The Chelsea Cork Boot from Mukishoe is a unisex barefoot shoe that is lightweight and constructed of cork, with an ultra-thin rubber sole. Mukishoes is a brand from Portugal that is celebrated for its ethical business operations and sustainable shoes.
If you know me, you will understand that I always have my eye on the latest barefoot shoes to get my hands on to try out. And after a couple of months of eyeing the Chelsea Cork Boot from Mukishoes online, I was finally able to test them out for myself. I am quite fascinated when it comes to using cork as a material for shoes. So much so that I decided to write a special blog post about it which you can find here. In the meantime, if you would like to find out my thoughts on the Mukishoes Chelsea Cork Boot, make sure to keep on reading!
The Look and Feel of the Cork Boot
Personally, I enjoy dressing more casually with a slightly unpolished look. Therefore, right off the bat, I noticed that the cork boot matched my style very well. The cork on the boot’s upper part offers a rugged vintage look that is subtle yet stylish. As I mentioned briefly, the boot is very versatile. It is a unisex boot and can be worn for a smart-casual look to the office or running errands around town. I noticed that particularly stood out to me because the boots themselves almost feel like a sock towards the ankle area. However, once the cork begins to absorb the heat from your body, this feeling will blend seamlessly, and you will not notice this anymore.
The Material
True to its name, the Chelsea Cork Boot is made out of cork, making it a vegan boot! The boot’s upper part feels almost as if it is made out of leather; however, it has more flexibility. The inside of the boot is lined with a comfortable flannel that will help keep your feet warm during the colder months while adding a pop of color to the overall boot’s design elements. The 3.5 mm boot’s sole is made of natural rubber and very durable and flexible, which is going to help improve your walking ability. Additionally, as the boot is made out of cork, it is very lightweight, positive. If you are intrigued about the cork material, make sure to check out my previous blog, where I outline all there is to know, which you can find here!
The Sizing
When it comes to sizing, with my personal experience, the boots fit normally. However, if you have a thicker ankle and prefer to wear thicker socks with your shoes, don’t be afraid to size up! If you are having difficulties choosing a size, make sure to review the Mukishoes size guide for more information.
Cleaning the Chelsea Cork Boot
According to the Mukishoes website, should you get any dirt on your boots while walking around, simply use a humid cloth to wash dry dirt stains from the surface. Do not clean the boots in your washing machine or put them in the dryer to dry. To maintain the fine stitch detailing integrity, use a waterproof spray that does not contain any flour carbon to keep moisture and wetness out.
The Durability of the Chelsea Cork Boot
Well, I’ve only had them for 2 months, so I can’t say much about it yet if I had to estimate it myself. With normal daily use, I expect this boot to last for at least 2 years. Like any other shoe, the durability depends on your lifestyle and how well you take care of them! However, the Chelsea Cork Boot is made to last. With a 3.5 mm rubber sole, it provides you with a durable walking experience while remaining flexible to offer a range in movement. Just be aware that as the shoes are ecologically dyed, there may be a slight difference in the boots’ color. However, if you ask me, that just adds to the shoes’ overall character and design aesthetic!
The Pros of the Chelsea Boot
This boot scores exceptionally well when it comes to barefoot shoe standards. Here are some of the benefits of the Chelsea Boot:
- It is unisex
- Durable
- Very flexible and lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Water-resistant to a certain extent
- Suitable for everyday use
- The Chelsea boot is an excellent shoe for barefoot shoe beginners
The Cons of the Chelsea Boot
While I am quite a fan of this boot, the only negative feedback that I would provide is that you need to size up for the shoe to fit correctly if you have a high instep as I do. Because of my high instep, I needed to get used to the upper part of the boot in the beginning when wearing it. Other than that, I am very happy with my new boots.
Is Cork a Good Material for Shoes?
Yes, cork is an excellent material for shoes as it aids in providing a comfortable walking experience. Cork also absorbs heat, so it can keep your feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer! Additionally, cork is an anti-microbial material. Therefore it will not grow any fungi or hold onto any harmful bacteria.
Is the Chelsea Cork Boot a Suitable Choice for barefoot shoe Beginners?
Yes –absolutely! As always, I advise beginners to things slow when you are first starting with barefoot shoes as it will take some time getting used to the feeling of walking on the ground! Remember that the Chelsea Cork Boot has a thin sole, so it may take a bit longer to get entirely comfortable. That being said, I promise that you will be pleasantly surprised at how lightweight these boots are, which will provide you with an enhanced and unique experience, unlike regular boots.
Is the Chelsea Cork Boot Appropriate for the Winter?
While this boot is warm and cozy, it will not be a suitable winter boot if you do not live somewhere with mild winter climates. You can, of course, wear it with socks while it is cooler outside without having any issues, which I have done many times. However, I was curious to see if the boots would hold up when it snowed, so I wore them out during heavy snowfall. The first 15 minutes of being outside were okay –my feet stayed warm and dry. However, shortly after, the cold began to soak through the Boot’s sole, and it became too chilly to handle. Therefore, I would not suggest wearing these unless it is milder outside.
Are the Chelsea Boots Suitable for Warmer Weather?
Yes, you can wear the Chelsea Cork boot when the weather is warmer. However, I wouldn’t suggest wearing them during the summer as it may cause you to overheat. I would prefer to wear sandals rather than boots as they provide you with good insulation to keep your feet warm. That being said, everyone is different, so you can wear what you wish!
Are the Chelsea Cork Boots Water Resistant?
Yes, the boots are water-resistant up to a certain point. For example, these boots are my first choice when it comes to light rainy days. However, I would not suggest wearing them when it is down pouring, after a while the water will begin to leak through the sides of the boot.I have tested this on a rainy day. Therefore, remember to be mindful when choosing to wear them!
Does Mukishoes Carry More Chelsea Boot Models?
Yes, they do! Make sure to check out their beautiful leather model here. If boots aren’t your style, make sure to check out their other shoe collections. From winter boots, running shoes, and everything in between, Mukishoes offers high-quality shoes for everyone.
Final Thoughts
All in all, my experience with the Mukishoes Chelsea Boot has been positive. I love that they are ecologically made and are a sustainable alternative to regular shoes. They are very versatile and stylish, making them very easy to match with any outfit I have on for the day. For the price of €125, I would say they are very reasonable and worth investing in! In fact, to help you guys out, you will get a 10% discount if you use the code: barefootreport at the checkout.
Don’t forget to check out or cork blog, which you can find here. Happy shopping!