> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.unknowndivide.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Blundstone 500: Why the Tasmanian Chelsea Boot Is Still Worth Buying - URL: https://www.unknowndivide.com/blundstone-500-chelsea-boot/ - Published: 2025-07-15T19:25:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-21T04:58:25.000Z - Description: A boot company founded in Hobart in 1870 and a design dating back to 1969. What the Blundstone 500 is, how it fits, how it compares to the Classic 550 and where to buy. - Author: unknowndivide staff - Tags: Style, Culture No laces, no zippers, just leather, elastic and two pull tabs. The Blundstone Original 500 is about as simple as a boot gets, and that simplicity is the point. You pull it on in seconds, and Blundstone says the design dates back to 1969. Here is what the 500 is, how it is built, how it fits, how it compares to the Classic 550 and where to buy a pair. *Unknowndivide may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.* ## The company According to [Blundstone's own story](https://www.blundstone.com/pages/our-story?ref=unknowndivide.com), John Blundstone started making fit-for-purpose footwear in Hobart, Tasmania, in 1870, built to handle the city's cobbled streets, rugged farmland, dance floors and factory floors. The company says it has since come through the Great Depression and both world wars, and that its boots have been worn by Australian soldiers, Everest expeditioners, footballers, factory workers, farmers and police officers, as well as artists, musicians, chefs, tap dancers and Olympic athletes. Its fashion moments, in its own words, run from the swinging 1960s to 1990s grunge to 2000s festival style. Blundstone says its business has evolved over more than 150 years while its ethos and commitment to quality and innovation have stayed the same. Today its range covers Chelsea boots for men and women, work and safety boots, clogs and a line of kids boots. ## What it is The [Original #500](https://www.blundstone.com/products/stout-brown-premium-leather-v-cut-boots-mens-style-500?ref=unknowndivide.com) is a Chelsea boot in Stout Brown premium water-resistant leather with brown elastic side panels. Blundstone calls it forever iconic and built to last, combining legendary comfort and outstanding durability. Its message to shoppers is short: beware of imitations. Blundstone pitches the 500 as legendary comfort meeting modern versatility, an authentic leather Chelsea boot built to go wherever life takes you, whether that is a city street or somewhere off road in the wild. The pull tabs at the front and back of the collar and the elastic gussets on each side make it a true slip-on, with nothing to tie or adjust once it is on your foot. ## How it is built Blundstone lists these features on the 500: - **Unlined leather.** The upper is crafted from a single piece of premium, unlined leather that molds to your foot and helps with breathability. - **Thicker leather.** Blundstone says the thick leather gives a firmer fit that takes longer to wear in. - **Shock absorption.** The SPS Max Comfort system and XRD Technology in the heel, which Blundstone says absorbs up to 90 percent of walking impact. - **Sole.** A durable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) outsole with a cushioned midsole. - **Support.** A steel shank for added stability and a removable footbed. Blundstone also describes the boot as lightweight and comfortable. ## How it fits Blundstone says the 500 runs true to size, and suggests ordering up a size for a wider fit. Expect a firmer fit across the top of the boot and in the toe area at first. Over time, the company says, the thicker leather softens and the boot molds nicely to your foot. Blundstone publishes a size guide on its site, and it is worth checking before you order. ## 500 vs 550 The [Classic #550](https://www.blundstone.com/products/walnut-brown-premium-leather-chelsea-boots-mens-style-550?ref=unknowndivide.com) is Blundstone's step-up version. The company says it is inspired by the iconic design of the Original 500 series, with added comfort features: - **Leather lining.** The 550 is leather lined, so Blundstone says it has a worn-in feel from the very first wear and a relaxed fit from the start. - **Double stitching.** Reinforced stitching around the heel and gusset. - **Extra footbeds.** An extra set of removable, multi-fit Cambrelle footbeds for a custom fit, with XRD Technology in the heel strike zone. - **Leather.** Walnut brown premium water-resistant leather, which Blundstone pitches for every season, from rain and snow to hot summer days and nights. Choose the 500 if you want the original and do not mind a longer break-in. Choose the 550 if you want comfort right out of the box. Blundstone also makes the [Original #510](https://www.blundstone.com/products/black-premium-leather-v-cut-boots-mens-style-510?ref=unknowndivide.com) in black, which it calls proof that sturdy and straightforward never goes out of style, and the [Classic #585](https://www.blundstone.com/products/rustic-brown-premium-leather-chelsea-boots-mens-style-585?ref=unknowndivide.com) in its signature rustic brown. Blundstone calls the 585 its most loved boot, describing it as everything you love about the Originals turned up to the max, with more comfort and more shock absorption. ## Care Blundstone's care advice is simple. Brush off caked dirt with a soft bristled brush or a damp cloth and let the boots air dry away from direct sunlight and heaters, which dry out leather. Then apply leather polish, spray or cream, testing a new polish on an inconspicuous spot first. ## How to wear it A pair of 500s works with straight-leg denim like the jeans in our [Levi's 501 guide](https://www.unknowndivide.com/levis-501-explained/) and a waxed jacket like the [Barbour Bedale](https://www.unknowndivide.com/barbour-bedale-wax-jacket/). For an edgier look, pair them with the jacket in our [Schott Perfecto 618 guide](https://www.unknowndivide.com/schott-perfecto-618-leather-jacket/). For a lace-up alternative, see our [Red Wing Iron Ranger guide](https://www.unknowndivide.com/red-wing-iron-ranger-8111-boot/). ## Where to buy **Shop the Blundstone 500** [Original #500 at Blundstone](https://www.blundstone.com/products/stout-brown-premium-leather-v-cut-boots-mens-style-500?ref=unknowndivide.com) [Blundstone 500 Chelsea boot, Stout Brown](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Y04HP0?tag=unknowndivi02-20&ref=unknowndivide.com) [Blundstone 550 Chelsea boot, Walnut Brown](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00278WM9A?tag=unknowndivi02-20&ref=unknowndivide.com) More boots and workwear live in our [denim and workwear hub](https://www.unknowndivide.com/japanese-denim-and-workwear/).