For those who love vintage and London style, these boots are absolutely essential. Extremely versatile, they adapt to the most different looks with the determination that distinguishes them. But it is also nice to discover that behind these shoes there is a curious story that binds them to Queen Victoria of England but also… to the Beatles! We tell you about it in this article dedicated to Chelsea boots.
Queen Victoria and Chelsea Boots
Chelsea (or Beatles) boots they are footwear without laces, reach the ankle and are characterized by a side elastic band which makes them very easy to put on and take off. The history of these shoes is full of curious anecdotes. It is a modern version of the jodhpur, footwear used by British settlers in India, perfect for horseback riding.
The creation of Chelsea boots dates back to the 1800s, when the court shoemaker of Queen Victoria of England, J. Sparkes-Hall, he used vulcanized rubber to make a shoe, first asking the authorization to its inventor, Charles Goodyear (hence the name of the famous company Goodyear). The court shoemaker followed this brilliant intuition and used rubber to stretch the fabric making the fit much softer and more adherent and easily wearable.
Immediately the boot was a huge success with the royals of the court, but above all with the Queen, so much so that J. Sparkes-Hall stated: " She - referring to Queen Victoria - he walks with Chelsea boots every day, thus giving proof of the value he attributes to my invention ". The ruler thus found herself the first testimonial of Chelsea boots, and their success prompted the shoemaker to patent the invention in 1851.
Until the early 1900s these boots were a huge success and represented the bon ton footwear of the European aristocracy. After the First World War, however, they ended up in oblivion, only to return in vogue in the 60s thanks also to other successful testimonials who sanctioned its sensational rise.
From Chelsea boots to Beatles Boots
You have already figured out who made them so irresistible. John Lennon and Paul McCartney they bought the first pair of Chelsea boots in 1961 from a shop on Charing Cross Road in London. The two stars requested to have four pairs for the group, but with the addition of heels.
The legendary quartet from Liverpool, as we know, was able to move seas and mountains, so it takes very little to understand that, after having seen them at their feet in several public appearances, a real mania for Chelsea boots exploded.
They became a distinctive feature of various cultures and youth groups and especially gods MODS, young Englishmen with a refined and innovative look Since then Chelsea boots have also been called Beatles Boots, spreading their charm throughout the West and entering the collective imagination as a substitute for lace-ups, even under clothes.
Chelsea boots mania also hit the Rolling Stones and even more and more raised versions began to circulate, that is, with an internal rise.
The influence of Chelsea boots
But the charm of these boots doesn't stop just with the music, too the military corps as the American Marines choose them in combination with the uniform with the internal reinforced metal toe, as we have seen them at the foot of the movie star. In the first three episodes of Star Wars, space Chelsea boots in white leather were noticed at the feet of the troops of the Empire. In short, the fame of these boots has never stopped and even today they represent one of the shoes that just cannot be missing in our wardrobe.
Today the versions in which they are proposed are the most varied, following the rules dictated by the Vintage style that is inspired by the 60s and 70s. In leather, in suede, with or without heel, with square or round toe, in short, there is something for all tastes.
For example, I love making them in leather by experimenting with colors and combinations. You have already seen the rock version in black with yellow elastic, available for both women and men. Or the bright and radiant ones in acid green or red. The model I have renamed “Amsterdam” is a creative reinterpretation of the fantastic Beatles, perfect to be worn with trousers, or even more gritty with dresses and skirts that are wide below the knee.
Inside the shop you can find all its versions, let us know which is your favorite color or which one you would like to find among the next proposals!
