Blundstone 550 Chelsea Leather Boot – Built to Last A Lifetime

Eliza Lockhart

We all crave something that does it all. A bra that can go to work and to the gym, jeans that look good but are also comfy, footwear that you can take to the garden and downtown. We all demand the impossible, demand perfection. I’m no different from you. I don’t tolerate poorly crafted products and certainly won’t pay the big bucks for something that isn’t going to last. I want something that I can rely on. And despite my critical outlook, there are companies out there that I trust. These companies are tried and true, have an unbelievable reputation, and have held up through the test of time. One of these companies is Blundstone.

If you only want to hear about how the 550 Chelsea boots perform, skip to the next paragraph, but if you want to know a little about the company and how cool it is, keep reading! Based out of Tasmania, Australia, Blundstone makes leather boots that are built to last. The company was founded in 1870 (wow!) and was built on the idea that “nothing is more beautiful that a pair of boots”. They are one of the most well known boot companies and rightfully so, they’re craftsmanship is unparalleled. Since 1870, they have continually committed to research to improve their products and make their boots as stylish and comfortable as possible. Ok, now onto the performance of these legendary boots!

The 550 Chelsea boot surpassed my expectations. A handful of my friends have Blundstone boots and really talked them up so when I finally got a pair my standards were already set pretty high. Comfortable, durable, and stylish were all words commonly thrown around when talking about them.

I find all of these qualities not only desirable but necessary. I live and work at a horse barn, I like to go into the local pizza joint and I take my goats for walks down by the river, I don’t want to change my shoes four times a day and these boots keep from doing that. So, to sum it up, the 550 boots do it all. They are truly versatile.

As soon as they arrived I was happy with how they looked. They are pretty fashionable little boots that add a rustic touch to your outfit, even if you live in the city. They were a little stiff at first and really hard to get on despite the two pull tabs. However, once they broke in the leather softened, and getting them on is a little easier each day.

I got the Steel Grey color and really liked how they looked right out of the box. Since I been wearing them, they have taken on more of a brown color. I’m not mad about it, they still look great, but if you get a certain color don’t expect them to stay exactly like that. But despite the slight color change, I’m still super happy with their appearance.

Blundstone 550 Chelsea specs

Now for the specs: The whole boot is made of waterproof leather except for the side elastic panel. The leather comes from some of the world’s best tanneries which guarantees the durability and protection the boots offer. They have a slip-resistant TPU outsole and a cushiony midsole. The footbed has shock-absorbing XRD Technology to help the heel strike zone be friendlier than your traditional leather boots.

At $200, these don’t come with a small price tag, it’s a big chunk to take out of the bank account. But if you’re in the market for something that is versatile, comfortable, reliable, and long-lasting, it’s worth it. Or, if you like the idea of them but aren’t sold on the style, check out blundstone.com.

They have several styles for both men and women and I’d be surprised if you couldn’t find something you like. Bottom line: I’m really thrilled with how these boots have performed. I’d recommend them to anyone who is looking for a pair of boots that you can take everywhere for the rest of your life.

Eliza Lockhart

Growing up snowboarding and hiking in the bitter cold winters and humid summers of northern Vermont, Eliza learned how to beat up gear and quickly became infatuated with new technologies. After moving to Colorado in 2015 to pursue a degree in recreation and outdoor education at Western Colorado University, her passion for the outdoors grew exponentially. Soon after, she picked up rock climbing, telemark skiing, backpacking, canyoneering, and is slowly learning to love rafting. Through these learning processes, Eliza began to understand the importance of the right gear and hopes to share her experiences and knowledge with others through Engearment.

Now working for Beacon Guidebooks as the ‘Wearer of Many Hats’ (yes, that is her official title), Eliza has learned the ins and outs of the outdoor industry. She has also worked on marketing teams, as a photographer, media coordinator, outdoor instructor and as a wrangler. She is especially excited to encourage other women in the outdoors and is an advocate for diversity and inclusion.