Summary
The Gant Millbro Chelsea Boot has a classic profile while also sporting the qualities that I associate with comfy work boots. I was initially drawn to this boot because of its handsome silhouette, but I quickly discovered that it also had a lot to offer in terms of performance. The cow suede upper had an understated elegance that made the boot easy to pair with a wide variety of outfits for work and leisure settings. I liked how the soft material easily molded my foot’s shape and immediately adapted to every step, making it more comfortable to walk around. The thick sole was just as comfy, with a flexible structure that followed my foot’s motion without causing the restrictive feeling that can be expected when using stiff-soled boots. The recovery foam insole was a welcome enhancement that relieved the pressure off my feet after hours of standing or walking. I appreciated the wide stretchy panels on the sides that made putting my foot in and out comfier and much easier. However, the flexible sole may not be as sturdy as more rigid sole designs. Also, the suede material is difficult to clean and doesn’t have the durability of thick leather.
Key Takeaways
The Gant Millbro Chelsea Boot is an excellent choice for those after comfortable pull-on boots that showcase a minimalist aesthetic.
The premium construction includes double and triple stitching to ensure that the essential components are securely attached, preventing early damage even with heavy use.
The suede upper is comfortably soft, so it doesn’t dig into the foot with every step. Meanwhile, the wide elastic panels make it much easier to slip the boot off hassle-free without any discomfort.
The recovery foam insole relieves the pressure to protect the foot against fatigue and painful chafing. The thick, flexible sole adapts to the foot’s motion for effortless mobility while walking and doing other chores.
The sole’s flexibility has a downside, though. It can compromise durability, so the flexible sole may not be as long-lasting as more rigid designs. The suede upper is harder to clean and maintain and may not be as durable as smooth, thick leather.
Performance of the Gant Millbro Chelsea Boot in Depth
Comfort
The Gant Millbro Chelsea Boot boasts premium construction that also stands out in comfort.
The suede material gave the upper a soft, pliable texture that made it much easier for me to walk comfortably.
This is because the upper effortlessly moved along with my foot instead of biting into it the way stiff materials do. The soft-toe design also added to the overall comfort level as there wasn’t a hard material pushing into my toes when I walked, which can sometimes happen while using safety toe boots.
I liked the elastic side gussets that made the boot-wearing experience almost effortless. These wide panels stretched to accommodate my foot upon entry and exit. This elasticity eliminated the awkward and often painful feeling that can come from trying to force my foot into a boot with a stiff leather opening. Inside, the leather lining rested against my skin with a nice softness that helped prevent uncomfortable friction with every step. The pull tabs on the front and back also aided the easy and comfortable boot on and off.
The recovery foam insole offers pressure relief to prevent tiredness.
I fully appreciated this enhancement when I spent almost the entire day on my feet, which would’ve been a much less pleasant experience without the soft insole. Unfortunately, I discovered that the insole couldn’t be removed, but it’s easy to put an extra insole on top of the existing one if there’s a need to enhance comfort. However, that will take up additional space and make the interior feel too tight.
The sole had a huge role as well in keeping this boot comfortable. Its flexible structure supported my foot and allowed it to move naturally, so I didn’t feel any restriction coming from the bottom of the boot.
This is one of the most flexible soles among all the Chelsea boots I’ve tried.
Weight
The boot’s sole had a lightweight structure that didn’t contribute much to the overall weight, which is 0.65 grams / 1.44 lbs / 23.05 oz (for each boot). The suede upper was lighter than thick leather, so it protected my foot without pressing uncomfortably from the top. Even when I stayed on my feet for the entire day, this boot was comfortable because it wasn’t as bulky or heavy as boots with more robust designs.
Traction
This boot doesn’t offer much traction.
The thick sole may be thick and comfortably flexible, but it only has limited traction – but this isn’t surprising in Chelsea boots. With that said, I won’t recommend this boot for use on unstable, sloped, or wet surfaces, as it may not prevent slipping.
Fit and Sizing
The boot is true to size and has a regular to relaxed fit. With the side panels to help welcome the foot, I had an easy time putting on and removing the boot. The soft suede upper and soft toe profile resulted in a comfortable fit that enabled me to walk more easily without rigid material digging into my foot with every step.
Waterproofing
This boot doesn’t have waterproof materials, so it’s not the best choice for work environments always exposed to wet elements. Also, the side panels can easily let water seep in, so the boot won’t be able to protect the feet from getting soaked in wet settings.
Breathability
The leather inner lining helped maintain a well-ventilated interior, allowing the air to get in and circulate easily. I also noted that the gusseted sides welcomed even more, to pass through, so the boot didn’t have the chance to overheat even when it was used for prolonged periods in high-temperature or humid environments.
Quality and Durability
The Gant Millbro Chelsea Boot had a classy silhouette that speaks of the quality and craftsmanship that went into its production. I especially liked the high-quality cow suede upper that gave the boot a low-key elegance, making it a great addition to a wide range of outfit choices I could maximize on and off the job.
There’s genuine double stitching between the sole and upper, while triple stitching is used to attach the gussets to the upper.
I’m impressed with how the Gant brand name was subtly embossed at the bottom of the gusset, with the logo just as discreetly placed at the back of the boot. This attention to detail highlights the quality showcased throughout the boot’s structure.
The sole is quite high and thicker compared to the boots I used in the same category. However, it was flexible enough not to intrude on my foot’s comfortable movements. This allowed me to walk and move around more freely without the restriction coming from a rigid boot sole.
I think the flexibility sacrificed the sole’s durability, though, so it may not last as long as stiffer sole designs.
The wide side gussets made the boot-wearing task more convenient, eliminating the discomfort of putting on a stiff boot. In addition, I appreciated the pull tabs that were fitted into the opening, as these made pulling the boots on even easier to manage.
The recycled recovery foam insole softened the interior, making it comfier while continuing to support the foot. In addition, it offered much-needed pressure relief and protected my foot from getting fatigued when I needed to walk or stand for long hours.
Other Versions
The Gant Millbro Chelsea Boot in suede is available in black and rich brown colors. It’s also offered in the same colors in smooth leather.
The Challengers
Blundstone 566 Leather Chelsea Boot
The Blundstone 566 Leather Chelsea Boot is built with waterproof materials, including the leather upper that blocks water and other liquids from entering and soaking the foot in wet environments. The stretchable side panels and water sections are waterproof, so there are no worries that the wet elements will creep into the boot through the elastic material, especially when the boot is used while wading through a puddle. The interior has a foamy feel, thanks to the genuine sheepskin footbed that gave the boot a superbly comfy feel to protect the foot against discomfort while standing or walking. The proprietary shock absorption system helped fight fatigue after long hours of nonstop steps on hard surfaces. The Thinsulate insulation worked with the sheepskin to deliver cozy warmth all day. However, the thin outsole feels like it could be more durable, and this boot is more expensive than similar options.
Clarks Paulson Up Chelsea Boot
The Clarks Paulson Up Chelsea Boot’s streamlined profile goes well with a wide variety of pants and outfit choices, so it can easily be maximized for work and in more relaxed environments. The elastic side panels make it easier for the foot to enter and get out since there are no rigid materials in the opening that can dig in painfully when pulling on or removing the boot. The OrthoLite footbed supports the foot with a soft texture while also helping relieve pressure spots, protecting the skin against blister development. This footbed’s low-profile structure doesn’t take up much space, so the boot’s interior doesn’t feel too tight. In addition, the inner lining is made with a breathable material that allows the air to easily get in, promoting proper ventilation to prevent the interior from becoming overly warm. The boot’s sole provides limited traction, though, so this boot isn’t the best option for use on wet or unstable floors.
Ariat Spot Hog Boot
The Ariat Spot Hog Boot is equally rugged and stylish, making it a great complement to outfits that can be enjoyed on and off the clock. The pull-on design allows it to be worn easily since there are no laces to deal with every time the boot is used. The side gussets easily stretch to welcome the foot, removing the awkward and uncomfortable feeling that can be encountered when trying to put on a boot made with rigid materials. The thick Everlon sole makes the boot look more robust and ready to take on challenging tasks and environments, with aggressive treads that bite into the ground for better stability. However, this thick sole’s softness may compromise lasting strength and durability.
Timberland Stormbuck Chelsea Boot
The Timberland Stormbuck Chelsea Boot is great for versatile, eco-friendly boots. It’s made with responsibly sourced leather and the proprietary ReBOTL inner lining material that features a minimum of 50% recycled plastic. The waterproof leather blocks mud, rain, and other wet elements from seeping in, preserving the foot’s comfortable dryness even after long hours of boot use in wet conditions. The side gussets accommodate the foot’s entry and exit more comfortably, with the pull tab at the back making these tasks even easier to manage. The outsole is built with high-traction rubber lugs that bite firmly into different ground conditions for improved slip resistance. It should be noted that with safety toes, this boot is ideal for use in hazardous work areas.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Gant Millbro Chelsea Boot’s understated style and comfort features can be enjoyed on and off the workplace. I liked the thick, flexible sole that effortlessly supported my foot without compromising mobility. The suede upper has a soft structure that allows a wider range of motion, eliminating the discomfort of wearing stiff leather boots. I appreciate the foam insole as it cradled my foot with the right level of comfy softness, even as it also works to relieve pressure points. The wide side gussets made wearing and removing the boot much easier and cut prep time.
Meanwhile, double and triple stitching throughout the structure showcases the boot’s premium quality and durability. However, the lightweight sole looks less durable than more rigid sole options. The suede upper needs more effort to maintain and may not last as long as thick leather.
- Thick, flexible sole
- Soft suede
- Pressure-relieving insole
- Premium style with double and triple stitching
- Wide elastic gussets
- The lightweight sole isn’t as durable as rigid soles
- Suede upper can be high maintenance and not very durable
