John Lobb
St. James, London
Vintage Bespoke Chelsea Boot
Circa 1970

Euro 850

The Chelsea Boot is derivative of the Jodhpur boot and, like the Jodhpur, began as a riding boot. Distinguished from the Jodhpur by its elastic gusset and close fitting ankle-high shaft, the Chelsea Boot is both handsome and practical on or off horseback.

It is reported that Sparkes-Hall, bootmaker to Queen Victoria, invented the elastic gusseted boot in 1837, upon Charles Goodyear’s development of the vulcanized rubber, although this date conflicts with the later date of the introduction of the Jodhpur Boot into England. What can be said with certainty is that by mid-century the gusseted boot was widely adopted by both men and women and became a standard shoe in the shoemakers repertoire. Chelsea Boots enjoyed a resurgence of popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, becoming the iconic footwear of the “mod” scene. Today, along with Jodhpurs and Chukka Boots, Chelsea Boots are once again prominent in well-dressed circles, a testimony to the immutability of the classical and traditional.

The plain toe shows as beautifully under dress trousers as under jeans. The substantial sole and the ankle support of the high top give a sense of stability, standing or walking, that few other shoes provide

John Lobb bespoke shoes start at £5000 for shoes and £1000 for shoe-trees. http://www.johnlobbltd.co.uk/pricelist/

Size Details:

Shoe Condition:

The elastic gussets have been replaced at some time in the past, and the original soles have had a second protective layer addas to them. The heels are new and from Lobb's own workrooms; they appear to be unworn. All in all, a superb example of a great traditional model by one of the worlds top shoemakers.