Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The High-Low: The Differences Between Luxury and Department Store Chelsea Boots

At The Manual, we see our fair share of quality clothing and craftsmanship – with prices to match. We also know that many of our readers don’t want to or can’t afford to spend that much on a given item. With that in mind, we wanted to discuss more reasonable options without sacrificing too much quality and style. This is our first in a new monthly series where we highlight a popular piece and compare two variants: A high-priced version and its lower-priced brother. This month, we’re tackling the Chelsea Boot.

The Chelsea Boot has an illustrious history. The original design was created by Queen Victoria’s boot maker, J. Sparkes-Hall, but owes a great deal to Charles Goodyear (yes, the tire man), who developed vulcanized rubber in the mid 1800s. The rubber allowed the boot to be easily slipped on and off, which is a trademark of the style.

Recommended Videos

The boots actually got their name in the mid-1950s from a group of West Londoners known as the “Chelsea Set,” who were seen around the neighborhood wearing these boots, originally made for paddocks and riders.

Fast forward to modern times and there are a dizzying number of options all revolving around the same premise: Rounded toes, lower heels and a dressy/casual combo in ankle length.

LAVATI Chelsea Boot
$595 LAVATI Chelsea Boot | Bordeaux Image used with permission by copyright holder

Looking at a high-end brand like LAVATI, the price difference comes in hand-stitching and hand-crafting all done in Italy. The double stitching around the elastic adds sensational durability for the part of the shoe that will see the most expansion and reduction on a regular basis. Their shoes are also made from two pieces of leather meaning less seams and more retention.

On the other hand, Aldo produces a very similar style built for mass-market stores and faster retail, with a lower cost, coming in at just under $100. In contrast to the Italian stitching, Aldo’s attempt isn’t as carefully completed around the elastic, but should hold up reasonably well over time. Aldo shoes are also made in Asia, as opposed to Europe, which isn’t necessarily a signifier of lesser quality, just lesser production cost. In addition, Aldo shoes come together out of several synthetic and leather pieces.

Aldo Frelini Chelsea Boot
Just under $100 Aldo | Frelini Chelsea Boot Image used with permission by copyright holder

In terms of fit, Aldo’s boot will run more like a dress shoe, while LAVATI’s designers build all of their shoes to feel like sneakers, offering a more comfortable fit. With the $595 price tag comes more thought into design and execution. (This is why you’ll see a gum rubber bottom on the sole of the Italian shoe as opposed to a general synthetic on the Aldo.)

Overall, the Aldo Frelini is a decent Chelsea boot. Some general gaps and misses in production quality are noticeable, but not so to the everyday consumer. If you’re looking for exceptional quality, durability and superior comfort, then it may be worth spending the money for a pair of LAVATI’s. We’re talking about your feet, after all.

Geoff Nudelman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff is a former contributor to The Manual. He's a native Oregonian who’s always up for a good challenge and a great hike…
Vacheron Constantin unveils zodiac series with hand-crafted dials
Vacheron Constantin introduces the Métiers d'Art promo shot

Vacheron Constantin has introduced the Métiers d'Art Tribute to the Celestial, a 12-piece series celebrating the beauty and mystery of the night sky. Each timepiece features a hand-guilloché illustration of one zodiac sign and its associated constellation, marked by diamond stars and powered by the ultra-thin Calibre 2160 tourbillon movement.
The collection represents the pinnacle of Vacheron Constantin's artistic craftsmanship, combining 270 years of watchmaking heritage with innovative decorative techniques. Each 39mm white gold case is set with 96 baguette-cut blue sapphires totaling approximately 3.87 carats, creating an uninterrupted circle of light around the dial.
The series showcases the manufacture's mastery of hand-guillochage, a technique developed by Vacheron Constantin's master guillocheur that transforms traditional abstract patterns into figurative art. Each zodiac sign requires approximately 16 hours of meticulous work, involving countless hand-guilloché triangles formed from densely packed straight lines, with each triangle set at a different angle.
The four zodiac signs representing human figures (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Aquarius) feature additional opaline details, while all twelve dials incorporate diamond-set constellations marking principal stars. The gem-setting process requires 27 hours of skilled work, with sapphires channel-set on the bezel to create the impression of floating stones.
Powering these artistic masterpieces is the self-winding Calibre 2160, comprising 188 components yet measuring only 5.65mm thick. The tourbillon movement operates at 2.5 Hz and provides an 80-hour power reserve, with a 22K gold peripheral oscillating weight allowing unobstructed viewing of the meticulously finished movement.
The dial construction involves eight separate steps, with each artisan required to preserve the work of preceding craftsmen. Movement finishing reflects Vacheron Constantin's commitment to haute horlogerie excellence, featuring perlage decoration, hand-bevelled bridges with Côtes de Genève patterns, and Poinçon de Genève certification.
The series draws inspiration from ancient astronomical traditions spanning 5,000 years, continuing Vacheron Constantin's long tradition of celestial timepieces while demonstrating how traditional métiers d'art can evolve into new forms of decorative expression.

Read more
A first look at the understated New Balance 204L for Fall 2025
New Balance unveils its newest fall release
pair of new balance 204L

While summer is still in high gear, that hasn’t stopped brands from unveiling their upcoming fall releases. One of the designs expected to hit shelves later this year comes from New Balance, which has often teased its upcoming releases well in advance, allowing fans to plan accordingly. As recently announced, New Balance is already getting a head start with a preview of their latest 204L model set to hit stores in time for autumn hikes. The 204L sneaker is no stranger to the spotlight, with the brand using the silhouette in recent collaborations with AURALEE and BASKETCASE. This time, the brand is launching its own updated in-house version of the retro design that utilizes metallic hues and textures for a shiny look. 

New Balance goes slim with the 204L in metallic

Read more
New Balance 992 returns in a sleek Dark Camo colorway
New Balance brings a new color to the 992 sneaker
new balance 992 sneakers in dark camo

While its design might not seem drastically different from other New Balance sneakers, the 992 silhouette has earned its status as one of the most popular in the brand’s lineup. First released in 2006 to commemorate the brand’s 100th anniversary, the 992 gained notoriety as the go-to sneaker for the late Steve Jobs. As part of his uniform, the 992 became a go-to practical shoe for many. While Steve Jobs was keen on the sneaker’s grey shade, the newest release of the sneaker sets out to give this silhouette a moodier feel. Not straying too far from its traditional look, the latest 992 will feature a darker colorway, making it a perfect option for those seeking a comfortable shoe later in the year. 

New Balance’s 992 sneaker gets a fall-ready upgrade

Read more