Are Blundstones Good For Hiking? [Pros & Cons]

Wondering if Blundstones are good for hiking?

I absolutely love my Blundstones, they are the most comfortable boot I think I have ever purchased. Not only do the insoles mold to your feet, but they have great grip also.

I have worn my Blundstones hiking for trails like Valley of the Five Lakes in Jasper and Brohm Lake in Squamish, so yes – Blundstones can be used for hiking.

However it does depend on the type of hike, trail conditions, and terrain. Although great for easy hikes and flat trails, Blundstones lack in ankle support. I would not recommend them for harder trails or backpacking trips.

To help you decide whether to wear Blundstones when hiking, I have put together this post that highlights some of the pros and cons.

A City Girl Outside contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for reading!

---

Are Blundstones Good For Hiking & Travel?

Blundstones can be used for hiking but only on relatively easy and short trails. I have worn Blundstones on some easy hikes in Whistler, such as the Train Wreck, and the Estuary Trail which is an easy hike in Squamish. Both trails are more like walking trails but can get wet and slippery.

Blundstones do not work for longer more strenuous hikes or overnight backpacking trips though. They were original designed as a work boot, so they are not specifically made for outdoor activities like hiking.

They lack the support needed when navigating difficult terrain, like ankle support, and since they have no laces they can slip and slide.

On the other hand Blundstones are great for travel and road trips. They are my go to boot for casual outfits. I tend to wear them in the spring, summer and fall, and then switch to my winter boots.

Pros Of Hiking In Blundstones

• Comfortable: As mentioned earlier, the insoles mold to your feet making them incredibly comfortable. They also have a wide toe box which allows for natural foot movement and prevents any rubbing or blisters.

• Great Grip: The sole of Blundstones have great traction and grip. This makes them perfect for short easy hikes, especially when the trail is wet and slippery.

• Slip On: Blundstones are slip on boots, which can be a huge convenience when hiking. They are quick and easy to put on, making them great for day trips or casual walks.

• Stylish: Blundstones are not just practical but also stylish. You’ll no doubt have noticed many women in the Pacific Northwest wear Blundstones as an every day boot. So if you want a versatile boot that you can wear around town and on easier hikes, Blundstones are perfect.

Cons Of Hiking In Blundstones

• Lack of Support: As mentioned earlier, the lack of ankle support in Blundstones makes them unsuitable for more challenging hikes or backpacking trips. They will not give you the ankle support you need when hiking, and this can lead to injury.

• Not Waterproof: While they do have good grip, Blundstones are not waterproof. If you plan on doing a hike with water crossings or expect wet conditions, it’s best to wear a different pair of boots. I have worn mine is very wet conditions and on the beach, and although not waterproof they do actually dry quickly!

• No Laces: The slip-on design can be great for convenience, but it also means the boot is not as secure as one with laces. This can be an issue on steep trails or when carrying a heavy backpack. Also, if you have a narrow foot, Blundstones may not fit snugly enough.

• Although they have great grip, they do not hold up well in icy conditions. If you plan on hiking in the winter or on trails with snow and ice, Blundstones are not recommended. They also have no insulation.

Are Blundstones Comfortable?

Yes! Blundstones are the most comfortable boot I’ve ever owned. They are one of the few pairs of shoes I own that have never rubbed my feet. I can walk for hours in them!

I have had the same pair of Blundstones for nearly 3 years now and they are still in great condition. I have worn them on many light hiking trails in BC and have had no issues.

If you plan on using Blundstones for hiking, I would recommend wearing them around town and breaking them in first before attempting a hike.

Are Blundstones Waterproof?

No, Blundstones are not waterproof. They are however water-resistant and according to the Blundstone website their leather is “as water-resistant as any leather can be, while still allowing the foot to breathe”.

It’s important to remember that Blundstones are not designed for wet conditions or hikes with water crossings. However, they do dry quickly and are great for casual walks or exploring cities in wet conditions.

So if you plan on hiking in the rain or through streams, it’s best to wear a different pair of hiking boots. Whether or not you need fully waterproof boots depends on the type of terrain you’ll be hiking in.

What Hiking Boots To Wear Instead Of Blundstones?

So are Blundstones good for hiking?

While Blundstones can be worn hiking easier trails, I do recommend investing in a pair of hiking boots and they are designed specifically with this in mind. Investing in a good pair of hiking boots is something I’ve never questioned, and good boots really do make all the difference to comfort on the trails.

When choosing hiking boots, it’s important to consider your specific needs. For longer backpacking trips, opt for boots with good ankle support and a secure lacing system to prevent foot movement. Look for boots with a durable, grippy sole and waterproof for varied and potentially wet terrain.

Find boots that strike a balance between breathability and insulation for comfort in different weather conditions. Popular brands like Merrell, Salomon, and Keen are some of the bigger brands known for their comfortable hiking boots.

My favourite hiking boots that I personally own are the Salomon X Ultra’s, Columbia Newton Ridge and Danner Mountain 600.

• Salomon X Ultra Hiking Boots: These boots have been amazing for long-distance hikes and have excellent ankle support. They also have a Gore-Tex lining, making them waterproof and breathable.
• Columbia Newton Ridge Hiking Boots: These boots are on the more budget side. They are great for rough terrain with their aggressive tread pattern and sturdy construction. They also have good ankle support and are waterproof.
• Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boots: These boots are great for varied use, with a balance of comfort, support and weather resistance. They also have excellent traction and are made with durable materials.

While these are my personal favourites that I use regularly, I do recommend going into the store and trying on hiking boots. Not only do different brands fit differently but you might find you need a different size to your regular shoe size. Also bring the hiking socks you’ll be wearing with you as these tend to be thicker and make a big difference in sizing.

Thanks For Reading!

My Blundstones are some of my favourite and most comfortable shoes I own, but I would not recommend them for any serious or technical hikes. Blundstones can be used for hiking but only on relatively easy and short trails. They are great for light hikes and casual walks, but lack necessary support for more challenging hikes or backpacking trips.

For more information on hiking boots and gear be sure to browse around this site a little more. I have tons of hiking resources and blog posts.

Happy hiking!