Blundstone Boots Review: The Best on the Market
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Spoiler alert: this Blundstone boots review addresses the critical which and wherefores that will assist you in deciding which model to focus on, the Original 500 series or the Classic 550s.
Having viewed different people wear this specific brand of boots, ranging from the hot streets of New York City to the deep mountains of New Zealand, I really wondered how a single pair of boots could possess each and every quality. I was so curious that I purchased a pair and within some time realized why there was so much buzz surrounding it.
I can say with so much confidence that there is not a single boot brand that comes close to the quality that Blundstones have. As someone with a large number of slavos, I am more than qualified to say so. These boots have served me on various occasions and I have found them to be the most adaptable boots in my entire footwear collection.
This Blundstone boots review includes some details regarding the brand, what to know before buying, why the shoes are ideal, and how to maintain the boots. Thus, continue to the end t see all the crucial facts about Blundstones and decide whether you will pick the Originals or the Classics sandals.
How We Tested
Given the sheer number of boot varieties available, selecting the ideal pair can be a real struggle. Fortunately, I am crazy about boots and have done the hard work for us where one do not need to look any further for the best pair for… well, everything.
After taming different boots from brands such as Doc Martens and Frye, my heart set on Blundstones that are both relaxed and stylish and have a rough edge ideal for adventures.
To test their limits, I put my Blundstones through intense use in various spheres of my life and tracked how well they performed. I took them with me on every casual occasion, paired them with chic outfits, such as jeans, tees, and hoodies. I also used them on formal occasions like going to the office, while commuting and even during Christmas dinner. Finally, I wore them on numerous hiking expeditions (in fact, I still do, they are my preferred hiking shoes) to see what they were capable of on rough terrains.
I watched as my boots delivered their aesthetic values and their purpose in different ways. A quality pair of leather boots fits the job developed in an elegant manner and it is very advisable to wear them in different situations.
Stick around as we share more on the various aspects of Blundstone boots in this review article and consider investing in a pair ow this specific boot for its endurance and quality.
Sizing
For a shoe size guide, I wear a 5 men US size and 7 women US size. While looking for Blundstones for my feet, people advised me that it is always wise to go for a bigger size. In the end, I bought a US size 4 which was snug. My feet were sized smaller within optimal standards as it was anticipated that the leather would extend. When I had worn them for a month, it was obvious that one size had greatly stretched the shoes out.
My feet are cow feet thanks to nature’s design, so I chose the Classic 550 Blundstone models rather than the Original 500 models as the 550s are taller and have a looser toe box. I plummeted down one size more because Classic’s additional space in them was an extra value.
Bottom line
The best boots to wear that can be put on athletically, elegantly or non-formally are the Blundstone Classic 550s.
First and foremost, the boot has a considerable break-in period, and I’ll be honest – It is the only downside Blundstone has for me.
As you wear them, the Blundstone boots curve around your foot.
Features include excellent bearing from robust sole, pull tabs and elastic webbing, impact absorption with each step. Plus, the signature leather or suede upper and nubuck.
You can find me in my Blundstones in various parts of the world and what can’t be seen is their sturdiness, practicality, and awesomeness. This is one kind of boots that all men must have.
About Blundstone Boots
The Blundstones began their trade in 1870. For over 150 years, Blundstone boots on the market with the factory located in Hobart, Tasmania. Masters of creating high-quality footwear for its customers, the company equipped everyone from soldiers in WW2 and Sherpas in Nepal to everyday working people.Blundstone boots are dubbed the “do it all” boots as they can fit any occasion, making them the most stylish boot for any man. They’re particularly loved by those who are on their feet all day and those who wear the boots a lot whether for their daily commute or for long off the road walks.
The unique silhouette of the Blundstones that you all know and love is the English Chelsea boot silhouette introduced by the Original 500 in the 1960s. This style of shoe has retained its classic shape but over the years was able to grow with the addition of the 500 line with the Classic 550s also being published.
The Original 500s and the Classic 550s have hardly left the list of best sellers of Blundstone as much as many others have dabbled in. But you may be interested in knowing which one would be better, especially since the two look almost the same.
What to Consider Before Buying
When it comes to footwear, Blundstones has been an esteemed name for many, and so it’s no surprise that many are interested in Chelsea Boots from Blundstone’s lineup. It makes sense to begin with the Original 500’s and the Classic 550s as they are the most sought after, however, there are very subtle differences between the two.
Foot Width
The first and the foremost thing to keep in mind when purchasing Blundstone Boots is the width of your feet. The Original 500 boots by Blundstone are slim fit designed for feet of standard size, whereas the 550s have been manufactured with a wider toe box and broader profile.
“Extension on the fingertips” – This also makes the Classics great particularly for blokes trying to achieve a roomier fit or anyone looking to wear Blundstones with insoles. The extra room in the 550s is more suited for Uch end egg shells’ as they’re a little wider than the originals cut.
Now, I don’t have wide feet as such, however being a high arched person, I seem to find the 550s more of a good fit seeing that the extra space in the boot is more accommodating. The 500s felt quite constricted as they sat right on my foot.
An additional element to take into consideration is that The Classic style has footbeds that can be replaced with ease for added cushion and shock absorption. As the shoe is quite spacious, I think it is a good feature for guys who are looking for supportive boots.
Breathability
Above all else, breathability is an important consideration to ensure that you don’t solater the reasons why you put on the Blundstone boots in the first place, whether for a hike or just for warmer weather.
It’s better to have the Original Series for maximum airflow, as it has either cotton or cambrelle lining which are much more breathable than the Classics. In contrast, the 550s have partial leather and synthetic lining that serves as insulation to the boots reducing their breathability.
Nevertheless, it is important to know that the leather of the Original 500s is thicker than the leather of the 550s which is 2.5 millimeters compared to 1.8 millimeters on the Classics. When considering the two, you might feel that the thicker leather is able to compromise the breathability of the 500s as been nearly the same as that of the 550s.
Intended Use
In the end, think about when and where you intend to wear your Blundstones because this will walk you through the process of selecting the correct pair for your aim.
People who want to go for hikes, gaps in the ground, and indents will appreciate the chunky soles and heavy duty traction of the Classic 550s the best. The design of the shoe has changed from the Originals with chunkier soles to provide more aesthetics as well.
However, the Originals can supply almost perfect all season wear, with the breathability of these shoes being their upper hand (though I do wear my 550s all 4 seasons as well). They work better for those who wish their boots were rather made of thicker leather. The cut of the Originals is great for office usage with a slimmer profile and a subdued sole and because of being waterproof, they are perfect for commuting.
Reasons That Make blundstone Such a Good Boot
I have to admit at the start of this section that I have had quite a lot of boots in my life, quite a lot. I have tried a lot of famous brands like Doc Martens, Frye, Uggs enough to have the entire L.L. Bean collection. Not to talk about my numerous pairs from unknown store brands and fast fashion brands such as Zara, H&M, Forever 21, which is defunct, but will never be forgotten. Until I found Blundstones, I never thought I would ever find a pair of boots that would do it all.
While I found the brand quite familiar (thanks to my dad and brother who both wear Blundstones since as far back as I can remember), my first experience with the shoes were childhood hand me downs from my good friend nat- two sizes larger than my foot and thrashed to all ends but, I loved the hell out of those shoes. She used these shoes for over ten years and they were still holding up strong. However, since my feet were too uncomfortable when my feet swam in the boots, I wanted a pair that were just right for my feet.
The final month I was living in New Zealand took me to a shoe store – the head of FashionBeans came with me as well, hi Cori! – where I bought my brown suede Blundstones. These boots have earned the title ‘Classics’ and they truly are Classic
And to my chagrin, it was love at first wear. Wow, those boots were stiff from the get go. I thought Doc Martens were the worst in terms of discomfort but I had heard rumors that Blundstones were quite brutal in this regard. Those rumors turned out to be true.
But after experiencing them over a month of use, I must say they actually now fit perfectly on to my foot and are now the most comfortable shoes that I have ever had. My Blundstones only got better with time as they grew softer while still remaining tremendously durable.
So on every hike, long walk, night out and everything in between, I’ve managed to convince even those who weren’t interested that these Blundstones were the best purchase I’ve ever made. The price was steep, over $200 for the pair, but for that kind of comfort, flexibility, and robustness I would have even paid ten times that amount.
You will reach for them more than any other pair or o shoes since they seem great in their own way, which is a lot better than what you would want in a pair of shoes. Waterproof, fashionable, and without the hassle of tying shoelaces, Blundstone shoes seem suitable as the only piece footwear that a person may have in their wardrobe. I wish I could suggest them.
How to Break in Blundstones
And now there is the one question that would earn you a billion dollars…. the answer to how you break in your blundstones. The straightforward approach is to simply put them on and go about your day right – day after day after day!. Response back the way it as always intended There will most likely be some blisters if you do wear them for longer than twenty minutes at various parts of the day so you will have to combat that.
This involves using your new Blundstones to perform small tasks like running around your neighborhood, walking the dog, or the occasional trips to the shops, and as the shoe loosens, try to push it and see how long you can go in the shoe.
As long as there is positive reinforcement, within four weeks or so it would be safe to say that blundstone should be fully broken in. For comfort, I tell my clients to wear two thick pairs of socks and to tape burning sensations on their heels – its funny how I have to say that!
I should have stuck to my own advice, but I decided to test my Blundstones first. The day after Purchase, I went out for a walk up a small mountain while wearing them, without thinking of what would happen as a result. Sure, the Blundstones gave me a better grip than my battered sneakers when going down a hill, but the resulting blisters kept me from wearing the boots again for about a month, until my heels had all healed up.
Weaknesses – But Never Deal Breakers
In most of the user review concerning Blundstone boots, the only downside is the wearing in period. These are by far the best footwear I have ever owned in my entire life but the first month of usage is absolute torment.
But this is true for quite a lot of good quality leather shoes that you buy. But once they are broken in, I have no doubt that these will be the best men’s boots for quite some time.
Another negative aspect of Blundstones is the fact that my brown suede pair picks up marks and scuffs rather quickly. After a few treks, the boot toecaps began to show signs of attrition. I don’t really care but this may irritate some gentlemen.
How to Maintain Blundstone Boots
Blundstone boots have a variety of materials like leather, suede and nubucky. To further enhance this already great durability of the boots, it is a good idea to educate yourself on the proper means of taking care of them
For maintenance of your Blundstones focus on the cleaning process. Use a soaked cloth to remove any dirt or dust from the boots and leave them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Then using a damp brush and a suitable leather polish or suede cleaner gently brush the boot.
Once again wipe the shoes with a clean cloth and allow them to completely dry. For stains and marks, a gum eraser can be employed.
In addition, waterproof treatment for leather boots is advisable on Blundstones after a while to protect from any stains or nature.
The collection’s website has detailed cleaning instructions for all Blundstone boots in form of easy videos and tips.
Low-end Budget Blundstone Alternatives: Docks Marten Chelsea Boots
Docs are definitely my favorite Blundstone substitutes because of the value that they provide. I know everybody has a pair especially the city dwellers, but they’re timeless, so easy to put on, and a reliable budget friendly Chelsea boot option for men. They also are an appealing rugged choice as well, similar to the look of Blundstones.
Myrqvist Elfvik Chelsea Boots
Another Swedish brand, Myrqvist, understands quite clearly how quality looking dress boots should be and their Elfvik Chelsea range is a nice mid-tier option in place of Heritage Blundstones. These calf skin boots with dual pull tabs that is akin to that of Blundstones are must haves in every man’s wardrobe especially in formal occasions.
Luxury Blundstone Alternative:
John Lobb Lawry Chelsea Boots
Overall, John Lobb is perhaps the finest choice for classy leather boots, particularly if classic Chelseas are what you are after. Lawry design is this brand’s classic pull-on boot which features a single pull tab, black calf skin leather and it has a very classy look to it.
Why Trust Us
When it comes to leather boots, I am an expert and I have a very large collection starting from the most known brands to the tiniest individual manufacturers. I tend to wear my most used pair of Blundstone boots and that is why I find it right to write this review on Blundstone boots.
I have taken them with me while travelling around the world and I use them all the time, from pleasant nights out with friends to more rigorous activities in the mountains. Ever since I have bought Blundstone boots I have never once thought to wear any of the dozens of pairs of boots that I have because without a doubt they are the best. This opinion was only backed by additional research as well as by several boot enthusiasts and trendsetters within my social circle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Verdict
So, what’s the final verdict of this Blundstone boots review? Within one sentence: other than these boots’ super awesome aesthetics, what really impresses, is their versatility, durability, and ruggedness. It’s a welcome plus that they look good, and they definitely do – thanks to their classic Chelsea design with the signature pull tabs, elastic webbing, and sturdier yet lightweight sole that offers excellent traction.
People who are looking for Blundstones come across the Original 500s and the Classic 550s and seem to get stuck. Go with the Classics if you want more space inside the boot and better grip. Or go for the Originals it you would like to have not so thick construction and slimmer profile.