Chelsea boots are timeless. They effortlessly combine comfort and looks. So you might wonder whether Chelsea boots are supposed to be loose. We've delved into how to size Chelsea boots properly to get the answer for you.
Chelsea boots should fit snugly, albeit not too tightly, around the foot. The shaft should be loose enough to allow tucking skinny jeans. A well-fitting Chelsea boot should feel like a glove to your foot. Not too tight, so it stops circulation, but not so loose as to let your foot slip out or slide around. Consider the following tips when sizing your Chelsea boots:
- The boot should have room in the toe box to wiggle your toes.
- The ankle should not rub against the back of the shoe.
- The boot should be snug around the middle of the foot.
- The boot should be tight enough that there is resistance when pulling the shoe on.
- The shaft should have some clearance 'round the leg.
A Chelsea boot is a comfortable, versatile shoe. It can easily become your go-to shoe. For that, you would need to have it fit just right! Keep reading to learn what to look for and how to get the most comfortable boot for you.
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How to Size Chelsea Boots
When buying any shoe, you want the right fit. The shoe should not slip, yet allow for good circulation and not compress any part of the foot. In short, the Chelsea boot would be most comfortable if you follow the guidelines discussed below.
Toe Box
You want enough room in the toe box to wiggle your toes, about a half-inch from your longest toe to the tip of the shoe. Remember, your big toe might not be your longest toe. Half an inch is a rule of thumb; it's okay if it's up to an inch of space. Always err on the side of giving yourself more room for your toes.
Instep
The boot should also be the right shape for your foot. The instep, or middle of the foot, should align with the middle of the shoe. Choose a boot that does not squeeze your foot. While leather does stretch, the process is painful and can cause damage to the foot. You don't want it too loose, so the foot swims inside.
Also, the arch should be the same size as the arch of your foot. This can be corrected with insoles. Just remember that insoles will affect the sizing.
Check these insoles on Amazon.
Heel
The boot should hold your heel. It is okay if there is some movement, but the foot should not be so loose as to let the heel slip out. In fact, when pulling the Chelsea boot on, there should be some resistance, but once the boot is on, it should be comfortable.
Always walk around a little to make sure there are no tight or too loose spots anywhere. A good fit is always preferable to an aftermarket fix and will add to your Chelsea boots' longevity.
How Do You Break In Chelsea Boots?
A well-fitting boot should not need a long breaking-in period. How to break in the boot will depend on the material from which it is made and how well it fits in the first place. No matter what the boot is made of, there are ways to protect the skin, starting with a good pair of socks. If socks are not enough or you already have a blister, try a cushioning aide to ease your comfort while breaking-in new boots.
Check out this blister protection on Amazon.
Sometimes it is not possible to find just the right boot at just the right fit. If socks or insoles are not enough to remedy the situation, here are a few things you could do:
Breaking-in Leather
Leather is a very forgiving material. It is stiff in the beginning and then softens up a little. If the boot is too tight, you can try the following:
- Warm the boot carefully with a hairdryer. The heat will make the leather more supple, and it will stretch a little. Be careful not to concentrate on one area for too long, or the heat can damage the leather.
- Apply leather stretching oil to the boot's exterior surface.
- As a last resort, this is a method that can harm the boot. Fill a waterproof plastic bag, such as double-bagged Ziplocks, with water making sure that there is no air in the bag. Put the bag in the boot, so it molds to the boot. Freeze overnight, and let thaw completely before removing the bag.
Check out this boot stretch spray from Amazon.
Synthetic Materials
This is a less forgiving material. However, the heating method described above will still work, as long as you wear the shoe while warming it. Some stretch sprays work on synthetic materials as well as leather. And for best results, always leave a shoe stretcher in the shoe while not wearing it.
Check this shoe stretcher on Amazon.
Can You Tighten Chelsea Boots?
Just as there are ways to hasten the boot's breaking-in, there are ways to tighten the boot. The easiest way is to make your feet seem larger by wearing bulky socks. But if that is not enough, then here is what you can do:
- Place insoles inside your shoe. Like socks, it will make your shoe feel smaller, with the added benefit of cushioning your step.
- Place the boots in a cold place, like the refrigerator or even the freezer, overnight. That will shrink the material a little.
- Dampen the leather before wearing the boot; that will help to shrink it.
How do you keep Chelsea Boots From Slipping?
Not all feet are made the same. And if your heel is particularly narrow, you might feel that the shoe is slipping. There are ways to prevent this. Mostly with either an insole or shoe pad. If needed, either insert will make a world of difference in terms of overall comfort.
Check out these cushy heel pads from Amazon.
What Socks Go With Chelsea Boots?
There is the right kind of sock for every shoe and pants combination. Socks vary in material and thickness. The right sock will make the shoe more comfortable, keep your foot warm, cushion your step, and complete the look you are going for.
Crew Vs. Knee High Socks
As long as the pant leg covers the top of the shoe, sock height is a personal preference. Anything shorter than a crew sock will be uncomfortable because the top of the boot can dig into your leg as you move.
Click here to see cute women's crew socks on Amazon.
However, if you wear your boots with Capris or crop pants, you need to pay more attention to sock selection. Check out "How to Wear Socks With Boots."
Click here to see women's' ruffle boot socks on Amazon.
What is The Best Sock Material?
Wool socks are always a nice go-to. Unlike your grandmother's wool sock, wool socks today come in many fun designs and do not scratch. With the added benefit of being great moisture wickers, they will help prevent foot odors. Another great thing about wool socks is that they add cushioning to help protect the foot from blisters.
Click here to see this fun wool sock on Amazon.
If you rather not wear wool, there are good bamboo socks or socks made from recycled materials. Traditionally cotton was a less desirable material for socks since it retains moisture and therefore can cause blisters. Today sock manufacturers use advanced techniques, and cotton is a viable choice.
Click here to see men's bamboo/rayon crew socks on Amazon.
Heavy Vs. Light Sock Thickness
That depends. If the shoe is too tight to begin with, go with a light sock. If the shoe was too loose, go with a heavy sock. However, if the shoe fits properly, there is more flexibility. You can extend the Chelsea boot's usefulness all year long and match the sock to the weather. In summer, a light sock to wick away sweat and a heavy sock in winter to keep the toes warm.
Check out these sweat-wicking bamboo socks on Amazon.
In Conclusion
Chelsea boots are quite versatile and fun. It is best to have them fitted just right before deciding on them. However, even if they are just a little too snug or a little too loose, do not despair. It is an easy fix to make them work just for you so you can enjoy them for years to come!
