First Impression

My expectations were quite high even before I saw the boot up close because of a few things. First, the fact that it was made in Portugal – which is renowned for superior-quality leather craftsmanship spanning centuries. Second, as I opened the box, a label said the leather was sourced from a manufacturer certified by the Leather Quality Group for quality and environmental responsibility. I wasn’t disappointed when I finally saw and eventually used the boot, which had a classic profile that was fit for work and for more relaxed settings, too.

Leather Quality and Care

The boot’s upper showcased a texture that can be expected only from premium-quality leather. I wasn’t surprised that this was the case, since the label said that the cow leather came from a Leather Working Group-certified source. I appreciated the supple texture and top-notch quality of the leather and was even more impressed that its source followed environmentally responsible practices. The smooth leather was fairly thick and was a bit stiff at first. The upper was composed of three distinct pieces of leather – one going from the front to the section before the gussets; one covering the heel area; and a rectangular piece on top which is embossed with the brand. I noticed that these leather sections were held together by double-stitched seams for durability. With proper care, the leather uppers would maintain their outstanding quality for a long time.

Comfort & Fit

I expected that this boot (like others with a Chelsea style) would feel a bit loose, so I downsized by half a size. I chose to downsize because I preferred a snug fit and didn’t want the leather upper to be wrinkled, which happens when you wear loose-fitting boots for a long time. The boot felt a bit snug and was a bit difficult to pull on and take off. I had to use extra effort even with the help of the pull tab to get the boot on. I’d like to point out that the toe box felt fine and became even more comfortable after the boot was broken in. Overall, the boot felt comfortable, especially for those who prefer a snug fit. It didn’t come with high-tech features (such as shock-absorbing components) but still felt comfy enough because the materials were fairly flexible, and the structure didn’t feel too heavy. I need to mention that the insole was glued on and wasn’t removable. Given the snug fit, you won’t be able to put in a new insole if you want to improve the boot’s cushioning.

Break-In Period

The premium cow leather was quite thick, so I assumed that I would need to break in the boot first before it became comfortably flexible. I spent a couple of weeks breaking in the boot to make it more flexible and comfortable to use. Given the superior quality of the leather, I would recommend breaking them in naturally instead of taking a shortcut with different products or methods.

Design & Craftmanship

I really liked the boot’s design, which was an absolute classic. The toe looked squarer compared to similar Chelsea boots. This boot showcased the outstanding craftsmanship that’s expected of leather products from Portugal, where the boot was made. The entire upper was made of premium cow leather, aside from the elasticized gussets on the sides of the opening. There was also a polyester pull tab that made pulling on the snug-fitting boots a bit easier. I noticed that the stitching between the upper and the sole wasn’t real, which was referred to as “faux stitching”. To be honest, I expected and would’ve preferred genuine stitching for enhanced quality and durability. Thankfully, the sole had genuine stitching. I loved the versatile design, featuring a low-profile style that was work-ready and stylish enough for leisure purposes, too.

Weight

The boot had a lightweight to medium weight level. I was expecting it to be a bit heavier because of the thick leather upper and equally thick outsole, but I was glad to discover that this wasn’t the case. The reduced weight contributed to making the boot quite comfortable to use all day.

Traction

The rubber outsole looked quite thick. It had a 1.5-inch heel that made me feel a bit taller without the strange feeling because the outsole was fairly flexible. After the break-in period, the sole felt a bit more flexible and was even more comfy to use for walking. It had limited traction, though, because it didn’t have the large lugs that are often seen on heavy-duty boots. However, the weak grip wasn’t a big issue as this boot was meant for casual use and non-hazardous surfaces.

Safety Features

This Chelsea boot didn’t have the safety features (such as safety toe caps) that are usually seen on heavy-duty work boots. However, this wasn’t a downside as the boot was designed for use in non-hazardous work environments and leisure use.

Water Resistance

This boot didn’t have waterproof materials. However, the high-quality leather provided some water resistance, keeping the feet dry in mild weather conditions. I wouldn’t recommend it for use outdoors in heavy rain, though, as the liquids can easily be absorbed. The quality of the leather would also be compromised if it gets extremely wet.

Durability

This boot had a solid build. The thick leather was meant to last a long time, especially if it’s properly cleaned and regularly maintained. I wouldn’t give this boot an outstanding score for durability, though, because the outsole didn’t look as sturdy as the rugged rubber outsoles that are seen on heavy-duty work boots. The faux stitching between the upper and the sole also affected the boot’s overall durability.