Jodhpur Boots and Chelsea boots are some of the most popular options for men’s footwear today. Their similarities have led to some confusion amongst the masses.
Jodhpur boots
Jodhpur boots are one of the most stylish men’s footwear pieces today. They come up to the ankles with a low heel and rounded toe. They were initially fastened with a buckle and strap. However, sometimes, the straps do not wrap around the entire ankle today.
Origin
There is some conjecture as to the origin of the boot’s name—some believe that the boot was invented in England and then modified in India; however, it is widely believed that the Jodhpur boots originated in the 1920s in India (Jodhpur is a city in Rajasthan, India) where they are said to have been worn by polo riders.
Initially, horse riding boots were designed to be knee-length to protect the calves of the rider from chafing against the horse’s skin. With the invention of Jodhpuri pants, long horse-riding boots were eliminated, and Jodhpur boots took their place.
While they were designed and used before the Jodhpur pants, they could now also be used for horseback riding. However, you can still find handmade Jodhpur boots in the city of Jodhpur.
Present day
Today, Jodhpur boots for men are associated with style and sophistication. The shoes are sleek and available in a variety of shades and textures. Their comfort is an added advantage.
These boots are not very well known among the masses. They are also not worn frequently as they are more dressy than casual. One will find them at high-end retailers. They give a sophisticated look to any outfit.
Church Equestrian has some high-quality Jodhpur boots with fantastic designs.
Distinctive Features
Some of the characteristics that make Jodhpur boots different from Chelsea boots are:
- Jodhpur boots are fastened with a strap and buckle at the ankle (fully or partially)
- The vamp is sewn at the quarters’ top.
- The vamp is attached to two parts of the strap
- A loop at the back through which straps pass.
Chelsea boots
Chelsea boots have created a space for themselves in the modern men’s fashion scene and remain one of the most popular footwear options for men. Historically, everyone from bankers to The Beatles has worn the Chelsea boot.
Origin
Chelsea boots have an interesting origin. The invention of the boot can be credited to vulcanized rubber or elastic. J Sparkes-Hall was the first person to develop a vulcanized rubber-sided ankle boot.
He filed for a patent in 1851 and claimed that Queen Victoria wore them daily, instantly popularizing the design. Thus, the name ‘elastic-sided ankle boots’ was modified into Chelsea boots, which come from the Chelsea neighborhood in West London.
In the 1960s, London’s Anello & Davide fitted a Cuban heel in the Chelsea boot and called this version the ‘Baba Boot.’ This new interpretation was popular in the rock and roll world. The Beatles were often seen sporting them, which made them even more popular.
In the 1970s, the Star Wars trilogy wore the Chelsea boot. Darth Vader’s stormtroopers wore them in all three films.
Present day use
Today, Chelsea boots remain a sought-after option. A factor leading to their mass appeal is their versatility. They are available in solid colors and patterns, making them suitable for formal and casual events.
Distinctive Features
Some differentiating factors of a Chelsea boot are:
- Vulcanized rubber joins the vamp and the quarter near the ankle.
- A strip of elastic ends below the ankle but not at the sole.
- The vamp and quarters are sewn below the ankle in one plain and not on top of each other.
The Verdict
While Jodhpur and Chelsea boots share some structural and design resemblances, they have a fair range of differences. They originated from two completely different settings, and today, they serve a distinct range of customers. So go ahead—pick your favorite among the several choices available and look your best daily.
