Is the Forsake Phil actually waterproof?

Yes. The leather upper is built to be waterproof, and owners report dry feet in rain and shallow puddles. It is not a Gore-Tex membrane, so it breathes less than a technical hiker.

How does it fit compared with other Chelsea boots?

It runs on the narrow side, and the elastic gussets feel snug at first. If you have wide feet or wear thick socks, consider going up half a size.

Do I need to break them in?

Expect a short break-in. The leather and sole soften after a week or two of regular wear, and several owners mention blisters if worn for long days right away.

Can I wear them for hiking?

For light trails, camp and gravel paths, yes. For rocky or steep terrain, a laced boot with more ankle support is the better choice.

What is the sole made of?

A rubber outsole over an EVA midsole. That combination gives decent grip and cushioning while keeping the boot lighter than an all-leather hiker.

Is it good for winter?

It handles wet cold and slush well, but it has no insulation, so pair it with warm socks in freezing weather.

Where is the Forsake Phil Chelsea Boot cheapest?

At Backcountry.com, for $86.97, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Forsake Phil Chelsea Boot?

Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 100 ratings.

Where can I buy the Forsake Phil Chelsea Boot?

8 stores we checked sell it, including Steepandcheap, Backcountry, Backcountry.com, Steep & Cheap, Shine Boutique Newburyport.

Forsake Phil Chelsea Boot

Best price now

$86.97at Backcountry.comChecked 1 h ago

Compared across 8 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Backcountry.com

Forsake Phil Chelsea Boot

Best price now

$86.97at Backcountry.comChecked 1 h ago

Compared across 8 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Backcountry.com

Forsake discount code →

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Price facts

Lowest price today: $86.97 at Backcountry.com (checked Nov 11, 2026).
Checked at 8 stores.

Our take on the Forsake Phil Chelsea Boot

The Forsake Phil is a men's waterproof leather Chelsea boot with a slip-on build, EVA midsole and rubber outsole. It targets guys who want a clean everyday boot that handles wet sidewalks and light trail use without laces. Compared with fashion Chelseas, it leans on outdoor construction; compared with hiking boots, it is lighter and easier to pull on. Owners rate it well overall, with fit and break-in drawing the most mixed comments.

Best forEveryday wear in wet weatherCommuting and city walkingLight trail and camp useTravelers who want one slip-on boot

Pros

Waterproof leather upper keeps feet dry in rain and puddles
Slip-on Chelsea design with no laces to tie
EVA midsole keeps it lighter than leather hiking boots
Rubber outsole gives grip on pavement and packed dirt
Clean enough to wear with jeans or chinos

Cons

Elastic side panels can feel snug at first
Not a Gore-Tex membrane, so breathability is limited on hot days
Less ankle support than a laced hiking boot
Limited color choice

Forsake Phil Chelsea Boot prices at every store

SteepandcheapNew
In stock
$86.97Checked 1 h ago
Visit Steepandcheap
Backcountry.comNew
In stock
$86.97Checked 1 h ago
Visit Backcountry.com
Steep & CheapNew
In stock
$86.97Checked 1 h ago
Visit Steep & Cheap
BackcountryNew
In stock
$94.22Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
Visit Backcountry
Shine Boutique NewburyportNew
In stock
$99.00Checked 1 h ago
Visit Shine Boutique Newburyport
Zappos.comNew
In stock
$145.00Checked 1 h ago
Visit Zappos.com
ScheelsNew
In stock
$160.00Checked 1 h ago
Visit Scheels
eBayNew
In stockSold by sports-space
$215.00Checked 1 h ago
Visit eBay

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Forsake Phil Chelsea Boot price history

Lowest price we've seen: $86.97 on Nov 11 at Backcountry.com. Tracked across 8 stores since Nov 11.

What reviewers say

4.3 / 5100 ratings

Buyers rate the Phil highly, calling it a comfortable, genuinely waterproof Chelsea that works for daily wear. The main complaints are a stiff break-in and sizing that runs narrow for some feet.

What people mention

WaterproofingPraisedOwners say feet stay dry through rain, puddles and wet grass.
ComfortPraisedMost find it comfortable for long days of walking and standing.
Break-inMixedSome say it is stiff for the first week or two before softening.
FitMixedSeveral buyers report a narrow fit and suggest sizing up for wide feet.
BreathabilityCriticisedA few note feet get sweaty in hot weather since it is not a breathable membrane.

About the Forsake Phil Chelsea Boot

The Forsake Phil Chelsea Boot is a men's slip-on boot in brown. It has a leather upper and no lace or zip closure.

The midsole is EVA and the outsole is rubber. The boot is waterproof but does not use Gore-Tex.

Upper: Leather
Midsole: EVA
Outsole: Rubber
Fastening: Slip-on
Water resistance: Waterproof, no Gore-Tex
Color: Brown
Sizes (US): 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 14
Gender: Men's
Age group: Adult

Specifications

Gore-Tex: NoSource
Size (US): 13, 14, 11, 12, 9.5, 10.5, 8.5, 9, 11.5, 12.5Source
Fastening: Slip-OnSource
Color: BrownSource
Outsole

Questions and answers

Is the Forsake Phil actually waterproof?: Yes. The leather upper is built to be waterproof, and owners report dry feet in rain and shallow puddles. It is not a Gore-Tex membrane, so it breathes less than a technical hiker.
How does it fit compared with other Chelsea boots?: It runs on the narrow side, and the elastic gussets feel snug at first. If you have wide feet or wear thick socks, consider going up half a size.
Do I need to break them in?: Expect a short break-in. The leather and sole soften after a week or two of regular wear, and several owners mention blisters if worn for long days right away.
Can I wear them for hiking?: For light trails, camp and gravel paths, yes. For rocky or steep terrain, a laced boot with more ankle support is the better choice.
What is the sole made of?: A rubber outsole over an EVA midsole. That combination gives decent grip and cushioning while keeping the boot lighter than an all-leather hiker.
Is it good for winter?: It handles wet cold and slush well, but it has no insulation, so pair it with warm socks in freezing weather.
Where is the Forsake Phil Chelsea Boot cheapest?: At Backcountry.com, for $86.97, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Forsake Phil Chelsea Boot?: Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 100 ratings.
Where can I buy the Forsake Phil Chelsea Boot?: 8 stores we checked sell it, including Steepandcheap, Backcountry, Backcountry.com, Steep & Cheap, Shine Boutique Newburyport.