Help me choose between Doc Martens Chelsea or Lace up boots?

[BewareTheBeardedDragon]

I'd like to get the fur lined boots in brown, either the Chelsea or Lace up version and can't decide. I like the convenience and probably better waterproofing of Chelsea but worry about being reliant on elastic lasting. I feel like lace up is more practical, maybe longer lasting but also a bit of a pita to put on each time. Help!

I bought mine (Chelsea boot version) in 2017 and the elastic is fine. They did not keep my feet dry at all in a wet field last autumn, but perhaps that is because I’ve never waterproofed them. In the brown and because they are chunky they feel like countryside footwear though.

On a purely aesthetic basis I'd say laceup in the brown, but only if they have a side zip. Can't be fucked with having to lace every time. If they don't have a zip - the Chelseas, else I just wouldn't reach for them.

I have the tan fur lined lace up boots and they fab. A bit of a pain to break in but they're so comfy now. I have the chelsea boots as well but they're not as warm or comfy.

I'm so glad I asked! I hadn't considered the non waterproofness of the elastic itself. Now I'm leaning towards lace up.
Do you have to waterproof them after buying? One of the lace up reviews says they are waterproof.

They're definitely not waterproof without treatment.

I just so wish they still did the side zip ups. So many people I know loved them. I still have a cherry pair of them that I've had repaired 3 times and don't want to throw them away 🤣😭

I guess the zip is the most likely part to break? Also to let in water. I'll def get some waterproofing stuff then, good tip!

I have both the black and brown Chelsea and the brown was a pain to break in but the black was perfect from day one . Both gorgeously warm, fairly damp proof (I wouldn’t stand in puddles but a field would be fine) and very comfy now. Laces are an arse.

Should say, furlined Chelsea…

I prefer the look of the Chelsea on me as it's a smoother silhouette - I'm short and have chunky calves though so I don't want anything that adds bulk.

On the other hand, laces are always more adjustable to your foot especially if you have wider or slimmer feet than average.

I want the fur lined Chelsea so they get my vote.
I also want the Wincox.

Lace up every time. I have softer grain leather laced navy DMs they look fab with everything (although take a while to get on)

I love lace up boots, but they can be a pita to take on and off. That said, I wear mine all the time, so it can't be that bad!