Lems Chelsea Boot Review

Our Score:

4.5 / 5

How was this score calculated?

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3-Word Description:

Practical, fashionable, roomy

Best uses:

Everyday outings, indoor or outdoor work, mild to moderate hikes, before and after vigorous athletic activities

Suitable for:

Smart dressers seeking a foot-friendly ankle boot, minimalist footwear lovers or those transitioning from conventional footwear, on- or off-road walkers who appreciate foot freedom of motion, those requiring a waterproof boot for wet climates and conditions

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Dr. Robyn's Take:

Thanks to the two very convenient pull tabs, I can have these boots on and be on the go in a matter of seconds. Easy to dress up and rugged enough for moderate off-roading, the Lems Chelsea Boot is an ankle boot with some serious range. My favorite aspect of this boot, though, is its uncompromising commitment to natural foot health principles.

Dr. Marty's Take:

I love that Lems has taken a classic boot like this and created a foot-friendly alternative. From its pleasing look to its comfortable fit and feel to its bevy of beneficial design features, the Lems Chelsea Boot is a true winner. I value the simplicity and practicality of this easy-on, easy-off boot, and I always look forward to putting it to good use on my jaunts around town.

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Helpful tip:

Most wearers of the Lems Chelsea Boot will enjoy a comfortable fit and plenty of room in the toe box for optimal toe splay. To confirm that you have the correct size and sufficient space for your toes to spread and function naturally, consider performing the Shoe Liner Test, which involves removing the included insole and standing on it. All aspects of your foot, including your toes, should be within the margins of the liner.

Featured Testimonial:

“The Lems Chelsea Boot is my favorite new go-to shoe for pretty much everything I do. It looks fantastic on my feet, and I love that it supports my foot health in a natural way. I have struggled with pain in my plantar fascia on an intermittent basis over the years, and this boot (along with Correct Toes) is helping me overcome this problem. I appreciate all you do at Natural Footgear. Many thanks!” —R.J., Knoxville, TN

Jump to summary

The Lems Chelsea Boot is an attractive and versatile footwear offering that exists at the crossroads of chic design and high practicality. In a step toward fashion-forward footwear, Lems has managed to retain a foot-healthy fit in a shoe that’s as classy as it is functional. With premium full-grain leather or suede uppers and a durable sole, these boots—an up-leveled take on a beloved classic—perform as well on the trail as they do on the street. Indeed, if you don the Lems Chelsea Boot before heading out, you’ll be ready for pretty much anything that comes your way. Ideal for urban adventurists, those who live in wet climates, or anyone who prefers the simplicity of a slip-on, these boots permit you to stride in style while building a bulletproof foot. In this Lems Chelsea Boot review, we dig deeper into all facets of this flat-soled ankle boot. We assess the Chelsea Boot's most notable attributes, explore what activities it's best suited for, determine its compatibility with other helpful footgear, and share thoughts on how best to care for and maintain these comfortable and unobtrusive boots.

Read on for our full review of the fashionable Lems Chelsea Boot!

What Are the Most Notable Features of the Lems Chelsea Boot?

The Lems Chelsea Boot bears all the hallmarks of truly foot-healthy footwear. Incorporated into this boot are design features or elements that are intended to put your foot first, to create the kind of in-shoe environment that allows your foot to thrive and function like a bare foot inside the boot. In addition to the various foot-friendly design aspects of the Chelsea Boot, it is also constructed of materials that are notable for their quality and durability. From our perspective, then, here are the preeminent features of the Lems Chelsea Boot:

• Upper Materials: The materials that constitute the uppers of the Chelsea Boot are one of its most striking features. Both the super-soft suede and the waterproof full-grain oiled leather uppers offer wearers a luxurious look and feel, with all the accompanying toughness and longevity that these materials provide. Both versions of this boot (suede and leather) have built-in elastic side panels for ease of donning. The full-grain leather version of the Chelsea Boot has a clean, smooth finish, and after wearing them on the streets and on the trail, the upper has proven to be abrasion-resistant. When sized correctly, the leather does not crease. The suede version of this boot is equally impressive and holds up well under a variety of conditions and uses.
• LemsRubber Outsole: With a 9.5 mm air-injected rubber outsole—the same outsole that can be found in some of the other models throughout the Lems footwear lineup—the Chelsea Boot is surprisingly durable. For this type of boot, the sole is on the rugged side, and it performed well when tested on dirt, rocks, and in wet conditions. Because the slip-on style is so convenient, our tester wore them to the ski resort, and the outsole provided adequate traction on ice and snow (though you'll probably want to pair them with a dedicated traction aid if you will be using them for longer periods in full-on winter conditions). While technical and durable, the outsole is still very flexible, allowing for natural foot function and healthy joint articulation.
• Substantial Toe Box: The Lems Chelsea Boot is built around the brand’s widest Natural-Shape last. This provides plenty of room for optimal toe splay and makes them ideal for Correct Toes users (more on this point later in this review). It's hard to overstate just how important it is for any pair of shoes or boots to leave adequate room for your toes to spread, and in this regard, the Chelsea Boot does not disappoint. Wearers of some of Lems' other models, such as the Primal Zen and Telluride Boot, will enjoy a similar amount of toe box volume with the Chelsea Boot, given that all of these models are built using the same set of lasts. This boot's substantial toe box—so rare in the world of Chelsea boots—is one of its foremost features and sources of appeal.
• Zero-Drop Platform: While some of Lems' other offerings have a small amount of heel-to-toe drop, the company has held true to their foot-healthy origins with the Chelsea Boot. A completely flat sole is something we prize here at Natural Footgear, as it allows the foot to function on a level plane, which is crucial for ensuring foot and ankle stability, promoting balance, preventing overpronation, and enabling natural arch support. Combined with the wide toe box, flexible sole, and low overall stack height (i.e., the amount of material between the foot and the ground), the Lems Chelsea Boot is a true foot-health-positive minimalist boot that allows you to strengthen your feet with each and every footfall as you explore the world around you.
• Lightweight Build: Most Chelsea-style boots are somewhat bulky, clunky, and heavy. The Lems Chelsea Boot is a notable exception, though. Weighing in at about 10 oz. per boot, this lightweight option will allow you to stride naturally and benefit from a healthier gait pattern. These boots stay out of the way of your feet and do not burden them with excessive weight or attempt to dictate their function. Because of its lightweight nature, and as is true of most of the options in the Lems lineup, the Chelsea Boot makes for a great travel shoe. One caveat: If you have the waterproof leather version of this boot, we wouldn’t recommend folding them up when packing, as you may risk creating permanent creases in the leather.

Gifted with so many outstanding features, including two pull loops for maximum convenience, it's easy to see why this model has become a go-to option for a diverse group of wearers. Combining high-quality materials with foot-healthy design features and remarkable durability, the Lems Chelsea Boot checks all the boxes for those seeking that rare combination of fashion and foot function. Now that we've explored some of the top features of the Chelsea Boot, let's dive into the various activities and outings for which you might consider sporting them.

What Activities Is the Lems Chelsea Boot Suitable For?

Due to their simplicity and incredible versatility, there is a pretty wide range of suitable scenarios for the Lems Chelsea Boot. Indeed, as a primary, day-to-day shoe, they work well for just about anything, including around-town outings such as urban strolls, trips to the grocery store, and meetups with friends and family. With a quintessential style that can skew formal (in the case of the darker, leather versions), you can dress up the Chelsea Boot for dinner out, cocktail parties, or business events. Or you can take them in the other direction, to the barnyard, pasture, or back forty for more outdoorsy pursuits or to serve as a minimalist work boot. The suede version of this boot has a slightly more relaxed appearance that makes it ideal for a range of casual uses and ensembles, though both versions of the Chelsea Boot work great in this regard too.

For active use, the Lems Chelsea Boot is more than capable, especially in situations where you may have to take your shoes on and off with some frequency. Because the oiled leather version of this wide toe box boot possesses a fully waterproof membrane, you can wear it to and from the ski resort, mountain bike trail, or climbing crag, comfortable in the knowledge that you'll be keeping the elements out and the warmth in. And when you head out after, these boots are ready for your next adventure, wherever that may be. The relative ruggedness of the Chelsea Boot's tread also makes them functional on mellow to moderate hikes. For anything more technical, you may want laces, though we’re pretty sure the Lems Chelsea Boot would hold up just fine even here.

What Foot Conditions Is the Lems Chelsea Boot Suitable For?

With its zero-drop platform, highly flexible sole, low overall stack height, lightweight nature, and healthy-foot-shaped design, the Lems Chelsea Boot is a great pick for individuals hoping to prevent or address a variety of common foot complaints. It's important to understand that a shoe alone—any shoe—is not likely to solve all foot or toe problems, but it can have a massive impact in this realm, creating the kind of environment in which your foot can function at its best or an environment that can hinder the natural form and function of your foot. Fortunately, the Chelsea Boot honors the inherent brilliance of your foot by permitting it to operate as nature intended; that is, with all parts of your foot on a thin, level, and flexible surface and with toes free to splay and roam.

Including the Lems Chelsea Boot in a comprehensive natural approach to feet and foot health—and musculoskeletal wellness in general—may be helpful when tackling the following problems: Bunionettes, bunions, capsulitis, crooked toes, flat feet, hallux limitus, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, neuromas, plantar fasciosis, runner's knee, sesamoiditis, shin splints, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and tendinitis. And, because of its thoughtful design, this lightweight boot can be helpful for improving posture and developing a more biomechanically sound gait. Of course, before adopting any footwear (or other active measures) to combat foot or toe problems, we always recommend that you speak with a foot care practitioner about your options and what may be best for your particular case or circumstances.

Is the Lems Chelsea Boot a Good Transitional Shoe?

A transitional shoe is one that assists in the process of switching from conventional footwear to minimalist footwear—a noble and worthy endeavor, in our opinion. Many people find this type of shoe helpful because, after decades of wearing thicker, more rigid footwear, the soles of the feet (including the skin, muscles, nerves, bones, and other tissues) may not be adequately adapted to thinner soles and firmer surfaces, and jumping right into a pair of minimalist shoes may be uncomfortable for some. With a 9.5 mm outsole and optional 3.5 mm insole, the Lems Chelsea Boot has a total stack height of 13 mm. While that’s not a lot of cushioning (especially compared to other options available in the marketplace), most people find it to be an adequate amount when making the move to more minimalist models. A stack height of 13 mm, combined with the other foot-friendly features incorporated into it, puts the Chelsea Boot in a real sweet spot in terms of transitional footwear. With that in mind, then, we think the Lems Chelsea Boot has a home in the shoe rack of a wide range of shoe-wearers, including those who are just getting started on their journey toward optimal foot health.

Is the Lems Chelsea Boot Compatible With Other Footgear?

Compatibility with a full slate of other helpful footgear is an important consideration to weigh when it comes to selecting a truly foot-healthy shoe. Among the various pieces of natural footgear you can use to bolster your immediate and long-term foot health is Correct Toes, a medical-grade silicone toe spacing device that slots in between your toes to gently align them in an anatomically advantageous manner. This foot health tool is helpful for improving foot and toe circulation, enhancing balance, and encouraging the development of your intrinsic foot muscles. Because the toe box of the Lems Chelsea Boot is so wide and accommodating, most people will be easily and comfortably able to pair this boot with Correct Toes. This makes for a formidable combination of footgear for anyone seeking to prevent or alleviate problems such as bunions, hammertoes, other types of crooked toes, neuromas, and plantar fasciosis, among other conditions.

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In addition to Correct Toes, other foot-building and rehabilitative footgear that pairs nicely with the Lems Chelsea Boot includes Injinji toe socks, Pedag metatarsal pads or Strutz Pro foot pads, and Naboso insoles. These items, which are all easily accommodated by these boots, help preserve and contribute to optimal toe splay, rebalance the toe flexor tendons and address ball of foot pain, and stimulate the foot for improved proprioception, respectively. Other items that work great alongside the Lems Chelsea Boot and other aforementioned footgear to elevate foot and musculoskeletal health and function include BlackBoard training tools, Zensah compression sleeves, and the Naboso Neuro Ball. Tuli's heel cups, soft gel pads that wrap around and under the heel and incorporate a multi-layer waffle design, can also be helpful for some individuals, especially those who are making the transition to thinner-soled footwear.

What Size Lems Chelsea Boot Should I Choose?

Selecting the optimal size for your feet is an important factor when shopping for footwear, of course, but it's particularly vital for slip-on models like the Lems Chelsea Boot that do not incorporate a strapping or securing system around the instep and ankle. The sizing recommendations from Lems for this model differ depending on which version of this boot you opt to go with. For those interested in the suede version, the manufacturer suggests ordering your normal US shoe size. For those interested in the full-grain leather version, the manufacturer recommends ordering a half-size up from your normal US shoe size. These instructions proved correct for our tester, who experienced a perfect fit in both versions of the Chelsea Boot. If you are unsure about what size may work best for you, we suggest ordering both sizes, trying them on at home, and then returning the size that doesn't fit as well for a refund. This way, you're almost guaranteed to receive your ideal size right away.

How Do Men’s vs. Women’s Versions of the Lems Chelsea Boot Compare?

As is customary throughout the Lems footwear lineup, the men's and women's versions of the Lems Chelsea Boot are built from the same set of lasts, so there are no gender-specific differences in the proportions or dimensions of this wide toe box casual boot. Lems has done a remarkable job in manufacturing footwear, such as the Chelsea Boot, that comfortably fits feet, period. It's not uncommon for footwear companies to tweak the proportions of their footwear to accommodate a perceived need or a desire in certain sets of users for how a shoe ought to look and fit, but Lems makes no such distinctions—to good effect. Men's options in the Lems Chelsea Boot are simply scaled-up versions of the women's options, and women's options in this model are simply scaled-down versions of the men's options.

How Long Does It Take to Break in the Lems Chelsea Boot?

It's not uncommon for suede or full-grain leather boots to require a break-in period, but we found the Lems Chelsea Boot to be comfortable right out of the box. The uppers of both versions do soften up a bit with frequent use, helping to make them even more cozy and comfortable as time goes on. Because most Chelsea-style boots have tapered toe boxes and other harmful design elements that encroach upon the foot, the relatively stiff upper material inevitably stretches out over time (after impacting the foot in a deleterious way). As a healthy-foot-shaped boot, however, the Lems Chelsea Boot won’t stretch in this manner for most users, especially when they are sized correctly. So, most people will find this boot comfortable right out of the gate, with increasing comfort returns accruing with continued use.

Is the Lems Chelsea Boot Durable?

Fans of Lems footwear are usually attracted to the brand because of the unique blend of eye-catching appeal and foot-healthy design features baked into the various models on offer. What many wearers are pleasantly surprised by, however, is the exceptional durability of the footwear, and the Lems Chelsea Boot is no exception in this regard. Indeed, this is an aspect of the Chelsea Boot that is laudable and deserves more consideration. From our perspective, boot durability—including the durability of the Lems Chelsea Boot—is important for a number of reasons:

• Protection: Durability ensures that the boots can withstand harsh conditions and protect your feet from injury. Whether it's walking on rough terrain, working in challenging environments, or participating in outdoor activities, durable boots, such as the Lems Chelsea Boot, offer reliable protection against external elements as well as slips, trips, and falls.
• Longevity: Simply put, durable boots last longer, providing you with extended use before a replacement is required. This is particularly important for those who rely on their boots for work or outdoor pursuits, as frequent replacements can be costly and inconvenient. Wearers of the Lems Chelsea Boot should expect these boots to last for at least a couple of years (and longer with proper care and attention).
• Cost-Effectiveness: Investing in durable boots may initially seem more expensive, but in the long run, they often prove to be more cost-effective than cheaper, less durable alternatives. Since they last longer and require fewer replacements, Lems Chelsea Boots will ultimately save you money over time, providing both financial and foot health dividends.
• Comfort: Durable boots tend to maintain their structural integrity better over time, which can contribute to ongoing comfort and support for you, the wearer. Boots that quickly degrade or lose their shape—or boots that constrict your foot from the get-go—can lead to discomfort, blisters, and other common foot and toe problems, such as bunions, crooked toes, ingrown toenails, sesamoiditis, and plantar fasciosis.
• Performance: Whether used for casual outings, hiking on gentle trails, outdoor work, or any other activity, durable boots, such as the Lems Chelsea Boot, contribute to better overall foot performance. These boots provide your foot with a stable platform and an optimal environment in which to function, allowing you to focus on your tasks without worrying about footwear failure.

With resilient uppers, enduring outsoles, and a conscientious design that doesn't impede foot function, the Lems Chelsea Boot is a durable option that will serve you well over the long term. Indeed, this made-to-last Lems offering helps protect your foot in various environments, provides you with excellent boot longevity and cost-effectiveness, ensures your foot comfort over time, and promotes optimal foot performance during a variety of uses and activities.

How Should I Care for the Lems Chelsea Boot?

Proper care and handling are important when it comes to the Lems Chelsea Boot, as this will help keep your pair spiffy and splendid over time. The care instructions differ based on the version of Chelsea Boot you have. Here are some recommendations from the manufacturer that will help you preserve the uppers of your suede and waterproof leather Chelsea Boots:

• Suede: To help ensure ease of cleaning, consider using a protective spray, such as one from Nikwax, to apply waterproofing to your suede Chelsea Boots. You can also use a soft-bristled brush that is designed to clean suede to gently brush your boots after each wear. This will keep dirt from setting into the upper. If your Chelsea Boots develop stains, you can use a suede eraser, or even a simple pencil eraser, to remove them. Be sure to follow up with a gentle brushing in this case. While suede is a slightly more finicky shoe fabric to clean and maintain, some basic care techniques will keep this version of the Chelsea Boot looking resplendent.
• Leather: For the waterproof leather version of the Lems Chelsea Boot, consider using an aftermarket product, such as Nikwax waterproofing spray or Otter Wax boot wax, to protect and nourish the upper. Coat the entire upper surface of your new boots, paying particular attention to the seams and stitching. Allow the boots to dry for the recommended time to permit the waterproofing agent to fully penetrate and bond with the boot's material. Apply a second coat if necessary (this is often required for older boots or boots that have seen heavy use). Also important is to clean your boots on a regular basis, using a soft brush or damp cloth to remove any surface debris, mud, or dirt. If need be, you can use a mild detergent and a brush to gently scrub the boots, and then rinse them with clean water before letting them dry fully.

Other general care and handling recommendations for the Lems Chelsea Boot (especially the waterproof leather version) include storing them in a cool, dry place that's away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. The manufacturer recommends against leaving them in a damp or humid environment so as to prevent damage to the waterproofing materials and eliminate the possibility of mold or mildew growth. If you have several pairs of waterproof boots, you might also consider rotating the use of your boots to allow each pair to dry out fully between wears. This is a simple way to reduce moisture accumulation inside the boots. Also, if at all possible, it helps to avoid extremely harsh conditions, exposure to chemicals, or prolonged submersion, as this can compromise the waterproof properties of the leather boot.

Are There Any Additional Considerations for This Boot?

With its thoughtful, foot-friendly design, high-quality materials, and simple-to-don nature, the Lems Chelsea Boot is an impressive offering that will meet the needs of most wearers. In our experience, though, we've found that even the most impressive options usually have room for improvement. Here, then, you'll find a few potential considerations you'll want to mull over before taking the plunge and ordering your very own pair of Chelsea Boots. Additional considerations for this zero-drop boot include:

• Foot Volume: A less frequently considered—though no less important—aspect of shoe selection is foot volume, which is, essentially, how much space your foot occupies within a given shoe or boot. Individuals with low-volume feet may find the Chelsea Boot a bit loose-fitting around the heel and throughout the instep and may experience some foot slippage within the boot. While it's true that slip-on boots in general are a bit more laissez-faire when it comes to holding the foot rigidly in place, too much foot movement within the boot can be a problem. A simple way to solve this is to install a tongue pad or use ankle warmers or stirrup socks to help occupy more space within the boot.
• Cold Weather Use: While the Lems Chelsea Boot can be used in cold weather conditions, it's not a hardcore winter boot, and you probably wouldn't bring it with you on your next polar expedition (though that's true of most boots, to be fair). That being said, these boots, with their wind-breaking uppers, are surprisingly warm when paired with a thick wool sock and do a decent job in wet and snowy conditions (especially the waterproof leather version). When it comes to ice and traction, the Chelsea Boot's tread provides moderate grip and is probably best paired with a dedicated traction aid if you plan to be out and about in wintry conditions for longer stretches of time.
• Care, Maintenance & Appearance: You can certainly wear your Lems Chelsea Boots as is out of the box and never apply aftermarket treatments to them, and they will still perform excellently. However, if you exercise even a modicum of care and apply some of the maintenance strategies mentioned in the section above, you can significantly extend the lifespan of these boots and help them retain their luster for the long haul. Be aware that the nature of the Lems Chelsea Boots' uppers does lend itself to the appearance of character marks throughout, and it's likely that the waterproof leather version will develop a certain patina over time. Some people like this effect; others may not. Though it has no impact on the performance of the boots, it's just another thing to consider before making a purchase.

The aforementioned points are among the most important considerations when it comes to deciding whether or not the Lems Chelsea Boot will be a good match for you and your footwear needs. These points, of course, need to be weighed against the known upsides of this minimalist everyday boot, which include its generous anatomical toe box, supremely flat and flexible sole, lightweight design, low total stack height, ease and versatility of use, durable tread, and luxe upper materials. Given all these things—and given how comfortable these boots are—we feel that the Lems Chelsea Boot is an attractive choice for a wide range of users.

Lems Chelsea Boot Review: In Summary

Smart, comfortable, and ever-so-easy to sport, the Lems Chelsea Boot is the class of the field when it comes to this style of ankle boot. This phenomenal boot, wildly popular for so many reasons, meets all of our criteria for foot-healthy footwear, and it does so in style. The Chelsea Boot's tread makes it a very capable option for all sorts of outdoor activities, and it can be dressed up or down depending on the outing or occasion, displaying an impressive range of versatility. For years, it was almost impossible to find foot-healthy shoes that didn’t look out of place alongside the trendy, conventional footwear that most people wear on a daily basis. Thanks to brands like Lems and models like the Chelsea Boot, though, foot-conscious individuals no longer have to sacrifice style for foot health. For its simplicity, practicality, and performance that exceeded our expectations, the Lems Chelsea Boot will always have a spot on our shoe shelf.

The Lems Chelsea Boot scores 4.5 (out of 5) on the NFAR scale, which puts it in the “excellent” range for foot-healthiness.

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