2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Bring back the ones made in Australia, November 6, 2010
This review is from: Blundstone Unisex 500 Slip On Boot (Apparel)
I have always liked these boots and used them for years. My last pair finally wore out so it was time to order some new ones. Let me tell you it's unfortunate that Blundstone has decided to move their manufacturing operations to Thailand. From the time you open up the box there's a cheap feeling to the boot. The leather doesn't seem quite right, feels kind of dry. After a few days wearing them you figure out that they don't dye the leather anymore, they paint it on and it starts to chip off when you scuff it or bump it showing a gray leather color underneath. This has been a true disappointment.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
My Favorite boot, March 7, 2010
This review is from: Blundstone Unisex 500 Slip On Boot (Apparel)
COMFORT - I love the convenience of slipping them on and off without fooling around with laces. The elastic panels make it easy. The shoe has a nice wide toe box that does not cramp your foot. It is roomy enough for thin or thick socks. While I have a foot that leans to the narrow side, my cousin has no problem with his wide foot. I can't figure out how they do this, since the foot does not flop around on me. The slip on factor is one of the reasons it is so comfortable. Laced boots really cut into your circulation, for one thing. For another the shoe breathes better with the open throat. The straps used to pull them on are called "tugs" and they are very sturdy, I have 5 years of pulling on mine and they are like new.
DURABILITY - It is pretty waterproof for splashing around, but it is not a pair of galoshes. The boots are really tough. I have used mine for work and to walk all over our land with my dogs, worked on my knees in the garden. I accidentally spilled liquid nails adhesive on the toes, and did not see it before they dried. I could not wear them anywhere nice as they looked pretty bad. About 6 months later the glue was starting to get crumbly so I chiseled it off with a screwdriver and scraped the rest off with a knife. I cleaned them up with saddle soap, treated them with mink oil, put new black leather dye the next day, and then polished them with boot crème. They look like new again, I am so shocked. I didn't think I would be able to use them outside of the yard. I have had this pair for about 5 years and my sole tread is starting to show some wear, but they do plenty of miles left in them.
PERFORMANCE - These are great for scrambling on hills, they get good traction and protect your foot very well. Spring steel arch support for great foot support, I have the kind of foot that needs it. The trademark shock protection system disperses impact shock at the strike heel, which reduces stress on your knees. The boot is flexible and does not require a break in period. The dual density polyurethane sole is very light in weight compared to other boots with heavy soles. It is not slippery on wet floors, but it can mark some vinyl tile surfaces, (easily wiped off). They are made for mucking about on the ranch so barnyard acids do not affect the sole they say, but I haven't run into that yet. An interior lining and footbed wicks away moisture so it does not get sweaty.
SIZING - A note on sizing, I usually wear a men's USA size 9 to 9.5 shoe. That usually translates to a European size 42. Now on Blundstone shoes their 42 is a perfect fit, but it also says US 8. Do not pay attention to their US size, figure out your Euro size OR get one size or half size smaller than your usual US size.
COLOR - They come in black, and a couple of shades of brown, if you shop around at the web site here. For example, the 528 is a brown from the 500 series. But a bit of warning, I hear that the "distressed" brown leather versions get scuffed up really easy and cannot be restored. You may prefer this, or like me you may want one you can re-polish to hide the wear.
There are other boots from this company has been around since 1870, but if you want the boot that is good looking, comfortable, and tough as nails - make sure it's the 500. All their boots have a number for their style name, if the page does not make it clear, email the seller or check other listings.
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2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wear Blunnies With Your Bloomers........., October 9, 2008
This review is from: Blundstone Unisex 500 Slip On Boot (Apparel)
There's nothing like a Blunnie Boot....They are as strong as steel and as comfortable as a baby's slipper...you can wear them from Sun up to Sun down with no wear and tear on your tootsies. They travel through wind, snow and sleet without water seeping in and they slip on and off easily.
You can wear them with a jacket and tie or a pair of jeans or just with your birthday suit....Either way, people will only notice your boots !! They are the best investment you can make....and you'll still be wearing them 200 years from now !!!!
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