El Naturalista unisex chelsea boot in chrome-free leather, rugged, supple and surprisingly comfortable
Some shoes you put on because they are beautiful. And some shoes turn out to be so comfortable that you immediately want to take them home in another color. This is exactly that kind of pair. This unisex chelsea boot from El Naturalista has that rugged, calm look that you can combine endlessly, but also the comfort that always makes me very happy myself. It is not a stiff, hard boot that you have to "break in" first, but a shoe that feels supple and truly moves with you.
The boot is made of chrome-free tanned calf leather and has a fine, slightly wider fit. This makes it feel comfortable on the foot without looking clunky. That is exactly what I think is so strong about it. It has that casual, robust appearance of a good chelsea boot, but in a version that feels softer, kinder and more natural than many comparable models. Available in five beautiful colors: terra, blush, mustard, stone and denim.
Highlights
This El Naturalista chelsea boot is made of chrome-free tanned leather, features an elasticated entry, handy pull loops and a flexible rubber sole. The model is unisex and available in sizes 37 to 44. The look is rugged and timeless, while the wearing comfort feels remarkably soft and free. This is the kind of shoe you wear with jeans, but just as easily combine with a dress or slightly dressier trousers.
Why you really want these boots
What I often hear from customers is that they like the idea of barefoot or semi-barefoot shoes, but are absolutely not waiting for a model that immediately looks "healthy." I totally get that. Not everyone wants a shoe that primarily looks practical. This boot is so great precisely because it looks like a normal, beautiful chelsea boot, while still offering much more freedom of movement and comfort than many traditional boots.
That wider footbed really makes a difference. Your toes get more room and that just walks more pleasantly. The sole is flexible, the heel is flat and the shoe feels light. Not as if you are walking on a thick, stiff brick, but rather as if your feet are allowed to do what they want. That is also exactly why some people are so enthusiastic about this. One customer even wrote that these were the best shoes she had ever bought because they fit perfectly, were extremely comfortable, and finally looked like a normal shoe instead of a typical barefoot shoe. Honestly? I understand that very well.
Fit and feel
These boots fit comfortably and are very pleasant for feet that like a bit of space due to the wider footbed. Thanks to the elastic sides and the sturdy loops, you can put them on and take them off easily. No zippers, no laces, no hassle. Just step in and you're ready to go. That also makes this the kind of shoe you quickly reach for on busy mornings.
The fit feels free, but the shoe still looks nicely snug around the ankle. This keeps the look rugged and slim enough. Semi-barefoot, then: more room and more natural walking comfort, but without it feeling extreme. That is precisely why this is a very accessible model for many people.
How to wear them?
Wear them under straight jeans with rolled-up cuffs for a casual, rugged look. Or combine them with a dress or skirt, so that the leather and the sturdy sole provide a nice contrast with something soft or flowy. Also very nice: under woolen trousers or slightly dressier slacks with a chunky sweater on top. These are the kind of shoes that are calm enough to match anything, yet add character to your outfit.
Material and additional information
The outer material is calf leather and that leather is chrome-free tanned. That's a nice thought, as no chromium salts are used, unlike in much conventionally tanned leather. The lining consists of 80% leather and 20% microfiber. The insole is removable and made of microfiber. The outsole is 100% rubber and provides good grip. The closure is elastic and the production process features 360º stitching, which contributes to the sturdiness and durability of the shoe.
What does this pair do for the world? By choosing chrome-free tanned leather and a well-made model, you are opting for shoes that are produced more kindly and are made to last. And in the end, that is always the most sustainable choice: buying something that you will truly keep wearing.
Maintenance
Leather stays looking best when you treat it with a little attention. Brush off dirt when dry and occasionally use a natural leather wax or nourishing cream to keep the leather supple. Especially with a shoe you wear often, this helps enormously to keep the material looking beautiful. Let wet shoes dry slowly at room temperature and preferably do not place them against a heater. That keeps the leather looking better for longer and prevents it from drying out.
Do you want extra warmth and comfort? Then combine these boots with a good pair of wool socks from, for example, Hirsch Natur. Truly a golden combination for cold days.
Do not buy if…
…you are looking for a very narrow, tight-fitting boot without extra room at the toes. This boot is specifically intended for more comfortable and natural walking. If you like more freedom of movement and a more flexible sole, then you are in the right place here. If you are specifically looking for a very hard, classic chelsea boot with a narrow fashion fit, then this is probably less your model.
Personal advice
Are you in doubt about the size, or do you want to know if this model is good for your feet? Call us during opening hours at 010-7954177 or email klantenservice@natur-el.nl. Our "happiness makers" are ready to think along with you.
Come and try them on in Rotterdam
Did you know we have a large store in the Oude Noorden of Rotterdam? There you can view, feel, and of course try on the entire collection. You are more than welcome at Zwaanshals 376 in Rotterdam. We are open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:30. And believe me: this is truly the kind of shoe you need to feel on your feet to be sold.
FAQ
Is this El Naturalista chelsea boot truly barefoot?
This boot is semi-barefoot. That means it provides more room and flexibility than many regular shoes, but feels more accessible than a very extreme barefoot model.
Are these chelsea boots suitable for women and men?
Yes, this model is unisex and available in sizes 37 to 44. Precisely because of the timeless design, it looks beautiful with all kinds of styles and feet.
What material are these boots made of?
The exterior is made of chrome-free tanned calf leather. The lining consists of 80% leather and 20% microfiber. The sole is made of 100% rubber.
Are the insoles removable?
Yes, the insoles are removable. That is handy if you want just a little extra room or prefer to walk with your own insole.
How do these El Naturalista chelsea boots fit?
They have a more comfortable, slightly wider footbed than many regular chelsea boots. This makes them very pleasant for those who like to have a bit more room at the front of the foot.
