Hunter Chelsea Boots Review

Short Rubber Boots for Men & Women

Great short boots that can be slipped on when it’s wet outside. The boots look stylish and can be worn with just about anything, shorts, leggings, trousers or a skirt. Hunter recently updated the Original Chelsea boots to give improved comfort and fit. 

Value for Money
Build Quality
Comfort
Warmth
Style

Hunter Chelsea boots review

Hunter Originl Chelsea Boots Review
Date of review November 2021 by Richard Cutts

OVERALL RATING
4.2/5

Our Verdict

WHAT WE LIKE WHAT WE DON’T LIKE 
+ StylishBoots rub ankles when new
+ PracticalDifficult to put on
+ Good quality 

Hunter Chelsea Boots are probably the most popular short rubber boots. The design is classic yet modern; they’re comfortable enough for everyday wear and long walks in the park or around town. If you’re looking for a new pair of Hunter Chelsea Boots, read this review before you buy!

Hunter Original Chelsea Boots: Features

  • Adjustments: Elasticated side panels
  • Inside material: Thin textile lining
  • Outside material: Natural rubber
  • Fit Type: True to size
  • Fit Wide calves: Yes, short boots
  • Heel Type: Small block heel. Approx. 1.18″
  • Shaft Height: Approx. 5 inches
  • Weight: 1 lb 4 oz (single boot)
  • Waterproof: 100% waterproof
  • Colours: 14 Colours
  • Female Sizes: 3 UK to 9 UK –  4 US to 10 US
  • Male Sizes:  6UK to 12 UK – 7 US to 11 US

Comfort

The Hunter Original Chelsea boots are made from natural rubber. Unlike cheaper boots that are made from PVC (plastic), natural rubber is tough but also highly flexible. This means they are comfortable to walk in, giving your feet plenty of support without rubbing the ankle area.

The boots may feel snug and tight when you first wear them, but after a few wears, they’ll stretch to fit your feet perfectly. 

The sole on the boots is relatively thin compared to other rain boots \ wellie boots. This means that the boots are lightweight and also more flexible making walking less effort.

The insole that comes with the boots is fairly thin and doesn’t provide much cushioning. It’s perfectly adequate for most people. However, If you find that the insole isn’t as comfortable as you would like, it can easily be removed and replaced with your own insole.  

Hunter Original Chelsea boots are easy to put on
Hunter Chelsea - Side and Front views

Warmth

The boots are made from natural rubber which is a very good insulator. However, the inner lining of the boots is made from a thin textile, which is designed to help reduce friction when putting the boots on \ taking them off. It has not been designed to provide insulation from the cold.

 The insole is also fairly thin and will not provide good insulation from cold surfaces

The Hunter Chelsea boots are ideally suited to for mild, wet weather. They have not been design for very cold wintery weather.

If you plan on wearing the boots in cold weather, we recommend that you replace the insoles that come with the boots with a fur lined insole and wearing thick socks will also help.

Traction

The boots have a rubber outsole which naturally provides a good amount of grip. Hunter has also given the boots fairly deep treads, which will also help with traction. The small block heel also gives added grip by sinking down into soft surfaces, such as mud. 

In wet weather, on most surfaces, the boots will stop you from slipping about and falling over.

The boots aren’t designed for extreme cold, so don’t expect them to provide much traction on frozen surfaces, such as ice.

Hunter Chelsea boots have good traction

Style

Hunter Chelsea boots have a classic design that will always be in fashion. You can wear them with jeans and leggings or dress them up with skirts and dresses, they’ll go well with any outfit you choose to pair them with! 

Unlike many of the Hunter boot ranges, the Chelsea boots are available in a wide range of colours (currently 14 different colours). Whichever colour you go for, the entire boot will be that single colour. The only part of the boots that will be a different colour, is the famous Hunter logo on the front.

Best For

The Hunter Original Chelsea boots are fashion rain boots \ wellie boots and we think they are among the most stylish short boots that you can buy. They’re perfect for walking around town on a wet day or taking the dog for a walk in the countryside. 

They’re not so good for cold weather or wearing for long periods of time. 

Final Thoughts

Hunter have been making rubber boots for a long time and usually get it right. We think they’ve got the Original Chelsea boots right. They look good, are comfortable, durable and (maybe) most importantly, they keep your feet dry. 

If you’re looking for short rain boots \ wellington boots then the Hunter Chelsea boots should be on your shortlist.

BEST SELLING HUNTER ORIGINAL CHELSEA BOOTS

SaleBestseller No. 1
Hunter Men's Original Chelsea Boat Shoe, Black, 9 UK
Hunter Men’s Original Chelsea Boat Shoe, Black, 9 UK
Waterproof natural rubber; Elastic side gussets & nylon pull-tabs; Textile lining; Durable rubber outsole
Bestseller No. 2
Hunter Women's Original Chelsea Oxford Boot, Black/White, 5 UK
Hunter Women’s Original Chelsea Oxford Boot, Black/White, 5 UK
This Chelsea boot is a new edition of the classic bootie and is ideal for the rain; The rubber boots are handmade with high quality natural rubber and are 100% waterproof
Bestseller No. 3
Hunter Womens Original Chelsea Wellies Boots Pink 7 UK
Hunter Womens Original Chelsea Wellies Boots Pink 7 UK
Pull on Closure; 5″ Shaft Height; 1″ Heel Height; 100% Vegan

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Questions & Answers: Hunter Original Chelsea Boots

How do Hunter Original Chelsea boots fit?

Like most rubber boots these boots are fairly generous in size. However, it is recommended that you buy them in your normal shoe size. Don’t be tempted to size up to allow for socks, you will very likely find the boots too large, even if wearing thick socks.

Are Hunter Original Chelsea boots available in half sizes?

No, unfortunately, the boots are not available in half sizes. If you are normally a half size then it is generally recommended to go for the next size up. If the boots feel slightly too big, then try inserting an insole. 

Can I wear Hunter Original Chelsea boots without socks?

It is recommended that you wear socks. If you don’t wear socks feet will get sweaty and sticky, there is also a good chance that the boots will rub and make your feet sore.

Are Hunter Original Chelsea boots suitable for wide calves?

Yes, the boots are short and do not come up as high as the calf, making them ideal for people with larger calves.

Are Hunter Original Chelsea boots available for men?

Yes, the boots are available for men. There is no difference between the men’s and women’s boots other than the sizing and colours.

Are Hunter Original Chelsea boots tight around the ankle?

When the boots are new, they can feel tight around the ankle and can leave ankles sore. The boots do break in after a while. It is recommended to wear socks with these boots to prevent potential rubbing. 
 

How tall are Hunter Chelsea boots?

The shaft of the boots measures about 6″
 

Can you wear the Hunter Chelsea boots all day?

No, the boots have not been designed to wear all day to walk for long distances. The best boots for wearing all day are those made by Muck Boots and Boggs.
 

Is it easy to put on \ take off the Hunter Chelsea boots?

Yes, thanks to the elastic sides and the pull tab, the boots are easy to get on. They are also easy to take off, again thanks to the elastic side and the fact they are short boots. The boots do not have a heel kick to help to take them boots off.
 

Do the Hunter boots have good arch support?

There is some arch support, but not much. We recommend inserting your own orthopaedic insoles for additional arch support.

Are the boots suitable for snow and sub-zero temperatures?

The boots can only be worn for a short period of time in the snow or freezing conditions before your feet get very cold. The Hunter Chelsea boots are best suited for spring \ summer.
 
Richard Cutts

Richard Cutts

I've been working with rubber boots (aka rain boots, wellies) in one way or another, since 2009. So, i've seen a lot of wellington boots in my time. I create most of the content for the website, which i hope you find useful.

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