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.
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.
Price: $160 SHOP NOW
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.)
Price: $349 SHOP NOW
Most Stylish: Danner Pub Garden 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. That said, the new Pub Garden Chelsea is seriously cool. With an ultra-sleek all-black style, rugged lightweight outsole, leather upper with leather pull tabs, and all around waterproof construction, this all-purpose boot is an attractive choice for daily wear, in the city and out.
Price: $180 $108
SHOP NOW
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.
Price: $175 SHOP NOW
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.
Price: $189 SHOP NOW
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.
Price: $95 SHOP NOW
Best Pull-On Work Boot: CAT 6" Stormers Boot
When you need to trudge around in the mud, sand, snow, whatever, there's no better boot than a classic muck boot. The unisex 6" Stormers Work Boot improves on the basic design with a more rugged outsole, reinforced vulcanized rubber upper, and soft neoprene lining. Plus it's job-site approved—rated to protect against open circuits up to 600 volts. Caterpillar makes some of the world's most hardworking machinery. And now they make badass boots too.
Price: $120 SHOP NOW
Published 05-11-2022
