Product Review | Blundstone 585 Boots
Blundstone boots seem to be causing quite a stir in this recent decade, and the Blundstone 585 in particular has always been a best-seller here at Hollands.
This classic looking Chelsea boot from Australian brand Blundstone is celebrated for its timeless and versatile style. It's so popular that we often have customers on the phone, ensuring that they can get their hands on a pair before they sell out!
But, what makes them such a sought-after boot? Well, we want to find out. We've already noted their significance in our Best Chelsea Boots for Men 2023 blog post, but we thought they deserved a more in-depth look.
So, let's dissect the Blundstone Classic 585 Boot, and see why it deserves its top boot status.
What Makes the Blundstone 585 so Popular?
The Blundstone 585 is a testament to the brand's ability to create durable boots that never go out of style.
What makes these particular ones stand out from the crowd is that they seem to embody all the things that makes Blundstone itself so great. Their commitment to quality is evident in the technical designs that improve comfort, and the addition of half sizes to accommodate wide feet. They have also crafted the boots in a gorgeous quality brown leather and added signature Blundstone pull-tabs at the front and back.
But the real answer to this question lies further on, as we talk about their purpose, get to grips with their features, and discuss their pros and cons.
What Would You Wear Blundstone 585s For?
In all honestly, it seems like the question would be - what wouldn't you wear them for!
Anyone who gets a pair of Blundstone 585s often says they quickly become their everyday boot.
Pop them when it's time to go to the office, when you're running errands on the weekend, or having a nice family Sunday lunch at the local pub. Slip into them for a day's graft at the farmyard or when heading out for a hike. They are a great leisure boot, as well as one for a more dressy occasion.
If you have a pair of 585s on your shoe rack, it seems like you no longer have to worry about what to wear.
Key Features of the Blundstone 585s
Now let's get down into the nitty gritty details by looking at some of the characteristics and attributes of these Blundstone boots.
These are some of the main features which make the Blundstone 585s what they are:
- Premium full-grain leather in rustic brown
- Cushioned insole
- TPU outsole with PU midsole and SPS Shock Protection System
- Elasticated gusset
- Front and back pull on loops
- XRD™ Technology to absorb shock.
There are some technical aspects there, which shows off the attention to detail that Blundstone has put into these boots, but you can also see that there are design details that demonstrate how the 585s are a fashion item. For us, it seems like you are getting the best of both worlds with this pair of boots.
Pros & Cons of the Blundstone 585s
These boots have received pretty solid customer reviews, with many noteworthy attributes to highlight. However, they do take a little maintenance, so this needs to be taken into consideration when choosing whether they are the right pair for your needs.
Pros:
- Superior Comfort: the removable footbeds cushion the feet well, making them great to wear for long periods of time
- Solid Grip: the ridged outsole provides an extra level of stability, which is much appreciated by wearers
- Attractive Design: the quality rustic brown colour suits either casual or smart, so match well with a range of outfits for all different kinds of occasions
- Ankle Support: the construction of the boot style allows for a secure supportive fit around the ankle, which can be beneficial when wearing them for active use
- Easy to Wear: the pull tabs make these easier to slip on and off, with the lack of laces allowing for less fiddly ankle boots.
Cons:
- Leather Care: the premium leather can deteriorate over time if not taken care of properly, so using both leather cleaner and leather conditioner is needed to keep these boots looking their best
- Water-Resistant Leather: their rain protection isn't like wellies or waterproof hiking boots, so if the heavens have opened, they might not be your go-to.
Overall, Blundstone 585 boots seem to be a reliable choice for those looking for a stylish and comfortable pair of boots, though those needing a fully waterproof boot may want to consider other options. They are maybe a medium maintenance boot, but the overall design and comfort make them a worthwhile investment.
Sizing of Blundstone Boots
Although Blundstone is an Australian brand, Australian sizes are the same as UK sizes for all men's shoes.
However, Blundstone do recommend that, for unisex styles like the Blundstone 585, women buy a UK size lower than they normally would. So, if you wear a size 5 in your UK footwear, try a size 4 in the Blundstone 585s first.
It's worth noting that the half sizes offered by Blundstone represent the boot being wider, not longer.
Also consider whether you are intending to wear nice thicker socks with your boots, and how tight or loose you prefer them to feel. You can always customise with the use of the extra insoles.
What's the Difference Between Blundstone 585 and 584?
One of the main things the Hollands' customer services team gets asked is what's the difference between each Blundstone boot? Specifically, between the 585 and the 584.
It's a reasonable question to ask when you consider the exterior of both of these boots, as they do look very similar. But the main difference lies in that the Blundstone 584 is part of Blundstone's thermal series; designed to help you battle the cold with extra insulation.
The Blundstone 584, therefore, has Thinsulate® insulation and sheep's wool lined footbeds that gives you that extra little bit of warmth. It also has a little bit more waterproofing aspects for further added protection.
So, if you're looking for a pair of boots to keep your feet nice and toasty, but love the look of the 585s, then check out the 584s.
Alternatives to the Blundstone 585s
In addition to the thermal series, Blundstone have a fantastic collection of footwear to suit all different styles, preferences, and activities.
To signify the diverse range, we've highlighted a few further options here:
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Blundstone 1477 Antique Brown Waterproof Boots
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Blundstone Women's 1673 Chelsea Heel Boot
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Blundstone 192 Safety Boots
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Blundstone Original 500 Boots | Stout Brown.
Men may also want to consider the Hoggs of Fife Banff Country Dealer Boots as an alternative to the Blundstone 585, particularly if you are looking for something at a slightly lower price point.
The Hoggs of Fife Ladies Jodhpur Dealer Boot is another option for women; again, for that slight price decrease and also perhaps if you prefer a single pull tab or a different shade of brown. We have a full review of these boots over on our blog too!
There is a great range of Chelsea boots and dealer boots available at Hollands, so please don't hesitate to have a browse yourself or call up our customer services team, who will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.
Summary
I think we have established that there's lots to like about the Blundstone 585s!
These classic boots demonstrate Blundstone's statement of "Everywhere Life Takes Me", as they really are a boot which can be worn all over. They have a fantastic look, a comfy fit, and can be matched with your smart and casual wardrobes.
It's worth investing in some quality leather conditioner, like the Blundstone Renovating Cream, in order to help maintain the leather, and then you might have just found your next perfect pair of boots.
If you'd like to learn a little more about the Blundstone 585s, then check out our below YouTube video on the very boots themselves!
