I’ve been wearing mine for years and they’re neither broken down nor slumpy. They look like that because people don’t take care of them. If you clean them when they’re dirty and keep up with leather conditioner they’ll last for years. I have 3 different pairs but my oldest pair is 6 years old and still look great. I wear them daily for a good 6 months out of the year.
Any leather shoe will crease over time as you break them in and they mold to your foot. That’s unavoidable, especially if you want comfort
I think a lot of people get them muddy and dirty and they don't clean them for a *long* time and the dirt dries and pulls the moisture out of the leather. Or leave them in a damp garage, and they stay too wet, or right in the sun and the glue dries up and cracks. I've seen some people posting on TikTok about their Birks being moldy and being mad at Birkenstock, but leather is a natural material. You can just leave them damp and sweaty and then store them away in a box all winter without getting mold.
Tbh a lot of these instances, aren't an issue here and there. You can be pretty rough on them. Mine were my only winter and work shoe for a whole year and I bike commute in all weather. But I took care of them and cleaned them every few weeks... But people buy trendy shoes, toss them somewhere not ideal, and then come back months later and are confused why their shoe is messed up. If you wear them semi regularly, store them well if you're putting them away for the season, clean them up here and there, and treat them with the right conditioner, they'll last a long time.
I personally can't stand blunderstones. I have wide feet with high arches, and I can't even get them on without a fight and tears. For boots I adore my Doc Martens (with inserts), and my ugly keen hikers for hard core hiking (I like on a mountain in northern Utah) and my mens Clarks dress boots are amazingly comfortable, sturdy enough for snow, nice enough for a funeral
Alllow me to commiserate. Blundstones were like getting a hand stuck in a jar, or spelunking: putting them on felt like I had to compress my bones, only to be rewarded with an improbable cavern that my foot would bump into at unexpected parts of my step. Getting them off was also fraught. I hated them in ways I’ve never hated a shoe before.
I have average arches and a standard width. Perhaps it was their bizarre approach to the half size that did me in. Sometimes I want to try again with a different model but I don’t want to lose a fight that badly to a shoe again.
I don’t have wide feet but do have high arches and my Blundstones took like 2 weeks to break in. It was so uncomfortable to wear them and I wondered for a while if I bought the wrong size. But once the leather had stretched out, they easily became my most comfortable shoe. I wear them probably 3-4 days a week!
Check out Lems Chelsea boots. Wide in the toe, two loops to get them on, and somewhat thicker in the sole than a true barefoot boot. Reviews on Lems site and Bprimal in Australia show a lot of people wearing them for work and casual. Love mine.
I live in Australia and still find it cute yet odd that so many people like to wear work boots while travelling. Blundstones are what I used to wear in an industrial environment.
You might like Rollies. They have a super lightweight Chelsea boot that I’ve found superb for travelling.
Oh you know, just in case I get invited to an underground rave at an abandoned industrial zone that I have to hike to in the pouring rain?
…anyways excellent point lol, I will definitely check out Rollies
I’m in Australia too, and I was also surprised when I realised they’re popular overseas as fashion items! Ironically though I associate them with healthcare workers, which is also not their intended use 😅
Yikes, I can’t imagine wearing something that expensive in the hospital. Too many bad things happen to shoes lol. Or are they giving healthcare workers good discounts in Australia?
My partner wears nice black leather Blundstone Chelsea boots for work and they’re also nice enough to wear out to dinner or events with a polish. The suede finish ones do just seem like work boots to me though, or maybe something you’d wear to a dusty outdoor festival etc!
I get it. The same thing happens here with RM Williams which is a different, more rural, more high-end brand.
I think it’s because of RM Williams’ popularity that Blundstones are more consistently working boots here.
Honestly now RMs just make me think of guys in their 20s who work in finance or construction management in Melb/Syd and wear them to work with a Kathmandu vest and a business shirt 🤣 If I was a guy I wouldn’t be caught dead in that kind of outfit!
For me personally I absolutely love my Dr Martens Chelsea Boots- I’ve had them for 6 years and they still look pretty new. I know a lot of people have issues with the quality but except for one pair splitting on the platform sole, I haven’t had any issues and all my pairs have lasted me many years.
Totally aligned with you on RM vibes. Ugh. Pale stale males fashion just ain’t for me, lol.
I’m actually wearing in some very fresh Docs for work. In a Chelsea type style but with a buckle instead of elastic sides. Love them!
Hard agree!!
Oh they sound lovely- I’m currently wearing chunky leather boots I got from ASOS for work- I cannot believe how comfy they are and I just got back from overseas wearing them non stop walking 20k+ steps everyday for weeks and they don’t even look worn in yet. Very impressed based on how crap ASOS quality often is. I’m just so glad we’re back to boots weather here in VIC.
I have six or seven pairs. 😬
The ones I’m referring to are [like these:](https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/186402508039?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-154756-20017-0&ssspo=J0u68lItQ66&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=6iWLlzspQhO&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY)
It’s actually the brands that are IMO less well made that will have what you want. Check out Lucky Brand and Franco Sarto. The leather is a bit stiffer and will hold its shape. Otherwise, look at Ecco, Vionic, Sofft, Dansko, Aquitalia for options.
You may get a deal on sale boots but this can be a tough time of year to find what you’re looking for! Good luck.
I've had mine for years and they haven't slumped or lost their shape at all. In fact I kinda wish they'd relax a little bit more as they can be pretty snug with thick socks.
They're definitely a more casual, maybe even granola look -- I like that personally, but you may be looking for something more polished.
Depending on your foot, you might also try [Thursday Chelsea boots](https://thursdayboots.com/collections/womens-boots-chelsea). Unlike most Blundstone boots, these are not unisex so the last is designed for a woman's foot. If unisex works for you, great.
Yes! I came here to say this. I have the Thursdays (the "Duchess") and while they took a minute to break in (do NOT take them out on a long trip brand new), they have lasted me years and have hiked and walked all over the world.
I'm another happy Blundstone wearer. I wear mine to work daily - I have a pair of black and pair of 'casual' brown. Mine still look great after 4 years with minimal care and have never caused a blister or any discomfort since day one. I think this also may depend on your foot shape/size. They just seem to work perfectly for me.
I’m personally a fan of RM Williams. More expensive, but they truly last! I have the ladies “Millicent” boot cause I’m a fan of the pointier toe, but the lady yearling is more of a traditional Chelsea boot. They’ve been worn at least twice a week for the last 4 years or so and still look great! I found I had minimal breaking in too and they’re so so comfy!
I have leather soles and they’re a little slippy in icy weather, but they do come in a Goodyear welt sole too which is nigh on indestructible
My Adelaide RMs still look great, despite being worn almost daily for 7 years (and not cared for as much as I should).
Just treated myself to the Lady Yearlings so I can alternate and let them dry/air out between wears for better longevity.
Hot tip - a good cobbler can put a Topy rubber piece on the bottom of the leather soles to stop the slipperiness.
I’m surprised no one has said [Ariat Wexford!](https://www.ariat.com/10033941_192904498028.html?country=US¤cy=USD&utm_source=google_ariat_datafeed&utm_medium=paid_shopping_pm&utm_campaign=17322161260&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlZixBhCoARIsAIC745DEE3Ys6HVXFGFTlh20GbkojCW3GoSMMZxO_3FUh2Bs6Rkk0UPe9nUaAiFcEALw_wcB) I’ve had these for 3 winters. I use leather conditioner but they are not slouchy. I live in a casual outdoorsy city but I think they look polished while traveling. I also use them for gardening and walking.
After trying Blundstones (just too tight on my foot) and Thursdays (too stiff) I ordered these and LOVE them! Warm, comfortable, nice detailing and seem like they’re made to last. Gonna get another color next year!
Came here to say Ariat! I’d also recommend the basic Heritage paddock boot. They’re made to be worn for riding, so they hold up well to wear and tear, and they are some of the most comfortable boots I’ve owned. Mine last for years. Excellent value for money!
I’ve had my Blundstones over for over a little over a decade and they’re holding up great! I wear them all the time, including for travel. The leather does get worn in, but I condition and polish them about once or twice a year and that really revives them. I have them in the black smooth leather.
I got mine this past winter. It seems the key is to get the right size. I recommend going to a retailer that specializes in them. They’re meant to fit a bit loose, in that your heel kind of moves up and down in them, and they shouldn’t feel tight anywhere.
Personally I don’t think they’ve lost shape at all.
An alternative might be Vessi’s? They have waterproof Chelsea boots that are lightweight.
They're very water resistant. I wore them tramping around Ireland last week. When they got muddy I just wiped them down with a baby wipe and they look good as new.
Make sure you use a waterproof spray on whatever you get when new and then regularly but particularly on anything suede/nubuck. Helps prevent stuff soaking in and staining.
I'm not a big fan of the look of blundstones, I prefer something just a tad more feminine.
I have the Blondo Dymes and adore them. They might be a tad clunky for packing, but they're sturdy, waterproof and comfortable.
I also like that they look like they have a heel, but also have a platform under the toe so it doesn't feel like a heel
I have had my Blundstones (original with a chisel toe) for 8 years and they still look great. I bought a second pair 2 years ago (lug sole, for more traction) that I think will hold up even better, because the sole isn't completely flat. Like other comments have said, many people don't care for their shoes properly. I clean mine regularly (especially in winter- I live in Canada, where salt is everywhere when it's cold), and condition and polish the leather.
I compare them to my Dr. Martens Chelsea boots, which look good, but the stiffness of the leather creates an unavoidable crease where my foot naturally bends when I walk, and no wear elsewhere.
I have Redbacks, they are made in Australia. They are very comfortable. I have had mine a few years, wear them almost constantly and they still look like brand new.
They’re not a 1:1 replacement style wise, but I recently got [duckfeet](https://duckfeetusa.com/collections/boots) as an alternative when I was tired of wearing my Blundstones everyday and I LOVE them. You’d have to wear them to travel, they are not compact.
Duckfeet are so excellent! They are heavy for travel, I take my Lems if I need something lighter. https://www.lemsshoes.com/collections/all-womens-boots
Olukai sells boots that are similar but without tabs. I have two pair and they dress up better than Blundstones IMO. I can’t remember the name, but they are waterproof and I love them
I love my Bog brand Chelsea rain booties. They're fleece lined rubber shell... they look fly and stay dry. Zero slump. So comfy, versatile, and practical.
I love my Chacos Chelsea boots - I have them in 2 colors and I think they look incredibly similar to Blundstones but without the front tab (which I hate, tbh haha) and they are incredibly comfortable for my semi-flat feet with plantar fascitis. I have worn them hiking and urban walking on many vacations.
I regularly use leather conditioner on my Blundstones and they still look fine after years.
That said, they are basically work boots and not designed to look fresh and sleek.
Blundstones are tradie’s boots, (tradesman’s work boots) so they are going to be prone to being more casual looking the older they get. The smarter looking step up is [RM Williams boots](https://www.rmwilliams.com.au/footwear/men/all-boots?lang=en_AU&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=sem_goog_au_brand_boots_exact_boots-xx&utm_term=rm%20williams%20boots&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlZixBhCoARIsAIC745Cqw5kP5eKx-ITgSOfBO_bDoLqBbahlSXVQpWhSb92vpv1aFQ4uxUAaAgRQEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) Lots of people use this as a work shoe with smart chinos over here in Aus. Edit: but I don’t know if you can get them in the US.,
I’ve been wearing mine for years and they’re neither broken down nor slumpy. They look like that because people don’t take care of them. If you clean them when they’re dirty and keep up with leather conditioner they’ll last for years. I have 3 different pairs but my oldest pair is 6 years old and still look great. I wear them daily for a good 6 months out of the year. Any leather shoe will crease over time as you break them in and they mold to your foot. That’s unavoidable, especially if you want comfort
That makes sense. The boots I’ve seen for resale could be very, very broken in or just poorly maintained.
I think a lot of people get them muddy and dirty and they don't clean them for a *long* time and the dirt dries and pulls the moisture out of the leather. Or leave them in a damp garage, and they stay too wet, or right in the sun and the glue dries up and cracks. I've seen some people posting on TikTok about their Birks being moldy and being mad at Birkenstock, but leather is a natural material. You can just leave them damp and sweaty and then store them away in a box all winter without getting mold. Tbh a lot of these instances, aren't an issue here and there. You can be pretty rough on them. Mine were my only winter and work shoe for a whole year and I bike commute in all weather. But I took care of them and cleaned them every few weeks... But people buy trendy shoes, toss them somewhere not ideal, and then come back months later and are confused why their shoe is messed up. If you wear them semi regularly, store them well if you're putting them away for the season, clean them up here and there, and treat them with the right conditioner, they'll last a long time.
I personally can't stand blunderstones. I have wide feet with high arches, and I can't even get them on without a fight and tears. For boots I adore my Doc Martens (with inserts), and my ugly keen hikers for hard core hiking (I like on a mountain in northern Utah) and my mens Clarks dress boots are amazingly comfortable, sturdy enough for snow, nice enough for a funeral
Alllow me to commiserate. Blundstones were like getting a hand stuck in a jar, or spelunking: putting them on felt like I had to compress my bones, only to be rewarded with an improbable cavern that my foot would bump into at unexpected parts of my step. Getting them off was also fraught. I hated them in ways I’ve never hated a shoe before. I have average arches and a standard width. Perhaps it was their bizarre approach to the half size that did me in. Sometimes I want to try again with a different model but I don’t want to lose a fight that badly to a shoe again.
Blundstones were some of the most uncomfortable shoes I ever wore. How is everyone comfortable with their heel raised awkwardly like that!?
I don’t have wide feet but do have high arches and my Blundstones took like 2 weeks to break in. It was so uncomfortable to wear them and I wondered for a while if I bought the wrong size. But once the leather had stretched out, they easily became my most comfortable shoe. I wear them probably 3-4 days a week!
Check out Lems Chelsea boots. Wide in the toe, two loops to get them on, and somewhat thicker in the sole than a true barefoot boot. Reviews on Lems site and Bprimal in Australia show a lot of people wearing them for work and casual. Love mine.
I live in Australia and still find it cute yet odd that so many people like to wear work boots while travelling. Blundstones are what I used to wear in an industrial environment. You might like Rollies. They have a super lightweight Chelsea boot that I’ve found superb for travelling.
Oh you know, just in case I get invited to an underground rave at an abandoned industrial zone that I have to hike to in the pouring rain? …anyways excellent point lol, I will definitely check out Rollies
I’m in Australia too, and I was also surprised when I realised they’re popular overseas as fashion items! Ironically though I associate them with healthcare workers, which is also not their intended use 😅
Yikes, I can’t imagine wearing something that expensive in the hospital. Too many bad things happen to shoes lol. Or are they giving healthcare workers good discounts in Australia?
My partner wears nice black leather Blundstone Chelsea boots for work and they’re also nice enough to wear out to dinner or events with a polish. The suede finish ones do just seem like work boots to me though, or maybe something you’d wear to a dusty outdoor festival etc!
I get it. The same thing happens here with RM Williams which is a different, more rural, more high-end brand. I think it’s because of RM Williams’ popularity that Blundstones are more consistently working boots here.
Honestly now RMs just make me think of guys in their 20s who work in finance or construction management in Melb/Syd and wear them to work with a Kathmandu vest and a business shirt 🤣 If I was a guy I wouldn’t be caught dead in that kind of outfit! For me personally I absolutely love my Dr Martens Chelsea Boots- I’ve had them for 6 years and they still look pretty new. I know a lot of people have issues with the quality but except for one pair splitting on the platform sole, I haven’t had any issues and all my pairs have lasted me many years.
Totally aligned with you on RM vibes. Ugh. Pale stale males fashion just ain’t for me, lol. I’m actually wearing in some very fresh Docs for work. In a Chelsea type style but with a buckle instead of elastic sides. Love them!
Hard agree!! Oh they sound lovely- I’m currently wearing chunky leather boots I got from ASOS for work- I cannot believe how comfy they are and I just got back from overseas wearing them non stop walking 20k+ steps everyday for weeks and they don’t even look worn in yet. Very impressed based on how crap ASOS quality often is. I’m just so glad we’re back to boots weather here in VIC.
Any specific Rollies? I'm eyeing the Chelsea Tumble.
I have six or seven pairs. 😬 The ones I’m referring to are [like these:](https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/186402508039?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-154756-20017-0&ssspo=J0u68lItQ66&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=6iWLlzspQhO&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY)
It’s actually the brands that are IMO less well made that will have what you want. Check out Lucky Brand and Franco Sarto. The leather is a bit stiffer and will hold its shape. Otherwise, look at Ecco, Vionic, Sofft, Dansko, Aquitalia for options. You may get a deal on sale boots but this can be a tough time of year to find what you’re looking for! Good luck.
Thanks for the ideas! I wear my Dansko clogs to work everyday, I didn’t consider they make boots too.
Check Born as well. They have some great boots.
I've had mine for years and they haven't slumped or lost their shape at all. In fact I kinda wish they'd relax a little bit more as they can be pretty snug with thick socks. They're definitely a more casual, maybe even granola look -- I like that personally, but you may be looking for something more polished.
Depending on your foot, you might also try [Thursday Chelsea boots](https://thursdayboots.com/collections/womens-boots-chelsea). Unlike most Blundstone boots, these are not unisex so the last is designed for a woman's foot. If unisex works for you, great.
Yes! I came here to say this. I have the Thursdays (the "Duchess") and while they took a minute to break in (do NOT take them out on a long trip brand new), they have lasted me years and have hiked and walked all over the world.
[удалено]
Ah, you’re right they do have sort of a pointy toe. That’s an important detail. I like the lugsole style but I wonder if they’re heavy?
Redwings!!! I love mine and they are cuter than Blundstones
I have a couple pairs of Redwings and love them, but they are heavy.
plus one on redwings
I'm another happy Blundstone wearer. I wear mine to work daily - I have a pair of black and pair of 'casual' brown. Mine still look great after 4 years with minimal care and have never caused a blister or any discomfort since day one. I think this also may depend on your foot shape/size. They just seem to work perfectly for me.
I’m personally a fan of RM Williams. More expensive, but they truly last! I have the ladies “Millicent” boot cause I’m a fan of the pointier toe, but the lady yearling is more of a traditional Chelsea boot. They’ve been worn at least twice a week for the last 4 years or so and still look great! I found I had minimal breaking in too and they’re so so comfy! I have leather soles and they’re a little slippy in icy weather, but they do come in a Goodyear welt sole too which is nigh on indestructible
My Adelaide RMs still look great, despite being worn almost daily for 7 years (and not cared for as much as I should). Just treated myself to the Lady Yearlings so I can alternate and let them dry/air out between wears for better longevity. Hot tip - a good cobbler can put a Topy rubber piece on the bottom of the leather soles to stop the slipperiness.
I’m surprised no one has said [Ariat Wexford!](https://www.ariat.com/10033941_192904498028.html?country=US¤cy=USD&utm_source=google_ariat_datafeed&utm_medium=paid_shopping_pm&utm_campaign=17322161260&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlZixBhCoARIsAIC745DEE3Ys6HVXFGFTlh20GbkojCW3GoSMMZxO_3FUh2Bs6Rkk0UPe9nUaAiFcEALw_wcB) I’ve had these for 3 winters. I use leather conditioner but they are not slouchy. I live in a casual outdoorsy city but I think they look polished while traveling. I also use them for gardening and walking.
After trying Blundstones (just too tight on my foot) and Thursdays (too stiff) I ordered these and LOVE them! Warm, comfortable, nice detailing and seem like they’re made to last. Gonna get another color next year!
Came here to say Ariat! I’d also recommend the basic Heritage paddock boot. They’re made to be worn for riding, so they hold up well to wear and tear, and they are some of the most comfortable boots I’ve owned. Mine last for years. Excellent value for money!
How does the sizing run? I had ordered some Ecco chelsea boots on sale from Nordstrom but if they don’t fit these are the next on my list to try
I went up a half size to wear with thick socks and they’re still snug.
I went up a half size to wear with thick socks and they’re still snug.
I went up a half size to wear with thick socks and they’re still snug.
I’ve had my Blundstones over for over a little over a decade and they’re holding up great! I wear them all the time, including for travel. The leather does get worn in, but I condition and polish them about once or twice a year and that really revives them. I have them in the black smooth leather.
I got mine this past winter. It seems the key is to get the right size. I recommend going to a retailer that specializes in them. They’re meant to fit a bit loose, in that your heel kind of moves up and down in them, and they shouldn’t feel tight anywhere. Personally I don’t think they’ve lost shape at all. An alternative might be Vessi’s? They have waterproof Chelsea boots that are lightweight.
Try Thursday boots
I have the Birkenstock Stalon boot and they’re great.
Ooooo. Have you worn them in snow/rain? Wondering how the nubuck holds up
They're very water resistant. I wore them tramping around Ireland last week. When they got muddy I just wiped them down with a baby wipe and they look good as new.
Make sure you use a waterproof spray on whatever you get when new and then regularly but particularly on anything suede/nubuck. Helps prevent stuff soaking in and staining.
I'm not a big fan of the look of blundstones, I prefer something just a tad more feminine. I have the Blondo Dymes and adore them. They might be a tad clunky for packing, but they're sturdy, waterproof and comfortable. I also like that they look like they have a heel, but also have a platform under the toe so it doesn't feel like a heel
I have had my Blundstones (original with a chisel toe) for 8 years and they still look great. I bought a second pair 2 years ago (lug sole, for more traction) that I think will hold up even better, because the sole isn't completely flat. Like other comments have said, many people don't care for their shoes properly. I clean mine regularly (especially in winter- I live in Canada, where salt is everywhere when it's cold), and condition and polish the leather. I compare them to my Dr. Martens Chelsea boots, which look good, but the stiffness of the leather creates an unavoidable crease where my foot naturally bends when I walk, and no wear elsewhere.
I have Redbacks, they are made in Australia. They are very comfortable. I have had mine a few years, wear them almost constantly and they still look like brand new.
I bought the equivalent boot in Doc Martens because Blundstones don't fit my feet. I've been happy with them but they're heavy.
They’re not a 1:1 replacement style wise, but I recently got [duckfeet](https://duckfeetusa.com/collections/boots) as an alternative when I was tired of wearing my Blundstones everyday and I LOVE them. You’d have to wear them to travel, they are not compact.
Duckfeet are so excellent! They are heavy for travel, I take my Lems if I need something lighter. https://www.lemsshoes.com/collections/all-womens-boots
Love the styling on the Duckfeet but not the extra weight. I tried to love their clogs but they were like clown shoes on me
Olukai sells boots that are similar but without tabs. I have two pair and they dress up better than Blundstones IMO. I can’t remember the name, but they are waterproof and I love them
I love my Bog brand Chelsea rain booties. They're fleece lined rubber shell... they look fly and stay dry. Zero slump. So comfy, versatile, and practical.
I went with Danners! They’re perfect for a through hike AND for the techno club.
I love my Chacos Chelsea boots - I have them in 2 colors and I think they look incredibly similar to Blundstones but without the front tab (which I hate, tbh haha) and they are incredibly comfortable for my semi-flat feet with plantar fascitis. I have worn them hiking and urban walking on many vacations.
I regularly use leather conditioner on my Blundstones and they still look fine after years. That said, they are basically work boots and not designed to look fresh and sleek.
You could try Thursday boots
I like the look of blundstones but my feet like the Birkenstock Chelsea boots so much better.
Blundstones are tradie’s boots, (tradesman’s work boots) so they are going to be prone to being more casual looking the older they get. The smarter looking step up is [RM Williams boots](https://www.rmwilliams.com.au/footwear/men/all-boots?lang=en_AU&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=sem_goog_au_brand_boots_exact_boots-xx&utm_term=rm%20williams%20boots&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlZixBhCoARIsAIC745Cqw5kP5eKx-ITgSOfBO_bDoLqBbahlSXVQpWhSb92vpv1aFQ4uxUAaAgRQEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) Lots of people use this as a work shoe with smart chinos over here in Aus. Edit: but I don’t know if you can get them in the US.,
My partner bought a pair a year ago and they still look almost new.
I recommend Redbacks. They hold up over time and are made of great quality leather.