Bogs Holly Chelsea Review

Distill the most essential components of an urban-oriented rain boot, and you get the Holly Chelsea. Weighing in at under three pounds, this boot is lightweight and stylish, properly balancing function with fashion. The casual height limits overall weather protection, but the rubber and textile design does an exceptional job of keeping feet dry and comfortable. Rather than a tubular rubber construction, textile panels and lining offer flexibility and breathability. These boots aren't the easiest to get on and off, although the textile makes them more accessible. While we wouldn't recommend hiking in rain boots, the Holly Chelsea gives some waterproof hiking boots a run for the money, especially if you plan to hike or walk mellow gravel paths and trails. Our main complaint about these otherwise incredibly versatile rain boots is the chafing at the lower calf and upper ankle.

Performance Comparison

Weather Protection

With a 7-inch flood height, measuring from the ground to the lowest point on the shaft, the Holly Chelsea sits in the mid to low range of heights. A proper rain boot is essential to keeping feet dry and protected from the elements. These boots are designed free of weak seams where water could seep in: the flood height is an accurate measurement of how deep of water you can tread through. A slightly fitted mouth circumference leaves little room for water to splash, especially if you opt for an average-thickness sock like a hiking sock. The low height is not great for crossing streams or moving water, walking ditch lines, or moving through deeper water, but with day-to-day wear, the height is proficient in keeping feet protected and dry.

The Holly Chelsea is best suited for mild to moderate precipitation in urban and suburban environments or where there is less exposure to flooding or feet of snow. A taller boot will offer better weather protection for inclement weather and heavy rain. While these boots suit commuting and strolling over lightly snow-covered walks, they are not designed for particularly cold or snowy locales.

Comfort

With a fit comparable to a hiking boot, these boots were amongst the most comfortable for all-day wear in various environments- from concrete landscapes to muddy fields or gravel roads. A Rebound midsole supports hours in these boots without causing strain or notable discomfort. If you prefer custom insoles, the Holly Chelsea offers plenty of space in the footbed, and with removable insoles, it is easy to keep dry and/or replace them at any time.

BLOOM footbeds are algae-based, minimizing the use of petroleum-based material in constructing the boots and their footbeds. Paired with flexible yet sturdy rubber soles, the boots required a minimal break-in period and offered comfort throughout various daily tasks.

The chafing at the top of the ankle shaft requires the most wear before becoming comfortable. The height of the ankle shaft is 5.5 inches from the inside of the heel to the top of the shaft; compared to similar-style Chelsea boots, this is slightly higher. It combines material design and a mid-height that causes chafing at the lower calf or upper ankle. Most Chelsea boots are stylish without socks, although we wouldn't recommend wearing these without tall socks or tucked-in pant legs for at least the first half a dozen outings. Once the textile material softens with wear, it becomes more comfortable, with or without socks, but we can confirm the discomfort caused initially.

Most rain boots are not suitable for lengthy walks or short hikes. The Holly Chelsea challenges the status quo and offers exceptional hikability. We tested these boots on miles of loose gravel paths, sloped trails, and uneven farm fields. Where they lack weather protection, they make up for tenfold in comfort and versatility. The sole features adequate tread for navigating uneven terrain. The entire boot is sturdy underfoot, flexible without slacking with each step, and overall comfortable for urban wear, commuting by bike or by foot, working in the yard, and taking the dogs out.

Traction

The tread is semi-aggressive with a slightly raised heel, offering superior traction. Similar to a hiking boot or a work boot, the tread is predictable and stable on loose, sloped, and wet terrain. The thick rubber outsoles are more aggressive than most casual rain boots in our review and offer great traction on slippery paths, including wet concrete and snow. The traction becomes compromised on ice or river rock; most boots in this category are not designed for this kind of surface and will likely experience some unpredictable footing.

Because the sole is sturdy yet flexible, natural footsteps and stride are not compromised, allowing you to walk with unrestricted steps. Mobility and range of motion are not limited with this Chelsea style boot.

Warmth

Rubber, by nature, is not a particularly breathable material. And, with the demand for weather protection and dry feet, permeable seams or materials would compromise the integrity of the rain boots. The Holly Chelsea is not the warmest boot, with a relatively short flood height and no insulation. A textile lining offers softness and a slight barrier between outside elements and the feet, although warmth is best achieved with boot liners, fleece insoles, and/or thick socks. The design of the Holly Chelsea is without seams or permeable material, lending superior protection from the elements as long as the conditions do not exceed the limitations of the boot height.

The Chelsea style can cross over between seasons, with appropriate socks and layering, although it can be slightly disadvantageous in severe winter weather. A moderately short ankle shaft height can lead to snow or water getting into the boot, which could compromise overall warmth.

In warm and humid climates, they are breathable and lightweight and can be used in the garden. In temperatures hovering above 70°F, our feet stayed comfortable. The shorter shaft height allows for less restricted airflow, while Max-Wick Everdry textile wicks sweat away from the body. Durafresh natural bio-technology serves as a bonus to keeping boots free of odors.

Style

Providing the ideal combination of function and fashion, the Holly Chelsea pairs well with stylish outfits and urban wear, yet isn't afraid to get dirty. They are offered in a range of modern, solid colors in a matte finish that easily rinses clean. The low height pairs well with leggings or jeans and can even be worn well with cropped jeans and shorts.

Chelsea boots are often worn without tall socks, showing an inch or two of ankle, but we highly recommend wearing these with tall socks or leggings/pants tucked in for the first handful of wears. The chafing from the top of the ankle shaft can be mitigated with separation between the boot and your skin, but this affects the style of the boot, at first. We experienced more comfort after the first half of a dozen times wearing them, but the break-in period for the upper shaft material may vary.

Fit

Available in whole sizes 6-12, we ordered these boots in a size 8. Our main tester's feet are relatively average in width, with minimal arch support needed. We found these boots to be incredibly comfortable and to fit true to size. The overall fit is similar to a hiking shoe or boot, with minimal lift in the heel or sloshing around the inside of the boot.

The mouth circumference of the boot is 10.5 inches, but the short flood height paired with textile panels allow for a comfortable fit, even with thick socks or pants tucked in. A notable aspect of the fit is the inability to simply slide these on. If you favor a loose rain boot that you can put on and take off hands-free, these are more fitted, similar to a shoe, than a roomy gumboot.

Should You Buy the Bogs Holly Chelsea?

The Bogs Holly Chelsea is a good option for someone who seeks a boot capable of much more than walking through puddles. With a stylish design and incredible walkability, they are well-positioned as a three-season, do-it-all boot that will keep your feet dry and protected from the elements.

What Other Rain Boots Should You Consider?

For a boot that offers more weather protection without compromising on style, consider the Kamik Heidi 2 or the Hunter Original Back Adjustable boots, with notably greater height for keeping water out. For a boot that is ideal for working in rugged conditions outside all day while offering similar design features, consider the Bogs Neo-Classic.