The shoe that suits everyone: chelsea boots

Whether you’re looking to nail the country look, wearing a crisp outfit to the office, heading out for a picnic, date night or drinks, or if you're in need of an everyday shoe, chelsea boots have got you covered.

What are ‘chelsea’ boots?

Traditionally, chelsea boots are snugly fitting, ankle-high boots that feature elasticated side panels. The shoes often have a loop tap on the back, making them easy to get on.

Chelsea boots were first designed by one of Queen Victoria’s bootmakers, with the goal of making boots that were more functional – easy to pull off and on, unlike laced boots. Originally, these shoes were called ‘paddock boots’, and they’ve since been welcomed as staples into the wardrobes of rockstars, artists, politicians and all sorts.

*styles featured in this photo are the Sinead boot and Sterling boot in cognac.

Meet some of our classic chelsea styles

Sterling

The Sterling boot is traditionally a men’s boot, featuring all of the classic requirements of a chelsea boot – pull-tabs and elasticised ankles, a suave, pointed toe, and a close-fitting cut.
Sterling is available in a timeless black vegan leather, as well as in a more earthy cognac, and subtly unique olive and burgundy tones.

Made lovingly in Brazil from Spanish materials, Sterling is a staple in the Zette collection.

Dylan

This is a perfectly formed boot from Ahimsa, who make their shoes in their own in-house, ethical factory.

Dylan comes in the tones you’d expect – black, a dark espresso brown, and a warmer cognac tone of vegan leather. Too, Dylan comes in a scrumptious, supple vegan suede – also available in espresso, as well as an eye-catching navy, which pops off a light timber-toned sole.

Lover

Designer Joshua Katcher of Brave GentleMan knows how to design a sturdy, discerning and handsome shoe – and his take on the chelsea boot is no exception.

Brave GentleMan offers both the original ‘Lover’ shape, and the ‘New Lover’, a chelsea boot with an extra long shaft up the ankle.

On the more luxurious side, these superbly durable boots are crafted to last, with stitched soles that can be replaced if need be after years of wear. Wear them with a suit, or ripped jeans and a band tee.

Modern takes on a classic style

While the classic chelsea boot is flat (except for a very short heel), ankle length and normally either black or brown, keeping to tradition isn’t always a good thing! Not only are all of our chelsea boots made from animal-free materials (like OEKO-TEX certified PU leather, with a far reduced environmental impact than cow skin), they’re made in a number of shapes, textures and looks that offer a twist on tradition.

Rachel

The Rachel boot is a flirty heeled boot that only just extends to the ankle. With the classic elasticated gussets intact, and an extra pointed toe, these Spanish made boots are ready to go out with you.

Forgoing vegan leather for some bolder patterns and textures, Rachel comes in a satin red, covered in black fishnet, a chocolatey, floral brocade, a sparkly, silver square glitter textile, a velvet printed to kindly replicate cow print, and in two tones of faux snake skin.

Electra

Want to go bolder on the shape? Meet Electra, a newer edition of chelsea from Zette, which features a chunky, rugged sole, shiny patent vegan leather, with elasticated sides that extend higher up the calf, ending with a pull tab on both front and back.
This shoe of the moment may be trendy, but it’s got a timeless quality to it, too. Think cult films like Bladerunner or the Matrix, meets the cute skirts in your wardrobe. Electra promises to be practical, comfortable and cool.

Jelsea

Going back to a more classic, flat-heel boot and shape, meet Jelsea. While her shape is very standard, Jelsea is anything but basic.

Available in a slightly holographic, squared glitter option, as well as in a sturdy patent crocodile-like material in blue, Jelsea is playfulness in boot form.

Emma

Ending with the perfect blend of tradition and modernity, the Emma chelsea boot features a stacked, rigid sole, and another slightly longer shaft, extending just a little bit higher onto your calf.

Emma is still low-key, but she has a little bit of an edge. She’s an allrounder to wear dressed up or down, through the park or to a club. You do you, and Emma will be there with you.

Yet another from our in-house brand, Zette, this shoe is available in buttery black and white vegan leather, and ethically made in Brazil.