Margaux West Chelsea Boot vs. Wells Boot: Fit, Sizing and Which to Buy

I’ve owned the Margaux West Chelsea boots for two years, and I love them so much that I was considering buying a second color. Then Margaux introduced the Wells boot, and I was curious how the two would compare. At first glance, they look very similar, but after wearing both, I’ve found a few differences worth considering before you buy. In this Margaux West Chelsea boot vs. Wells boot comparison, I’m sharing how they differ in fit, comfort, and styling, and whether I think the Wells is worth spending more on.

What I love about both styles is that they’re practical for wet weather but still have a really pretty, elegant shape. Some lug-sole boots can look bulky, but these don’t. And after two years of wearing my West Chelsea boots through rain and snow showers, I’ve been impressed with how well they’ve held up.

Quick Verdict

Buy the West Chelsea boot if: You plan on wearing them mostly under jeans and pants. Both boots look nearly identical when worn this way, so there’s really no need to spend more on the Wells.

Buy the Wells boot if: You prefer a taller boot with a more modern shape. They’re slightly lighter, easier to put on thanks to the zipper, and offer more styling options. If I could only keep one pair, I would choose these.

Margaux West Chelsea Boot vs. Wells: What’s the Difference?

 

The West Chelsea is a classic pull-on Chelsea boot with a shorter shaft, while the Wells has a taller shaft, side zipper, and a more modern, motorcycle-inspired look.

One thing that surprised me about the Wells is how lightweight they are. They look like they’d be heavy, but they’re actually a little lighter than the West Chelsea. That said, I don’t find either pair particularly heavy.

Both boots have rounded toes, similar lug soles, and water-resistant suede, making them good options for light rain and snow. The biggest difference really comes down to the style you prefer and how you plan to wear them.

Margaux West Chelsea Boot Review: Fit and Comfort

I’ve had my Margaux West Chelsea boots for two years, and I still love them. What initially drew me to these boots was that I wanted something I could wear in the rain that still looked stylish. I’ve worn them in rain and snow showers, and they’ve held up really well. I wouldn’t wear them to trek through several inches of snow, but the water-resistant suede has been great for messy weather days.

They’re also a really pretty boot. I’ve received so many compliments on them, and I particularly like that the lug sole isn’t overly bulky. They’re comfortable to walk in, and I don’t find them very heavy.

I went up half a size from my usual size 7 to a 7.5 to accommodate socks. They’re a pull-on style with a tab at the back, and I find them easy to wear under straight-leg jeans.

My recommendation: If you want a classic Chelsea boot that’s comfortable, stylish, and practical for wet weather, I recommend these. I liked mine enough that I was considering a second color.

Margaux Wells Boot Review: Fit and Comfort

The Wells boot is Margaux’s newer boot, and while it looks very similar to the West Chelsea, there are a few differences I love.

The first is the taller shaft. I personally prefer taller ankle boots, and I find the Wells a little more comfortable to walk in because of the way they fit around my ankle. The side zipper is another nice feature, especially if you have high arches or find pull-on boots difficult to get into.

The other difference is the lightweight sole. They feel a little lighter than the West Chelsea, although I wouldn’t consider the West Chelsea a heavy boot either.

I wear a 7.5 in both styles, and the fit is virtually identical when I wear the same socks. Neither pair required breaking in.

Where the Wells really wins for me is styling. The taller shaft looks great over slim jeans or leggings, but the boots also fit nicely under straight-leg and wide-leg pants, and even skirts.

My recommendation: If you prefer a taller ankle boot, I think the Wells is worth the extra money. The zipper, lighter sole, and additional styling options are what make this pair my favorite.

Are the Margaux West Chelsea and Wells Boots Weather-Resistant?

Yes, both boots are made with water-resistant suede. And after two years of wearing my West Chelsea boots, I can say that it really does make a difference.

I’ve worn mine in rain and snow showers, and the suede still looks great. Obviously, I’m not wearing these to shovel snow, but for those cold, wet days when I’m running errands or going out, they’re exactly what I want to wear. They also both come in leather if you prefer that over suede.

How to Style the Margaux West Chelsea and Wells Boots

Both pairs of boots look almost identical when worn under pants and jeans. The rounded toes and similar black soles make it difficult to tell them apart. It’s when you wear them over slim jeans or leggings that you really notice the difference.

The Wells has a taller, more modern look, which I prefer. They remind me of a prettier, more structured pair of Ugg boots without the shearling. In fact, I’d wear them the same way.

What I’ve never loved about classic UGGs is the exposed seams and somewhat shapeless design. The Wells has a smoother finish and a prettier shape.

I also like the Wells with a skirt and tights. The taller shaft gives them a different look from classic knee-high boots, and I think they’re a really nice, casual alternative. For more styling ideas, see my guide to wearing boots with dresses.

Is the Margaux Wells Boot Worth the Higher Price?

If you’re planning to wear these primarily under straight-leg or wide-leg jeans, I don’t think you need to spend the extra money on the Wells. They look very similar once they’re on, and the West Chelsea is already a comfortable, beautifully made boot.

Where I think the Wells earns its higher price is in its versatility. The taller shaft looks better with slim jeans and leggings, the zipper makes them easier to put on, and the lightweight sole is another nice feature.

So I think it comes down to how you plan on wearing them. I personally prefer the Wells, but if you’re mostly wearing your boots under jeans and pants, I don’t think you need to spend more.

Margaux West Chelsea Boot vs. Wells Sizing: Do They Fit the Same?

• Do the West Chelsea and Wells fit the same? Yes. I have them both in a size 7.5 and when worn with the same socks, they fit virtually the same. I sized up to accommodate thicker socks, not because I found the boots to run small.

• Can you wear thick socks with either boot? Yes. In fact, I prefer wearing both pairs with these wool socks.

• Do these Margaux boots require breaking in? I didn’t find that I needed to break in either pair of boots. They were comfortable right out of the box. Keep in mind that I own both in the suede which is usually a bit softer than leather.

Which Margaux Boot Should I Buy?

If I had to choose only one pair, I’d choose the Wells. I prefer taller boots over shorter ankle styles, and I find them more comfortable to walk in. But I still love my West Chelsea boots, and if you’re mostly wearing them under jeans and pants, I’d save the money and buy the West Chelsea.

For more on Margaux, including my experience with their flats, loafers, and other styles, you can read my full Margaux Shoes Review.

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