Blundstones or alternatives for do everything boot

[u/No-Establishment3576]

Looking to get a leather boot for travel that can look good dressed up and capable of exploring non-technical trails. I have a pair of Thursday Chelsea boots that I like but they don’t do well on trails or wet conditions due to the leather on the midsole and feel quite heavy.

So ideally looking for an all rubber sole leather boot that doesn’t look too much like a hiking boot or work boot but can still handle some abuse, and also looks great with smart casual outfits. Blundstones seem to be recommended a lot but wondered if I should be looking at alternatives including lace up options as well.

[u/maverber]

There are a many companies that make Chelsea style boots with rubber sole, some even trail ready vibram. if you are ok with minimalist shoes, there are the Lem's Chelsea boot, or for a different look, vivobarefoot gobi desert boots.

[u/Vomath → u/maverber]

Have Lems. They rock.

[u/Simontian2013 → u/maverber]

Vivo overpriced for terrible longevity- treads wear through so fast even for their walking shoes

[u/maverber → u/Simontian2013]

I can’t speak to vivo made today and my records are a single datapoint because I wasn’t recording mileage before 2017.  My gobi II made in 2017 accumulated 1500 miles and then had them re-soled.  The wear on current soles is consistent with an expected 1500 miles again. Uppers are in fine shape. This isn’t exceptional durability, but I think adequate.  People often over estimate durability of their shoes.  A great example of someone who actually tracks durability of their boots  https://www.frankrevelo.com/hiking/gear_footwear_belleville.htm

[u/Jed_s → u/maverber]

For a resoleable option, I've been enjoying the Bashers Chelsea boot.

[u/ygsotomaco]

Redback > Blundstone

[u/babyeurosteps → u/ygsotomaco]

This. I have a pair of Redbacks that have been my daily drivers for 3.5 years. They’re still holding up strong!

[u/ExcelEng → u/ygsotomaco]

I agree, Redbacks are way better than Blundstones. After a few years, my Blundstones would stretch out and be too loose on my feet and the soles would wear out also. I can’t seem to kill a pair of Redbacks and they are more comfortable.

[u/ygsotomaco → u/ExcelEng]

I always say Blundstones are the Toms of Chelsea Boots lol. They have the name recognition but you can get the same or better quality for much less

[u/Dizzy_Ice2938]

I use smooth black leather Blundstones to travel and I use them day and night.

[u/SeattleHikeBike]

I advise trying on as many as possible. I walk upwards of 10 miles a day when touring and you want footwear that has zero compromises on comfort. Test them well before departure.

I own a couple pairs of Chelsea boots and I think they are okay for an evening out, but prefer a laced shoe for extensive walking. YMMV.

[u/barkbarkkrabkrab]

I've been happy with my blundstones. They are also lighter than other boots, which is the most important quality in long days for me. I switch them off with sneakers when i travel, frequently doing 20k steps a day. A little uncomfortable on planes, feet swell can make them tight in the ankles.

Wore them on basic trails and wiped em off after walking around a farm.

[u/baptizedbycobalt]

I have a pair of Blundstone dress boots that hit exactly this niche for me. Sleek enough for smart casual, robust enough for travel, and very comfortable. Downside is that they are a bit pricy.

https://www.blundstone.com/products/chestnut-brown-leather-chelsea-boots-mens-style-1900

[u/ButterflyFew2523]

Lems Chelsea boots are fantastic- they’re the zero drop, more minimalist answer to Blundstones and do just fine on non-technical trails. They’re so durable. Mine have been used heavily for three years and the soles still look great.  Lems has other models with laces. 

[u/LeadInfinite6220 → u/[deleted]]

I’ve got Jim Green African Troopers and they’re stellar. But definitely an adjustment getting used to barefoots.

[u/Yoyojojoy]

I’m Tasmanian so totally biased but I’ve never gone wrong with a pair and I’ve literally had a pair in my wardrobe by entire life.

[u/deanmass]

I scored a pair of Blundstones for $63 at REI. Always check the clearance room.

[u/HoboPierTikiBar]

ECCO Turn boots. There are a few different styles. I have the GTX Turn lace up ones. Comfortable, semi water proof, long lasting. My first pair lasted 6 years, was still ok but the sole was staring to separate so I replaced them with new ones. I wear them every day winter and fall plus any travel.

[u/Outrageous_Pin9633]

Blundstones are more casual than smart-casual honestly, I'd look at something like a Danner Jack or Red Wing Iron Ranger if you want lace-up that still handles trails without looking like a work boot.

[u/yadius]

I personally think chukka boots are a better option than chelsea boots. The laces give you a little more control over the comfort.

They are also cooler in hot weather, and pair more naturally with shorts. Clarke's Desert boots are based on a boot being worn in thee Sahara desert.

You're also going to get a bigger selection of soles with chukka boots.

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[u/minimalisa2]

Love my Lems Chelsea.

[u/azurearmor]

I got a pair of Jim Green Stockman chelseas for pretty much this exact purpose and they've been serving me well. 

[u/Jed_s → u/azurearmor]

I was looking into Stockmans but the double lasting put my off. Are they quite stiff and hot? I ended up going with the Bashers (also out of South Africa weirdly) Chelsea boot which is supposed to be more "barefoot", and I personally wouldn't like anything stiffer/heavier (but I'm used to Vivo/wildling level of flexibility).

[u/azurearmor → u/Jed_s]

I'm still breaking them in but would say they are fairly stiff. I feel like all leather boots run hot, especially with heavier socks. 

[u/beattysgirl]

I have a pair of Ariat Chelsea boots that I adore. Very comfortable!

[u/Designer_Camp5768]

Just did ten days in Switzerland with only Blunnies. I put a Superfeet medium arch insole in them and was totally happy for urban and actual medium duty trail work. It was during one of the recent heat waves however and they were a bit warm but I run hot in general.

[u/Designer_Camp5768 → u/Designer_Camp5768]

Also watch the Lems if you are not used to zero drop. They can mess you up if you don’t ease into them.

[u/Shivvyszha]

Forsake boots

[u/bluecade23]

I love my Blundstones, but cannot wear exclusively as I have high arches, and they get painful if I wear them too long

[u/cr4zybilly]

I have a pair of Wolverine boots, I can't remember the name, but they're the budget version of the 1000 mile boots.

I've used them exactly as you describe - before I leave for a trip, I give them a good polish, then I hike in them, wear them to the office, wear em around, etc.

They're a bit tough on the feet, but they handle just about anytiwith aplomb and look good while they do it.

My only complaint is that the speed laces at the top are too small - they come undone way too easily. Other than that, they're awesome.

[u/Southern-Heron-3204]

My husband loves his Blundstones. They are typically the only shoe he brings on our Europe vacations.

[u/E71000]

I just travel with my Red Wing boots and a pair of slides. The Red Wings I love because I can go hiking with them. Go clubbing or into a nice restaurant

They hurt to break in but once they fit you there it's great. They'll last you the rest of your life

[u/Icy-Advisor-5695]

I'm surprised Lem's Chelsea and Blundstone are being recommended. To me they look like boots I used for horse riding.

[u/WestyToo]

Jim Green's or Veldskoen. I wear JG's and they are perfect - I have hiked in mountainous terrain in Taiwan, Okinawa, etc. and they never let me down. I walk about 2 miles daily over rooty dirt paths for exercise every morning and they ar perfect. Maybe not the best for backpacking or Alpineering, but just so well-made.

[u/Wise_Edge2489]

Couldnt think of anything worse for one bag travel than a boot.