Chelsea suede hazelnut

Sangiorgio men's Chelsea boot in vintage waterproof suede, hazelnut color. The Chelsea is the lace-free boot that slips on and off thanks to two side elastic gussets, set into the sides at ankle height. Suede is leather that's been buffed on the flesh side, meaning the inner side: it has a soft nap and a matte surface. The vintage finish gives it a non-uniform color, darker and shinier on the toe and heel and lighter on the sides, like leather already worn in with use. Each pair therefore has slightly different shading. The waterproof treatment makes it more resistant than regular suede to light rain and splashes, which are its weak point. The side elastics are in brown fabric, matching the shade of the leather, and on the back there's a suede pull tab for slipping the boot on with one hand. The toe is round and clean, with no decorative stitching. The sole is rubber, thick, with a deep-lugged tread that provides grip on wet and uneven surfaces. The manufacturer states it's flexible, meaning designed to bend with the foot despite its thickness. Along the perimeter, between upper and sole, runs a visible stitch. Inside, the lining is leather and the insole is padded leather. Leather against the foot absorbs moisture better than synthetic linings, and the padding eases pressure under the sole of the foot. Despite the waterproof treatment, it's best to brush the suede dry after use to keep the nap even. The Chelsea boot goes on and comes off in seconds and has no laces to deal with, which makes it ideal for everyday wear. It pairs well with straight or slim jeans, sand-colored chinos, corduroy or flannel trousers. With full-length trousers, only the toe and sole show; with a shorter hem, the elastics are visible too. The lugged sole also makes it suitable to wear with a coat or a padded jacket.

• Men's Chelsea boot, light brown color
• Upper in vintage waterproof suede
• Brown fabric side elastics
• Pull tab at the heel
• Round toe
• Leather lining
• Padded leather insole
• Flexible rubber sole with lugged tread
• Visible perimeter stitching