Many of our readers ask “Are Chelsea boots good for hiking?” because they’d like to use their existing pair of boots the next time they hit the trail, but are wondering if their Chelsea boots will be up to the task.
While you absolutely can hike in Chelsea boots, they are not intended to be hiking boots due to their lack of ankle support, and are best used on short and simple hikes on flat terrain.
Having the right boots is of critical importance if you’re planning on hiking regularly.
Hiking demands strong footwear that provides the support and comfort you need. Not everyone hikes often enough to have a dedicated pair of hiking boots, and you may be wondering if your Chelsea boots are good for hiking.
Chelsea boots have been around since 1851, and is a fitted, flat ankle boot that features elastic sides instead of laces. They are highly fashionable among many subcultures and prevalent across many styles.
Their distinctive look and versatility is what has kept them so popular for so long.
How well Chelsea boots will work for you while hiking depends on a few different factors, which we’ll break down for you below.
Features That Make Chelsea Boots Good For Hiking
Although Chelsea boots aren’t dedicated hiking boots, they do have a few characteristics that make them an acceptable choice for short and simple hikes. We’ll explore these below.
Great Fit
Once broken in, Chelsea boots have a reputation for being a great-fitting boot. Luckily most models are made with leather, which can conform to the shape of your foot over time, resulting in a good fit that reduces friction when hiking.
Traction
Chelsea boots feature soles that are slip-resistant and have a lot of grip, making them great for different kinds of terrain and weather conditions.
Weight
Chelsea boots aren’t terribly heavy, which is an important factor when thinking about the longevity of your hikes. They aren’t the lightest boots out there either, but the weight shouldn’t be a problem for most people.
Why Chelsea Boots Aren’t Good For Hiking
Lack Of Ankle Support
The laceless design may offer comfort and convenience, but it does not keep your feet secure on hilly terrain, and the lack of ankle support can open you up to injuries or falls.
No Laces = Loose Fit
The lack of laces leave your foot loose and unsecure in the boot which can be a safety issue.
A loose fitting boots also leads to additional friction inside the boot, causing painful hiking blisters.
Comfort and Breathability
Chelsea boots’ leather uppers and elastic sides allow for extreme comfort as they will shape to your feet as you wear them, but those leather uppers don’t offer much in the way of breathability.
Keeping your feet dry and cool as you hike is very important, so bring along an extra pair of hiking socks if you’ll be going on a longer trek.
What Features Should I Look For In Good Hiking Boots?
The three key features you should look for in a good hiking boot are the type of hiking boot, the fit, and the components the boots are made of.
We’ll walk through each below.
Types of Ariat Boots For Hiking
There are many types of hiking boots available, and all the options can be overwhelming. Make sure to pick the right type of hiking boot for your intended use.
Let’s break down the most common types of hiking boots you’ll encounter while looking for your next pair.
Hiking Shoes
These low-cut models offer flexible midsoles and are best used for day hiking.
Day Hiking Boots
Day hiking boots come in mid and high-cut options and are best for day hiking or shorter backpacking trips with lighter loads.
They’re easy to break in and have decent flex, but they don’t offer as much support as proper backpacking boots.
Backpacking Boots
You’ll want a pair of proper backpacking boots if you’re doing trips spanning several days, or going deep into the wilderness.
These boots usually come in high cut only, wrapping around the ankle to give extra support.
Backpacking boots are durable and offer stiffer midsoles than lighter boot options, and have the support you’ll need both off and on the trail.
Waterproof vs Non-Waterproof
Hiking boots come in both waterproof and non-waterproof options. Waterproof boots are great at resisting moisture, but are less breathable.
The choice is up to you, but be sure to select the right option for your needs.
If you’ll be hiking in snow, crossing streams or creeks, or otherwise getting outside in wet conditions, you’ll absolutely want to opt for a waterproof hiking boot.
If you don’t plan on hiking in these conditions, you can go non-waterproof.
Minimalist, Barefoot, and Zero-Drop Hiking Shoes
These shoes are intended to minimize padding and support to allow you to get as close as possible to a barefoot experience while still providing some protection and grip.
Choosing this type of hiking shoe is largely up to personal preference, and you’ll need to try them on to see if a barefoot-feel is right for you.
What To Know About Hiking Boot Components
Hiking Boot Uppers
What material your boot is made from determines critical factors like weight, durability, water resistance, and breathability. Read on to see what materials you’ll come across when shopping for hiking boots.
Full Grain Leather
-Full-grain leather is durable and resists abrasions, and also offers great water resistance. You’ll typically find full-grain leather used in backpacking boots.
-Full-grain leather is not as breathable or as light as split-grain leather or nylon. Also, full-grain leather boots take longer to break in.
Split Grain Leather
-Split-grain leather is usually combined with nylon to offer a breathable and lightweight hiking boot.
-Split-grain leather will result in a lower cost boot, but also is less resistant to water and scuffs.
Nubuck Leather
-Nubuck leather is simply full-grain leather that has been buffed to look like suede.
-Nubuck is durable and resists abrasions and moisture, and is flexible too.
-Expect nubuck leather hiking boots to take longer to break in.
Synthetics
-Nylon, polyester, and synthetic leather are all materials used in many of today’s hiking boots.
-Compared to leather, synthetics cost less, break in more quickly, are more lightweight, and dry faster.
-The trade-off with synthetics is that they can wear down faster than leather.
Waterproof Membranes
-Waterproof hiking boots feature breathable and waterproof membranes (like Gore-Tex and eVent) to keep water off your feet.
-You’ll be sacrificing breathability with waterproof hiking boots, which can lead to sweaty feet in warmer hiking conditions, but waterproofing is a must if you’ll be doing longer hikes in wet conditions.
Vegan Materials
-Vegan materials are made without any animal ingredients. Modern vegan hiking boots are beefy enough to provide plenty of protection and come in waterproof options.
Insulation
-Some hiking boots offer added synthetic insulation to provide additional warmth, which is a plus if you’ll be hiking in snow or colder conditions.
Hiking Boot Midsoles
The boot’s midsole provides cushioning for the foot and helps to absorb shocks.
The midsole provides stiffness to the boot, which can provide better comfort and stability when hiking on Ariat and uneven terrain.
Most midsoles of Ariat boots are made from either EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) or polyurethane.
EVA Midsoles
-EVA is lighter, less expensive, and provides more cushioning than polyurethane, and comes in different densities to provide more support in needed areas within the boot.
Polyurethane Midsoles
-Polyurethane is more durable and firmer than EVA, making it a common choice in backpacking and mountaineering boots.
Hiking Boot Internal Support
Shanks
-Shanks are inserts between 3-5mm thick that are placed between the hiking boot’s outsole and midsole to provide stiffness and load-bearing.
-Shanks vary in length, ranging from covering half the boot or all the way to the entire length of the boot.
Plates
-Plates are semi-flexible, thin inserts that may be found in boots either alone or in conjunction with shanks.
-Plates allow additional foot protection against uneven terrain like tree roots or rocks.
Hiking Boot Outsoles
Rubber is the main material used on nearly all outsoles of hiking boots. Sometimes, additives like carbon are included to increase the rubber’s hardness.
This hardness is great for durability, but can get slick on wet terrain, especially off trail.
Lug Pattern Outsoles
-Lugs are bumps on the outsole designed to provide traction. Mountaineering and backpacking boots feature deeper and thicker lugs to increase grip.
-Wide-spaced lugs help to shed mud and offer good traction.
Heel Brake Section
-The heel brake section of a hiking boot’s outsole is specially designed to increase heel grip to reduce your chances of sliding while hiking steep declines.
-Opt for a hiking boot with a heel brake on the outsole if you plan on hiking steep terrain.
Crampon Compatibility
Crampons are hiking boot attachments that improve mobility on snow or ice, typically in ice climbing.
If that’s something you’ll be doing, be sure that you pick a boot that offers compatibility with crampons.
Tips For Hiking In Chelsea Boots
If you’re looking forward to sporting your Chelsea boots on your next hike, follow these simple tips to ensure you have the best experience possible.
Make Sure Your Chelsea Boots Are Broken In
Take it from us: you never, ever want to go on a hike wearing brand new Chelsea boots.
It takes a little time to break them in, and the discomfort you’ll experience won’t be worth the great style you’re sporting.
Test For Proper Fit
Make sure your feet can’t move too much side-to-side and there are no areas where you feel pinching in your boots.
Also pay attention to your toes inside the boot – they should never touch the front, and if they do, you risk bumping them and getting black toenail (ouch).
Make sure you are minimizing friction and giving your ankles as much support as possible.
Wear Proper Hiking Socks
If you’re set on wearing your Chelsea boots while hiking, do yourself a huge favor and wear a pair of well-fitting hiking socks.
If you’ll be going on a longer hike, bring an extra pair along to change into for prolonged comfort.
Waterproof Your Chelsea boots
If you’ll be hiking in rain, mud, or crossing small bodies of water like creeks or streams, you’ll definitely want to plan ahead by waterproofing your Chelsea boots.
Not only will this keep your feet dry, but you’ll also keep your boots looking great long-term. We recommend Nikwax Nubuck and Suede Waterproofing Spray for waterproofing Chelsea boots.
Hiking Boots vs Ariat Boots – Frequently Asked Questions
You can certainly hike in your Chelsea boots – we typically advise that a hike here or there is fine, and the flatter the trail, the better.
If you find yourself hiking more than once or twice a year, it’s a great idea to invest in some hiking boots.
Typically, short and simple hikes are fine for using Chelsea boots.
If you’ll be crossing water, or hiking on muddy or wet terrain, we highly recommend using hiking boots.
Are Chelsea Boots Good For Hiking? Wrapping Things Up
Although we don’t recommend Chelsea boots for serious hiking, you’ll be just fine to use them on short and simple hikes – just be sure to wear hiking socks and make sure those Chelsea boots are broken in before you go.
Have any stories from hiking in Chelsea boots? Please share them below, and let us know if you have any questions.
If you’re looking to get further into hiking, take a look at our guides to how hiking boots should fit, as well as our top picks for the best men’s hiking boots under $100 and the best women’s hiking boots under $100.
As always, have fun and enjoy the hike!
