The Pick: The definitive Chelsea Boot for men

The classic, versatile and reliable boot - choose Chelsea

In 1851, the Chelsea Boot came to be. Created by London-based shoemaker Joseph Sparkes-Hall – and first dubbed the significantly less catchy ‘J. Sparkes-Hall’s Patent Elastic Ankle Boots’ – Chelsea Boots became a prominent part of British style, used for everything from walking to riding, until the onset of World War One. Strangely, they fell out of favour for several decades, but made a comeback during the swinging sixties – popularised by everyone from the Stones to the Beatles on King’s Road.

Today, Chelsea Boots are one of the most common forms of leather footwear around – so it pays to invest in a good, solid pair. Sons of London meticulously craft every pair of their shoes down to the very last stitch. Cut from the finest leather – sourced from Tuscany – they pride themselves on selling some of the best shoes in the world, using full grain to create the strongest, most durable and moisture-resistant footwear possible.

Our Pick, the black leather Chelsea by the British brand, has elastic side panels, a pull loop on heel and a full leather lining and sole. Handcrafted from Italian calfskin in this instance, but also available in a brown leather or brown suede, these water-resistant boots are as hardy as those used over a hundred years ago – and just as stylish as those that strutted up King’s Road in the sixties.

Gentlemen's Journal is happy to partner with The Prince’s Trust RISE campaign, which is working to create a network of young adults aged between 21-45, who are passionate about social mobility. You can become a Prince’s Trust Riser by donating just £20 per month to the scheme.
Get Involved

Further reading