The Best Chelsea Boots Tested by Our Editors Include Dr. Martens, Blundstone, and Ugg

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers We TriedWhat to KnowBehind The ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Others We Tried

What to Know

Behind The Scenes

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Cai Cramer

People / Cai Cramer

Chelsea boots are the ideal shoe style for transitional weather.

Getting a feel of the market before you buy your own pair is necessary, suggests celebrity wardrobe specialistDenise Styless— luckily, we did that work for you. We scoured the internet for the best Chelsea boots, comparing different styles, functions, and price points, thenspent over 237 hours testing our top picksto find the ones worth splurging on.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Blundstone 585 Classic Chelsea Boots at Blundstone.comJump to ReviewBest Overall, Runner-Up:Dr. Martens Smooth Leather Chelsea Boots at Amazon$180Jump to ReviewBest Budget:SALEAthlefit Women’s Chelsea Platform Ankle Boots at Amazon$69$43Jump to ReviewBest Leather:Nisolo Carmen Chelsea Boot at Nisolo.comJump to ReviewBest Leather, Runner-Up:Sam Edelman Laguna Chelsea Boot at AmazonJump to ReviewMost Durable:Ugg Brisbane Waterproof Chelsea Boot at Amazon$170Jump to ReviewBest Traction:L.L. Bean Camden Hills Chelsea Boot at L.L.Bean$169Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Reformation Katerina Lug Sole Chelsea Boot at Reformation$298Jump to Review

Best Overall:Blundstone 585 Classic Chelsea Boots at Blundstone.comJump to ReviewBest Overall, Runner-Up:Dr. Martens Smooth Leather Chelsea Boots at Amazon$180Jump to ReviewBest Budget:SALEAthlefit Women’s Chelsea Platform Ankle Boots at Amazon$69$43Jump to ReviewBest Leather:Nisolo Carmen Chelsea Boot at Nisolo.comJump to ReviewBest Leather, Runner-Up:Sam Edelman Laguna Chelsea Boot at AmazonJump to ReviewMost Durable:Ugg Brisbane Waterproof Chelsea Boot at Amazon$170Jump to ReviewBest Traction:L.L. Bean Camden Hills Chelsea Boot at L.L.Bean$169Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Reformation Katerina Lug Sole Chelsea Boot at Reformation$298Jump to Review

Best Overall:Blundstone 585 Classic Chelsea Boots at Blundstone.comJump to Review

Best Overall:Blundstone 585 Classic Chelsea Boots at Blundstone.com

Best Overall:

Best Overall, Runner-Up:Dr. Martens Smooth Leather Chelsea Boots at Amazon$180Jump to Review

Best Overall, Runner-Up:Dr. Martens Smooth Leather Chelsea Boots at Amazon$180

Best Overall, Runner-Up:

Best Budget:SALEAthlefit Women’s Chelsea Platform Ankle Boots at Amazon$69$43Jump to Review

Best Budget:SALEAthlefit Women’s Chelsea Platform Ankle Boots at Amazon$69$43

Best Budget:

SALE

Best Leather:Nisolo Carmen Chelsea Boot at Nisolo.comJump to Review

Best Leather:Nisolo Carmen Chelsea Boot at Nisolo.com

Best Leather:

Best Leather, Runner-Up:Sam Edelman Laguna Chelsea Boot at AmazonJump to Review

Best Leather, Runner-Up:Sam Edelman Laguna Chelsea Boot at Amazon

Best Leather, Runner-Up:

Most Durable:Ugg Brisbane Waterproof Chelsea Boot at Amazon$170Jump to Review

Most Durable:Ugg Brisbane Waterproof Chelsea Boot at Amazon$170

Most Durable:

Best Traction:L.L. Bean Camden Hills Chelsea Boot at L.L.Bean$169Jump to Review

Best Traction:L.L. Bean Camden Hills Chelsea Boot at L.L.Bean$169

Best Traction:

Best Investment:Reformation Katerina Lug Sole Chelsea Boot at Reformation$298Jump to Review

Best Investment:Reformation Katerina Lug Sole Chelsea Boot at Reformation$298

Best Investment:

Best OverallBlundstone 585 Classic Chelsea BootsPHOTO: BlundstoneView on Blundstone.com$230 at Backcountry

Best OverallBlundstone 585 Classic Chelsea Boots

Best Overall

Blundstone 585 Classic Chelsea Boots

PHOTO: Blundstone

View on Blundstone.com$230 at Backcountry

Star QualitiesMolds to feetAmple arch supportWater-resistant leather materialEasy to cleanRed FlagsFit runs small and tight on initial wear

Star QualitiesMolds to feetAmple arch supportWater-resistant leather materialEasy to clean

Molds to feet

Ample arch support

Water-resistant leather material

Easy to clean

Red FlagsFit runs small and tight on initial wear

Fit runs small and tight on initial wear

In addition to their style, fit, and quality, the boots also have excellent support, especially if you have high arches and need something with a little extra cushion and shape. During the testing period, our tester walked several miles at a time in the boots without experiencing any aches and pains. They’re also versatile (and durable) enough to wear for outdoor activities like hiking as well as more casual occasions like a day at the office.

Sizes:6–11 |Materials:Water-resistant leather, TPU, elastic |Colors:8

PEOPLE shopping writerCai Cramerhas owned these boots for over two years. “I wear them constantly: running errands, going out to dinner, and even on short hikes. I probably have worn these Chelsea boots upwards of 300 times — they’re seriously my most worn shoes.”

PHOTO: People / Cai CramerPHOTO: People / Cai CramerPHOTO: People / Cai CramerPHOTO: People / Cai CramerPHOTO: People / Cai Cramer

Best Overall, Runner-UpDr. Martens Smooth Leather Chelsea BootsPHOTO: Amazon$180$170 at Amazon$170 at Nordstrom$170 at Zappos

Best Overall, Runner-UpDr. Martens Smooth Leather Chelsea Boots

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Dr. Martens Smooth Leather Chelsea Boots

PHOTO: Amazon

$180$170 at Amazon$170 at Nordstrom$170 at Zappos

Star QualitiesExcellent size rangeRoomy toe boxEasy to pull on and offRed FlagsLacks cushioningRubs a little when breaking in

Star QualitiesExcellent size rangeRoomy toe boxEasy to pull on and off

Excellent size range

Roomy toe box

Easy to pull on and off

Red FlagsLacks cushioningRubs a little when breaking in

Lacks cushioning

Rubs a little when breaking in

As much as we love these boots, it’s worth noting that they lack cushioning, so if you need some extra support, consider adding an insole to cushion the soles. And, while it does take a few weeks to break them in (which caused some rubbing against the back of our tester’s lower leg), once broken in, they’resocomfortable.

Sizes:5–15 |Materials:PVC, rubber, leather, elastic |Colors:1

Experts SayThe boots are also super versatile and go with everything you own, says celebrity wardrobe stylistPilar Scratch. “These are edgy yet sophisticated,” Scratch tells PEOPLE. “You can style them with wide-leg pants, skinny jeans, or bootcut jeans, and they will mesh effortlessly.”

Experts Say

The boots are also super versatile and go with everything you own, says celebrity wardrobe stylistPilar Scratch. “These are edgy yet sophisticated,” Scratch tells PEOPLE. “You can style them with wide-leg pants, skinny jeans, or bootcut jeans, and they will mesh effortlessly.”

PHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison Yauger

Best BudgetAthlefit Women’s Chelsea Platform Ankle BootsPHOTO: Amazon$69$43 at AmazonStar QualitiesFits true to size with excellent tractionConstructed from weather-resistant faux leatherUnder $50Red FlagsSnug fit (especially around the ankles)Lacks arch supportHeavy heelBudget-friendly doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. These are some of the highest-rated Chelsea boots on Amazon, and after spending a couple of weeks wearing them, we can see why. The boots are constructed from a water-resistant faux leather material, and they have a fantastic lug sole to prevent slipping and sliding in wet climates.They have a snug fit, especially around the ankles, but this actually added some support around the ankle and calf. That said, if you’re planning long walks in these shoes, you may want to consider an insole — there’s not much arch support and the heavy heel can cause fatigue.Sizes:5.5–11 |Materials:Faux leather, thermoplastic elastomers |Colors:7PHOTO: People / Kelli BenderPHOTO: People / Kelli BenderPHOTO: People / Kelli BenderPHOTO: People / Kelli BenderPHOTO: People / Kelli Bender

Best BudgetAthlefit Women’s Chelsea Platform Ankle BootsPHOTO: Amazon$69$43 at Amazon

Best BudgetAthlefit Women’s Chelsea Platform Ankle Boots

Best Budget

Athlefit Women’s Chelsea Platform Ankle Boots

$69$43 at Amazon

Star QualitiesFits true to size with excellent tractionConstructed from weather-resistant faux leatherUnder $50Red FlagsSnug fit (especially around the ankles)Lacks arch supportHeavy heel

Star QualitiesFits true to size with excellent tractionConstructed from weather-resistant faux leatherUnder $50

Fits true to size with excellent traction

Constructed from weather-resistant faux leather

Under $50

Red FlagsSnug fit (especially around the ankles)Lacks arch supportHeavy heel

Snug fit (especially around the ankles)

Lacks arch support

Heavy heel

Budget-friendly doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. These are some of the highest-rated Chelsea boots on Amazon, and after spending a couple of weeks wearing them, we can see why. The boots are constructed from a water-resistant faux leather material, and they have a fantastic lug sole to prevent slipping and sliding in wet climates.

They have a snug fit, especially around the ankles, but this actually added some support around the ankle and calf. That said, if you’re planning long walks in these shoes, you may want to consider an insole — there’s not much arch support and the heavy heel can cause fatigue.

Sizes:5.5–11 |Materials:Faux leather, thermoplastic elastomers |Colors:7

PHOTO: People / Kelli BenderPHOTO: People / Kelli BenderPHOTO: People / Kelli BenderPHOTO: People / Kelli BenderPHOTO: People / Kelli Bender

Best LeatherNisolo Carmen Chelsea BootPHOTO: NisoloView on Nisolo.com

Best LeatherNisolo Carmen Chelsea Boot

Best Leather

Nisolo Carmen Chelsea Boot

PHOTO: Nisolo

View on Nisolo.com

Star QualitiesTimeless and versatile designScuff-resistantHigh-quality constructionThey don’t rub or chafe the feetRed FlagsStiff material that’s hard to get on and offLacks arch support and cushioning

Star QualitiesTimeless and versatile designScuff-resistantHigh-quality constructionThey don’t rub or chafe the feet

Timeless and versatile design

Scuff-resistant

High-quality construction

They don’t rub or chafe the feet

Red FlagsStiff material that’s hard to get on and offLacks arch support and cushioning

Stiff material that’s hard to get on and off

Lacks arch support and cushioning

These shoes are constructed from high-quality leather sourced from a Leather Working Group Certified tannery that doesn’t scuff and can withstand lots of wear and tear. They’re also relatively comfortable right outside of the box and don’t rub or chafe the feet when breaking them in. The premium leather is quite stiff though, which makes it a challenge to slip these on and off, especially with thicker socks.

The boots are also constructed with a memory foam insole and are said to have some shock absorption, but our tester didn’t think they had enough arch support and cushioning. Regardless, these boots last a long time and get comfier with each wear.

Sizes:5–11 |Materials:Leather, memory foam, elastic |Colors:3

“I’ve owned these boots for over a year, and the leather material is super high quality — it hasn’t scuffed at all despite walking the streets of New York.”—Madison Yauger, PEOPLE shopping editor

Best Leather, Runner-UpSam Edelman Laguna Chelsea BootPHOTO: Sam EdelmanView on Amazon$150 at Nordstrom$150 at ZapposStar QualitiesHeavy lug sole with good tractionSturdy and fits true to sizeTons of colors to choose fromRed FlagsTight fit; not compatible with wide feetAnother gorgeous leather option, these boots are made with a durable leather and a heavy lug sole that has enough traction to keep you sturdy on your feet. They fit true to size, and there are a whopping 22 different colors to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect pair for your personal style. The boots’ durability and quality are definitely reflected in the price. They showed no signs of wear and tear at the end of the testing period. That said, those with wide feet may consider other pairs that don’t fit as tightly.Sizes:5–14 |Materials:Leather |Colors:22PHOTO: People / Erin JohnsonPHOTO: People / Erin JohnsonPHOTO: People / Erin JohnsonPHOTO: People / Erin JohnsonPHOTO: People / Erin Johnson

Best Leather, Runner-UpSam Edelman Laguna Chelsea BootPHOTO: Sam EdelmanView on Amazon$150 at Nordstrom$150 at Zappos

Best Leather, Runner-UpSam Edelman Laguna Chelsea Boot

Best Leather, Runner-Up

Sam Edelman Laguna Chelsea Boot

PHOTO: Sam Edelman

View on Amazon$150 at Nordstrom$150 at Zappos

Star QualitiesHeavy lug sole with good tractionSturdy and fits true to sizeTons of colors to choose fromRed FlagsTight fit; not compatible with wide feet

Star QualitiesHeavy lug sole with good tractionSturdy and fits true to sizeTons of colors to choose from

Heavy lug sole with good traction

Sturdy and fits true to size

Tons of colors to choose from

Red FlagsTight fit; not compatible with wide feet

Tight fit; not compatible with wide feet

Another gorgeous leather option, these boots are made with a durable leather and a heavy lug sole that has enough traction to keep you sturdy on your feet. They fit true to size, and there are a whopping 22 different colors to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect pair for your personal style. The boots’ durability and quality are definitely reflected in the price. They showed no signs of wear and tear at the end of the testing period. That said, those with wide feet may consider other pairs that don’t fit as tightly.

Sizes:5–14 |Materials:Leather |Colors:22

PHOTO: People / Erin JohnsonPHOTO: People / Erin JohnsonPHOTO: People / Erin JohnsonPHOTO: People / Erin JohnsonPHOTO: People / Erin Johnson

Most DurableUgg Brisbane Waterproof Chelsea BootPHOTO: Nordstrom$170 at Amazon$170$128 at Nordstrom$170 at ZapposStar QualitiesHigh-quality materialsThick, durable rubber solesFantastic tractionWaterproofRed FlagsNarrow fitUgg is best known for its collection of suede and fur boots, but we were impressed with its Chelsea boots. They have a chunky rubber platform with a lug sole and ultra-durable leather uppers with a comfortable upcycled wool and lyocell insole. The materials and construction justify the cost, and these are fully waterproof, making them an ideal pick for rainy climates.Plus, the boots are so sturdy and supportive, and the footbeds actually form to each foot’s shape with regular wear. Note: There’s a necessary break-in period and they can run narrow so wider feet may opt for other boots.Sizes:5–12 |Materials:Upcycled wool, lyocell, EVA, rubber, leather |Colors:3PHOTO: People / Cai CramerPHOTO: People / Cai CramerPHOTO: People / Cai CramerPHOTO: People / Cai CramerPHOTO: People / Cai Cramer

Most DurableUgg Brisbane Waterproof Chelsea BootPHOTO: Nordstrom$170 at Amazon$170$128 at Nordstrom$170 at Zappos

Most DurableUgg Brisbane Waterproof Chelsea Boot

Most Durable

Ugg Brisbane Waterproof Chelsea Boot

PHOTO: Nordstrom

$170 at Amazon$170$128 at Nordstrom$170 at Zappos

Star QualitiesHigh-quality materialsThick, durable rubber solesFantastic tractionWaterproofRed FlagsNarrow fit

Star QualitiesHigh-quality materialsThick, durable rubber solesFantastic tractionWaterproof

High-quality materials

Thick, durable rubber soles

Fantastic traction

Waterproof

Red FlagsNarrow fit

Narrow fit

Ugg is best known for its collection of suede and fur boots, but we were impressed with its Chelsea boots. They have a chunky rubber platform with a lug sole and ultra-durable leather uppers with a comfortable upcycled wool and lyocell insole. The materials and construction justify the cost, and these are fully waterproof, making them an ideal pick for rainy climates.

Plus, the boots are so sturdy and supportive, and the footbeds actually form to each foot’s shape with regular wear. Note: There’s a necessary break-in period and they can run narrow so wider feet may opt for other boots.

Sizes:5–12 |Materials:Upcycled wool, lyocell, EVA, rubber, leather |Colors:3

Best TractionL.L. Bean Camden Hills Chelsea BootPHOTO: L.L. Bean$169 at L.L.BeanStar QualitiesHigh-quality constructionFunctional traction for a fashion-forward styleDurableRed FlagsTakes time to break inSnug toe box areaIf you want the look of a fashion boot with the durability of a more functional style, go with this L.L.Bean boot. These leather boots have a timeless silhouette with a mid-calf shaft, flexible elastic gore, and high-quality leather construction. There’s also a rubber outsole with mini-lug VertiGrip, which is specifically designed to prevent slipping and sliding on several types of terrain.There is a significant break-in time and the toe box fits snugly, but the EVA molded footbed ensures comfort. Plus, these boots are down to get dirty and can withstand lots of wear and tear.Sizes:6–11 |Materials:Leather, EVA, rubber |Colors:3PHOTO: People / Bridget AnnearPHOTO: People / Bridget AnnearPHOTO: People / Bridget AnnearPHOTO: People / Bridget AnnearPHOTO: People / Bridget Annear

Best TractionL.L. Bean Camden Hills Chelsea BootPHOTO: L.L. Bean$169 at L.L.Bean

Best TractionL.L. Bean Camden Hills Chelsea Boot

Best Traction

L.L. Bean Camden Hills Chelsea Boot

PHOTO: L.L. Bean

$169 at L.L.Bean

Star QualitiesHigh-quality constructionFunctional traction for a fashion-forward styleDurableRed FlagsTakes time to break inSnug toe box area

Star QualitiesHigh-quality constructionFunctional traction for a fashion-forward styleDurable

Functional traction for a fashion-forward style

Durable

Red FlagsTakes time to break inSnug toe box area

Takes time to break in

Snug toe box area

If you want the look of a fashion boot with the durability of a more functional style, go with this L.L.Bean boot. These leather boots have a timeless silhouette with a mid-calf shaft, flexible elastic gore, and high-quality leather construction. There’s also a rubber outsole with mini-lug VertiGrip, which is specifically designed to prevent slipping and sliding on several types of terrain.

There is a significant break-in time and the toe box fits snugly, but the EVA molded footbed ensures comfort. Plus, these boots are down to get dirty and can withstand lots of wear and tear.

Sizes:6–11 |Materials:Leather, EVA, rubber |Colors:3

PHOTO: People / Bridget AnnearPHOTO: People / Bridget AnnearPHOTO: People / Bridget AnnearPHOTO: People / Bridget AnnearPHOTO: People / Bridget Annear

Best InvestmentReformation Katerina Lug Sole Chelsea BootPHOTO: Reformation$298 at Reformation$298 at Shopbop.com$298 at Farfetch.com

Best InvestmentReformation Katerina Lug Sole Chelsea Boot

Best Investment

Reformation Katerina Lug Sole Chelsea Boot

PHOTO: Reformation

$298 at Reformation$298 at Shopbop.com$298 at Farfetch.com

Star QualitiesTimeless styleHigh-quality designCool pebble textureRed FlagsUncomfortable to break inHigh price tag

Star QualitiesTimeless styleHigh-quality designCool pebble texture

Timeless style

High-quality design

Cool pebble texture

Red FlagsUncomfortable to break inHigh price tag

Uncomfortable to break in

High price tag

Chelsea boots are a great shoe style to invest in since they never really go out of style, and the Reformation Katerina Lug Sole Chelsea Boots are a solid pick. These boots boast a high-quality design with durable leather uppers and a pebble texture for unique detailing. They’re also versatile enough to wear with casual leggings and oversized sweater looks, as well as dressier ensembles.

The only downside to these boots is the break-in period: The fit was initially super stiff and caused a lot of discomfort around our tester’s ankles and heel. However, with regular wear, the leather breaks in and the shoes grow more comfortable.

Sizes:5–11 |Materials:Leather |Colors:1

“Considering the brand and price, I definitely expected high-quality boots, and these are exactly what I imagined. I love the lug sole heel and black tumbled leather. The stitching is top-notch, and I can tell these will last for years of wear.”—Kayla Kitts, PEOPLE shopping editor

PHOTO: People / Kayla KittsPHOTO: People / Kayla KittsPHOTO: People / Kayla KittsPHOTO: People / Kayla KittsPHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts

Hunter Original Chelsea Insulated Boot: We loved the high-quality construction and ease of cleaning with these Hunters. They also have very reliable traction, which is ideal for the rainy conditions they are intended for. However, the boots take a long time to break in, and we felt like we were paying for the brand name rather than the design.

Quince Suede Chelsea Boot: Quince is a hot spot for budget-friendly, high-quality pieces, so we were excited to try these Chelsea boots. We found them quite stylish, supportive, and affordable, but the break-in period was a bit inconsistent, and we weren’t confident that they would last past a season or two of wear.

Soda Pilot Lug Sole Low Heel Chelsea Ankle Bootie: These Soda ankle booties are trendy and have a cool lug sole style, but after testing these for a couple of weeks, we found that the material was a bit too cheap for our liking and they aren’t as comfortable as they look.

People / Laura Gurfein

What to Know About Chelsea Boots

Material and Function

When shopping for Chelsea boots, you’ll want to consider the material of the shoe. “High-quality materials usually indicate that the shoe will last you a long time,” says Scratch. “The best material for Chelsea boots is leather or suede.”

However, the material used for the boot sole is equally important, according to Styless. “Boots with a rubber sole guarantee extra protection for the boot,” she says. Finally, considering function is also a good idea, explains celebrity wardrobe stylistLunden Olin. “Function should always be a priority because no one wants their shoe falling apart after wearing them for a long time,” he tells PEOPLE.

Comfort and Fit

Like material, prioritizing comfortable pairs of Chelsea boots is equally wise. Since you’ll be walking in them, you’ll want to select a pair of boots that don’t strain your feet. To find a comfortable pair of Chelsea boots, Styless recommends paying attention to the sole. “The most comfortable Chelsea boot has to have a perfect sole,” says Styless. “This way, it does not irritate your foot when rubbing against the sock.”

Comfort also depends largely on the fit. And, according to Neely Woodson Powell is the founder ofCharleston Shoe Company. “Chelsea boots should fit casually, comfortably, and effortlessly.” They’re a boot style that you should be able to break in (if necessary) and wear for years and years, so choosing a pair that fits well is key.

Reading through user reviews lets you see all the ins and outs of the shoe before you buy, so you’ll know what to expect. “Shoppers should check online and see the reviews before buying Chelsea boots,” adds Styless. “This way, shoppers can be comfortable buying boots without regrets.” Pro tip: Pay attention to Chelsea boots with higher star ratings and plenty of user reviews — these usually indicate that the shoe will be a good match.

People / Kelli Bender

To find the best Chelsea boots, we scoured the internet for top styles across a range of silhouettes and price points before narrowing it down to 11 top picks to try out. From there, our team spent two weeks and over 237 hours putting these selections to the test, carefully considering comfort, fit, quality, support, and value.

With all of these pillars top of mind, we carefully reviewed our notes and compared each shoe style tested to determine which shoes were worthy of our best of list.

Frequently Asked QuestionsIt all depends on what you’re looking for, but one of our top-rated favorite pairs of Chelsea boots is theBlundstone Classic Chelsea Boot. This pair boasts a classic pull-on style with a high-quality and durable water-resistant leather that’s stain-resistant and easy to clean. Initially, the shoes fit snugly, but after a few wears they molded to the feet beautifully.You may be on the fence about buying a pricer pair of shoes. However, splurging up does have its perks, as expensive shoes are designed with high-quality materials that are built to withstand years of wear, according to Scratch. “When you’re paying for an expensive shoe, I believe you’re paying for longevity,” Scratch tells PEOPLE. “You’re also paying for the quality of the shoe to last through any weather conditions.”

Frequently Asked Questions

It all depends on what you’re looking for, but one of our top-rated favorite pairs of Chelsea boots is theBlundstone Classic Chelsea Boot. This pair boasts a classic pull-on style with a high-quality and durable water-resistant leather that’s stain-resistant and easy to clean. Initially, the shoes fit snugly, but after a few wears they molded to the feet beautifully.

You may be on the fence about buying a pricer pair of shoes. However, splurging up does have its perks, as expensive shoes are designed with high-quality materials that are built to withstand years of wear, according to Scratch. “When you’re paying for an expensive shoe, I believe you’re paying for longevity,” Scratch tells PEOPLE. “You’re also paying for the quality of the shoe to last through any weather conditions."

Jessie Quinnis a contributing writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best Chelsea boots, Jessie carefully reviewed the testers’ insights to learn more about their experiences with each style selected and how well the boots held up during the two-week testing period. She also connected with shoe expert Neely Woodson Powell to learn more about Chelsea boots and what to consider when shopping for the best designs. From there, Jessie compiled the PEOPLE team’s insights and organized their experiences into this best-of list.

Courtney Leivais a contributing writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as The Daily Beast, Buzzfeed, HuffPost, and more. Courtney spoke with fashion stylists to learn more about how to choose a pair of Chelsea boots and what standout features to look out for as you shop.

Our Expert PanelDenise Stylessis a celebrity wardrobe specialist.Pilar Scratchis a celebrity wardrobe stylist.Lunden Olinis a celebrity wardrobe stylist, set stylist, and personal shopper.Neely Woodson Powell is the founder ofCharleston Shoe Company.

Our Expert Panel

Denise Stylessis a celebrity wardrobe specialist.Pilar Scratchis a celebrity wardrobe stylist.Lunden Olinis a celebrity wardrobe stylist, set stylist, and personal shopper.Neely Woodson Powell is the founder ofCharleston Shoe Company.

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In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com