El Naturalista PETROL semi-barefoot Chelsea boot
Okay, you really won't want to take these boots off. The El Naturalista PETROL Chelsea boot combines the ease of a classic Chelsea boot with the freedom of movement of a minimalist shoe. A wide toe box, zero drop, and a flexible rubber sole: your feet get the space they need, but you're still wearing a sturdy leather boot.
And that color. PETROL sits somewhere between blue, green, and gray and changes slightly depending on the light. Just a bit more exciting than black, but just as easy to style. Exactly the kind of color that makes us very happy.
Why these semi-barefoot Chelsea boots are so great
- Minimalist, semi-barefoot fit
- Wide toe box for natural freedom of movement
- Zero drop: heel and forefoot are at the same height
- Light and flexible rubber sole
- Made from chrome-free tanned calf leather
- 360-degree stitched Strobel construction
- Removable insole
- Elastic side panels and sturdy pull tabs
- Unisex model for women and men
- Available at Natur-el in sizes 37 to 44
What does semi-barefoot mean for these boots?
The PETROL Chelsea boot, referred to by El Naturalista as model NÓMADA N5262, is part of their minimalist shoe line. These shoes give your feet more freedom than a traditional, stiff boot.
The last is wide at the toes, allowing your toes to spread naturally. The sole is flexible and moves with your foot. Additionally, the shoe features zero drop, meaning your heel is not higher than your forefoot.
We call this model semi-barefoot because you get many of the key benefits of a barefoot shoe, but with the protection and look of a sturdy leather Chelsea boot. You feel more of the ground and your feet can move more actively, without having to walk on a paper-thin sole.
Do you need to get used to zero-drop shoes?
Are you used to wearing shoes with a significant heel or a lot of support? If so, build up your wearing time for zero-drop shoes gradually. Your feet, calves, and Achilles tendons may need time to adjust to the different posture and movement.
Start by wearing them for a few hours a day and see how your body reacts. If you are already used to barefoot or minimalist shoes, these Chelsea boots will likely feel familiar right away, only a lot dressier and more winter-ready.
Wide Chelsea boots with room for your toes
Many Chelsea boots taper to a point. That might look elegant, but your toes often feel differently. The PETROL has a wider, foot-shaped front. Your toes get the room to lie side by side and move while walking.
This makes these boots great for people with wider feet, but also for anyone who is done with shoes that squeeze their small toe against the others all day.
The elastic inserts on both sides make them easy to put on. The sturdy pull tabs at the front and back help you slip them on quickly. No laces, no zippers, and no morning gymnastics in the hallway.
How does the El Naturalista PETROL fit?
This Chelsea boot generally fits true to size. Therefore, start by choosing your normal shoe size. The front is intentionally wider, so extra space at your toes does not automatically mean the shoe is too big.
At Natur-el, we carry this unisex model in sizes 37 to 44. If you are between two sizes or want to know if the fit is right for your foot, feel free to contact us or come by to try them on in our store in Rotterdam.
A minimalist shoe should provide sufficient room at the toes, but it shouldn't slip annoyingly at the heel. With a good pair of wool socks, you can always make the fit feel a bit snugger during the colder months.
Chrome-free tanned leather that gets better with wear
The exterior is made of sturdy Arizona calf leather. This leather is chrome-free tanned and gains more character the more you wear it. Small color variations and changes in the surface are inherent to natural materials and make every pair slightly unique.
The lining is made of 80% leather and 20% microfiber. The insole is removable, which is convenient if you want to air it out, replace it, or use your own suitable insert. Please note that a different insole may change the zero-drop experience.
What makes these El Naturalista boots sustainable?
No new leather shoe is without environmental impact. We don't want to sugarcoat that. However, several conscious choices were made for these Chelsea boots:
- The leather is chrome-free tanned
- The sturdy leather exterior is designed for long-term wear
- The 360-degree stitched construction ensures flexibility and a solid connection between the upper and the sole
- The insole is removable and can be replaced if necessary
- Good care can significantly extend the life of the leather
- The timeless unisex design is not tied to a single short-lived fashion season
For us, sustainability in shoes isn't just about the material, but also about how often and how long you wear them. A comfortable boot that lasts for years and goes with most of your wardrobe is ultimately a much wiser choice than three pairs of shoes that mostly just look nice in the closet.
How to style the color PETROL
PETROL is one of those colors that is more eye-catching than black but just as easy to style. Wear these boots with wide-leg jeans, corduroy trousers, or dark slacks. They also add just the right amount of edge to a dress or skirt.
Petrol looks beautiful paired with rust, ochre, dark blue, green, burgundy, gray, and neutral tones. Honestly, you'd have to try hard to find a color that these boots don't look good with.
We also carry this model in several other colors, including black, khaki, terra, mustard, and blush. Same comfortable model, but every color gives the boot a completely different look.
How to care for the leather
Remove dirt first with a soft brush or a slightly damp cloth. Let the shoes dry slowly at room temperature. Never place leather shoes against a heater, as this can cause the leather to dry out and harden.
Regularly use a nourishing cream or wax suitable for this type of leather. Keep in mind that a care product may darken the color slightly, so always test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Do you want to better protect the boots against moisture and dirt? Use a suitable waterproofing spray for leather. These Chelsea boots are not completely waterproof, so for splashing through puddles for hours, we would choose something else.
Frequently asked questions about the El Naturalista PETROL Chelsea boot
Is this a true barefoot shoe?
The boot features a wide toe box, zero drop, and a flexible sole, which are key barefoot characteristics. Because of the protective rubber sole and the sturdy leather design, we prefer to call it semi-barefoot or minimalist.
Is the sole completely flat?
Yes, the shoe has zero drop, meaning the heel is no higher than the forefoot. The total sole height at the heel is approximately 1.2 cm.
Is the insole removable?
Yes, the insole can be removed from the shoe. Please keep in mind that a replacement insole may affect the fit and the zero-drop feel.
Are these Chelsea boots suitable for wide feet?
Yes, the last is designed to be wider at the toes, allowing them to lie and move more naturally. Whether the shoe also fits your instep and heel well is best judged when trying them on.
Are the boots suitable for both women and men?
Yes, this is a unisex model. At Natur-el, the PETROL is available in sizes 37 to 44.
Are the boots waterproof?
No, leather Chelsea boots are not fully waterproof. With proper care and a suitable waterproofing spray, you can make the leather more resistant to rain and dirt.
Try on El Naturalista at Natur-el in Rotterdam
With minimalist shoes, getting the right fit is especially important. Do you want to experience how the wide toe box, flexible sole, and zero drop work for your feet? Come visit Natur-el at Zwaanshals 376 in Rotterdam.
We are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. During business hours, you can also call us at 010-7954177 or email us at klantenservice@natur-el.nl. Our team is happy to help you with honest advice on sizing and fit.
