Blundstone boots have become synonymous with durable and comfortable footwear. With their distinctive Chelsea boot style and elastic sides, Blundstones are a popular choice for work, outdoor adventures or everyday wear.
But with so many models to choose from, it can be tricky to know which Blundstone boot is right for you.
In this guide, we’ll compare three of Blundstone’s most popular styles – the 500, 550 and 585 boots. We’ll look at the key features of each model, their similarities and differences, and the pros and cons of each boot.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Blundstone 500 | Blundstone 550 | Blundstone 585 |
| Upper | Suede leather | Water-resistant nubuck leather | Premium leather |
| Lining | Removable foam footbed | Removable foam footbed | Removable foam footbed |
| Outsole | Thermoplastic urethane | Thermoplastic urethane | Studded rubber |
| Traction | Slip-resistant lugs | Slip and oil-resistant lugs | Low profile lugs |
| Weatherproofing | Not waterproof | Water-resistant treatment | Not waterproof |
| Shock Absorption | N/A | Heel and forefoot cushion | N/A |
| Style | Heritage, rustic | Rugged, work boot | Business casual |
Overview of Blundstone 500, 550 and 585 Boots
The Blundstone 500, 550 and 585 boots share the same classic Chelsea boot silhouette, with elastic sides, pull tabs and sturdy leather uppers. But there are some key differences between the models:
Blundstone 500
- Original Blundstone Chelsea boot
- Suede leather upper
- Cushioned removable footbed
- Durable thermoplastic urethane (TPU) outsole
- Rustic, heritage look
Blundstone 550
- Nubuck leather upper
- Water-resistant treatment
- Shock protection in heel and forefoot
- Slip and oil resistant outsole
- Rugged work boot aesthetic
Blundstone 585
- Premium leather upper
- Removable foam footbed
- Flexible studded rubber outsole
- Classic business casual style
Now let’s look at each boot in more detail…
Also Read: Differences Between Snip Toe And Square Toe Boots.
Blundstone 500 Boots
The Blundstone 500 is the original Chelsea boot that the company was founded on back in 1870. This heritage style features:
- Suede leather upper
The uppers are made from soft, durable suede leather. It has a casual, rustic look and molds to the shape of your feet over time. The suede does require more care and attention than smooth leather.
- Cushioned removable footbed
The boots come with a foam cushioned footbed that provides underfoot comfort and support. This footbed is also removable so you can insert your own custom orthotic if needed.
- Thermoplastic urethane (TPU) outsole
The outsole is made from durable TPU with a slip-resistant tread pattern. It stands up well to everyday wear and tear.
- Elastic sides
The stretchy elastic side panels make the boots easy to pull on and off, and adjust to the shape of your feet.
- Pull tabs
Handy pull tabs at the back make the boots easy to slip on.
- Rustic, Heritage Styling
With the suede leather and minimal styling, these boots have a timeless, rustic look. They epitomize the traditional Blundstone design.
Blundstone 500 Pros
- Classic, heritage Chelsea boot style
- Soft, comfortable suede upper
- Removable cushioned footbed
- Durable TPU outsole
- Easy pull-on design
- Versatile look – dresses up or down
Blundstone 500 Cons
- Suede requires more care and maintenance
- Not waterproof
- Less supportive than some Blundstone models
- Outsole not as slip-resistant as lug soles
Blundstone 550 Boots
The Blundstone 550 boot adds some more rugged features to the classic Chelsea silhouette. Key features include:
- Nubuck leather upper
The uppers are made from hardy nubuck leather which has a suede-like feel but is more durable and scratch-resistant.
It also has a water-resistant treatment.
- Water-resistant
The leather is treated to repel water and moisture while still staying breathable.
This makes the 550 a better choice for wet weather.
- Shock protection
These boots have built-in shock absorbing cushioning in the heel and forefoot to reduce fatigue when on your feet all day.
- Slip and oil resistant outsole
The TPU outsole has extra grip for slippery conditions with angled heel brakes and multi-directional lugs.
- Flex grooves
Strategic flex grooves allow the soles to flex naturally with your feet for added comfort.
- Rugged work boot styling
With the chunkier lug sole and nubuck leather, the 550 has a rugged, utilitarian look suited to work environments.
Blundstone 550 Pros
- Water-resistant nubuck leather
- Protection from slips and falls
- Shock absorption for comfort
- Durable, sturdy construction
- Excellent grip on slippery floors
- Flexible outsole
- Great for workplace/industrial use
Blundstone 550 Cons
- Nubuck leather requires care
- Not designed for extreme cold weather
- Heavy tread can feel clunky
- Runs large so can fit wide in the heels
Also Read: Differences Between HAIX And Danner Boots.
Blundstone 585 Boots
If you want a dressier Chelsea boot, the Blundstone 585 is a sharp-looking choice. Key features:
- Premium leather upper
This model is crafted from smooth, premium leather with neat stitching details.
The leather develops a nice patina over time.
- Removable foam footbed
Like the 500 boots, the 585’s come with a cushioned and breathable foam footbed that can be replaced with custom orthotics.
- Flexible studded rubber outsole
The multi-directional lugs provide traction while the TPU pellet construction ensures flexibility. The low studded profile has a dressier look.
- Cushioned collar
Extra foam cushioning lines the topline ankle opening for a more comfortable fit.
- Business casual aesthetics
With the clean leather upper and slimmer sole, these boots have a sharp, refined look perfect for dressing up.
Blundstone 585 Pros:
- Premium leather upper
- Comfortable foam footbed
- Flexible yet sturdy sole
- Cushioned ankle collar
- Versatile business casual style
- Breaks in to mold comfortably to feet
- Looks great dressed up or down
Blundstone 585 Cons:
- Leather requires care and polishing
- Not designed for heavy outdoor use
- Low lugs offer less traction than lug soles
- Runs large so can fit loose in the heel
How To Choose Between Blundstone 500, 550 and 585 Boots?
So which Blundstone boot is right for you? Here are a few tips:
- For everyday wear: The 500 is a comfortable, classic choice with its soft suede and cushioned footbed. The 585 also works well for casual everyday use with smart leather styling.
- For work sites and outdoors: The rugged 550 is ideal for slippery work sites, outdoor use and demanding conditions with its weatherproof nubuck leather and slip-resistant outsole.
- For business casual: The 585 is the most refined Chelsea boot in the range while still being comfortable for all-day wear.
- For wide feet: The 500 and 585 fit more snugly while the 550 runs slightly large and wide.
- For style priorities: The heritage 500 has a rustic vibe, the 550 is utilitarian, and the 585 has the most polished look.
- For budget: The 500 is the most affordable at around $180 while the 550 and 585 come in around $200.
Caring for Your Blundstones
All Blundstone boots will last longer when properly cared for:
- Use a protective spray to guard leather and suede against stains and moisture. Re-apply every few months.
- Remove dirt with a soft bristle brush. Avoid excessive water exposure.
- Store with shoe trees to absorb sweat and retain shape.
- Condition leather every few months to prevent cracking. Use polish and creams sparingly on nubuck.
- Allow boots to air and dry out fully after wear before storage.
- Have heels and soles repaired promptly by a cobbler at first signs of excessive wear.
Proper break-in and fit also helps. Wear new boots for short periods at first to allow the upper and footbed to mold to your feet. Thick socks can help take up extra space if boots run large.
Also Read: Is Baffin Snow Monster Better Than Impact Cold Weather Boots?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main difference is the outsole. The Blundstone 585 has a studded rubber outsole while the 584 has a Thermoplastic urethane (TPU) outsole with a more rugged lug pattern. The 585 sole is considered more flexible and comfortable for all day wear while still offering decent traction. The 584 has deeper lugs for better grip on rough terrain. The uppers are both premium leather.
The leather uppers of the 585 boots are not treated to be waterproof. Getting them occasionally wet or damp won’t damage them, but frequent submersion or heavy rain exposure can cause the leather to deteriorate faster. Use waterproofing sprays and allow boots to fully dry out before storage to help minimize water damage. The nubuck leather 550 boots have more water resistance if dealing with wet conditions frequently.
Blundstone 585 boots often run slightly large. Many wearers find sizing down a half or full size provides a better fit. This prevents the heel slipping up and down in the boot which can lead to blisters. Wearing thick socks can help fill out the boot if you don’t want to size down. Trying the boots on in person is the best way to ensure the perfect fit.
The main differences lie in the leather type, weatherproofing, outsoles and styling:
1. 500: Suede leather, not waterproof, TPU outsole, heritage styling
2. 550: Water-resistant nubuck leather, slip-resistant TPU outsole, rugged/workwear look
3. 585: Smooth leather, not waterproof, flexible rubber outsole, business casual style
4. 554: Waterproof full grain leather, comfort footbed, casual/contemporary design
5. 963: Waterproof nubuck leather, molded TPU outsole, outdoors/farm work use
Within the heritage Chelsea boot style, materials and details are optimized for different purposes with the 500 for everyday wear, 550 for work sites, and 585 for casual office environments.
Final Verdict
When it comes to iconic Chelsea boot style and rugged durability, Blundstone boots deliver. Choose the sleek leather 585 for casual work and city wear, the hardy 550 for demanding work conditions or the classic 500 as an everyday wardrobe staple.
Ultimately, the best Blundstone boot is the one that fits your personal style, intended use and feel. With care, your chosen pair should provide years of comfortable service.
