Feelgrounds Chelsea Boots: Honest Review After 2 Years

When I first unboxed the Feelgrounds Chelsea Boots, they looked almost too shiny, almost plasticky. But that impression didn’t last long. Within just a few wears, they settled into a more natural look and quickly became my favorite pair of boots for colder weather.

Over the last two years, I wore them a lot in autumn, spring, and even through a full Vienna winter, on city walks as well as short forest hikes. But now, they’re starting to fall apart.

If you’re curious whether these vegan barefoot Chelsea boots are worth it, keep reading. This is exactly what they’re like after two years of regular wear across multiple seasons.

Disclosure: I received these boots as a gift from Feelgrounds two years ago.

First Impressions

When the Feelgrounds Chelsea Boots first arrived, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of them. The shape looked great and the style was exactly what I was looking for, but the material had a noticeable shine that made them look a bit plasticky, almost too synthetic.

That said, they felt really comfortable right away. The sole had just enough thickness to keep your feet warmer without losing that barefoot feel. I ordered my usual size, and they fit well from the beginning. The toe box felt roomy in a natural way, not overly wide or sloppy.

Soon after getting them, we spent a month housesitting in Bristol. I wore the boots nearly every day for dog walks, mostly on leaf-covered forest trails and through city streets. That’s when they really started to win me over. The shine faded and they started to look more natural.

They didn’t need breaking in. No blisters, no rubbing. Just comfortable straight out of the box.

🎨 Check out the colour options of the Chelsea boots here

Wearing Them Over Time

I wore my Chelsea boots on a lot of trip, for example on a chilly spring trip to Budapest and Prague. It was colder than expected for the season, but nothing the boots couldn’t handle. They kept my feet warm and comfortable for long days of walking through both cities.

Another trip I remember well, which also turned out to be colder than expected, was an autumn trip to Bregenz and Innsbruck, where I spent most of my time exploring the cities but also went for mountain walks after taking the cable car up.

So, these boots have seen a lot and through it all, they’ve always kept my feet dry and comfortable.

🥾 With the Feelgrounds discount code VEGANDERLUST new customers can save 15% 👉 Find your pair here

How I Kept My Feet Warm in Winter

I even wore the Chelsea boots through a full winter in Vienna. The temperatures usually stay just above freezing, and because these boots have a slightly thicker sole than other barefoot brands (like my Wildlings), they worked better for cold weather than I expected.

Still, on really cold days or if I stayed outside too long, my toes would get cold.

That’s where the HappyTipToes toe socks came in. They’re made of wetsuit-like material and just cover your toes, so they fit into the boots without making everything feel too tight.

I saw them by chance at a Christmas market in Vienna and bought myself a pair. And I’m so glad I did, because with those, I could wear the boots all winter without needing proper winter boots.

2 Years Later: What’s Breaking Down

After two years of regular wear in cooler seasons, the boots are definitely showing signs of wear.

The biggest issue is the faux leather. It’s starting to tear in a lot of spots, especially around the flex points. So far, they’re still water-resistant, but I don’t think that will last much longer if the material continues to crack.

There are also some loose threads around the elastic ankle panels. That hasn’t affected the fit or function yet, but it’s another sign that they’re nearing the end of their lifespan.

I’ve worn them a lot, so some wear is expected, but from a sustainability perspective and considering how much they cost, I was hoping they’d last longer.

🥾 Still sounds like a good fit? Order your boots here and get 15% off with the discount code VEGANDERLUST

Comfort, Fit & Sizing

The Chelsea boots felt comfortable from day one and stayed that way through two years of use. I got them in my usual size, and the fit was spot on. The toe box is nicely shaped, roomy enough to let your toes spread naturally, but not so wide that it feels sloppy.

They’re a good middle ground between barefoot feel and everyday practicality. Compared to my Wildlings, which have very thin soles, the Chelsea boots offer more cushioning. That made a big difference on cold days or longer walks.

For winter, I sometimes wore special toe socks and still found the boots wearable, although they felt a tiny bit snug. But if I wore thicker socks or tried to double up too much, the area where the foot bends at the ankle started to feel tight.

Would I Recommend Them?

Yes, and no.

For comfort, style, and versatility, I really love the Chelsea Boots. They’re easy to wear, easy to walk in, and they’ve taken me through spring rains, autumn hikes, and even Vienna’s winter streets without complaint. They also look good with everything from jeans to tights and skirts.

But I have to be honest: after two years, the faux leather is starting to tear, and that’s disappointing. From a sustainability point of view, I want my shoes to last longer than that.

So, would I recommend them?

Yes, if you’re looking for a stylish pair of vegan barefoot Chelsea boots that are:

• Comfortable straight out of the box
• Suitable for mild winters and shoulder seasons
• Water-resistant enough for everyday wear
• A good step up from super-thin barefoot soles (warmth-wise)

But no, if:

• You need something that will last longer than two years of regular use
• You live somewhere with harsh winters or plan to spend long hours outside in the cold

If you want to give them a try, you can order them here and use the code VEGANDERLUST for 15% off.

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