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?

The Victorian Era

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




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.  




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.