Best Chelsea leather boots for women

Top pick: Vessi Women's Classic Chelsea — the one I'd buy for most people. It's a true Chelsea silhouette with a waterproof build and a 365-day waterproof guarantee, a cushioned midsole and a light feel, so it handles rain, slush and long walking days without the break-in drama of stiff leather.

Who the others suit:

• Xero Shoes Ridgeway Chelsea — best if you want a zero-drop, wide, natural-feel boot with a lugged sole for trails and city miles.
• Stegmann Lieben Leather Chelsea — best for cold days: vegetable-tanned leather over a wool-felt lining and cork-latex footbed.
• Hunter Original Chelsea — best for wet weather and a clean, flat, round-toe look that goes with everything.
• Goodyear-welted full-grain pair — best if you want a resolable, buy-it-once boot and don't mind a stiffer break-in.
• Stout brown water-resistant pair — best for a classic brown everyday boot at a friendlier price.

Skip the very cheap no-name pairs if you want these to last more than a season — the leather and soles are the weak point.