Author
Field Mag
At this point, if you don't already own a pair of Blundstones, are you even an outdoorist? Or a fashion cool kid? Or just, like, a person that likes convenience and hates wet feet? The iconic Australian work boot is everywhere. And for good reason. They slide on easy, protect against the elements, and look damn fine with just about any outfit. But they're everywhere. The secret is well out.
After losing a single Blunnie in a ski hill parking lot in winter 2019 (don't ask, I have no idea how it happened either), I decided to expand my horizons and search out an alternative all-purpose pull-on boot. Below is what I found—a growing list our Editorial Team continues to update every few months.
The following list of the best Blundstone boot alternatives cover all the basis, from Chelsea boot suitable for city life to heavy duty, job-site approved work boots, from handmade in Australia to designed in Oregon, and so on. Forget the Original 500 vs Super 550 debate. Ditch the Blundstone. Be your own person and embrace a better pull-on boot this season.
11 Best Blundstone Alternative Boots for Men & Women
Best Upgrade: Rossi 301 Endura
The best alternative on the list is no doubt the Rossi Endura. Hell, it's even an upgrade. Like Blundstone, Rossi is an Australian staple. But unlike Blundstone, each Rossi boot is still made in Oz. With thicker leather, an air-cushioned sole, and a hefty leather rear pull tab that won't tear off, this boot won my search by a mile. And it's been my go-to boot for year-round wear for two plus years now. Just be sure to triple check your correct size, as Aussie sizing is unisex, from what we can gather.
Women's Option: Unisex sizing
Price: $160
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Best All-Around: Redback Boots Great Barrier
Redback Boots is another Aussie brand that keeps its footwear production right at home (down unda, it's a constant battle of Redback vs Blundstone). The six-inch Chelsea boot uses elastic panels that are angled to increase the conformity of the lightly-oiled leather uppers. Underfoot, the transparent molded polyurethane sole adds a unique style we’ve not seen before, as well as loads of grip that resist oil and acid.
Most Sustainable: Patagonia Wild Idea Work Boot
One of Patagonia's rare forays into footwear was born of a sustainability question: how could the company best repurpose the hides of a thousand buffalo raised for meat production? Enter the Wild Idea Work Boot. The Chelsea-style boots are constructed with 30% recycled Vibram EcoStep outsoles, which attach to the bison leather uppers using a Goodyear welt, a method that makes replacing the outsole—and thereby extending the boots' life—much easier. The thick yet highly breathable leather, from grass-fed bison raised on the South Dakota plains, is a moisture-wicking, durable material capable of conforming to your feet. The boots are only produced in limited quantities, however, so they aren't always in stock. (And sorry fellas—this is a women's-only Blundstone alternative; the men's version of Patagonia's Wild Idea Work Boot comes with laces.)
Best Pull-On Workshop Boot: Danner Bull Run Chelsea
It's no secret we're Danner fans around here, though our allegiance has long centered around the made in USA stitch-down Danner Light and other classic designs of the like. For choring and shop work, nothing beats the style and support of an off-white oil-resistant wedge sole like the one Danner picked out for this leather pull-on. And, with a pair of work pants draped over them, no one’s likely to notice your boots missing their laces.
Best Handmade Pull-On Boot: Rhodes Footwear Blake Boot
You don’t have to spend half your paycheck to get a quality pair of handmade leather pull-on boots, though there are certainly plenty of options out there if you prefer that route. This slender-shaped Chelsea uses waxed leather for a luxe touch that’s purported to age well with time and a lightweight Meramac PU sole that’s both lightweight and oil-resistant—made in Leon, Mexico, the heart of Mexico’s shoe industry.
Women’s Option: No
Price: $198
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Best Quality: Filson Slip-On Work Boots
The OG Seattle outfitter’s brand slogan “might as well have the best” has never once led us astray, so it’s safe to assume that these boots won’t do you wrong. The thick, oiled-leather uppers meet a heeled mini-lug Vibram sole, reinforced by a three-quarter length composite shank. Once the rubber on the sole eventually wears out, the Goodyear-welted construction makes resoling a breeze for any reputable cobbler.
Women’s Option: No
Price: $298
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Most Elusive: Canada West Romeos
Canada West is a 100% family-run business that has been making boots since 1978. Based in Winnipeg, they focus on making genuine quality footwear, and the Romeo boots (available for both men and women) are no exception. Each are handcrafted with a Vibram sole and premium-grade leather, and are available as an insulated option if you're kicking around in the cold. Canada West uses shrunken bullhide and bison leather, i.e. they are not embossed or printed at the tannery. Because of this, each boot has a unique texture, making every pair one of a kind. Unfortunately the company doesn't sell directly to the public, making a pair of Romeos a little tricky to find, but if you're ever in Winnipeg you can check out the factory outlet store, or order them through a local retailer.
Most Durable: Ariat Turbo Chelsea Work Boot
Ranch, western, and riding boot brand Ariat took one of their bomber work boots and gave it a pull-on conversion to make it our most durable pick. Starting from the ground up, a dual-density sole resists slips while adding grip and receives additional support from a lightweight shank and steel toe. Full-grain leather resists weather, further backed up by a waterproof liner. If you’re on your feet all day, you’ll appreciate the removable anti-fatigue footbed designed with working folks in mind. (USA made options are available, too.)
Most Utilitarian: Keen Anchorage III
Keen makes shoes that are so ugly they are cool. And the utilitarian Anchorage Boot III is just that. The third iteration of the slip-on boot now features waterproof suede, a sizable outsole designed for snow and wet terrain, and Keen's signature rubber toe cap for added protection. Gotta love a design that's at home on feet of aging hippies at the local organic co-op grocery, art school kids in NYC, and fashion interns in LA alike.
Women's Option: Keen Seattle Romeo
Price: $175
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Best Pull-On Work Boot: Kodiak McKinney Chelsea Boot
When you need to trudge around at the job site, in the yard, or even just around town, the all-new Kodiak McKinney Chelsea boot is a great option. The new soft toe Chelsea version of the waterproof McKinney work boot improves on the basic design by cutting down on the bells and whistles—what's left is a sturdy, tough, waterproof leather slip-on work boot with a moisture wicking inner and slip-resistant, non-marking rubber outsole.
Women's Option: Kodiak Whitton Chelsea
Price: $160
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Most Functional: Xtratuf 6" Ankle Deck Boot
Texans have cowboy hats, Hawaiians have flip flops, Mainers have Bean Boots, and Alaskans have Xtratufs. The waterproof, flexible, and durable 6" Ankle Deck Boot is a more wearable version of the brand's original knee-high boot first introduced in Alaska some 50 years ago. Nowadays, the rugged rubber boot is a cultural signifier you know what's up—from surfers in Oregon to commuters in Seattle and anglers in Anchorage, this no-slip boot is a trusted workhorse for those who battle wet weather on the regular.
Published 07-28-2022
