Blundstone vs. Dr. Martens Chelsea Boots: Which is Better?

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The Blundstone Chelsea boot might be as iconic and influential as Clarks’ desert boots, Timberland’s waterproof boots, or Dr. Martens’ combat boots.

Much like those other legendary boots, the Blundstone isn’t really resoleable or as durable as more expensive, Goodyear welted boots — but it’s also not priced like them, so what’s the harm? “Blunnies” are comfortable, functional, and well-priced.

But if the analytics on this website are anything to go by, Dr. Martens’ combat boots are even more popular: so if you’re looking for a well-priced Chelsea, and Dr. Martens makes a Chelsea boot too, should you just go with theirs? Today, I’m comparing my experience wearing both the Blundstone 585 and Dr. Martens 2976 so I can tell you how they differ in comfort, durability, value, and style.

The Price: Blundstone vs. Dr. Martens Chelseas

• Blundstone: $200 (made in Thailand)
• Dr. Martens: $170 (made in Vietnam)

I’d normally consider a $30 price difference negligible, but when looking at boots under $200, I acknowledge that it’s significant — if that’s your deciding factor, it completely makes sense.

Neither brand is particularly forthcoming on their product pages about where they’re made; I had to check the labels on the boots themselves. Note that both brands manufacture in multiple countries, and your boots might be from different places than mine, eg, my Dr. Martens lace-up boots are made in Thailand, not Vietnam.

Why I Prefer Blundstone

• Superior Fit & Sizing Options: Roomier toe box, removable insole for orthotics or fit adjustment, an extra pair of insoles included, and half sizes are available.
• Out-of-the-Box Comfort: Generally requires less break-in time compared to Dr. Martens.
• Lighter and more flexible than Docs: the two boots are constructed very differently underfoot.

These boots are so similar in price and function that this is largely an exercise in splitting hairs: I think the main deciding factor should be which one you like the look of.

But if I’m completely removing subjective aesthetics from the equation, I think Blundstones have the edge. Blundstones are:

1. More lightweight (530g vs 660g)
2. More shock absorbent (but only by a little)
3. Roomier in the toe
4. Offered in half sizes (though their half sizes are just wider than the previous size, not longer)

Dr Martens vs Blundstone Sizing and Fit Considerations

Both brands are foreign (Docs are British, Blunnies Australian), so the sizing can be confusing to us Americans. While comparing their sizing doesn’t really fit with my intention here to compare quality and style, how to size is a big reason people come to articles like this, so let’s talk about it.

Understanding Dr. Martens Sizing

• Only offered in whole sizes; size down if you’re between sizes.
• Dr. Martens’ US website sells in US sizes; they’ve converted from UK sizes for you, so don’t order your British size.

As a US 12 in most sneakers and an 11.5 on a Brannock device, the US 11 in Dr. Martens (UK 10) fits reasonably well, though it can feel a bit snug in the length when I’m wearing thick winter socks. I’d love the option to order an 11.5, but Docs aren’t sold in half sizes.

Understanding Blundstone Sizing

• Order your Brannock size; there’s a good chance your sneaker size will feel a bit big
• Blundstone’s US site sells in US sizes; don’t order your UK size. It’ll be stamped on the bottom of your boots, but you should ignore it.

To add a layer of complexity with Blundstone sizing, they used to just sell in UK sizes (which are used in Australia), but now the US website just has you order your US size, and they’ll ship you the corresponding UK-sized boot. Don’t even think about UK sizing.

If you plan on consistently wearing thick socks, you might consider going up another half size in your US Blundstone size (which would likely be your sneaker size).

In either case, use your Brannock size to make your choice, not your sneaker size. Sneakers tend to run small, so if your sneakers are size 12, there’s a good chance you’re 11.5 on a Brannock device — the one they give you in a shoe store to measure your feet.

How to Fix Too-Big Boots

• Consider Pedag’s $10 tongue pads; stick them under the instep and too-loose Chelseas suddenly fit great
• Alternative: Add an extra insole; Blundstone helpfully provides a spare set with every purchase.

An important note: if you buy one of these boots and find they’re a bit too roomy (perhaps you sized up for winter wear), I recommend trying Pedag’s tongue pads, which stick under the instep (the top of your foot near the ankle).

The fit of a Chelsea boot often has more to do with the instep than the heel or toe, and as someone with a low instep, these babies have saved me more than once.

Your only other option for too-big boots is to add an extra insole, and Blundstone conveniently includes an extra pair. Don’t get heel pads or toe fillers, they don’t secure your foot properly.

Durability and Resoling

• Neither boot is resoleable, practically speaking.
• Some cobblers specialize in resoling Dr. Martens, but 99% will decline the job
• Blundstone’s sole will stay grippier for longer; the Docs have shallow lugs that are known to wear down

Dr. Martens generally need a (short) break in, Blundstones tend to be more comfortable straight out of the box. This difference is partly due to the leather, but mostly due to how the boots are constructed underfoot.

Can You Resole Dr. Martens?

• Nah.

The ability to be resoled isn’t often a priority when shopping for boots in this price category, but it could surprise some Dr. Martens fans that Docs aren’t considered resoleable boots — even though they’re made with Goodyear welt construction.

That usually means they can easily be resoled, but Docs do two things differently: they use a synthetic welt instead of leather (which better handles the operation) and they melt the outsole onto the welt with flame.

That is very cool, and it makes them way more durable and water resistant than your average sneakers. In that sense, the Dr. Martens’ Goodyear welt is worth it and has serious functionality.

But melting the sole and welt together make it impossible to resole by traditional means. Some cobblers specialize it, but don’t take it for granted that your Docs can be resoled. The operation will cost more than a new pair, even if you do find a cobbler who will do it (you won’t — not without needing to ship them somewhere, and boots are heavy).

Can You Resole Blundstones?

• Nah.

But hey, Blunnies don’t pretend they can be resoled. They’re made with cemented construction, so the outsole is basically glued to the upper and it’s reinforced with some stitching. Again: way more durable than your average sneakers. Can’t be resoled.

Dr. Martens vs Blundstone Waterproofness

Which one’s more waterproof? I stood in a puddle for five straight minutes to find out, and Dr. Martens flooded after five minutes underwater; the Blundstones stayed dry.

That’s what I thought would happen: while Goodyear welted boots are generally very water-resistant (far more so than typical sneakers), cemented boots actually tend to be more waterproof than Goodyear welted ones.

Neither of these boots is sold as waterproof, but if you do go looking for a waterproof boot, it’s almost guaranteed it won’t be resoleable.

But let’s have some perspective: both boots kept me dry for five full minutes underwater. You won’t be underwater like that during a rainstorm, so please remember that both boots are perfectly rainproof and sufficiently waterproof for normal wear. Just don’t use either of them to stand in a lake fishing.

Comfort, Shock Absorption, and Flexibility

• Dr. Martens have great shock absorption for Goodyear welted boots
• But Blundstones have the edge as far as bounciness, lightness, and flexibility

Dr. Martens half-hearted attempt to be quasi-resoleable means they have some of the downsides of Goodyear welted boots here: they’re heavier and less flexible.

Cemented footwear like Blundstones can be engineered for greater shock absorption, lightness, and flexibility, which they’ve done here.

It’s easier to run for a bus in Blundstones, but I wouldn’t say there’s an earth-shattering difference between the two as far as comfort goes — unless you need one of the half sizes that Blundstone offers and Docs don’t.

Sole Comparison

• Dr. Martens have shallower lugs that tend to wear down and lose grip more quickly than Blundstones’ deeper lugs.

That’s the long and short of it. Blunnies do have more layers of shock-absorbing rubber in their construction, and I’m sure that they’d “win” in that area if subjected to testing.

But practically speaking, the real difference is that the lugs on Dr. Martens’ soles are shallower, and they’re well known for wearing down before the boots have worn out. Blundstones’ soles are more practical.

A Quick Look at Leather Quality

• Neither boot has very high-quality leather, but they aren’t priced as though they do
• Blundstone leather (depending on your choice) tends to be a bit oilier with more color variation and character.
• Dr. Martens leather is typically heavily corrected and coated in a pigmented finish that conceals the leather’s natural character

The only other aspect to touch on is the leathers available. I’m comparing the bestselling leathers for these models, and look: neither is particularly high-end. But then again, these aren’t priced as though they are, so I don’t see the use of inexpensive leather as a drawback.

The Dr. Martens leather is glossy and smooth, typical for the brand. This is achieved by “correcting” leather by sanding or buffing its outer layer smooth and then adding a very heavily pigmented finish on top.

This makes a smooth and shiny leather, but it doesn’t have any of the natural character or dynamism that makes a lot of guys love leather footwear. But hey, it’s a look, so if you prefer it, then you should just get it! There are reports (and photos) on Reddit of the leather cracking, especially in very cold environments, but it’s not quite so common that I’d call it a reliable end to your boots.

Blundstone’s leather is just a little nicer, but the main difference is how they look, not how durable or well-made the leather is.

My 585s are made with the Rustic Brown that has more character and a slight pull up effect, meaning the oils produce a satisfying color variation. But a lot of Blundstones, like the Walnut Brown 550s below, are also corrected with a finish.

Neither brand sells a model with leather that directly mimics the other’s typical style, so it largely comes down to preference, as the performance difference isn’t dramatic.

Conclusion: Which Boot Should You Choose?

They’re both similarly priced, casual boots with fairly comparable durability. Given how close they are, I think you’re safe to make your decision based on which one you like the look of most.

That said, I prefer the Blundstones:

• Better Grip: The deeper lugs will last longer.
• Roomier Toe Box: Often translates to more comfort.
• Superior Sizing Options: More than twice as many sizes, including half sizes.
• Lighter, More Flexible, and More Shock Absorbent: Closer to a sneaker-like feel.

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