Amberjack Chelsea Review: Light And Nimble On Your Feet

Chelsea boots are my favorite compromise between the design of traditional laced-up boots and the comfort of sneakers. You can easily dress them up or down, depending on the style you’re going for, and thanks to the stretch band on each side of your ankles, they’re comfortable to wear all day long.

That being said, not all Chelsea boots are made equal. 

At Luxe Digital, we’ve written an entire story on the best Chelsea boots for men, so I know from personal experience that the build quality and comfort of the shoes can hugely vary from one brand to another.

One pair that stood out from our testing is Amberjack The Chelsea. The brand set out to create a traditional-looking pair of Chelsea boots with the level of comfort you might expect from a modern pair of sneakers.

The result is a lightweight and cushy pair of Chelsea boots you can easily wear all day long while still looking traditional.

Curious to know if they’re the right pair for you too? Let’s dive into my hands-on Amberjack The Chelsea boots review to figure that out together.

Why you can trust Luxe Digital? Over the years, we’ve tested and reviewed hundreds of shoes at Luxe Digital. While we focus on designer sneakers, we’ve also gained experience with men’s Chelsea boots and pretty much every other shoe category for men.

For this particular review, I would argue that my expertise with sneakers is actually a plus, as it sets the bar for my expectations in terms of comfort. However, I recognize that this isn’t necessarily what every man is looking for in a pair of Chelsea boots. If you want something more traditional, you should check my list of alternatives further down below.

For more on how we test products, see our HAPPY philosophy for buying luxury products.

Hands-on review of Amberjack’s The Chelsea

Amberjack’s mission is to offer a modern spin on traditional men’s shoes. Their uppers are traditional-looking, while their soles are made with modern materials for all-day wear.

The brand lives up to its mantra: “Obviously good, secretly great.” We reviewed most of the other models in their collection, and they’re very consistent in applying modern tech to traditional men’s shoe styles.

You can see our other reviews here:

• Amberjack The Original review
• Amberjack The Cap-Toe review
• Amberjack The Boot review
• Amberjack The Loafer review
• Amberjack The Slip-On review

We also have a round-up comparing all the Amberjack shoes and a dedicated page exploring the story behind the Amberjack shoe brand if you’re curious to know more about the business side of things.

Unboxing: Simple and sustainable

Amberjack worked hard to deliver carbon-neutral shipping for all its shoes. You couldn’t tell if you didn’t pay attention to the packaging, though. 

The Chelsea boots were shipped in a single plastic-free box with two linen (not nylon) dustbags. On the bottom of the box, some playful text read, “Slip them on, already.”

It’s a simple yet effective unboxing experience that keeps the focus on the shoes.

Materials & craftsmanship: Unquestionable quality

Crafted by committed Portuguese craftsmen, The Chelsea reflects the passion intrinsic to the brand. With no detail left by the wayside, everything from the water-repellant suede to the feather-soft buckskin lining joins forces to elevate this dress shoe to luxe new heights.

Aesthetic & design: Respect for traditions

Unmistakably a Chelsea boot but with a clear contemporary aura, Amberjack succeeds in bringing a timeless classic into the modern era with flying colors.

The wave-like midsoles pair with the subtly tapered shape to add a fresh feel. They can be easily paired with chinos and jeans.

Colors: Limited by traditions?

Amberjack currently offers The Chelsea in nine different colors across two different materials: full-grain leather or Italian suede. While you’ll have plenty to choose from, I wish the list was as large as what they’re currently offering for The Original dress shoe.

It’s a safe selection of colors, though. From black to chestnut and dark brown (the brand calls it Grizzly), I’m confident you’ll find a couple of variants that work for you.

For this review, I tested the Grizzly in Italian suede (my personal favorite) and the Obsidian black in full-grain leather. Both are safe choices for Chelsea boots.

Comfort, fit & sizing: Now we’re talking!

In my opinion, this is the single most important section of this review. Comfort is really what sets Amberjack apart from its top competitors in the Chelsea boots category.

The brand is embracing modern technology to upgrade the traditional Chelsea boots. You’ll particularly feel it in the soles of the shoes. They are very comfortable to walk in. The upper is breathable and lightweight too. 

For sizing, I wore my usual size with no problem. The brand recommends that you size down half a size from your usual to ensure a snug fit. However, if your feet are on the broader side, it’s best to stick with your true size.

Care & maintenance: business as usual

Since they’re already waterproofed, there’s no need to add extra treatment to your Chelseas. However, we advise popping in a tree horn to keep that sharp shape, and keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources like radiators and wood burners lest they dry out.

Price: Fair value

Given the premium quality and distinct design, you may expect to shell out a small fortune. Not so: The Chelseas are the most comfortable dress shoes on the market and priced up at just shy of $200, they’re affordable luxury at its finest.

Who are Amberjack The Chelsea best for?

The Chelsea is a boot for the meticulous gentleman; the ultimate finishing touch to show onlookers you appreciate style and quality without falling victim to fickle trends.

If you want a traditional-looking pair of Chelsea with the comfort of contemporary sneakers, this is the pair to get.

Where to buy Amberjack The Chelsea boots?

To pick up The Chelsea boots or another style by Amberjack, your destination is their official website. That’s the best place to get the latest deals and discounts directly from the brand.

The alternatives: Looking for something else?

There aren’t many alternatives to Amberjack The Chelsea that will match their level of comfort. That being said, you should consider the following options from other brands we love if you want something else:

• For something a little more Scandi, head over to Axel Arigato
• Oliver Cabell are your alternative for a sleek, luxury sneaker
• The chunkier Chelsea by Koio is a must-have for the edgier man