We know you want to effortlessly strut. You don’t have to lie to us. But you want to do it in comfort. You want to do it in the Chelsea Boot. Let’s be more specific: you want the Schuh Khan Chelsea Boot. The boot that will cling to you as long as you desire to cling to it - and, my friend, that’s going to be a long time.
But let’s start with the basics. With versatility and comfort, the timeless shape and design, it is simply food for the sole. The Beatles’ Cuban-heeled elastic-sided boots were a key part of the Fab Four uniform in the early days, and even Stormtroopers sported them in Star Wars, and they were both quite popular weren’t they? Chelsea boots have long been a wardrobe fixture for every person of style, no matter the age, creed or background of the wearer, and they have now been identified as the must-have shoe for winter 2020/21.
Chelsea boots were designed to slip easily on and off the foot - hence its laceless-ness and elastic or vulcanised rubber side ankle - but with ease of access comes the danger. Once you’ve bought your pair - in your correct size and no bigger (Chelsea boots are normally true to size), first and foremost accompany the purchase with a shoe tree and a shoe horn to maintain the shape and that elegant, ankle-high style tradition, and benefit both boot and foot by making it slide in easier. The boot will always work best worn with slim-fit trousers, skinny jeans, or a tailored suit, helping you to maintain a streamlined figure, with a black or brown aesthetic preferred for either formal or casual wear, the dinner or the walk. Simplicity is, however, ultimately key.
This season, arriving from the latest schuh collection, the Khan Chelsea Leather, boasts a tan leather upper with elastic gussets while a darker, glossy toe and heel complete. The leather is ideal for autumn and winter use, with the more unforgiving weather change, but it’s imperative that it be maintained to keep up appearances. That requires regular cleaning through soft rotation mark removal (after the warm hand wash, a soft bristle brush should eliminate scratches and marks) and illuminating them with a buff from a good, strong brown polish.
Its sister, the schuh Khan Chelsea arrives both in a premium dark brown suede and a tan leather, each with elastic inserts and heel pull complete. Perfectly paired with smart attire or a casual look, this profile will become your new go-to. With the former design, the upper is suede, the lining also and fabric, with a rubber outsole. Typically well-made, the brown Khan suede should be treated with the respect it deserves. Though able to partner either casual (remember, skinny!) jeans or a dapper made-to-measure suit, proceed with caution if rain or snow are forecast and apply a suede protection spray regularly to avoid damage. The boots will reward the effort you put in, which is as minimal as removing any dirt as soon as it’s dry with a clean cloth or a suede brush, or with tougher stains, a suede rubber or pencil eraser.
The Dylan Chelsea follows the lead of its Khan cousins, rounding out the collection perfectly by boasting a brown leather upper with elasticated sidewalls and a fabric lining, oozing effortless sophistication and casual cool for the weather, in whatever context. As the brand themselves declare, “every wardrobe deserves a classic Chelsea silhouette to see them through the boot season”. Schuh have provided designs which uphold tradition, and tailor for both the person of leisure, and of luxury. Just remember, love the boot as it loves you: Chelsea, Chelsea, we are believers.
The schuh brown Khan Chelsea boots and the schuh tan Khan Chelsea leather boots are both priced at £70.00. The schuh brown Dylan Chelsea boots are sold at £60.00.
