Summary
The Clarks Men’s Paulson Up Chelsea Boot showcases a low-key stylishness that you can easily maximize by pairing it with various outfits, enabling you to fully enjoy the boot’s notable features in and out of the workplace. I tried the boot in dark tan suede which blended seamlessly with workwear as well as with more casual attire, making it easier for me to go to a more social setting directly from work without needing to change my footwear for fear that it would look out of place in the more relaxed environment. The Chelsea design offered a convenient way of wearing the boot since I only had to pull it on quickly without dealing with lace adjustments every single time. The double gusset feature can accommodate different foot shapes so you can conveniently slip on the boot without discomfort or too much hassle. The OrthoLite footbed delivers advanced cushioning to cradle the foot, relieving pressure and offering enhanced comfort even with continuous boot-wearing for long stretches of time.
The interior is fitted with a breathable twill lining that encourages proper air circulation within the boot to dissipate heat and draw moisture away from the skin to prevent heat accumulation and maintain a dry foot atmosphere even when you’re staying in hot or humid conditions. The boot is designed with a stacked heel effect that offers a striking accent, with the texture providing an interesting contrast to the smooth, almost unadorned surface of the upper. Contrast stitching between the upper and sole discreetly accentuate the overall structure while increasing the bond between the two components to ensure that the boot will easily withstand heavy or frequent use in different settings. Below we’ll look more closely into the boot’s features to showcase which ones are the most functionally beneficial and if there are elements that could be fine-tuned to enhance the overall boot performance.
With an effortlessly sleek profile, this Chelsea boot is the perfect complement to round up your smart-casual outfit aesthetic.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
The Clarks Men’s Paulson Up Chelsea Boot is made with premium leather or suede that’s pliable enough to move along with your steps, allowing you to walk more naturally and comfortably. The upper didn’t bite into my foot from above or on the sides so it was much easier to walk and even bend or crouch without stiff materials causing discomfort. The soft suede material adjusted to my foot’s movement to spare me from the pain and awkwardness of walking while using an unyielding boot. The OrthoLite footbed delivered a nicely padded platform that effortlessly cradled my foot to deliver long-lasting comfort while it worked doubly hard to relieve pressure spots before they had a chance to turn into painful blisters. The boot interior was made more comfortable with the superior cushioning in place that didn’t cause a restrictive feeling because the footbed wasn’t thick enough to take up all the extra room. The interior includes dual-density foam that provided targeted cushioning specifically on the heel and ball of the foot to deliver maximum shock absorption in these areas. Instead of being focused on the heel or ball of the foot, the impact is absorbed and then diffused throughout the boot to stop foot fatigue from setting in. This enabled me to walk and stay on my feet for hours without feeling the extreme pain that can come from using unsupportive shoes for extended periods.
I liked the stretchable panels on the sides of the boot opening that easily adjusted with every foot entry and exit for continuous comfort, which also offered enough space to promote natural foot movements, so my steps weren’t restricted by a too-rigid boot structure.
Weight
This boot is much lighter compared to other boots with a similar design, so it was comfortable enough to be worn for long hours without feeling like a weighty block was on my foot. I was able to enjoy its use for the better part of the day because it was light enough to feel like it was a natural part of my foot, instead of dragging uncomfortably from underneath – which can be experienced when using extremely heavy footwear.
Traction
This boot is built with a durable TPR outsole that, sad to say, offered very limited traction. This is most likely the result of the sole having an almost smooth surface underneath, with no lugs or even shallow crevices that would’ve helped the boot grip the ground more strongly. Wearing this boot can be a problem when walking on unstable ground outdoors or on slippery indoor floors because it won’t be grippy enough to protect you from slipping, especially when you need to move more quickly in tricky surface conditions.
Fit and Sizing
This boot is true to size, and I immediately enjoyed the comfortable fit without needing to go up or down a shoe size. It had a regular to snug fit that increased the stability of my steps as my foot was held firmly in place, preventing it from slipping unnecessarily inside the boot – which can happen when using footwear with too much space inside. The snug fit may not feel comfortable for those with wide feet and for people who are more used to wearing boots that are spacious enough to allow their feet to shift in place when needed. The twin elastic gores on the sides of the boot opening made boot-wearing more convenient and provided my ankle with the space it needed to move more naturally without being restricted by unyielding materials. However, the round toe design doesn’t give the toes that much room to wiggle freely, so it won’t be as easy to prevent foot cramps from developing, especially when compared to using boots with more spacious toe boxes.
Waterproofing
The suede material of the boot isn’t waterproof, so it won’t protect your foot from getting completely soaked when you’re walking in areas filled with water or exposed to extreme wetness. As such, this boot is recommended for use only in indoor areas without water exposure or outdoors in dry weather conditions.
Breathability
This boot is fitted with a twill lining that allows more generous airflow to get in so proper air circulation can be maintained for longer. Excess heat is dispersed before it can accumulate, preventing overheating even with extended periods of boot-wearing. The OrthoLite footbed is made with an open-celled material that wicks away moisture to keep your foot feeling comfortably dry for hours even when you’re in hot or humid environments. This material also contributes to maintaining a well-ventilated interior so your foot can enjoy the fresh, cool feeling for the entire time that you’re wearing the boot.
Quality and Durability
The Clarks Men’s Paulson Up Chelsea Boot is constructed with a flexible leather or suede upper that moves along with your footsteps to keep you comfortable in and out of the work area.
The dark tan suede material I tried looked good enough to be matched with workwear as well as with more relaxed outfits, so I maximized the boot’s aesthetics and functionality in different settings without worrying that the footwear will look out of place. The sleek silhouette exudes a low-key style that works with jeans and chinos, with the smooth black leather variant pairing nicely even with dressier outfits as well.
The twin stretch panels on the sides of the opening allow the boot to be put on and removed with ease, with different foot shapes easily accommodated. These gore panels provide the ankle with more room to move naturally without the pain that can be caused by a stiff material rubbing against your foot with every foot movement. A pull loop at the back of the opening helps with convenience and effortless boot entry so you can put it on more quickly without the need to deal with lace adjustments. The interior is enhanced with targeted padding at the heel and ball of the foot to keep these areas protected from extreme pain, especially with long hours of continuous walking or staying on your feet. These sections are protected with the increased padding that also works to diffuse the shock throughout the boot so that the impact won’t be concentrated only on these specific areas. The OrthoLite footbed conforms to the foot’s shape for impressive cushioning that protects the foot from severe foot pain and works to relieve pressure-prone spots so that blister development can be prevented. The open-celled structure of the OrthoLite foam works to allow more air to move into the boot to promote a properly ventilated atmosphere so that your foot can enjoy the long-lasting freshness and dry comfort even when you’re in hot environments. This foam also transports moisture away from the skin to keep the foot safe from feeling the negative effects of sweaty feet and works with the twill lining to maintain a comfortably dry boot interior even with long hours of nonstop use. Unlike the foam that’s usually fitted into other boots, the OrthoLite foam is designed to be compressed for a maximum of 5% of its structure over its lifetime, so you can look forward to the incredible cushioning and overall functionality of the material for a long time as it won’t easily deteriorate even with heavy use. This material maintains a low-profile composition that doesn’t take up too much space inside the boot to make it more comfortable to wear as it doesn’t feel too bulky and cramped from within. The relatively snug fit of the boot offers increased stability but may not feel too comfortable for people with wide feet, especially since the round toe design doesn’t encourage unhampered toe wiggling for foot cramp prevention. The textured heel offers a nice contrast with the smooth leather upper and delivers a fashionable stacked heel aesthetic. The TPR outsole is designed for maximum durability that you can count on to keep up with frequent use in different indoor environments.
However, the sole offers very limited traction, making this boot unsuitable for use over unstable terrains or slippery floor conditions, since it may not be able to keep you safe from accidental slipping.
Other Versions
The Clarks Men’s Paulson Up Chelsea Boot is available in dark tan suede and black leather. It comes in a lace-up silhouette that’s offered in a low-cut and an ankle-high variant.
The Challengers
Timberland Stormbuck Chelsea Boot
The Timberland Stormbuck Chelsea Boot showcases a handsome silhouette while keeping your foot protected from the elements. Its leather upper is sourced from a sustainable tannery that’s been acknowledged for its environmentally sound practices. This leather is waterproof and seals out liquids to keep your foot dry and comfortable when you’re working in surroundings exposed to extreme wetness. The dual stretch panels on the boot opening’s sides make it easier for the foot to slide in every time the boot is worn for maximum convenience without the need for lace adjustments. These stretchable parts accommodate various foot shapes and allow the ankle to move freely without being restricted by stiff boot materials. The outsole includes up to 34% recycled rubber and is fitted with pronounced cleats for a grippy feel to help you walk more confidently on tricky ground conditions without risking your safety and productivity.
Ariat Groundbreaker Chelsea Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot
The Ariat Groundbreaker Chelsea Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot is an impressive alternative if you’re looking for a pull-on boot with enhanced safety features. The waterproof full-grain leather upper works with the exclusive Waterproof PRO construction to block water, mud, muck, and other liquid substances from entering the boot to maintain a fully dry interior that will keep your foot comfortably dry throughout the day. The steel toe caps add a strong layer of protection to prevent serious foot injuries if compression and impact hazards are accidentally dropped on the boot. The slip-resistant Duratread outsole comes with deep lugs that offer a strong grip on most surfaces so you can walk more naturally while avoiding slipping on wet or uneven ground conditions. A 90-degree heel bites firmly into unstable terrains to keep you going on challenging outdoor surfaces without compromising your safety and comfort. The proprietary 4LR footbed works with multiple layers of cushioning to deliver all-day support to stop foot fatigue from disturbing your comfortable experience. The heel is fitted with reflective piping that makes the boot more easily seen in low-light conditions for increased safety around the workplace.
Georgia Boot Giant Waterproof High Romeo Boot
The Georgia Boot Giant Waterproof High Romeo Boot is a great choice that offers a ruggedly stylish look that can easily keep up with your demanding activities. It’s built with the exclusive Georgia Waterproof system that won’t allow water and other liquids to penetrate so you can continue working in extremely wet conditions for long stretches of time without worrying that your feet will be thoroughly soaked in the process. The full-grain leather comes with a fine texture that goes well with jeans and chinos, with the contrast-colored midsole delivering a bit of ruggedness to keep the aesthetic wonderfully balanced. The oil-resistant PU outsole comes with aggressive treads that offer good traction to stabilize your steps, especially when you’re navigating unstable terrains or slippery surfaces in a hurry. The cushioned insole provides a comfortable platform that supports your foot as it helps to alleviate foot pain and blister formation. The steel shank adds another layer of support to help you move more securely and effortlessly over tricky surface conditions.
Wolverine Heritage I-90 Romeo Boot
The Wolverine Heritage I-90 Romeo Boot is designed to keep you walking comfortably throughout the busiest days on the job site. The waterproof leather upper prevents water from getting in to ensure that your foot will maintain its dry condition when you’re working in extremely wet environments. The anti-fatigue technology works to absorb the impact coming from long hours of staying on your feet and disperses shock so that the foot and calf muscles are saved from foot fatigue. The advanced comfort midsole offers continuous support and extra cushioning to help you walk and move more comfortably over a long period of time. The breathable membrane stops liquids from entering while keeping the interior well-ventilated to preserve a cool and fresh foot atmosphere for longer. The TPU outsole is built with strong lugs that deliver strong traction to stabilize your footing when you’re navigating challenging surface conditions so you can avoid slipping accidents.
Caterpillar Men’s Pelton Steel Toe Work Boot
The Caterpillar Men’s Pelton Steel Toe Work Boot is a superb pick if you want a boot that’s highly protective and remarkably comfortable at the same time. It comes with steel toe caps that protect the foot from severe crushing injuries in case heavy items, such as tools or pieces of equipment, accidentally roll or drop on the boot from high spots on the job site. The EASE EVA midsole absorbs most of the shock coming from repetitive movements and returns the energy to every step to keep you walking comfortably for longer. This exclusive foam material is more flexible than regular EVA to help you walk more freely without stiff materials underfoot to limit your movements. The boot maintains a lightweight profile that won’t cause a dragging sensation so you can stay on your feet all day long without carrying heavy footwear around. It offers a secondary layer of protection against electric shocks if you’re exposed to open circuits reaching a maximum of 600 volts in dry conditions.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Clarks Men’s Paulson Up Chelsea Boot is a great choice if you’re looking for a well-designed Chelsea boot at a reasonable price. The premium construction looks great with workwear and even with casual or dressy outfits so you can fully maximize the boot in different settings. The OrthoLite footbed delivers superior cushioning and shock absorption to prevent foot pain from developing over the course of a busy workday. The TPR sole is built to last for a long time without breaking apart but only offers very limited traction so it may not prevent slipping when you need to walk on unstable or wet surfaces.
