizes:35–41 with half sizes|Material:Suede (also available in leather) |Design:2¾-inch heel, almond toe |Price:$$$

Even with their block heel, which Chelsea boots don’t usually have, the Rovers (from the usually grungier Rag & Bone) are not ostentatious. The heel blends right in with the rest of the boot, which features vertical stitching on the side panels and a perfectly pointed almond toe. Because the heel isn’ttoohigh, at just under three inches, Portland, Oregon–based wardrobe stylistGrace Thomasfound that the boots were comfortable the first time she wore them. Their toned-down appearance was a big selling point: “They will never go out of style,” she praises.

[Editor’s note: The Rover is currently sold out or available in very limited sizes at most retailers.]

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

These Nisolos feature a barely there blockish heel (available in a contrasting wood tone if you’re so inclined) that’s more subdued than the taller style seen above. Peggy Economou, co-founder of the nursery-clothes brandTeat and Cosset, andKate McLeod, co-founder of her eponymous label oflotion stones, each recommend the pair. McLeod calls 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:5.5–12 with half sizes |Material:Leather |Design:Pointed toe, pitched heel, higher shaft |Price:$$

When the Strategist asked real-life cowgirls and country singers about their tried-and-truecowboy 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 musicianCourtney Marie Andrewscalls 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:5–14|Material:Waterproof rubber|Design:Double pull tabs, neoprene lining|Price:$

In our best-in-classrain-boots guide, these cheery boots from Merry Peoples — which come in a rainbow of hues including mustard, grasshopper green, and lavender — earned the title of “best Chelsea.”Gillespiewas impressed with how city-friendly they are, with a soft and comfortable neoprene lining and a slightly wider fit that’s ideal for wearing thick socks. Two gardeners gushed to us about them too. “They’re just so comfortable and easy to clean,” says Amber Grossman, the creator ofBlack Girls Gardening. Katie Parks ofFreckles and Sproutsadds 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.

Sizes:5-11 |Material:Waterproof rubber |Design:3-inch heel, side zipper, logo on pull tab |Price:$$$

Goertzen bought the Bettys from French fashion house Chloé to replace a worn-out pair of Hasbeens that she’d previously relied on in wet weather. “They perform just like my Hunter rain boots,” Goertzen says. “The rain just beads right off of them. There’s zero water getting into these clompers. So no damp socks.” And because Goertzen lives in Minnesota, known for its long winters, they’ve seen a lot of rainfall, snow, and slush. Since the wellies are made from rubber, a quick wipedown with a washcloth makes them seem brand new, “which is a big deal because here our sidewalks get covered in salt to prevent icy patches,” she adds. And while these are more of an investment, the Bettys are usually marked down duringSsense sales(that’s how Goertzen got hers).

Ourexperts