Blundstones occupy the same space as Carhartt or Dickies: All are workwear brands that have transcended workwear. David Beckham has been spotted wearing Blundstones in the airport. They’ve inspired high-end knockoffs: Prada made a $965 designer dupe. Plus, no less than four Strategist staffers own two pairs of the boots (myself included).
But it’s not the style that drew a lot of us to these Australian work boots (though that’s certainly a draw). It’s the genuine utility. Blundstones are breathable, water-resistant, and have easy pull-on straps — all demonstrated functions of a work boot that’s been manufactured since 1870. And though the Strategist hive mind hasn’t reached a consensus about wearing these Australian work boots in the snow, four writers and editors named them among their go-to winter boots. Writer Hilary Reid aptly described them as “fairly lightweight, but solid enough to withstand walking through the dreaded curbside black holes of slush.” All of us who have joined the Blunnies crew (as they’re called in Australia) do agree that they hold up in the rain.
Another thing the crew agrees on: It’s rare that these boots, which cost around $200 a pair, are on sale, especially in their more classic styles. But this Cyber Monday, we noticed lots of different pairs of Blundstones are on sale at multiple retailers for up to 15 percent off — including many of the pairs that we own. The discounted price doesn’t make them cheap, necessarily, but if you consider that these Chelsea-style boots are the only pair you’ll need all winter (and fall, spring, and summer), the price tag seems more reasonable. Here are some we’ve got our eyes on.
I bought this style of Blundstones in 2017 before nearly a year of travel. I subsequently wore them to hike up Table Mountain, styled them with jeans and wore them clubbing, and now (after some cleaning) wear them to work. I bought my 510s for full price, and given how often I wear them, plus this discount, I’m considering buying a second pair to have on hand just in case mine start to show signs of wear — which they’re not yet.
Blundstones also come in a variety of slightly dressier styles, like these slightly squared-toe 63s. Strategist email newsletter editor Mia Leimkuhler owns a pair in black and calls them a “more rugged, slushy-street-ready version of Everlane’s Square-Toe Chelsea Boot” that is still work-appropriate.
For those who like the office-friendly look of these slightly sleeker boots, but want to add a bit of color, they’re also available in this oxblood shade, which is Strategist managing editor Maxine Builder’s style of choice.
Maxine also has this pair with a slight heel, because who says Blundstones can’t be a little fancy?
Mia calls her rustic brown-colored 584s — which writer Lauren Ro is looking to buy this winter because they’re from the brand’s thermal series — “weekend-errand-friendly”….
… and I call my rustic brown-colored 585s “camp-counselor-approved.”
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