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Dec 22, 20247 Best Blundstone Boots for Anytime, Every-wear in 2024
- Nov 17, 2024
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If I could wear only one pair of shoes every day for the rest of my life, it would be my Blundstones. You see, the best Blundstone boots have it all: a durable, weather-resistant construction, high-quality leather uppers, and enough traction for grip on even the slipperiest of surfaces. All of this is wrapped up in a sleek package with the iconic Blundstone Chelsea boot design. There’s nothing that these shoes can’t do.
Although the boot brand stays true to its leather roots, these days, there are plenty of Blundstones to choose from, making it challenging to determine which pair is right for you, especially if you’re shopping online.
To simplify matters, I’ve rounded up the seven best men’s Blundstone boots to take the guesswork out of the decision process. Considering that I live in my Blundstones (as do all of my friends and family), I have all the insider knowledge you need about these boots, dished out in this article.
Whether you’re looking for an everyday shoe, a hiking companion, or a boot that you can dress up, the best Blundstones for men are awaiting you below.
Key Takeaways
To determine the best Blundstone boots for men, I went straight to the source: every guy I know who owns a pair (plus my personal experience with the shoes). After extensive interviews, plus dozens of hours poring over customer reviews, I narrowed the options down to the seven you see on this list.
Overall, the best of the best are the Classic 550s, which have the original Chelsea boot design, outfitted with a few key upgrades. For something a little different than your run of the mill Blundstones, the Square Toe 063 Series is an excellent choice for a unique look coupled with the brand’s signature durable construction.
Keep reading to discover more of the best men’s Blundstone boots.
Why they’re great: With a wider fit, extra space in the toe box, and a real chunky sole, Blundstone Classic 550s are an upgraded version of the original Blundstone Chelsea boots. They retain all the same features that we know and love, like the dual pull tabs, full leather upper, and shock absorption in the heel, but have a touch of added cushioning that molds to the feet to get an even more personalized fit in your boots.
Who are these for? These are the top Blundstone boots if you want something slightly more rugged than the Original 500 series. The updated soles give the Classics a boost of versatility, making them extra prime for backcountry adventures, as well as city slicking and nicer wear. Plus, they’re the best choice if you have wide feet or want to wear insoles in your Blundstones. Speaking of insoles, the 550s are the only Blundstones that come with replaceable footbeds to inject a hefty dose of comfort.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The Blundstone Classic 550s feature a partial leather and synthetic lining that makes them a bit more insulated than the Originals. I still find them light enough for year round, but if you’d like a more breathable pair of boots, stick with the 500 series with a cotton lining.
Material: Premium water-resistant leather, elastic side, leather lining | Sole Material: TPU with shock absorption | Sizes Available: US 5–14 | Colors Available: 8 | Style: Chelsea
Why they’re great: For a slightly different look than the standard Blundstone boots, the 063 series puts a spin on a classic. Rather than the standard rounded boot, this pick goes rogue with a chisel (square) toe for an upscale look and feel. That said, these boots still retain all of the best of Blundstone, including shock absorption, a highly cushioned midsole, and a premium weather-resistant leather upper.
Who are these for? If you want a pair that you can really dress up, these are the best Blundstone boots for men. The square toe gives them a luxurious cowboy spin that makes them easy to wear with anything from jeans to your Sunday’s best. This boot model is also roomier than other options from Blundstone, making it significantly easier to break in with a relaxed feel right out of the box. If you have a wide foot, these are a top pick. If not, you may want to go down half a size.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Most Blundstone boots hover around the same price point ($200, give or take). This pair is no exception; however, I chose them for the best budget pick, considering that $200 is a steal for a pair of high-quality men’s dress shoes.
Material: Premium water resistant leather, elastic side | Sole Material: TPU with shock absorption | Sizes Available: US 4–11.5 | Colors Available: 11 | Style: Square toe Chelsea
Why they’re great: One of the beauties of Blundstones is the range of color options available. My brother rocks a pair of burgundy Originals, my dad has gray chisel toes, and I have brown suede Classics. But for a real statement, this two-tone option from the 550 series is the best Blundstones to showcase personal style. The pop of red is enough without ever being too much, adding some oomph to any dull outfit.
Who are these for? Tired of the same neutral-hued leather boots? These Blundstones offer something a bit different while retaining the brand’s rugged look and feel. The thicker sole, a signature feature of the Classics, makes these prime for adventure, and the red webbing and stitching create an interesting contrast, especially when styled with your favorite monochrome outfit.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The roomier fit of these Blundstones makes them easier to break in than more rigid pairs. However, if you have narrower feet, you may find them a bit too spacious. If that’s the case, go down half a size.
Material: Premium water-resistant leather, elastic side, leather lining | Sole Material: TPU with shock absorption | Sizes Available: US 4.5–9.5 | Colors Available: 1 | Style: Chelsea
Why they’re great: Aside from the Blundstone Classic 550s, the Original 500 series are the best men’s boots for everyday wear. Because of the thicker leather but lighter lining, the Blundstone Originals feature a slightly firmer yet more breathable construction than the Classics. The 500s also sport a slimmer sole, giving them a less backcountry, more city-slicking look, prime for office or casual wear.
Who are these for? If you’re looking for the ultimate commuter shoe, you’ve found them. They’re waterproof, supportive, and the most comfortable shoes, with a durable construction that will last for years to come. Plus, the Originals have a nice enough look to compliment any smart casual get-up, while still working for laid-back wear, too.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The pared back sole of the Blundstone Originals has plenty of grip for city streets but may leave something to be desired off the beaten path. If you want to hike in your Blundstones, then you’re better off sticking with the Classic 550s, which offer slightly more traction in the bolstered soles.
Material: Premium water-resistant leather, elastic side | Sole Material: TPU with shock absorption | Sizes Available: US 4.5–12 | Colors Available: 13 | Style: Chelsea
Why they’re great: Beat any chill with thermal Blundstones, a warmer spin on the boots that we all know and love. Insulated and complete with a sheepskin footbed, these shoes are cozy, comfy, and completely waterproof boots. Whether you’re trekking to work or headed out on a cold evening, these Blundstones will pull their weight through the darkest winter. When the temperatures start to warm up, you can swap out the sheepskin insole for a standard footbed for four-season wear.
Who are these for? These are the best Blundstone boots for men seeking a versatile winter shoe with excellent traction. They’re warm enough to get you through the coldest days of the year with thermal insulation and a fully weatherproof construction that can handle anything from sleet to snow. Great for chilly commutes or as the finishing touch on a cold weather ‘fit, these are the best Blundstones for winter.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Most people find these Blundstones to run relatively wide, so it’s recommended to opt for a half size down unless you need extra room in the boots. These are boots like Doc Martens Sherpa Chelsea but a little less warm.
Material: Premium waterproof leather, waterproof elastic side, thermal insulation | Sole Material: TPU with shock absorption, sheepskin footbed | Sizes Available: US 5.5–13 | Colors Available: 4 | Style: Insulated Chelsea
Why they’re great: Just when you think Blundstones can’t get any better, they whip out an all-terrain option to put standard hiking boots to shame. Complete with a Vibram outsole that rivals some of the best trekking shoes in the world, these Blundstones shine through with next-level shock absorption, an extra tough construction, and a self-cleaning tread design. No more bringing the trail home with you.
Who are these for? For the wanderer, the adventurer, and any man on the move, these are the best Blundstones. They live up to their name and are well suited to all-terrain, from rock hopping across rivers to uphill scrambles and everything in between. When you’re not wearing them on the trail, the high-quality leather uppers make them ideal for styling with any outfit. Sport them with jeans, slacks, and of course, your finest hiking gear.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: You may find that the leather on these boots shows wear rather quickly, especially in the toe area. If you aren’t a fan of the faded look, then opt for a ‘rustic’ colorway that can camouflage the color changes.
Material: Premium water-resistant leather, elastic side | Sole Material: Vibram rubber with self cleaning treads, flex line, and extra shock absorption | Sizes Available: US 5–14 | Colors Available: 4 | Style: Hiking Chelsea
Why they’re great: If normal Blundstones are the crunchy granola kid of the family, then the Heritage collection is the suit-wearing older brother. These high-end dress shoes have a significantly more upscale spin to them, swapping out the thick sole for a thin Goodyear Welt and a polished leather upper. They stay true to the Blundstone name with unrivaled comfort, dual pull tabs, and elastic webbing but are particularly well suited to formal wear.
Who are these for? Whenever you’ve grown tired of rigid dress shoes, these are the best boots to choose. Ideal for four-season wear with a lightweight leather lining and weather-resistant construction, these have a sleeker look than traditional Blundstones, making them well suited to the dapper gent.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These are some of the highest-priced Blundstones because of the premium materials and top-tier construction. That said, they’re still on the lower end of the cost spectrum compared to similar Chelsea dress boots from brands like John Lobb or Church’s. At the end of the day, they’re an extremely solid investment that will get plenty of wear.
Material: Premium water-resistant leather, elastic side, leather lining | Sole Material: Leather with TPU skin | Sizes Available: US 7–13 | Colors Available: 2 | Style: Dress
What Makes the Best Blundstone Boots?
Intended Uses
When choosing the best Blundstone boots, the primary consideration is your intended uses. Blundstones are excellent shoes for daily wear but also work well for hiking and even formal occasions. Different boot models lean into different uses; some work as versatile all-rounders.
If you’re looking for a pair of Blundstones that you can do absolutely everything in, then I recommend sticking with the Classic 550s. These have an updated Chelsea boot design that features a chunky sole that’s as trendy as it is functional, adding extra traction to an already sturdy tread. This design is also easy to dress up for nicer events and works seamlessly for daily wear, too.
However, if you’d like your Blundstones for a specific use, then lean into the unique features of each boot design. For example, choose the All Terrain series for a true trail shoe or the Heritage 155s for a proper dress boot.
Foot Width
Blundstone offers various designs that cater to different foot widths to ensure a personalized fit and unmatched comfort with every pair. If you have a narrower foot, you’ll likely find the best fit in the Original 500s. On the other hand, if you’re rocking a wider foot, the Classic 550s were designed with extra space and a more relaxed feel.
You can also play around with different sizes to find the right match for your foot width. If you have concerns, then you can always go up half a size for more room in the boot. Or, if you’re worried that your feet will be sliding around, you can size down.
I have pretty standard-sized feet and ended up going a full size down for a perfect fit. However, I do have higher arches, so I opted for a pair of Classics (rather than Originals) for a bit of extra space for the top of my foot.
Material & Color
Finally, the material and color play into the aesthetics of the boots. Most of the best Blundstones are available in leather, suede, and nubuck uppers in various neutral colorways ranging from browns and grays to blacks, burgundies, and reds.
The color often comes in various finishes, with solid colors and rustic options for a more buffed-out look. The benefit of choosing rustic colorways is that they hide marks and scuffs better than polished leather. You may find that, although they look the most like dress shoes, the polished leather Blundstones show creases after only a couple of wears. In contrast, the softer materials with a lighter finish have a more casual appearance and retain their original look for an extended period of time.
How We Chose
Versatility: The beauty of Blundstone boots is their versatility, and every pair on this list was chosen for their ease of wear. Rather than being able to sport them for only a single occasion, you’ll find that these men’s Blundstone boots will easily carry you from work to the bar to the backcountry.
Model / Style: Blundstones are instantly recognizable for their iconic Chelsea boot silhouette, but I strived to include a range of styles and models to show off the diverse collection of the brand while keeping it in the Chelsea boot family. The various styles on this list all offer something a little different, whether it’s a chunkier sole, a sleeker design, or a welcome pop of color.
Fit: Not all feet are created equal, and luckily, not all Blundstones are, either. The boot options on this list feature a range of fits, from ultra narrow to wide and roomy, to accommodate every type of foot.
Durability: Finally, all of the Blundstones on this list were chosen for their next-level durability and rugged nature, regardless of the series or boot design. Rest assured that all of the Blundstone options on this list will last you for years and years.
Why Trust Us?
Jane is a leather boot fiend with more than twenty pairs from various brands in her collection. Her most worn are Blundstones, which have traveled the globe with her, traversing big city streets, towering mountains, overgrown forests, and more public transportation than imaginable. Aside from running around the world in leather boots, Jane has spent years writing about men’s fashion, grooming, and lifestyle to help guys make informed decisions about the best gear. Marrying her personal experience with extensive interviews and a life spent chronically online, she has proven that there’s no one better suited to give leather boot advice than Jane.
Final Verdict
For the best Blundstone boots, it’s impossible to beat the Classic 550s, which are versatile enough to handle daily wear, big hikes, and formal occasions without ever breaking stride. For a different style of Blundstone Chelsea boots, the Square Toe 063 Series is a top runner-up with a unique chiseled finish and a relaxed fit.
FAQ
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The best Blundstones are the Classic 550s because they can withstand whatever life throws their way, from long days on the trail to everyday commutes to work and beyond. If you don’t plan on doing much trekking in your Blundstones, the Original 500s are also a top pick with a bit of a narrower fit than the Classics.
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The best way to protect Blundstones is to clean them regularly and apply a waterproof coating occasionally to ensure that the leather stays weather-resistant. The best care for Blundstone boots is outlined in detail on the website here.
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The best way to break in Blundstones is to wear them a lot. Start with short periods at a time – twenty minutes around the house or while running errands. Work up to an hour at a time until you can wear them without discomfort. If you do experience uncomfortable rubbing while breaking them in, I recommend putting bandaids on your heels and wearing thicker socks. After about a solid month of wear, the leather will soften up and the Blundstones will form to your feet for a personalized fit.
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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
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