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Original poster

Chelsea boots that you can walk for miles in, and don't need much breaking in

32 replies

specialguest · 04/10/2023 15:19

I need some black chelsea type boots for work. They dont have to be super smart as the dress code has been dropped somwwhat since covid.

My commute involves a lot of walking. If they're fairly weather proof that would be good.

The main thing iI want - and this is very important - is for them to comfortable from the off. I don't want to spend weeks breaking them in, and I don't want to end up half way to work and realise I have a blisters. Too many bad experiences with boots! I think my feet are pathetically sensitive as I normally live in trainers!

OP posts:
CharlotteRumpling · 04/10/2023 15:22

I have posher, smarter boots, but nothing beats my Clarke Chelsea boots for comfort. I also walk a lot and have quite sensitive, narrow feet.

MrsPatrickDempsey · 04/10/2023 15:23

I got some M&S ones a couple of years ago. They are quite chunky but they fit the bill and have lasted well.

moggerhanger · 04/10/2023 15:24

I have these and they required no breaking in for my feet. Which is unusual for me as i have narrow feet that usually get rubbed a bit in new shoes. uk.nps-solovair.com/collections/womens/products/s0-900-bk-g

Original poster
specialguest · 04/10/2023 15:27

I would say my feet are wide rather than narrow. I normally buy regular fitting, but if they are narrower than normal or pointy they will definitely rub my little toe!

OP posts:
SPsmama · 04/10/2023 15:28

I live in Doc Marten Chelsea boots. Never had to break them in and they're very comfy

Original poster
specialguest · 04/10/2023 15:32

I have found Dr Martens to one of the worst offenders for blisters, although I haven't tried their chelsea boots. In theory they should work for me as they're good for wide feet, but they always rub my heel till it bleeds 😪

OP posts:
CharlotteRumpling · 04/10/2023 15:33

Yes, my DMs needed breaking in. Not very glam perhaps, but I have always found Clarkes the most comfy, even their sandals and ballerinas.

Chickolot · 04/10/2023 15:36

I've fat face Chelsea boots in two colours as I Love them so.
Also have wide feet and they are good for whole day with lots of walking.

EmmaStone · 04/10/2023 15:36

My DM Chelsea boots (fur lined) didn't need breaking in, but I think the fur played a huge role in that!

powershowerforanhour · 04/10/2023 15:44

I'm on my feet all day (small animal vet) in my Blundstones. They didn't take much breaking in (and I have big bony heels and hammer toes which blister easily). Love my Blundies. I have the traditional brown mens' ones but you can ger black as well and they do a womens' range.

https://www.aussieboots.co.uk/Blundstone/all-unisex-boots/women-s-range/

AussieBoots > Blundstone by Style > Women's Series

Blundstone Women's Series

https://www.aussieboots.co.uk/Blundstone/all-unisex-boots/women-s-range

DanteHaversham · 04/10/2023 15:49

My Fly London boots fit the bill although not sure how stylish they are. Very comfy, fit wider feet if needed, no breaking in required. I also have the same issues with Dr Martens

moggerhanger · 04/10/2023 15:58

Docs always shred my heels, which is why I was cautious about Solovair. But they've been brilliant.

Original poster
specialguest · 04/10/2023 16:06

The solovair ones are beautiful, but they even look painful if that's possible, i think its the shiny leather! But they could be deceptive.

How are they width wise? Do they come up narrow?

OP posts:
drspouse · 04/10/2023 16:07

Doc Martens are awful for blisters. Fly London aren't too bad.

KirstenBlest · 04/10/2023 16:55

I have the Solovairs. They didn't give me blisters but took a little breaking in. I wore tight and ankle socks. They do half sizes and from size 3 to 14. Their web sites gives info on the sizing.

EverybodysALebowski · 05/10/2023 08:32

FitFlop. Their chelsea boots are more casual looking than many above and expensive (though there are often offers for new customers) but absolutely super comfortable from day 1.

CeliaCanth · 05/10/2023 08:37

I have some Fairfax and Favor Chelsea boots which are wonderfully comfortable and at the smarter end of the spectrum if that’s what you’re looking for.

caramond · 05/10/2023 08:45

specialguest · 04/10/2023 15:27

I would say my feet are wide rather than narrow. I normally buy regular fitting, but if they are narrower than normal or pointy they will definitely rub my little toe!

Sounds like you would like barefoot shoes - actually made to fit the shape of a foot i.e. widest at the toes.

Vivobarefoot is a good brand to start with as they do a 100 day guarantee on your first pair, you can wear and return if they don't work for you.

My3cents1 · 05/10/2023 08:55

I love Blundstone so much I have 3 pairs. Comfy and waterproof.

AnyFucker · 05/10/2023 09:09

Doc Martens fur lined Chelsea boots. No breaking in required.

SabrinaThwaite · 05/10/2023 09:14

I had to give away a pair of Doc Marten Chelsea boots because they shredded my feet. I tried Fitflop and sent that back because they just didn’t fit (I have wide feet and narrow heels).

The best boots I have ever found were a Ara boots (I picked them up in TK Maxx - bonus points for being Goretex) and M&S wide fit.

https://www.ara-shoes.co.uk/women/models/boots/?p=2&o=1&n=48

Mabelface · 05/10/2023 09:30

Doc martens Alyson boot is the fur lined Chelsea boot. Immediately comfortable. Most docs don't need breaking in these days. It's the made in England ones that do generally.

flexigirl · 05/10/2023 09:32

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/p/rm003

I have these and they are amazingly comfy