Since their inception in 1870, Blundstones have become classics.
Blundstone, an Australian family owned boot company, has been making iconic Chelsea boots for a long time. But only recently I’ve found out about them. I’ve got my hands on a pair to review, specifically the #566 black Thermal Series Blundstone boots.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Insulated
- Waterproof
- Easy to slip on and off – great for going through airport security
- High quality leather
- Great traction
- Include a sample packet of Nikwax, waterproofing wax for leather
- Versatile
- Antimicrobial
These Chelsea boots (boots that are elastic-sided) have a simplistic and classic design, great for pairing with jeans, etc.
With their two pull tabs and elastic sides, the Blundstone boots are easy to put on and off, no laces required. This is great if you’re globetrotting and need to quickly slip the boots on and off.
Originating as work boots, these Blundstones are suitable for off the beaten track travel, or even on the farm or horse riding. Their classic look also makes them stylish enough for cold weather city tours.
Fit:
Since Blundstone is an Australian based company, the boots’ sizing are in both AU and US sizes. I am a US size 9, which is the equivalent to a AU size 8. The boots are true to size, as I’m a size 9 in Keen, Nike, Timberland and Blundstone.
There’s enough space in the shoes to wear a warm pair of wool socks, like my crew length Injinji merino wool toe socks. Blundstone boots have their roots from work boots, making them comfortable enough to be worn all day or when walking for long periods of time.
The Blundstone boots weigh 2.6 lb a pair in size 9 according to my scale.
What’s the difference between the Original 500 Series and the Thermal Series?
While I haven’t tried the Original Series Blundstone boots, it looks like the only big difference is that one is insulated and the other isn’t. Original and Thermal Blundstone boots have nearly identical looks however, the Thermal Series boots have 3M Thinsulate technology.
Warmth and Waterproof:
The Blundstone Thermal Series boots are equipped with a Thinsulate insulation lining. The boots also have a removable sheepskin footbed (similar to the sheepskin insoles of UGG boots), which is soft and warm. I estimate that my feet would be comfortable with these boots to temperatures down to around 10 °F.
Since the footbed is removable, I’d imagine that you could switch it out for something less warm during the spring or on warmer days.
The boots have few seams and are waterproof, meaning you won’t have to worry about stepping in slush or wet snow, like that in New York City. The shoes came with a sample packet of Nikwax which I applied to the leather. The wax protects the leather and makes water bead and roll off. As I’ve tested under the sink without applying the wax, water doesn’t bead on the leather and could potentially seep in if submerged for a few minutes. With the wax, the leather has another line of defence and keeps water away.
Once temperatures drop even lower, I will update this review on how the Blundstone boots perform in heavy snow and subfreezing temperatures.
Cons:
I honestly don’t have any major gripes about these boots.
The Verdict:
The Blundstone Thermal Series boots are warm, comfortable and have a great classic look. I expect for them to keep my feet warm and cozy for the NYC winter and beyond.
The Thermal Series boots cost retail $225, and come in black (which I’ve reviewed) and brown. Looking for Blundstones without insulation? Check out the Original Series boots, which are retail $185.
Blundstone Winter Boot Ratings
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Comfort - 9/109/10
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Design - 8/108/10
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Durability - 8/108/10
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Value - 7/107/10
Where to Get These Boots:
- Get these shoes on us.blundstone.com
- At Zappos.com
- Also on Amazon.com
Have any questions about the Blundstone Winter Boots? Leave your comment below.
The Blundstone Winter Boots were provided for this review. As always, this Blundstone Winter Boot review contains only my honest views and opinions. Some links found in this review are affiliate links, meaning that we get commission if you decide to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. This helps to fund the site. 🙂
Sounds like a great pair of boots.
Tenho uma #500 quando cheguei no Nordeste a sola se desfez toda. Virou farinha. Era uma testa di moro linda. Paguei 90 reais para botar solado novo. Mas como vivemos em um país de corruptos. Me botaram uma porcaria.
I am wondering how the inside insulated lining in the winter blundstone is holding up. Running shoes often wear out in the lining at the back of my heal first. If I buy these boots I would need them to last me a long time to get my money’s worth as they are expensive for my clothing budget.
Do you find that the boots get too warm? I plan on wearing the winter versions to school and am wondering if my feet will get too warm while I am indoors.
Not really. I usually don’t have any issues with my feet overheating.
I am wondering how the inside insulated lining in the winter blundstone is holding up. Running shoes often wear out in the lining at the back of my heal first. If I buy these boots I would need them to last me a long time to get my money’s worth as they are expensive for my clothing budget.