I love the Chelsea boot look, but I’m tired of cute shoes that are uncomfortable. That’s why I wear barefoot Chelsea boots instead! They don’t squish my toes or aggravate my back, like most stylish shoes do. Want the Chelsea boot look without hurting your feet? You’re in the right place.
Find here my all-time favorite wide toe box Chelsea boots, including barefoot, cushioned, and budget options.
Why I Wear Barefoot Chelsea Boots
Most fashion footwear, like the Chelsea boots on me above right, have a pointy narrow shape that can really hurt! By contrast, barefoot Chelsea boots have a natural foot shape with space for the toes to lay flat. Unlike shoes that claim to be good for wide feet but still come to a point at the end, barefoot boots actually give you the space you need where you need it.
And barefoot Chelsea boots also don’t have a heel, which can be a real back saver. Same style essence, but so much more comfortable!
So I wear barefoot Chelsea boots because:
- They have a wide anatomical toe box that doesn’t squish my toes
- They are flat (zero drop) and don’t push my weight forward
- They style the same as regular Chelsea boots!
- And you can choose more cushioned options or add insoles if you don’t want a thin sole!
I also make use of a few easy fit hacks to ensure I get a perfect fit, since Chelsea boots don’t have laces. Now let’s talk about my personal favorite barefoot Chelsea boots that have space for your toes to wiggle AND are stylish and trendy.
The Best Barefoot Chelsea Boots
I love a Chelsea boot moment. The understated design is both easy to style and easy to wear (love me a pull-on shoe). And they will basically never go out of style, so you can be sure to get lots of use out of them! Here are my all time top picks for the best barefoot Chelsea boots.
Lila by Anya
Leather Upper | Leather Lining | Sizes EU 34-45
When it comes to Chelsea boot styling, the Lila is my go-to. I wanted something that looked more like a classic Chelsea boot than other barefoot options, so I went out and designed one! The leather paneling over the elastic makes for a more sophisticated look, so these dress up really well too. I reach for them and the Rosa boot (similar but with side zipper) all fall and winter when I really want to look good!
Lila Chelsea boots have a quality leather upper, leather lining, and leather insole – all chrome free and vegetable tanned without the use of harsh chemicals. It takes significantly longer and is more expensive to tan leather in this way, but it’s safer for skin and is softer/more breathable than chrome tanned leather.
The outsole has a rubber bottom for a bit of grip, but they are not intended for rugged use. And it is a bit thicker and stiffer sole than some barefoot Chelsea boots, so if you want a real flexible feel you’ll probably like the others here better!
Me at the leather production facility in Gaziantep, Turkey during the tanning process!
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size, but slightly short for some. I wear my usual size still.
- Medium wide – suitable for average and wide feet, but not best for extra wide feet.
- High volume above the arch, so I added tongue pads to mine to get a secure fit (just be aware that tongue pads are semi permanent and don’t come off easily).
Mukishoes Chelsea
Leather | Wool Lining | Sizes EU 36-45
Use code ANYAMUKI for 10% off directly from Mukishoes in the EU
I love that the Mukishoes Chelsea is a lower cut than most other wide toe box options, which gives you different styling options – easier to wear with jeans than taller Chelsea boots! They are also very light, flexible, and come with a real wool lining – not too thick, but nice for cold days.
They can get a little wrinkly/frumpy because they are so soft and unstructured, but it doesn’t stop me from styling them with lots of outfits. I reach for them often when I want a quick and easy look that’s still stylish. Mukishoes Chelsea is unisex.
Sizing & Fit:
- Slightly small – I have a pair in both my regular size and a size up and wear the bigger size with socks.
- Medium wide – best for average and some wide feet. The outsole is very soft and can flatten out a bit under wider feet as they break in, but don’t feel super wide when brand new.
- Medium volume – the ankle opening is slim and lower cut, so some people say the front edge cuts into their ankle a bit. But it helps keep the shoe from being floppy even on different instep heights.
Xero Ridgeway
Leather | Mesh Lining | Sizes US W5 – M15
The Xero Ridgeway is a new style for fall 2024, and they’ve been very popular with both men and women. They have that rugged Chelsea boot look that’s so trendy right now, and an actual rugged outsole to go with it! So they look cool and are practical for hiking, light work, and a bit of weather.
The outsole on the thicker side with tread, but still flexible. The leather upper is thick and stiff when new, but break in.
I personally found them too stiff in the back heel area for my liking, but I am sensitive there and go for softer over more durable most of the time. The Lems Chelsea (in the Cushioned section of this article) is a better option in this style for me.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size for most people, but ran small for Justin (he wears a 13 but needed 14 in Ridgeway Chelsea)
- Medium to wide width – Men’s models are wider than women’s
- Medium to high volume with removable insole
Vivobarefoot Gobi Chelsea
Leather Upper | Leather or Fleece Lining | Sizes EU 35-43
Use code ANYA25VB for 25% off everything but Sensus Yin, Sensus Slide, and Gobi Premium. You can use code ARVIVO20 20% off those..
The Vivobarefoot Gobi Chelsea is a new silhouette, unique from the other barefoot Chelsea boots. They come in an unlined and fleece lined version, and have more of an urban vibe to them. For me they felt kind of stiff when brand new and rubbed, but got softer with wear.
They come with a removable cork insole for a bit of extra fit adjustability, but tend to fit medium volume best.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size – fits longer than the first two boots listed here, but I don’t size up!
- Medium wide – best for average and some wide feet, but not extra wide.
- Medium volume
Angles Nyx
Leather | Leather or Wool lined | Sizes EU 37-45
If the Vivobarefoot Chelsea isn’t a good fit for you or doesn’t go big enough for you, I recommend the Angles Nyx next. It has a similar sleek shape and extra sheen that looks dressy, and they are a little bit wider and higher volume if you need some more space. They are also designed to be unisex.
While I love a super soft, flexible shoe (like Mukishoes Chelsea) I also like my stylish boots to have a bit of structure so they stay classy. A sophisticated but straight forward black Chelsea is one of my closet work horses and these fit the bill perfectly.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Medium to wide width – will work for wider than average feet!
- Medium to high volume
The Best Extra Wide Chelsea Boots
For when even barefoot boots aren’t wide enough! These are the widest of the wide barefoot Chelsea boots.
Groundies Camden
Leather | Velvet lining | Two Width Options | Sizes EU 36-43
The Camden Chelsea in Barefoot+ fit has an extra wide toe box with room for toes to splay for days. This boot also comes in their regular Barefoot width, which is best for average width feet. So if you want the extra wide option make sure you choose Barefoot+!
They are really nice quality, have a slip-resistant outsole, plus a thin velvety lining for a little bit of extra warmth. They feel great on foot! I love them in both widths myself since I don’t have an extra wide foot.
Groundies also has the Camden Mid available in Barefoot+ which features a shorter height and handy side zipper.
Be Lenka Entice
Leather | Fleece lined | Sizes EU 36-43
The Be Lenka Entice is a little more rugged of a Chelsea boot style with a durable outsole. They have an extra wide, fan-shaped fit for those of you who really need all the toe space while still styling like other Chelsea boots.
They are heavier than the Groundies Camden and other barefoot Chelsea boots – some people love that extra durability and traction though. They certainly are good quality!
Be Lenka also has the Mojo chelsea boot that we really like. It’s not quite as wide as as Entice, but is still plenty wide for me and features a comfortable knit ankle opening.
Sizing & Fit:
- Runs small – I size up one
- Extra wide
- Medium volume – they do not have a removable insole, and people with high volume feet often find them tight over the top of the foot. They can loosen with wear though!
The Best Chelsea Boots with Cushion
Lems Chelsea
Leather | Waterproof Options | Sizes US W6 – M15
Hands down my favorite wide toe box Chelsea boot with cushion is the Lems Chelsea. They are really lightweight, have a very spacious toe box shape that can fit most foot shapes and widths, and they are soft and cushioned. Justin and I both have had great luck with ours – the quality, fit, and feel are all on point.
Also from Lems is the Chelsea Tuff. The brown color has a fluffy collar and lining that is surprisingly warm. The sole is quite thick (makes me feel so tall!) but flexes at the toe. Really well-made waterproof shoes with a grippy practical outsole. The black color has no fluff, but is still insulated.
Best Budget
For when you want the comfort of a wide toe box barefoot Chelsea boot, but can’t swing the price.
Saguaro Urban
Faux Leather | 4mm Outsole | Sizes EU 36-42
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 15% off
These faux leather Chelsea boots from Saguaro have a classy look and a nice little perforation detail around the edge. They’re really comfortable straight away, without any hard edges or rough bits. I don’t expect the faux leather to be as durable as real leather, but it does make the price more affordable.
We found them true to size, with an extra wide toe box. They’re best for a medium volume foot, but higher volume can remove the insole for a little extra space (this is how Samantha is most comfortable!).
Whitin Chelsea
Faux Leather | Sock Opening | Sizes US Women’s 5.5-10.5
At $40, this is about as cheap as it gets for wide toe box barefoot Chelsea boots! They have a decently wide toe box and a soft sock opening. Not as high quality as the others listed here and made of a pleather type of material (as expected at this price). But they are pretty comfy and have a little bit of extra cushion.
The sock opening is more casual, but still you can style them the same way you would other Chelsea boots. Whitin shoes tend to have a little bit of toe spring, which I don’t love. But it’s not excessive and I am not feeling it too strongly in these.
More Barefoot Chelsea Boots
If you’re looking for even barefoot Chelsea boots options, you can find a full alphabetical list below in different price ranges and locations around the world. I also have a full list of barefoot boots available for tons of other options in different boot styles.
Aintap FeelBarefoot (EU) – Sizes US Women’s 3.5 – Men’s 15. Read my Review here. You can use code ANYA50 for a discount!
Conker Shoes (UK) – Sizes UK 1-13 with 3 different width options and different sole options.
Drifter Leather (EU) – Sizes EU 34-49 with custom fit available. See my reviews of the Drifter Leather here.
Gaucho Ninja Chelsea (UK) – Sizes EU 36-45. Read my Gaucho Ninja Review here. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off!
Koel Fila (EU) – Sizes 36-45. These come in a few colors you don’t often see in Chelsea boots. I like them for average width, average volume feet.
Also available at retailer Mugavik Barefoot with worldwide shipping. Code ANYASREVIEWS gets you 5% off from Mugavik.
Lang S. Luna (EU) – Sizes EU 36-42. Chrome free waxed leather uppers with a chrome free leather leather lining.
Use code ANYALANG for 10% off
Magical Shoes Lupino (EU) – Sizes EU 36-47. Get 10% off with code ANYA. These run small, I recommend sizing up one. Love how soft and flexible they are. Also available in a vegan version.
PaperKrane Chelsea boot (AU) – Sizes EU 19-42. PK is a great brand for a pop of color! Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off.
Shapen Barefoot (EU) – Sizes EU 36-43. The victory is a tall chelsea boot from Shapen See my Shapen review for more details about this brand. Use code ANYA5 for 5% off.
You can find select Shapen models at Anya’s Shop!
Vivobarefoot Chelsea – Sizes US W5.5-11.5/EU35-43. Use code ANYA25VB for 25% off everything but Sensus Yin, Sensus Slide, and Gobi Premium. You can use code ARVIVO20 20% off those.. You can find the Gobi Chelsea seasonally from Vivo. Read my more about these boots here.
Wildling Bruklin – I am loving the new Chelsea boot from Wildlings. They have a wool lining and a wool/hemp upper paired with a water resistant membrane. The higher cup sole is also more weather friendly and they are just dang comfy!
Use code AWN_ANYA_S for a one-time free shipping offer. If you live outside the US/Canada, shop Wildling Shoes via this link.
Zkama (EU) – I have yet to try this brand myself, but I’ve been watching them for years and they seem like a good option.
Zaqq (EU) – Sizes EU 36-50. Lots of Chelsea boot options from Zaqq! See my Zaqq brand review here.
We also have select Zaqq styles available at Anya’s Shop.
Vegan Options
Ahinsa (EU) – Sizes EU 37-46. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
Bohempia Rola (EU) – Sizes EU 36-43. Regular and Wide width available. Use ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off. This is an excellent extra wide vegan barefoot Chelsea boot.
Feelgrounds Chelsea (EU) – Sizes EU 35-49. Available in black, cream, and brown! Use code ANYA5 for 5% off
Magical Shoes Lupino (EU) – Sizes EU 36-47. Vegan option in smooth black and gray. These run small – I recommend sizing up one.
Get 10% off with code ANYA
Mukishoes Chelsea (EU) – Sizes EU 36-48. The black cork option from Mukishoes is vegan. I love these boots and have worn them for years now. They are so light and comfy!
Use ANYAMUKI for 10% off. You can read my review of the Mukishoes Cork Chelsea here.
Check out my 10 All Time Favorite Barefoot Boots for more of my top fall boot picks!
100 thoughts on “The Best Barefoot Chelsea Boots That Don’t Squish Your Toes!”
Hi Anya how did you measure the feet for such in depth info.
I measure my feet two different ways. You can find detailed instructions in this guide to measuring your feet.
Hi, thank you for such an in-depth blog, it’s really useful. Have you come across/can you recommend brands that offer stylish options with a wide toe box that aren’t so narrow depth wise or that offer some arch support (UK based ideally)? I understand arch support goes against bare foot principles but I have a tendon injury so need to have this or have room to insert insoles. I believe my foot issues stem from feet imbalance from squished toes though, so I am trying to transition part way!
Hi there! Have you checked out this list of cushioned/thicker barefoot shoe options? A couple of them have mild support, but you may want to use your own orthotic in them (for the most part they all have removable insoles you can swap out). I personally used SuperFeet arch support when I was dealing with a foot injury. I since transitioned out of it, but at the time it was helpful to be able to use it inside a wide toe box shoe.
Check out hobibear on Amazon. I have extra wide and deep feet and have invested significant money in brand but these beauties are by far the most comfortable and only 30% of the cost! I’m very happy!
Hi Anya,
Which of these are good for big ankles? It’ll be nice to wear shoes without squishy ankles.
Thanks.
Hi Amna, I’d suggest the magical Shoes Lupino, Xero Shoes, or the Lems Chelsea.
Hi Anya,
What might be some situations in which one might want to wear a more cushioned boot rather than a more barefoot boot?
It might be for more warmth (being farther from the cold ground), if you’re doing long mileage on hard smooth ground, or if you have some foot pain or discomfort with thin soles. I switch it up regularly because I don’t have much fat on my feet anymore and I get heel pain sometimes. So I feel best rotating between a bit more cushion and really thin barefoot soles.
What would you say are the most cushioned pair (i.e. thickest sole?) I am recovering from a foot injury and though I think barefoot shoes are the way to go, I need a bit of protection for city walking.
The Lems Chelsea has the thickest sole. You can read our review here!
Hi Anya
Are the Belenka Entice Neo soles different to the ones in your picture? The one in your picture seems to be the deep grip, but on the website they have a unigrip. Do you know then if the traction might be different in the newer version of the entice? Thanks in advance!
The current Entice models are made on the Unigrip, which has slightly less prominent lugs than the DeepGrip, making them best for urban winter environments.
Hi Anya,
I am looking for Chelsea boots that accommodate wide ankles ( I have small feet size 35/36 and every pair I’ve tried is too tight around my ankle) which would you recommend ? Thanks
Hmm, most chelsea boots cater to an average width, so one idea is to choose one with a side zip. The Koel and Magical Shoes chelsea boots both have the elastic panel on the outside but a zip on the inside. You could keep them partially unzipped and they would still look just like a chelsea.
Hi Anya! I’ve been trying to find more detailed size charts for the Conkers Chelsea boots (and maybe their Derby boots too), but it seems like no one has published them anywhere. Do you happen to know how wide their F width size typically is? I’ve tried reaching out to them for more clarity too, but they must be swamped being close to the holidays. I’m afraid I’ll make that investment for it to not fit…
Hi! We haven’t seen any detailed size charts. They are a very small business, so contacting them directly will be your best route to finding that information.
Any idea which ones would be best for super high volume feet and ankles, but average width feet? Thank you!! 😊
Hi Jess – Aintap, Magical Shoes, or Lems might work for you!
Hi – I tried the Magical Lupino after reading your reviews, and love everything about them except that they don’t fit my feet. I tried one size and found the length good, but my heel slipping all over and just generally a feel of way too much space around my foot. I tried a size down and my toes were hitting the front of the shoe. I am also now facing high costs to return. Do you have a recommendation of an alternative that is similarly light and flexible but a little less wide? Also, do you have anything that works for you to snug up a shoe that your foot is swimming in, even if the right length? Thanks so much.
Hi Loren! There are some fit hacks you can use if a shoe is too loose in your heel or has too much volume above your foot.
Some brands that I think would fit you better than Magical Shoes would be: Vivobarefoot, Mukishoes, Groundies, or PaperKrane.
Great post!
Which ones are best for guys with thinner ankles yet wide forefoot? I tried Lems Chelsea Waterproof Men’s 9.5 but there’s too much room in front of or behind my ankles. Thank you!
I would suggest the Angles Nyx, if you are able to get it (they don’t ship outside the EU). After that the Magical Shoes Lupino, which is not as high volume or wide in the ankle. Not as many men’s options for chelsea boots unfortunately!
Hi,
Thanks for your reviews. Im looking for some Chelsea boots, my feet are 25/10.5 and really high. Which of the boots you’ve tried you think might be a good fit for me? I’ve tried Be Lenka Mojo, or would have tried but couldnt even put them on; I’ve tried the Xero Tari, they’re a tad narrow but at least I could put them on. So height is a bigger issue for me than width but my feet are also wide and this combo makes finding thr perfect boots for me quite difficult. Thanks a lot!!!
Hello Reka, I would look at the following chelsea boot options – Lems, Shapen, and Mukishoes. Lems will likely be your best bet for wide and high volume.
Thanks for this list! I’m looking for a Chelsea boot that has the most ground feel, like a super thin sole. I love my Earth runners (primal and circadian) and wear them until it’s too cold but I want a Chelsea boot that feels equally thin and flexible! And ideally pretty to go with dresses and skirts! I LOVE the leather ones you make but it looks like the soles are firmer… but the look is perfection! Which one/s would you recommend?
The Mukishoes Chelsea has that really great barefoot feel with the super flexible thin sole. And I think they still well with dresses!
how does the feelground chelsea compare to the other brands?
It runs a little small. If you get the right size the toe box is a good width, but not extra wide. I find the faux leather kind of hard and it doesn’t mold and conform to your foot as well as I like. The furry lining is soft, and they are good for cooler temps (not breathable for temperate/warm temps though). I do like the look and feel, just not as much as the others I’ve featured.
I am looking to buy a vegan chelsea boot (or any everyday boot) so I looking at both the Magical Shoes Lupin and Feelground Chelsea. I have small but extra wide feet (size 36, but 4 in wide). I was thinking both might be too narrow. What are your thoughts?
Hm, yes both may be too narrow. The Magical Shoes is more likely because they have less structure so can mold a bit more to your feet.
I bought the mukishoes black loafers in a 41 because my feet are really wide, and with thick socks on, they fit me better than most shoes. They are still too narrow for my feet and only have a small amount of wiggle room elsewhere.
What I really want is this exact style of shoe (repairable, lace and zip up, lined. Taller would also be ok!) https://anyas-shop.com/collections/new/products/mukishoes-igneous-wool-lined-zip-up-boot but that would fit me better. I’ve been through the shoe finder and I feel like I found something else once but I can’t find it again. Are there any other shoes you would recommend?
Thanks for doing this, your websites have been very helpful, and your discount code was, too!
Hm, one brand that comes to mind is Nons. They have a much wider toe box, they are really comfy and good-fitting boots. And reparable! Their boot inventory is low, but if you reach out to them she can do some customizations and let you know what the ETA is for them. There is also these lace up boots from FeelBarefoot on Etsy. They are not wool-lined and I recommend ordering one size up from your usual. But they have a roomier toe box, taller cut, and zip side. And code ANYA50 will give you an extra discount on them. The other options that I can think of are either not wider, or are not easily reparable. Hope that helps!
Thank you Anya!