“Shoes speak louder than words” says Tribeca-based brand Jack Erwin. Wearing their Ellis Chelsea Boot from the Foster Collection, I’d have to agree. Available in calf-leather Arabica or Black, or the 100% suede Brown, I chose this final option. The suede exterior creates an understated masculine sensibility which transitions well between the office and the bar. I wore them with a granite colored suit, and they color blocked outstandingly. Similarly, I chose to pair them with a dark indigo wash skinny jean and they shined against the more casual attire.
In terms of comfort, the Ellis Chelsea Boot took under an hour to break in. At first I was worried about the inside architecture of the boot as it struck me as quite tough, yet as soon as it molded to my foot, these easily became the most comfortable footwear I own. All of Jack Erwin’s shoes are handcrafted in Spain, and this level of quality is apparent on both the interior and exterior. The rubber sole makes them resilient against the most treacherous of slushy, wintry conditions and the pull tab means you can easily remove them as soon as you return to the safety and warmth of the indoors.
All in all, the Ellis Chelsea boot more than fulfills the heritage of Chelsea-boot style footwear. It is versatile, uniquely inviting, and most importantly, a classically handsome item on trend, without being trendy. I also covet their Carter Wingtip Combat Boot, and after testing the Ellis, I will be ordering it ASAP.
