Comfortable Chelsea Boots: 9 Stylish Picks for Problem Feet
At last, a recurring trend we achy-footed gals can get behind: the Chelsea boot. Credited to Queen Victoria’s shoemaker, the style is sturdy, close-fitting around the ankle, with elastic goring on the sides and a heel tab in the back. Worn as riding or “paddock” boots in the 1800s, the style gained popularity among the equestrian community, worn by men and women alike. In the 1950s, a group of young artists, film directors and socialites from the Chelsea area of west London, incorporated the boot into their “look.” The Chelsea boot soon became an icon of the Mod subculture of London making its way onto the feet of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
We’ve rounded up 9 comfortable chelsea boots for a variety of foot problems. Take a look!
Born Cove
Best for hallux rigidus (arthritic big toe): Born Cove
If you suffer from a painful big toe due to hallux limitus or rigidus, a thick, sturdy outsole without too much flex can help relieve the discomfort. The waterproof Born Cove features a thick rubber outsole and an embedded steel shank for stability and support. A round toe box adds to the overall comfort and a removable footbed may allow for an orthotic. Find the Born Cove in sizes 6-11 for $149.95 from Zappos, Nordstrom, and Amazon.
Best for feet that need low heel: Vionic Evergreen
Vionic offers a few comfortable Chelsea boots, but the Evergreen gets our vote. Featuring water-resistant leather or nubuck, this practical boot offers a removable insole with enhanced arch support, round toe, shock-absorbing outsole and low 1.5″ heel with 3/4″ platform. Find the Vionic Evergreen in sizes 5-12 for $99-159.95 from VionicShoes.com, Amazon, and Nordstrom.
Best wedge Chelsea boot: Sorel Evie II
Do your feet just feel better in a wedge? The Sorel Evie II features a 2″ wedge heel with 1/2″ platform so it adds just a little height without compromising comfort and walkability. Waterproof leather or suede keeps the feet high and dry! Available in sizes 5-12 for $140 from Sorel.com, Zappos, and Nordstrom.
Best for bunions or feet that need extra-roomy toe box: Lems Chelsea boot
Native to Boulder, Colorado, Lems specializes in zero-drop, foot-shaped shoes and boots. Read through the positive reviews from customers with diabetes, Morton’s neuroma, bunions, wide feet…they love their new Lems. Find in sizes 6.5-11 for $150 from LemsShoes.com.
Orthotic-Friendly Chelsea boot: Alegria Rowen
Alegria shoes are known for their wonderfully supportive cork/latex footbed but just in case you must wear orthotics, just replace yours with theirs in the new Rowen Chelsea boot. The Rowen features a waterproof vegan leather upper, roomy toe box and slip-resistant lug outsole. Available in euro sizes 36-42 (6-12) for $149.95 from Alegria Shoe Shop, and Zappos.
Best for Morton’s neuroma: Camper Right bootie
As an Amazon reviewer so eloquently put it, “they’re flat, wide, flexible, and soft with no seams or doo-dads to irritate problem feet.” Picky feet do not like doo-dads! Another reviewer says, “I have a morton’s neuroma which make almost all shoes uncomfortable. These are great, the leather is very soft. The footbed is perfectly flat, no wedge at all. Pretty much the best shoes. And, I look like an elf in them.” Perhaps it’s more of a shoe than a boot, but it certainly exudes the chelsea boot vibe with its stretchy side panels.
We love Spanish brand Camper not only for its left-of-center style, but also for its attention to quality and comfort. Butter-soft leathers and foot-friendly lasts (wider at forefoot, narrow heel) keep us coming back to check on new styles! The Camper Right bootie is available in sizes 5-12 (but it does run small so order up a size), for $215 from Camper.com, and Nordstrom.
Best Chelsea for Plantar Fasciitis: Fitflop F-Mode Chelsea boot
If you’ve found plantar fasciitis relief in a pair of Fitflop sandals, you’ll love their Chelsea boots as they feature the same triple-density Microwobbleboard midsole. Think firm cushioning with support versus squishy cushioning which does no favors for the heels. Find Fitflop Chelsea boots in sizes 5-11 for $85-180 from Fitflop.com, Amazon, and Zappos.
Not quite a full-fledged Chelsea boot, but close. The Propet Tandy features a side zipper and elastic goring for easy on and off. The footbed is also removable and should accommodate an orthotic. Available in sizes 6-11, medium to extra wide widths for $40-75 from Propet, Amazon and The Walking Company.
Ok, so it’s not made of real leather, but it has plaid inserts! Plus it’s affordable, gets great reviews for comfort and has a side zipper. Find in euro sizes 36-43 (5.5-12.5) for $78 from Zappos, and Amazon.
Do you have a favorite pair of comfortable Chelsea boots? Leave us a comment and let us know!
Related Posts
6 Comfortable Rain Boots For Picky Feet →
Blondo Prestly Boot Review: Foot-Friendly and Waterproof →
8 Sensational Snow Boots Surround Feet in Comfort and Warmth →
Taos Crave Boot for Taking on the Day in Comfort and Style →
3 Responses to Comfortable Chelsea Boots: 9 Stylish Picks for Problem Feet
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I just bought a pair of Hush Puppies Amelia Chelsea Boots and I LOVE them. I have plantar fasciitis and bunions. With a good Superfeet insole, these work great and do not rub. These boots are also water resistant (but not waterproof).
Thanks for recommending the Propet Tandy. I’ve been looking for something like that, and I was able to get a pair on sale on the Propet website. I got the smoked taupe which is gorgeous. I normally wear a 9 medium but the only 9 left was a wide. I took the chance and they are perfect – so comfortable. I’ll be able to wear a thin sock with them. I received them today and haven’t taken them off. They feel and look great. I think I’m now a Propet fan.
Your website has helped me so much in choosing shoes. Thank you!
Anne, that is wonderful to hear! Thanks for letting me know. I’m happy to help.