Chelsea 11

The Chelsea 11 represents a more robust approach to the Chelsea boot silhouette compared to the brand's Chelsea 5 model. The addition of a storm welt and chunky Vibram sole distinguishes the Chelsea 11 from traditional Chelsea boots, providing enhanced water resistance and traction for winter conditions. The boot incorporates scotch grain leather, a textured finish with origins dating to the 1920s.

The Chelsea 11 is built using Goodyear welted construction, a traditional shoemaking method that takes up to eight weeks to manufacture with over 200 skilled operations. The construction features a 360-degree storm welt, which provides additional water resistance compared to standard Goodyear welting. The upper is crafted from a three-piece design consisting of one vamp piece and one piece on each side, with double stitching reinforcing the elastic gussets and lining areas.

The boot includes elastic gussets for secure fit and a single rear pull tab for entry and exit. The rounded toe box distinguishes the Chelsea 11 from other models in the Crockett & Jones range, such as the Chelsea 8, which features a more pointed shape. The low-profile outsole design allows the boot to work in both casual and semi-formal settings.

The Chelsea 11 is constructed on Last 335, which was produced in June 2000 as part of Crockett & Jones' Main Collection. Last 335 features a broad round toe with increased toe depth, providing generous room in the forepart. The last fits true to size alongside the company's lasts 341, 365, and 325, though some wearers find the fit slightly generous and may size down half a size.

The aesthetic characteristics of Last 335 produce a heavy but stylish silhouette. The broad round toe configuration and increased depth make the last particularly suitable for Chelsea and brogue boot styles. The chunky appearance of Last 335 distinguishes footwear built on this last from more refined or elegant lasts in the Crockett & Jones collection.

The Chelsea 11 upper is made using scotch grain leather, sourced from European calf skins with a special tannage that maintains suppleness while providing strength. The scotch grain pattern, characterized by its embossed texture, has been used in footwear since the 1920s. Available leather options include black scotch grain and dark brown scotch grain, with some seasonal releases featuring suede variations in colors such as slate and seaweed.

The sole features an oversized cleated rubber design manufactured by Vibram, specifically the Vibram Carrarmato model. This lightweight rubber construction includes studs that provide traction in winter conditions. Some versions of the Chelsea 11 are fitted with a Dainite rubber sole as an alternative to the Vibram option. The lining and insoles are constructed from soft leather.

The Chelsea 11 debuted as part of The Black Editions collection for the autumn/winter 2018 season. The Black Editions represents a design concept featuring three distinct styles unified by oversized Vibram cleated rubber soles paired with contemporary black leather options. The collection draws inspiration from Japanese aesthetics and reflects design preferences in the Japanese market, which has served as Crockett & Jones' primary wholesale market throughout the company's century-long export history.

The development of The Black Editions involved collaboration with major Japanese retailers including Isetan, Hankyu, Barneys, Beams, and United Arrows. The collection launched with the Chelsea 11 in black scotch grain, followed by a dark brown scotch grain version for the autumn/winter 2019 season. The Chelsea 11 is priced at approximately £500, which converts to around $600 USD. Wider widths are available through the company's Made-to-Order service, though not as standard stock models.