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At this point, if you don't own a pair of Blundstones, do you even go outside? The iconic Australian work boot is everywhere—it's even now available in clog form! 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 out. So I went digging for the best Blundestone dupes.
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 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 built in Oregon. Forget the Original 500 vs Classic 550 debate. Ditch the Blundstone. Be your own person and embrace a better pull-on boot this season. (Bonus points for pairing with some heavy-duty double-knees.)
Field Mag's Top Picks for Blundstone Dupes
- Best Upgrade: Rossi 301 Endura
- Most Sustainable: Patagonia Wild Idea Work Boot
- Best Wedge Sole Dupe: Tecovas The Luke
- Best Dress Up Dupe: Filson Slip-On Work Boots
- Best Steel Toe Slip-on Boot: Georgia Boot Romeo Work Boot
- Best Pull-On Work Boot: Danner Bull Run Chelsea
- Best Handmade Pull-On Boot: Rhodes Footwear Blake Boot
- Best Hybrid Sneaker/Boot: SeaVees Beyond and Back Boot
- Most Utilitarian: Keen Anchorage III
- Best Pull-On Work Boot: Kodiak McKinney Chelsea Boot
- Most Functional: Xtratuf 6" Ankle Deck Boot
- Best Natural Crepe Sole: Duckfeet Roskilde
The 13 Best Blundstone Alternative Boots for Men & Women
Best Upgrade: Rossi 301 Endura
The best alternative on the list is no doubt the Rossi Endura. It's an upgrade by all accounts. Trust me, I've been wearing the same pair of Rossi boots for going on five years now, and my partner loves them too (both pairs pictured atop this article). 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. The only downside is Rossi doesn't seem to distribute directly in North America, so the only way to buy is through a random webshop called Winery Boots. Just be sure to triple check your correct size, as Aussie sizing is unisex, from what I can gather.
Women's Option: Unisex sizing
Price: $160
SHOP FROM WINERY BOOTS
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, the men's version of the Wild Idea Work Boot comes with laces.)
Men's Option: Yes (lace-up)
Price: $349
SHOP FROM PATAGONIA
Best Wedge Sole Dupe: Tecovas The Luke
The Luke from Western bootmaker Tecovas features a crisp wedge sole and distinct Chelsea boot style. Engineered for journeymen but built for desk jockies too, the sleek boot features a shock-absorbing dual footbed and grippy, oil-resistant Vibram sole. A water-resistant leather upper with weatherproof stitch-down welt is the cherry on top.
Women's Option: NA
Price: $349
SHOP FROM Tecovas
Best Dress Up Dupe: Filson Slip-On Work Boots
The OG Seattle outfitter’s brand slogan “might as well have the best” has never once led us astray, so it’s safe to assume that these boots won’t do you wrong. The thick, oiled-leather uppers meet a heeled mini-lug Vibram sole, reinforced by a three-quarter length composite shank. Once the rubber on the sole eventually wears out, the Goodyear-welted construction makes resoling a breeze for any reputable cobbler.
Women’s Option: No
Price: $298 $223
SHOP FROM FILSON
Best Steel Toe Slip-on Boot: Georgia Boot Romeo Work Boot
I've personally worn Georgia Boot workboots for decades for everything from contract jobsite cleanup to cabin DIY projects and backyard tinkering. When it comes to comfort and durability—with a steel toe—these slip-on work boots earn my pick for their full grain leather upper, Goodyear welt stitch down construction, and steel shank. Not to mention stylish design. The rubber sole is also oil and slip resistant.
Women's Option: YES (no steel toe)
Price: $128
SHOP FROM Amazon
Best Made in USA Dupe: Danner Bull Run Chelsea
It's no secret I'm a bit Danner fan here, though my allegiance has long centered around the lace up Danner Light and other classic designs of the like. Like those, the hardwearing Bull Run Chelsea is hand built in Portland, Oregon with a re-soleable abrasions resistant sole and minimalist 100% leather upper. The rugged sole will work well for everyday use from the construction site to the office.
Women’s Option: Yes
Price: $230
SHOP FROM Amazon
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.
Women's Option: Yes
Price: $95
SHOP FROM XTRATUFF
Best Pull-On Work Boot: Kodiak McKinney Chelsea Boot
When you need to trudge around at the job site, in the yard, or even just around town, the all-new Kodiak McKinney Chelsea boot is a great option. The new soft toe Chelsea version of the waterproof McKinney work boot improves on the basic design by cutting down on the bells and whistles—what's left is a sturdy, tough, waterproof leather slip-on work boot with a moisture wicking inner and slip-resistant, non-marking rubber outsole.
Women's Option: Kodiak Whitton Chelsea
Price: $160
SHOP FROM Kodiak Boots
Best Handmade Pull-On Boot: Rhodes Footwear Blake Boot
You don’t have to spend half your paycheck to get a quality pair of handmade leather pull-on boots, though there are certainly plenty of options out there if you prefer that route. This slender-shaped Chelsea uses waxed leather for a luxe touch that’s purported to age well with time and a lightweight Meramac PU sole that’s both lightweight and oil-resistant—made in Leon, Mexico, the heart of Mexico’s shoe industry.
Women’s Option: No
Price: $198
SHOP FROM HUCKBERRY
Best Hybrid Sneaker/Boot: SeaVees Beyond and Back Boot
For daily wear this new, limited-edition hybrid boot slash sneaker by SeaVees—made in collaboration with noted adventure photographer Jeff Johnson using majority recycled materials—offers a sleek, low-profile look that's both stylish and functional. The vulcanized outsole—like a classic pair of Vans—made from natural and recycled rubber offers great grip and feel on all terrain, while the rugged leather upper keeps the elements out. Reinforced elastic and nylone pull tabs ensure easy on and off for years to come. (The classic SeaVees Bolinas Boot is another great Blundstone alternative that's 100% waterproof, too.)
Women’s Option: Yes
Price: $175
SHOP FROM SEAVEES
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.
Women's Option: Keen Seattle Romeo
Price: $175
SHOP FROM KEEN
Bonus: Redback Boots Great Barrier
Redback Boots is another Aussie brand that keeps its footwear production right at home (down unda, it's a constant battle of Redback vs Blundstone). The six-inch Chelsea boot uses elastic panels that are angled to increase the conformity of the lightly-oiled leather uppers. Underfoot, the transparent molded polyurethane sole adds a unique style we’ve not seen before, as well as loads of grip that resist oil and acid. The only reason I didn't put this boot higher on the list is A) they're kinda ugly, and B) because, like Rossi, not all styles and sizes are readily available in North America. Their Amazon shop does change frequently though, so check it out and maybe you'll get lucky.
Women’s Option: Unisex
Price: $145 - $250
SHOP FROM AMAZON
Best Natural Crepe Sole Dupe: Duckfeet Roskilde
A little playful in design, this handmade Blundstone dupe from Danish footwear brand Duckfeet—newly introduced to the North American market—is handmade in Poland with with thick yet soft, eco-conscious and weather-resistant leather stitched to a natural crepe rubber sole. The fit is medium-to-wide with a flat insole that works well with orthotics and inserts. Euro sizing, so careful to select your appropriate size.
Women's Option: Unisex
Price: $268
SHOP FROM Duckfeet
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Blundstones so popular?
Blundstone boots are popular due to their exceptional comfort, durability, and versatile design. Made from high-quality leather with sturdy, comfortable soles, Blundstones offer long-lasting wear and support for various activities. Their slip-on convenience and timeless style appeal to a wide range of consumers, while their reputation for withstanding tough conditions makes them popular among outdoor enthusiasts. Blundstone boots provide a winning combination of comfort, durability, and style, making them a sought-after choice for footwear.
Are Redbacks better than Blundstones?
Blundstone and Redback boots are both renowned Australian boot brands. But unlike Blundstones, Redback boots are still made in Australia and feature a more rugged aesthetic and design made for work and construction. Redbacks have a semi-translucent and slightly more grippy sole than the Blundstone 500. Blundstone boots are more minimal, with a wider ranger of material iterations, and designed more for urban dwellers. So the answer is more dependant upon your intended use and personal style.
Published 01-14-2020
Updated 02-15-2024