One of the questions people are asking more often is whether Blundstones are ideal for hiking. Blundstones aren’t made to be used for hiking. They do not provide adequate ankle support, and they do not fit properly enough to keep you from bumping your foot inside the shoe. In addition, they’re not breathable in any way. This can result in blisters and a miserable hiking experience.
The quality and design of Blundstones have diminished over the last few times. They were once an extremely durable work shoe, but it’s now more of a fashion shoe and nothing else. They were once manufactured in Australia, but the overall quality suffered an enormous hit when they changed to the USA. Let’s take an in-depth review of the best of Blundstones characteristics and flaws.
Features That Make Blundstones Good For Hiking
While Blundstones aren’t hiking boots specifically designed for hiking. They possess certain qualities that make them a good choice for quick and leisurely walks. Below, we’ll look at these.
· Great Fit
After being worn, Blundstones have a reputation as a well-fitting boot. The majority of models are constructed of leather and can adapt to the form of your feet over time, resulting in a perfect fit that helps reduce friction when walking.
· Traction
Blundstones have soles that resist slippage and offer plenty of grips, which makes the perfect footwear for all types of weather and terrain.
· Weight
Blundstones don’t weigh a lot and are a crucial aspect to consider when assessing the endurance of your treks. They’re not the tiniest boots; however, the weight shouldn’t pretense a difficult for maximum people.
Why Blundstones Aren’t Good For Hiking?
1. Lack Of Ankle Support
The lacing-free design can provide convenience and comfort; however, it doesn’t ensure your feet are secure when walking on rough terrain. The absence of ankle support could open you to injury or falling.
2. No Laces = Loose Fit
Lack of laces can make your feet accessible and unsecured inside the boot, which could be safety issues. A loose fit in boots causes friction within the boot, which can cause painful blisters from hiking.
3. Comfort and Breathability
Blundstones have leather uppers with elastic sides that provide maximum comfort since they conform to your feet as you wear them. However, the leather uppers don’t offer much in terms of airflow. Making sure your feet are cool and dry as you hike is crucial, so make sure you bring an additional pair of trekking socks when you’re traveling for a longer duration.
Tips for Hiking in Blundstones
If you decide to take your Blundstones to go for a hike and hike, here are some guidelines to ease any difficulties you may encounter when you go on the trail.
- Make use of boots that are broken
- Find the right Blundstone size
- Check that the shoes are secure and are comfortable for your feet.
- Find hiking shoes that are comfortable and sit over the ankles.
- Make sure your hike is short and straightforward
Blundstone Quality
If you’re looking for high-end quality, it’s difficult to surpass a pair of Blundstones”, as they’re popularly referred to. The legendary craftsmanship and the long-standing dedication to quality put the Blundstone boot at the top of any list.
If you’re worried about your comfort, you should know that Blundstone does not make a fuss. As the design of the boot evolved over the decades, so did the technology. Blundstone utilized all of these efforts to create a comfortable boot and help reduce fatigue for feet throughout the day.
As they’re made from the highest quality components and leather, including wool and waterproof leather, they are yet to announce vegan options for their product.
History of Blundstone
When he came to Tasmania around 1855, John Blundstone, the founder of the family known as the “Bunnie,” began his journey at Hobart Town as a coachmaker.
He left within ten years to establish the famous business of boot importers. In 1870, he started creating his designs of premium boots made for the real world, which quickly gained national recognition.
A factory was set up within Hobart Town. By the time World War I began, the bootmaker was among a few shoemakers who were chosen to provide Australia’s Australian army with high-quality shoes.
Although a more significant shoe retailer later bought the company, they retained the name due to its association with high-end and comfortable.
The company’s boot was later used to provide boots for the Australian Everest Expedition. It appears that they were so well-loved that the sherpas begged to have them as a parting gift.
These boots are desired by men working in the most challenging environments. In the 1950s, their popularity increased as they rapidly earned an image of long-lasting comfort on the factory floor.
However, the popularity of the Chelsea boot does not end there. Since the 1960s, the Chelsea boot has been popular with white-collar people and remains as such today.
Can You Hike in Blundstones?
Although you can wear Blundstones for specific walks. They’re not made to be regular hiking boots.
The appropriate features for outdoor use are also contingent on the specific model you’re looking at. It’s pretty much like walking with Converse as well as wearing jeans for a hike. Here are some general advantages and disadvantages:
PROS
- Are you able to hop on an urban trail and walk it without having to change
- There is no need to buy hiking boots.
- High-quality construction – most constructed using water-resistant leather. Cushioned midsoles made of top-quality polyurethane for added comfort; outsoles that are treated to stand up to the rigors of dirt and pavement, and the leather lining has antimicrobial properties to block the smell.
- A well-established business that develops new models to fit diverse occasions.
CONS
- Low arch and ankle support to allow for long hikes.
- Breathability is relatively low.
- Elastic sides look nice and help you put on shoes with ease. But they’re not the most supportive.
- Many models are slim-fit and feature thin outsoles with poor grip.
Conclusion
So let’s conclude whether Bluestones are suitable for hiking or not? Let me explain this as follows: If you’re here to ask whether you should purchase Blundstones for hiking purposes, the answer is no. If, however, you already have Blundstones and are thinking whether it’s appropriate to start walking in them, then you should give it a shot so long as the trek isn’t overly long or complicated.