Can you tell your chukka from your chelsea? Want to know which 19th century influencer made it onto a patent application? Find out with our quick guide to men's boots.
Chelsea Boots
A unisex style, the Chelsea Boot is a pull-on ankle boot with side panels of elastic. Most will have a pull tab at the rear to help the wearer pull the boot on, although some styles may also have a tab at the front. Whilst the elastic gusset boot was popular from its invention through to the outbreak of the First World War, the name ‘Chelsea Boot’ came about when the boot became popular amongst the King’s Road Set during the Swinging Sixties.
The Chelsea Boot has existed since at least 1851. In an early example of influencer marketing, bootmaker J Sparkes-Hall claimed in his patent that “she walks in them daily and thus gives the strongest proof of the value she attaches to the invention”. ‘She’ was in fact the most famous, and most powerful, woman in the world at the time – Queen Victoria.
A Goodyear Welted Chelsea Boot combines separate inventions by both Charles Goodyear Snr and Charles Goodyear Jnr. Goodyear Snr invented the vulcanisation of rubber – a process that allowed for the production of elastic panels. His son, Goodyear Jnr, later invented the Goodyear Welt construction technique.
The Chelsea Boot is an excellent alternative to the more formal shoe styles. It offers more support than a shoe whilst remaining smart enough to wear with suit trousers. A Chelsea Boot is also flexible enough to wear with smart jeans. Whilst usually plain, a Chelsea Boot may also have brogue decoration.
Chukka Boots
The Chukka Boot is a men’s style popularised in the aftermath of the Second World War. A Chukka is an ankle boot, with two or three eyelets, and open lacing. The origins and name of the Chukka Boot are up for debate. A chukka is a period of play in the equestrian sport of polo which was popular amongst officers of the British Raj.
The style became popular in the UK as soldiers returned from the North African Campaign. Nathan Clark, of the Clarks shoemaking family, was serving in Cairo when he saw imported South African veldskoen boots on sale in the souks. In the finest tradition of British business, Clark promptly sketched a drawing of the boots and sent the designs back home for his brother Bancroft to copy in the family factories.
The Chukka Boot remains a key piece of the fashionable gent's wardrobe. With their simple design Chukka Boots come in many materials. Uppers may be from leather or suede, and the soles may be rubber, leather, Dainite or commando.
Whilst their open lacing and two or three eyelets give away their casual nature a pair of Chukka boots can still dress up an outfit compared to other casual footwear.
Lace-Up Boots
All hiking boots are lace-up, but not all lace-up boots are fit for hiking. A lace up boot usually comes up over the ankle providing greater support to the feet and lower leg.
The lace up boot dates back to prehistory and remains a formidable barrier to the elements. After all, if it ain't broke, don't fix it! Usually equipped with a rubber sole for grip and longevity, the lace-up boot tends to be sturdier than other styles of boot. Whilst not appropriate for office wear, the lace-up boot is perfect for walking and leisure.