The History Of The Chelsea Boot

The Chelsea boot is such an iconic fashion item from the 1960's but the roots of the Chelsea boot go back to the Victorian era. In this article, I will look at the history of the Chelsea boot and look at five of the best from the high street today.

 What Is A Chelsea Boot?
Tommy Hilfiger Chelsea Boot 

A Chelsea boot is an ankle boot, that is close fitting and has an elasticated side panel. Often on the back of the boot, there is a loop or panel that you can pull making it easier to get the boot on. 

 The Victorian Era


Superdry Chelsea Boot

The Chelsea boot has been credited as being invented by Queen Victoria's bootmaker, a man called J. Sparkes-Hall and the design was patented in 1851, however, the origins of the boot come from before that.

 In 1839 Charles Goodyear the American inventor claimed to develop a process that vulcanised rubber – a process that transforms rubber into a polymer, which makes it strong, durable and increased it's elasticity, whilst British inventor Thomas Hancock made the same claim around this time too. 

 What J Sparkes-Hall did was add vulcanised rubber to the ankle of the Chelsea boot making it easier for the boot to be slipped on and off. At this time it was known as the paddock boot and it became a popular boot for horse riders as well as walkers.

 The 1950s


Lotus Chelsea Boot

In the 1950s and the 1960s, Chelsea boots became popular in the UK due to its association with the Chelsea set, a group of artists, creative types and socialites that hung around King's Road, Chelsea in London. 

 In the 1960s they became famous being worn by everyone from the Beatles and the Rolling Stones to Jean Shrimpton, and were picked up by the fashion conscious Mods, being worn with sharp suits and straight leg trousers.

Today

 The Chelsea boot is a stylish part of any man or woman's outfit today. Perfecting matched with close-fitting suits, or straight-leg jeans for that rock n roll look, the Chelsea boot is a style that is classic, timeless and will never go out of fashion.  


Ted Baker Chelsea Boot

Many department stores sell Chelsea boots and they have a particularly great selection online at House Of Fraser. My favourite are the Tommy Hilfiger Chelsea boots featured first. This classic black Chelsea boot is the perfect wardrobe essential to dress up or dress down with jeans or a classic fitted suit. 

Tell me do you or your partner own a pair of Chelsea boots? Did you know of the history of Chelsea boots?

*PR collaboration 
Posted by at
Labels: , ,
loading..

16 comments

  1. Unknown20 January 2017 at 14:04

    Love this! My husband is a big Chelsea Boot fan 👍🏻

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ami Rose20 January 2017 at 15:02

    An interesting read. I've always owned Chelsea Boots and have a Black pair that are my go-to at the moment. I wear these almost daily!

    Ami xxx
    www.ami-rose.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mellissa Williams24 January 2017 at 09:17

      They are a grey wardrobe staple whether you are a man or woman.

      Delete
  3. Hannah Latoya Bond20 January 2017 at 15:58

    I've never had a pair of Chelsea Boots, they would look great with jeans x

    ReplyDelete
  4. FaithHopeLove20 January 2017 at 18:08

    We don't own any Chelsea boots, but I think they are really cute! The style is definitely on my to get list. Such a cool history of them!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nicola20 January 2017 at 18:22

    I have never owned any Chelsea boots and didn't know the history but I do love them. Next always have lovely ones for little girls and I'm always tempted to get some for my daughter!

    ReplyDelete
  6. beautyqueenuk20 January 2017 at 20:00

    The mister has some Chelsea boots but I had no idea about their history x

    ReplyDelete
  7. Unknown20 January 2017 at 21:10

    I like chelesea boots .I think these are very stylish

    ReplyDelete
  8. Milly21 January 2017 at 13:31

    I love a good Chelsea boot - they're comfy and go with anything!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Unknown22 January 2017 at 23:39

    I adore Chelsea boots! I have several pairs but am always looking out for my next pair!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)