Earlier in 2022, I came across this unique pair of Chelsea boots during my research and had to give them a try.
Before then, I used to wear my old Zara pair for long walks in London’s most fanciest places, and they were stylish except for one thing…
Comfort!
My good old pair of Nike trainers could do the job but they weren't ideal for such environments, so I decided to scout for stylish and comfortable all-in-one footwear.
The result?
Blundstone!
But first, I’ll tell you a little bit about their history as I don’t just research and buy products, I go the extra mile to understand their origin.
Blundstone happens to be a very popular brand; In fact, they’ve been around since 1870. The company was founded in Tasmania, Australia by John Blundstone; a British migrant who moved from England with his wife in 1855. John would later work as a coach-builder until 1870 when he started the importation of shoes from England before proceeding to manufacture boots in Hobart Liverpool Street. By 1892 his eldest son joined the business and thus the name John Blundstone & Son was formed. Fast forward to today, their leather boots are manufactured overseas, including in countries such as China, India and Mexico. But the gumboots are still made in Hobart. That's about the history in summary.
The boots come in a navy/brown box and I got them in a UK size 8 which is US 9 and EU 42. At the time I bought them, they cost £155 including taxes. This was roughly $200 or €183.
As mentioned, I love long walks so I decided to put the boots to the test the next day. I wore them around London’s Victoria, Oxford and Knightsbridge streets. The aim was to determine whether they were comfortable, true to size, and ideal for harsh weather conditions, as it was cold on that day.
The outcome? A very impressive first-day try-on.
For about 7 hours, I walked around the shopping malls, stood on buses and tubes (UK underground trains), and didn't feel an iota of discomfort. Not only that, the extra footbeds were not needed as they were true to size. In terms of warmth, they also did well in that department thanks to their Thinsulate insulation. The only drawbacks were the initial difficulties I faced–and still do–whenever I’m trying to put them on. Despite their pull tabs, I still struggle to slide my feet in and out of the boots.
Their bulky silhouette and round-toe construction also make them slightly casual for formal trousers, so you’re kind of stuck, wearing them with jeans (and maybe chinos or corduroy trousers at best). Another drawback, although personal, was the logo of the boots: I personally prefer them inside the shoes, but they’re located on each side of the outsoles.
Apart from a few drawbacks, I’d say they are great-looking Chelsea Boots–durable, stylish, and above all comfortable. Another benefit is that they're unisex, so if you’re a lady reading this post, I hope you’ve also found it helpful.
Before then, I used to wear my old Zara pair for long walks in London’s most fanciest places, and they were stylish except for one thing…
Comfort!
My good old pair of Nike trainers could do the job but they weren't ideal for such environments, so I decided to scout for stylish and comfortable all-in-one footwear.
The result?
Blundstone!
But first, I’ll tell you a little bit about their history as I don’t just research and buy products, I go the extra mile to understand their origin.
Brief history and where Blundstone boots are made
Blundstone happens to be a very popular brand; In fact, they’ve been around since 1870. The company was founded in Tasmania, Australia by John Blundstone; a British migrant who moved from England with his wife in 1855. John would later work as a coach-builder until 1870 when he started the importation of shoes from England before proceeding to manufacture boots in Hobart Liverpool Street. By 1892 his eldest son joined the business and thus the name John Blundstone & Son was formed. Fast forward to today, their leather boots are manufactured overseas, including in countries such as China, India and Mexico. But the gumboots are still made in Hobart. That's about the history in summary.
Style and features
The boots come in a navy/brown box and I got them in a UK size 8 which is US 9 and EU 42. At the time I bought them, they cost £155 including taxes. This was roughly $200 or €183.
I picked them from the classic men's style also known as the 550 series. Blundstone offers a variety of models and colours under this series, but I went for the #585 rustic brown as they’re more popular and stylish in my opinion. I also made the order through their website and it took around 3 days to be delivered.
What I Found Opening The Box
The boots, a care guide and two extra insoles/footbeds.
Sturdy, suede leather uppers with firmly stitched side panels. They're also water resistant–which is a bonus.
Sturdy, suede leather uppers with firmly stitched side panels. They're also water resistant–which is a bonus.
Like my Thursday Major Boots, these features are also beneficial for the unpredictable UK weather. Compared to my Zara boots, they have two pull tabs, soft, authentic leather lining, and rubber insoles.
They’ve also got rubber outsoles, making them comfortable for walking.
Underneath are designed with rough-textured edges for grip, helping you navigate slippery floors, plus they’re oil and acid-resistant.
They’ve also got rubber outsoles, making them comfortable for walking.
Underneath are designed with rough-textured edges for grip, helping you navigate slippery floors, plus they’re oil and acid-resistant.
Testing Phase
As mentioned, I love long walks so I decided to put the boots to the test the next day. I wore them around London’s Victoria, Oxford and Knightsbridge streets. The aim was to determine whether they were comfortable, true to size, and ideal for harsh weather conditions, as it was cold on that day.
The outcome? A very impressive first-day try-on.
For about 7 hours, I walked around the shopping malls, stood on buses and tubes (UK underground trains), and didn't feel an iota of discomfort. Not only that, the extra footbeds were not needed as they were true to size. In terms of warmth, they also did well in that department thanks to their Thinsulate insulation. The only drawbacks were the initial difficulties I faced–and still do–whenever I’m trying to put them on. Despite their pull tabs, I still struggle to slide my feet in and out of the boots.
Their bulky silhouette and round-toe construction also make them slightly casual for formal trousers, so you’re kind of stuck, wearing them with jeans (and maybe chinos or corduroy trousers at best). Another drawback, although personal, was the logo of the boots: I personally prefer them inside the shoes, but they’re located on each side of the outsoles.
The decision
Apart from a few drawbacks, I’d say they are great-looking Chelsea Boots–durable, stylish, and above all comfortable. Another benefit is that they're unisex, so if you’re a lady reading this post, I hope you’ve also found it helpful.
As usual, the ultimate choice of adding them to your footwear collection is yours.
Thanks for reading, see you in the next one. 🙂
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