The One Thing: The Ridley Boot by Russell & Bromley

2 min read

Some shoes don’t need an introduction. The Chelsea boot, for instance, has long been the quiet anchor of a man’s wardrobe—equally at home with denim, tailored trousers, or anything in between. But every so often, the classic gets a subtle update worth paying attention to. Enter Ridley, the new Chelsea boot from Russell & Bromley.

At first glance, it’s everything you’d expect: clean lines, elastic side panels, and a shape that instantly reads as timeless. But Ridley refines the formula. The almond toe adds elegance without tipping into fussiness, while a raised rubber sole gives the boot a solid, grounded feel. It’s a balancing act—streamlined enough for sharper looks, robust enough for everyday wear.

Made in Italy from polished black calf leather, Ridley carries the kind of finish that can take you from boardroom to bar without pause. The counter lines are stitched cleanly along the side panels, a detail that keeps the boot looking sleek, while a tonal pull tab blends in rather than distracting. Underfoot, a stacked heel adds just the right lift.

Inside, you’ll find a full leather lining for comfort and durability—proof that what you don’t see is just as considered as what you do. At £495, Ridley positions itself firmly in the premium space, but as with all true wardrobe classics, the cost-per-wear will justify itself quickly.

Russell & Bromley has always had a knack for bridging tradition with a modern eye, and Ridley is a neat example of that. It’s not a reinvention, but a careful recalibration. The Chelsea boot you know—just a little sharper, a little more resilient, and ready for whatever you throw at it.

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