The Chelsea boot has been a popular choice for footwear ever since Queen Victoria’s shoemaker patented the design for the new-fangled ankle boots in 1851. (Her majesty wore them daily, it was said.)
With their elastic gussets, waterproof Chelsea boots are an easy-on, easy-off choice for garden footwear. We’ve rounded up 10 favorite pairs stylish enough to wear even when you’re not planning to tromp through muck:
Above: A pair of waterproof leather Women’s Thermal Boots is lined with Thinsulate (a synthetic fiber insulation) for warmth; $214.94 from Blundstone.
Above: From Sperry, a pair of Flex Deck Chelsea Chukka rain boots is available in three colors including black; $119.99 at Amazon.
Above: A pair of Lela Chelsea Boots has a waterproof corrugated vulcanized rubber outsole; $440 from Phillip Lim.
Above: Available in dark olive as shown (and in six other colors), Women’s Original Gloss Chelsea Boots are $135.
Above: A pair of Women’s Classic Rub 47 Boots from designer Ilse Jacobsen available in six colors including Grey as shown is $119.99 from Mountain Steals.
Above: A pair of Camper Pix Boots with rubberized matte leather uppers with elasticated sides is on sale for $149 (marked down from $195) at Urban Outfitters.
Above: From Hunter, the Original Waterproof Chelsea Rain Boot is available in four colors including black as shown here and in the top photo. “In hot or humid weather, natural latex rubber releases a protective wax film; simply wipe it off with a damp cloth,” notes the manufacturer; $135 from Nordstrom.
Above: A pair of waterproof rubber Chooka Bainbridge Chelsea Ankle Boots is $65 from Zappos.
Above: Sorel’s waterproof Emelie Chelsea Boots have leather-wrapped heels and are available in three colors including Cattail as shown. A pair is $150 at REI.
See more garden footwear (and fashion) in our recently 10 Easy Pieces archives. Read more: