Blundstone Sizing Guide: How to Fit Blundstone Boots

Over 150 years since it was founded, this once-small Australian brand has carved an indelible place in the global boot scene. Blundstone, whose Chelseas are affectionately called Blunnies, is a name that conveys a practical and casual but stylish look. I own two pairs myself, so I know how to size these.

Known for making sturdy, comfortable, versatile, and inexpensive boots (yes, they’re relatively inexpensive given their durability), they are a favorite for everyone from backpackers and blue-collar workers to celebrities. (Brad Pitt, Chris Pine, and Kate Middleton are among those spotted in their own Blunnies.)

If you want to jump on the Blunny bandwagon, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the brand’s peculiar sizing, but fear not! With this all-encompassing Blundstone sizing guide, you’ll walk in boots that’ll stay comfortable for years to come.

Converting Australian Sizing to US Sizing: a Quick Guide

• The biggest takeaway: Blundstone uses Australian/UK sizing, which are typically 1 size smaller than your US size.
• Get measured on a Brannock device in a shoe store to be certain of your US size.
• Blundstone puts both sizes on their product pages, so make sure you’re looking at the right one (and ignore the size that’s printed on the boot itself, which is the Australian one)

We’ll use Blundstone’s sizing conversion chart as our source of truth — and the fact that I personally own two pairs of their Chelsea boots. Note that In addition to using Australian sizing, they use adult unisex sizes.

Before you start, find out what your true US size is. You can do this by stepping into your nearest shoe store, pretending you’re there to buy, and getting measured on the Brannock device that every salesman uses to get your “true” or “Brannock” size.

There’s a good chance that some of your sneakers are a half size bigger than your Brannock size, and/or some of your boots are a half size smaller.

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For men, subtract one size from your US Brannock size to find your likely best fit—for example, if you typically wear a men’s US size 10, your best fit is likely an AU 9. (I’m personally an 11.5 Brannock and wear a 10.5 in Blundstones and other boots from British and Australian companies.)

The same is not true for women’s sizes; subtract three sizes from your US size to find your likely best fit. For instance, if you are a women’s US size 8, your best fit is likely an AU 5.

Again, the most important thing is to know your Brannock size instead of guessing at your “true size” based on your sneakers.

The Blundstone Unisex Size Chart

The Blundstone sizing chart above is a great resource for understanding some of the challenges of getting the best fit with Blundstones.

A couple of things to point out are that your Blundstone size is based on the Australian sizing system (which is also the UK sizing system), which is unisex. This is in contrast to the US system, which has different sizes for men and women.

Blundstone Half Sizes & Wide Sizes

• Blundstone don’t make wide sizes; you’re instead encouraged to size up to the nearest size ending in .5. The Blundstone half size boots are wider, not longer, than the whole size.

Blundstone’s half sizes are the same length and their whole numbered sizes. For example, a US 9 and 9.5 are both about 10.66 inches or 271 mm long.

Unfortunately, they don’t make wide sizes. Instead, they recommend sizing up a half-size. If you find that when you buy boots, standard sizes are slightly snug across the width (or the ball of your foot, the widest part), exploring the option of half sizes can be a game-changer. Many people go their whole lives without knowing they have wide feet!

Trying on Blundstones

If you’re trying on Blundstones in a store (which is always a good idea, even if you plan to buy your shoes online to get the best deals) or ordered a pair to your home and are trying to confirm whether you have the right size, try these steps that the brand recommends to ensure the perfect fit. We recommend measuring your foot length before you order your boots.

Blundstone 510 Chelsea Boot

This is outdoorsy boot is made with 2.5mm-thick waterproof leather. Designed to be worn in all settings, this is the boot to buy if you are looking for an all-purpose shoe.

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Check the Gap

First, check that your feet don’t slide too much in the boots. If they feel too big, send them back for a smaller size.

Next, use your finger to check the gap behind your heel, and make sure there’s enough room to fit your finger between your heel and the back of the shoe. Ideally, you’ll have just enough room for one finger in that gap. Again, that’s when your foot has been kicked to the front of the boot, not when you’re standing or walking normally.

How to Check if They’re Slightly Too Small

Put the boots on normally, and make sure your big toe is not touching or pressing against the front of the boot. If it is, the boot is too short, and like most boots and loafers, Blundstones do not stretch length-wise. Aim for a finger’s width of space between your big toe and the boot’s interior toe wall.

A bit of pressure on the side and upper walls of the boot is fine when you first try them on. Blundstone boots typically stretch slightly in these areas, and the snugness will lessen over time into a more comfortable custom fit. Notice we said snugness — if your boots are so tight they hurt, then you’ve just got the wrong size. 

Walk around on a clean, carpeted surface to test the feel without getting the boots dirty in case you need to return them.

Originals vs. Classic vs. Dress Series Size Guide

The Originals and Classics Series includes some of Blundstone’s most popular styles, such as the iconic #500 and the best-selling #585. While both series showcase Blundstone’s instantly recognizable slip-on design, there are key differences that set them apart.

The Classics Series has a wider fit compared to the Originals, making it a good choice for those who need a little extra room. Additionally, the Classics have a leather lining that provides a little more softness on the foot.

In contrast, the Originals Series has either cotton or a proprietary synthetic breathable lining called Cambrelle. The Originals also use a thicker, 2.5mm leather for extra durability. Because the Originals are not as wide as the Classics and because of the thicker leather, they offer a more snug fit, ideal for those who prefer a closer fit for laceless boots.

On the other hand, the Dress Series offers a slightly longer fit than other Blundstone styles because they aim for a more formal look with a more pointed, “almond” shaped toe. Due to this design, Blundstone advises going down a half size or even a whole size for a better fit.

Check the Fit with a Variety of Socks

Socks make a big difference when deciding whether to go up or down a half-size in any footwear. If you plan to wear your boots primarily in colder temperatures with thicker socks, your regular Blundstone size will likely suffice.

However, if you prefer (or only own) thinner socks, you may wish to go down another half size because Blundstones run a touch large. 

If you’re trying on Blundstones, don’t stand barefoot unless that’s how you normally wear them, or the boots might be too roomy. Try to wear the socks you’ll most frequently wear with your boots to get the best idea of fit. Again, try them on a carpeted surface at home before taking them outside so you can exchange them if you need to.

Conclusion

Blundstone boots are some of the most popular on the market, and it’s hard not to be influenced to buy a pair after you see the fiftieth person sporting them on your street. With a little research, you’ll have boots that are durable and suitable for all-day wear with no discomfort or blisters.

Remember, when in doubt, consult Blundstone’s official size chart or reach out to the brand’s customer service for personalized assistance. With the right fit, you’ll enjoy your Blundstone boots for years to come, ready to tackle any adventure that comes your way.