Blundstone is a popular shoe brand in Australia, known for their Blunnies. The Blundstone boots are designed to be breathable, durable, and comfortable. However, functional fashion wearers globally often find it tough to choose between the Blundstone 500 vs 550.
Some consider them identical. But that’s not the case. One is known as the original Chelsea boot, while the other is referred to as the classic. So, if you don’t want to pick the wrong boot for your use, let’s discuss Blundstone 500 vs 550 in detail.
Key Differences at a Glance
While 500 and 550 share multiple similarities, they have some key differences that you must take into account before making a decision. Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between these two.
| Blundstone 500 | Blundstone 550 | |
| Material | Chrome tanned genuine leather | Chrome tanned genuine leather but dyed |
| Comfort | Good-Best for narrow feet | Better than 500-Best for wider feet |
| Sizing | AUS/UK sizing | AUS/UK sizing |
| Pricing | Affordable | More expensive than 500 |
| Best for | Work boot and casual wear | Walking, hiking on rough terrain, work and also to create a fashion statement |
Blundstone 500 vs 550: Detailed Review
Designed in the 1960s, the Blundstone 500 boots haven’t changed much all these years. They are known as the Original, with a bulky outsole, water-resistant leather uppers, and double pull-tabs. These boots are unlined and breathable.
On the flip side, as part of the classic series, Blundstone 550 boots are inspired by the original 500. According to the brand, the boot has everything that a 500 Chelsea boot consists of but turned up to the max. It has more durability, shock absorption, and comfort.
Here is a detailed comparison between the two products.
Comfort & Fit
Blundstone 500 has a basic footbed and comes with great cushioning. They are also unlined and breathable, making them comfortable boots for long runs and hikes.
However, Blundstone 500 black Chelsea boots don’t have much padding, so they may be a little stiff when you use them for the first time. Also, since they have a narrow fit, they may not be ideal for people with wide feet.
In contrast, 550 has an upgraded footbed. It also has extra cushioning to support your arch in a much better way. It also has leather lining, which makes the boots less breathable than 500. But, this feature adds more comfort and softness to the boots.
Besides, Blundstone 550 easily fits slightly wider feet. So, if your feet need more room, you can opt for them instead of the original 500 Chelsea boots.
When it comes to comfort, it is important to talk about the sole. Both 500 and 550 have thin insoles, which can be a bit underwhelming at times. But, between the two, the 550’s insole has an added heel cap, making it a lot better than the 500’s insole.
The outsole of both boots is made using similar materials and construction processes. However, the 550 comes with a 10mm TPU outsole, while the 500 has a 5mm outsole. This implies that the sole of 550 will take longer to wear out, increasing the footwear’s lifespan.
When selecting a size, you should know that Blundstone half sizes usually represent wider fits. The brand provides both women’s and men’s sizes so that everyone can benefit from Blundstone high quality offerings.
We can’t deny that Blundstone has put a lot of effort into sizing considerations to give a perfect fit to everyone, regardless of their foot type. This makes it easy for anyone to find the best and most comfortable boot within the different Blundstone series.
Leather Lining and Build Quality
The leather quality of both 500 and 550 is more or less similar. The boots feature chrome-tanned genuine aniline leather. But, unlike the 500, the 550 boots’ leather is completely dyed. Therefore, during comparison, the 500 may look less finished around its edges.
The 550 also has a leather lining, which helps give it a smoother feel. The lining runs through the shaft only and doesn’t continue to the toe-box but still helps add durability and comfort. This reduces chafing on your feet.
The 500, on the other hand, is unlined. This makes the boots breathable. But it makes the interior rough. The Blundstone 500 also has a much tougher exterior than the 550. It takes time for it to soften up.
Waterproofing
Blundstone 500 nor 550 are made of water-resistant leather and sealed seams. But since both boots feature cemented sole construction, they are not waterproof.
If you plan to have extra waterproofing for your boots, you can choose to apply a leather conditioner or waterproof spray as recommended.
Style and Design
The Blundstone 500 boots have a minimalistic design with a classic touch and a matte finish. These boots have a rugged look, making them ideal for someone who wants a work-wear style. Unfortunately, the 500 isn’t available in many colors, so you may have limited options to pick from.
Alternatively, the Blundstone 550 has a more polished look. You will also find the leather finishing quite smooth. Another great quality of these boots is that they look quite refined, making them perfect to go with your formal dress as well.
The Blundstone 550 comes in a wider variety of colors, rustic brown being the most popular one, so you can pick your favorites with ease.
Who is Blundstone 500 For?
The Blundstone 500 is built for users who prefer classic Chelsea boots, which are perfectly built for everyday wear. If you are someone who prioritizes function over comfort and doesn’t mind the boots molding according to your feet with time, the Blundstone 500 may make a great addition to your collection.
The unlined leather interior makes the boots remarkably breathable. So, they are ideal for anyone living in the warmer country who loves to walk or hike every day.
The 500 is also well-suited as working boots. For instance, it can be a perfect match for anyone working in the construction, farming, and landscaping sectors for long durations. The boots offer acceptable cushioning (not as good as in 550) to make your experience comfortable.
Finally, if you have narrow feet, the 500 might be the better option for you. It has a comparatively slimmer profile than 550. This makes these boots a good choice for wearers who may find standard Blundstones too wide for their feet.
The Blundstone 500 is a time-tested and an excellent choice for your feet for many reasons, as mentioned above.
Who is Blundstone 550 For?
If you are looking for well-refined, durable, versatile, and comfortable Chelsea boots, the Blundstone 550 may be a good candidate. These boots are perfect for individuals who can’t wait for the boots to adjust with time but rather need footwear that feels right straight after taking it out from the box. The leather lining and cushioned footbed of these Chelsea boots make them a perfect option for wearers looking for both style and comfort in one product.
Anyone with broader feet should also opt for the 550. The leather lining helps increase durability while increasing the softness of the boots’ interior, reducing internal wear over time while giving a softer feel to your skin.
Since the Blundstone 550 looks more polished than the 500, it makes a great choice for those who would prefer wearing it for a formal event rather than just a casual walk. Also, since it comes in more color options, it allows wearers to choose their favorite from a large variety available.
Final Verdict
That’s a wrap for Blundstone 500 vs 550! So, which perfect pair do you prefer?
Since there is no rigid full grain leather used, both boots get comfortable easily. But, while the Blundstone 500 is the original, 550, although pricier, catches the eye for its added style, comfort, and durability. Besides, the 550 boots are available in many colors, making it a good choice for anyone looking for something special.
Ultimately, if comfort and durability are your priority, go for the 550. But if you’re after a budget-friendly, breathable classic, the 500 is your best bet.
