IGI&CO 21571 Gore-Tex Waterproof Nubuck Chelsea Ankle Boots Women Black

The IGI&CO 21571 is a women's Chelsea ankle boot in black nubuck leather with a Gore-Tex membrane, elastic side gussets and a lugged sole, made to keep you dry and comfortable all winter. We chose it at Calzados Vesga because it solves a very specific problem: finding a low, elegant and genuinely waterproof boot that does not look like workwear.

Technical Specifications

A Chelsea boot that handles the rain without losing its style

The Chelsea is one of those designs that never goes out of fashion: a low shaft, elastic gussets at the sides and a pull tab to get it on. The 21571 updates it with a thicker sole and a clean outline, and adds what almost no boot of this style offers: a Gore-Tex membrane that makes it waterproof.

That means you can wear it on a wet day, step through a puddle or cross light snow without the water reaching your foot. The membrane is not a bulky lining: it sits between the upper and the lining, so the boot stays light and discreet to look at.

We recommend it above all to people who spend long hours on their feet, because a dry foot is a more comfortable foot. Damp is the usual cause of rubbing and of the cold-foot feeling that ruins a long day.

Design and style: plain black, clean lines

The black nubuck has a slightly velvety finish that softens the shine and looks warmer than smooth leather. The ribbed elastic panels add texture without clutter, and visible stitching reinforces the areas under most tension.

The sole gives the model its character: a continuous platform with lugs that adds a few centimetres without creating a heel. It gives the boot presence and, at the same time, improves grip and stability on slippery surfaces.

Being a single colour, it slots into any wardrobe. There are no loud logos, only a small Gore-Tex label on the shaft that certifies the membrane, and the rear pull tab, which is both a design detail and a practical aid.

Materials and finish

The upper is nubuck, a cowhide leather sanded on the outer face to give a fine, velvety surface. It is tougher than traditional suede and, with the membrane, tolerates damp better. The lining is textile, soft to the touch and made for daily winter use.

The Gore-Tex membrane is the key component. Its pores are far smaller than a water droplet but larger than a water vapour molecule, so liquid water stays out while perspiration can escape. That is why the boot is waterproof without feeling stuffy.

The sole is synthetic, light, with a lug pattern that clears water and mud. The stitching is visible and regular, and the elastic panels are sewn to the shaft so the boot follows the ankle without pinching.

Everyday comfort

Comfort in an ankle boot comes down to three things: weight, sole flexibility and how easily it goes on. The 21571 is light for what it offers, the sole flexes well at the ball of the foot, and the gusset and tab system removes laces and zips.

The cushioned interior and textile lining avoid the cold feel of unlined leather boots, and the continuous platform spreads pressure along the foot, which is especially welcome on long days or hard pavements.

A practical tip: if you plan to wear thick wool socks, try half a size up. With thin tights or short socks, your usual size will be right.

When to wear them

It is an autumn and winter boot for the city: the daily walk, the commute, a shopping trip or a weekend break where the weather is unpredictable. It also works in a damp spring, or in northern regions where it rains often, such as Burgos.

It is not a technical mountain boot nor a deep-snow boot. For demanding hiking or extreme cold there are more suitable categories, but for urban use it covers almost any situation comfortably.

How to style them

With straight or wide-leg jeans, the black Chelsea lengthens the leg line and anchors the outfit. With a midi dress or a pleated skirt, it adds an informal counterpoint that stops the look feeling too dressy. With tailored trousers it looks sober and office-appropriate.

As for colour, black goes with everything: earth tones, greys, navy, burgundy or all black. A trench coat, a wool coat or a parka completes a winter outfit with no effort.

Size guide

The model comes in EU 36 to 41 and follows a standard fit: it does not run particularly small or large. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one, above all if you have a high instep, a wide foot or plan to wear thick socks; a membrane boot should not squeeze, because the foot needs a little room to stay warm.

Approximate UK equivalents: EU 36 is about UK 3, EU 37 about UK 4, EU 38 about UK 5, EU 39 about UK 6, EU 40 about UK 6.5 and EU 41 about UK 7. These are indicative only and vary between makers, so refer to the brand's size chart. The side elastics give a little with wear, so a firm fit at first is normal, but it should never hurt.

Care and maintenance

• Brush off dust and dry mud with a soft bristle brush, always in the direction of the nap.
• Avoid running water and direct heat: let the pair dry at room temperature with newspaper inside.
• Apply a protector spray made for nubuck from time to time, without covering the membrane.
• Do not use polish or greasy creams, which flatten the nubuck and change its colour.

With these basic steps, the boot keeps its look and the membrane keeps performing for many seasons.

Our verdict at Calzados Vesga

We think it is a smart pick for anyone who wants a low, versatile, waterproof black boot. Its main strength is that it combines things that rarely come together: an elegant look, a genuine Gore-Tex membrane and a sole with grip. Its limit is that of any low boot: it does not shield the shaft from heavy rain, although the membrane does protect the foot.

About the IGI&Co brand

IGI&Co is an Italian label specialising in comfortable, functional footwear, known for bringing the Gore-Tex membrane to everyday-looking models. Its range focuses on women's and children's ankle boots and shoes for daily wear. See more options in our women's Gore-Tex footwear section or in the low ankle boots for women category.

Frequently asked questions

Are they really waterproof?

Yes. They have a Gore-Tex membrane, which blocks liquid water and lets perspiration vapour out. It protects the foot from rain and puddles, although they are not meant to be submerged above the shaft.

Do these run small?

No, they follow a standard fit. Order your usual size and go up half a size if you have wide feet or wear thick socks.

Are they comfortable all day?

Yes. They are light, the sole flexes well and the interior is cushioned. They are designed for walking and long hours on your feet.

Can I wear them in snow?

In light snow, yes, thanks to the membrane and the lugs on the sole. For deep snow, a higher-shaft boot is better.

How do I clean them?

With a soft nubuck brush, no running water, and a protector spray made for nubuck. Let them dry in the air, away from radiators.

How do I put them on and take them off?

There are no laces or zips: pull the rear tab while the side elastic gives.

What size should I choose with wide feet?

Half a size above your usual. The elastic panels give slightly, but a membrane boot should be roomy across the width of the foot.

Delivery, returns and secure checkout

Delivery anywhere in Europe takes 4 to 6 working days. Shipping is charged by destination country and calculated at checkout. Returns from outside Spain are at the customer's expense. Payment is secure, and an experienced member of the team answers any sizing question before you order.

Why buy from Calzados Vesga

We are a family shoe shop on the main square of Burgos, northern Spain, with over fifty years behind the counter. We work with a curated selection of brands rather than an endless catalogue, and we know each model because we try it and sell it in our shop. Before and after purchase you deal with a real person.

Is this your boot?

Yes, if you want a black waterproof ankle boot that is comfortable and easy to style for the city. Perhaps not, if you need a tall-shaft boot or technical mountain footwear.

If you want an everyday boot that copes with rain without changing shoes, the black IGI&CO 21571 is a safe choice, available now at calzadosvesga.com.