Blundstone Boots Review: Best on the Market by Far in 2024

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Spoiler alert: this Blundstone boots review covers everything you need to know and will help you choose between the Original 500 series and the Classic 550s.

After seeing Blundstones rocked from the hot city streets of New York to the backcountry of New Zealand, I was curious how one pair of boots could check every box. Overwhelmed by my interest, I bought a pair and very quickly understood the hype.

With an extensive boot collection (I have dozens covering a handful of brands), I can confidently say that Blundstones are by far the best I’ve ever owned. I reach for them for every occasion or adventure and have repeatedly found them to be the most versatile boots in my closet.

This Blundstone boots review breaks down key information about the brand, what to consider before buying, why the shoes are great, and how to care for them. Keep reading to discover all the essential information about Blundstones and whether you should opt for the Originals or the Classics.

How We Tested

With endless boot options, settling on the best pair can be a true challenge. Luckily, I’m a boot fanatic and have done the heavy lifting to find the ultimate choice for… well, everything.

After testing various brands like Doc Martens and Frye, I settled on Blundstones because they’re equally casual yet dressy and have a rugged element that makes them prime for adventure.

To put them to the test, I sent my Blundstones through the wringer to see how they measured up across different areas of my life. I wore them on every casual outing, styling them with jeans, tees, and hoodies. I also dressed them up, wearing them to work, commuting, and even to Christmas dinner. Finally, I sported them on dozens of hikes (in fact, I still do; they’re my go-to hiking boots) to see how they could handle rugged terrain.

Along the way, I concentrated on how the boots looked and felt, along with how they performed across various scenarios. Turns out there’s nothing like a well made pair of leather boots to get you through anything that life throws your way.

Keep reading for a more detailed Blundstone boots review and to learn why they’re the best option for anyone seeking a solid pair of shoes.

Measurements

I wear a size 7 US women’s shoe, or a 5 in US men’s shoe sizes. However, when shopping for Blundstones, I was advised to size down. I ultimately ended up with a size 4 US men’s, which fit perfectly. Sizing down factored in the leather expanding over time, and after about a month of wear, the boots were significantly more spacious.

My feet also have pretty high arches, so I opted for the Classic 550 Blundstones over the Original 500s since the 550s have a wider fit and slightly roomier toe box. The extra space in the Classics was an additional consideration when going down a full size.

TL;DR

• Blundstone Classic 550s are the best all-around boots for casual, dress, and rugged wear.
• Blundstones are the most comfortable boots that I’ve ever owned – that is, after the grueling break-in period.
• The boots mold to your feet for a personalized fit.
• Key features include top-tier traction from the robust sole, pull tabs and elastic webbing, and impact absorption with every step. Plus, the signature leather, suede or nubuck upper.
• I’ve worn my Blundstones all over the world and can attest to their incredible durability, functionality, and overall style. These are one type of boots that every man should own.

About Blundstone Boots

Founded in 1870, Blundstone has had its boots on the scene for more than 150 years, pumping out the brand’s durable footwear at their factory in Hobart, Tasmania. Well-known for outfitting the world’s finest, Blundstone boots have seen it all, from World War II battlefields and Sherpas’ feet in Nepal to the ordinary work days by the average Joe.

Revered for being the “do it all” boots, Blundstones are the most versatile footwear choice for any man. They’re especially adored by people who spend all day on their feet and those who put plenty of miles on their boots, whether it’s with a daily commute or long treks off the beaten path.

The iconic Chelsea boot silhouette — the Blundstones we all know and love — was first introduced in the 1960s with the Original 500. This style has continued to evolve over time while retaining its adored form with additions to the 500 series, including the Classic 550s.

The Original 500s and the Classic 550s consistently top Blundstone’s best-sellers list. But you may be wondering which one you should opt for, especially since they look almost identical.

In the next section, I’ll break down the main considerations when choosing between the Original Blundstones and Classic Blundstones to help you make an informed purchase.

What to Consider Before Buying

When most people shop for Blundstones, they’re angling for a pair of the brand’s Chelsea boots. The two most popular styles, the Original 500s and the Classic 550s should be your first port of call, but each offers something slightly different.

Foot Width

The primary consideration when buying Blundstone boots is your foot width. The brand’s Original 500 boots have a slimmer fit, great for standard-sized feet, whereas the Classic 550s were updated with a broader profile and more room in the toe box.

This makes the Classics particularly attractive for guys gunning for a more spacious fit or anyone who wants to wear their Blundstones with insoles. The extra room in the 550s accommodates additional cushioning better than the narrower Originals.

I don’t have wide feet per se, but I do have high arches, so I found the 550s to fit a bit better, given the additional space in the boot. The 500s felt a bit cramped, especially on top of my foot.

Another aspect to consider is that the Classic series comes with replaceable footbeds for even more cushion and shock absorption. With more room in the shoe, this is an especially noteworthy feature for guys seeking supportive boots.

Breathability

Breathability is paramount, especially to ensure that you stay cool and comfortable while wearing your Blundstone boots, whether you plan on hiking in them or wearing them during warmer weather.

For the most airflow, opt for the Original Series, which has a cotton or cambrelle lining that breathes significantly more than the Classics. On the other hand, the 550s have a partial leather and synthetic lining, which insulates the boots and detracts from their breathability.

However, it’s worth noting that the leather on the Original 500s is thicker than the 550s, at 2.5 millimeters (compared to 1.8 mm on the Classics). When weighing the two options, you may find that the thicker leather puts the breathability of the 500s on par with the 550s.

Intended Use

Finally, consider when and where you want to sport your Blundstones, as this will help you choose the right pair for your intended uses.

The Classic 550s feature a chunkier sole and robust traction, making them epic for covering uneven ground — think hiking, puddle stomping, and tramping through the forest. The chunkier sole also plays into the shoe’s aesthetics and offers a slightly different look than the Originals.

Additionally, the 550s have more cushioning in the footbed to soften each step, which is noteworthy if you plan to wear them daily. They even come with a second set of insoles to further the hyper-personalized fit of the boots.

For these reasons, I chose the Classic 550s, and they were the right pick for my adventurous lifestyle, especially since they doubled as my hiking and rain boots.

On the other hand, the Originals are excellent for four-season wear – even as winter boots –  given their superior breathability (although I wear my 550s year-round, too). They’re also a better choice if you like your boots made from thicker leather. The Originals are stellar for office wear, given the slimmer silhouette and low-key sole, and are a commuter’s best friend since they’re waterproof, too.

Why Blundstones Are Great

Let me preface this section by saying that I have owned a lot of boots in my life… and I mean a lot. I’ve dabbled with big brands like Doc Martens, Frye, Uggs, and the entire L.L. Bean range. Not to mention the numerous pairs from little brandless boutiques and fast fashion stores like Zara, H&M, and Forever 21 (gone, but never, ever forgotten). It wasn’t until I discovered Blundstones that I was convinced I had found the one pair of boots that could truly do it all.

Though I’ve always been surrounded by the brand (both my dad and brother have been wearing Blundstones for as long as I can remember), my first pair of Blundstones were hand-me-downs from my friend Nat — two sizes too big and beat into oblivion, but god, I loved those shoes. She had already worn them for a decade, and they were surprisingly still going strong. But as my feet slid around in the roomy boots, I craved a pair that were truly my own.

My last month living in New Zealand led me to a shoe store (with the head of FashionBeans in tow — hi, Cori!), where I finally purchased my brown suede Blundstones. They were, and are, Classics in every sense of the word, right down to the name of the boots.

And it was love at first wear… almost. Boy, were those boots rigid right out of the box. I didn’t think it got any worse than Doc Martens, but I had heard rumors that Blundstones were brutal to break in. That they were.

But after about a month of wear, they became, without a doubt, the most comfortable shoes I had ever owned. My Blundstones only continued to improve in the comfort department, forming to my feet and softening up over time without ever losing their lasting power.

On every hike, long walk, night out, and beyond, I’ve told anyone who will listen that these Blundstones were the best purchase of my life. They were an investment, at over $200 for the pair, but I would’ve paid ten times that for the unmatched comfort, durability, and versatility of the shoes.

They’re my go-tos, my most reached-for pair, and everything I’ve always wanted in a pair of shoes. Completely waterproof boots, stylish, and free from finicky laces, Blundstones are the only pair of shoes you need in your closet. I can’t recommend them more.

How to Break in Blundstones

And now for the million-dollar question… how to break in Blundstones. The easiest method is to wear them a lot. And I mean a lot. You may need to split wearing them into 20-minute increments because the rigid leather will cause blisters.

Start by doing chores or running errands in your new Blundstones, and as they soften up, wear them for longer periods so they can really form to your feet.

With consistent wear, it takes about a month to fully break in Blundstones. I recommend thick socks and Band-Aids on your heels for some extra cushion.

Instead of following my own advice, I gave my Blundstones a jump on their break-in period. The day after I bought them, I hiked a small mountain wearing them, completely naive to the consequences. The traction of the Blundstones sure beat that of my busted up sneakers, especially while walking downhill, but the ensuing blisters kept me from wearing the boots again for about a month until my heels healed.

Flaws But Not Deal-breakers

The main flaw of Blundstones is the break-in period. These are truly the best shoes I’ve ever owned in my life, but they’re killer for the first month of wear.

However, this rings true for just about every pair of genuine leather shoes. But once they’re broken in, these are the best men’s boots for life.

Another downside of Blundstones is that my brown suede pair shows marks and scuffs quite easily. After a few jaunts in the woods, the toes of the boots started to display wear. I don’t really mind, but this might bug some guys.

How to Care for Blundstones

Blundstones are available in leather, suede, and nubuck. To extend their already incredible lifespan, it’s worth knowing how to care for your boots.

To care for your Blundstones, wipe off any dirt or dust with a damp cloth and let them air dry away from the sun or direct heat. Then, apply either leather polish or suede cleaner with a damp brush and gently work it into the boot.

Wipe the shoes again with a clean cloth and let them dry completely. You can also use a gum eraser to buff out scuffs and get rid of stains.

Finally, it’s wise to occasionally apply waterproof treatment for leather boots to your Blundstones to keep the elements out and repel any stains.

The Blundstone website has comprehensive cleaning instructions for all of their boots, along with helpful videos and tips.

You Have Options: Blundstone Alternatives

Budget Blundstone Alternative: Doc Marten Chelsea Boots

Docs are definitely my favorite Blundstone alternatives since they offer unparalleled value. Sure, everyone owns a pair, especially the city slickers among us, but they’re undyingly stylish, easy to wear, and a dependable Chelsea boot option that won’t break the bank. They’re also a solidly rugged alternative, mirroring the appeal of Blundstones.

Mid-range Blundstone Alternative: Myrqvist Elfvik Chelsea Boots

Swedish brand Myrqvist knows a thing or two about quality dress boots, and the Elfvik Chelsea style is a great mid-priced alternative to Heritage Blundstones. Made from supple calf leather with dual pull tabs similar to Blundstones, these boots are a wardrobe staple for any guy, especially for formal wear.

Luxury Blundstone Alternative: John Lobb Lawry Chelsea Boots

John Lobb is the king of the luxury leather boot world, especially if you’re after a pair of timeless Chelseas. The Lawry style is the brand’s signature pull-on boot with a single pull tab, black calf leather construction, and high-end appeal.

Why Trust Us

I have a robust knowledge of leather boots and own an extensive collection spanning the biggest brands in the world right down to the little individual producers. My most worn pair of boots are my Blundstones, making me particularly well suited to write this Blundstone boots review. They’ve circled the globe with me, and I wear them year-round for just about everything, from nicer nights out on the town to rugged adventures in the mountains. Out of my dozens of pairs of boots, Blundstones take the cake, and this was only furthered by outside research and second opinions from other boot lovers and fashion-forward folk in my network.

Verdict

So, what’s the final verdict of this Blundstone boots review? The bottom line is that Blundstones are the ultimate pair of boots for any guy seeking versatility, durability, and ruggedness in a wear-everywhere shoe. They get extra points for style, with the iconic Chelsea construction featuring dual pull tabs, elastic webbing, and a robust sole that offers superior traction. Most individuals searching for Blundstones find themselves caught between the Original 500s and the Classic 550s. Opt for the Classics if you want a roomier boot and extra grip. Or choose the Originals if you prefer a more breathable construction with a narrower profile.

Jane is a seasoned fashion expert with a particular interest in streetwear, accessories, and luxury leather goods. She splits her time between NYC, Paris, and New Zealand, constantly on the hunt for today’s latest trends