Blundstone Original 500 Series, 12.5 US

I got these at a too-good-to-be-true price so I was skeptical that they were real Blundstones. I went for it because I figured either they’re authentic but a great deal, or fake and I could return them. Turns out they’re actual Blundstones and I was super pleased at the price I scored. I love Blundstones and these are the 4th pair I’ve owned. They’re cute, pair with everything, comfy, supportive, just about waterproof if you oil them occasionally, great for all seasons, have almost no break in time usually, and the insoles can be removed to be laundered or replaced. I’ve used them for serving and they’re maybe not as slip resistant as true kitchen shoes but close enough for the job. I’ve gone hiking in them (after they’re well broken in). I wear them all winter with the snow and slush. I traveled with them without looking as much like a tourist wearing hiking shoes, and they kept my feet dry in soggy Scotland. They’re expensive (if you don’t find a deal somewhere, REI Used usually has some) but absolutely worth the cost. Couple tips: • Australian sizing is different. Whole sizes = length. Half sizes = wide. I wear a women’s US 9/equivalent to a men’s US 7, so that translates to a unisex AUS 6. If I needed a 9 wide, I’d order AUS 6.5. (Extra tip: if you need a wide size, get “used” because those will usually be new but people didn’t understand the sizing system.) As for my fit, these fit as described. I always wear a 9, these fit like a normal 9. They don’t run narrow. • They should be a little bit tight across the top of your foot initially. Leather stretches, so give it a little time but it won’t take long. Just wear them when you’re at home if you have to break them in. Or wear thick socks and then point a blow drier at them to stretch them quickly. They will not stretch lengthwise though, that just means you need a different size. • I find that quarter crew socks or higher work best. Cheap ankle socks will just fall down in the boot, and the back of the heel/ankle will be sweaty against the bare leather. Wool socks are worth the cost and wick moisture way better than any cotton sock, especially in a shoe without some kind of ventilation. I love Darn Toughs. • Oil them. It doesn’t need to happen all that often, but it will greatly extend their lifespan as well as maintain the waterproofing. They’re expensive, so it’s worth the time and effort. I use a neutral-colored mink oil. • The way these wear out (for me) is that the leather gets way too loose and I need to keep adding inserts to take up the extra space. Eventually, a hole wears through at the side where my little toe joint is (that doesn’t stick out for everyone though.) It isn’t that the seam comes undone, it’s a wear spot in the leather itself. My first pair lasted almost 5 years of near daily use.