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Blundstone Thermal - Women's Review

A stylish and comfortable waterproof Chelsea boot that's great for everyday wear but doesn't offer enough coverage to keep you dry in deep snow
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Blundstone Thermal - Women's Review (A super cute winter boot suitable for all-year use. Waterproof and super cozy, they look great with a pair of jeans.)
A super cute winter boot suitable for all-year use. Waterproof and super cozy, they look great with a pair of jeans.
Credit: Amber King
Price:  $250 List
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Manufacturer:   Blundstone
By Liz Chamberlain and Amber King  ⋅  Feb 23, 2022
70
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#11 of 18
  • Warmth - 25% 8.0
  • Weather Protection - 25% 6.0
  • Comfort and Fit - 20% 7.0
  • Traction - 15% 6.0
  • Durability - 15% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Blundstone Thermal is a traditional Chelsea style boot with a few winterized upgrades — think leather Australian work boot packed with warm Thinsulate lining and a sheepskin-lined footbed. These stylish leather kicks are even waterproof. They are also easy to use with a pull-on design but are limited in deep puddles and wet weather due to their short stature. However, we love these toasty boots for everyday footwear through the winter, spring, and fall. This classic boot is a favorite amongst our testers and friends as an everyday option for a wide range of temperatures.
REASONS TO BUY
Waterproof
Easy to pull on
Stylish
Soft footbed
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Average traction
Limited snow and water coverage
Editor's Note: This boot gear review now includes more information on our favorite boots and why we'd choose them. This update occurred on February 23, 2022.

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Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Winter Boot for Women
Top Pick Award
Best Protection for Wet Winters
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Top Pick Award
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Bottom Line A shorter waterproof winter boot that offers a stylish appeal, but isn't as warm as burlier and taller snow boot optionsThis stellar winter boot excels in the warmth, weather protection, durability, and traction categoriesHighly protective, this easy to use boot has impressive traction and insulationNot the most durable or fashionable, but this boot is warm, waterproof, easy to use, and has solid tractionA versatile winter hiking boot that boasts excellent traction and warmth and kept us protected in ultra-snowy conditions and uneven terrain
Rating Categories Blundstone Thermal... Baffin Chloe Muck Boot Arctic Ic... Kamik Momentum 3 Keen Revel IV Polar...
Warmth (25%)
8.0
10.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
Weather Protection (25%)
6.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
Comfort and Fit (20%)
7.0
9.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
Traction (15%)
6.0
8.0
9.0
7.0
9.0
Durability (15%)
8.0
9.0
9.0
7.0
8.0
Specs Blundstone Thermal... Baffin Chloe Muck Boot Arctic Ic... Kamik Momentum 3 Keen Revel IV Polar...
Maximum Puddle Depth 6" 9" 16" 6" 7"
Measured Shaft Height (from bottom of sole to top of shaft) 6" 10" 16" 10" 7"
Measured Weight (lb per pair, size 7) 1.875 2.5 2.5 2.75 2.375
Temp Drop in Ice Bath -7.5°F -4.1°F -9.5°F -9.7°F -3.8°F
Type of Boot Casual winter wear All-around winter wear Winter workwear Casual winter wear Winter hiking
Fit Details True to size True to size Runs big True to size (wide) True to size, wide
Lining/Insulation Thermal Thinsulate Comfort-Fit multilayer foam Fleece Synthetic Heat-MX Insulation 200 grams KEEN.WARM Recycled PET
Removable Liner No Yes No No No
Footbed Removable sheepskin footbed EVA bioDEWIX Removal EVA EVA
Upper Material Waterproof leather Suede leather Rubber Waterproof nylon Mesh and Leather
Toe Box Leather Rubber Rubber Rubber Leather
Outsole Slip-resistant TPU Polar Rubber Vibram Arctic Grip A.T. ICEKISS rubber outsole KEEN Polar Traction
Company Claimed Cold Weather Rating Not stated -40°C/-40°F Not stated -40 °F -32°C/-25°F
Animal Products Yes Yes No No Yes
Sizes Available 6 - 11 6 - 11 5 - 11 5 - 11 5 - 12

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Blundstone Thermal is a favorite for its easy pull-on access, warm footbed, and stylish design. The boot can seamlessly transition from work to a night-on-the-town. Built to accompany you from the city to the country, this boot is one we found ourselves using well into the shoulder seasons. While it's waterproof and warm, the shorter cuff and less aggressive outsole lack coverage, stability, and offer less reliable traction. This classic Chelsea is best for casual use in winter rather than stormy day errands or trail use.

Performance Comparison


blundstone thermal for women - while these veer away from a classic burly winter boot, they sure...
While these veer away from a classic burly winter boot, they sure kept our feet warm and dry.
Credit: Rachel Dobronyi

Warmth


We tested this boot while commuting, working, and hiking on mellow trails around town. Worn in cold weather that sunk well below freezing, it did surprisingly well. The cozy footbed generates a lot of heat, while the fit provides ample room to move toes and maintain warmth. There's a layer of thermal Thinsulate lining the rugged leather upper, and the soles are thick enough to keep out cold from the frozen ground, but the magic is in the removable sheepskin-lined footbeds. When walking to work and commuting via bike, this boot kept our feet warm throughout most of the winter. It's just not one we'd wear if you're standing around in single-digit weather for hours or plan on a hiking adventure through snowdrifts in the woods.

blundstone thermal for women - on chilly days, this boot provides enough warmth, even when just...
On chilly days, this boot provides enough warmth, even when just hanging out around town.
Credit: Amber King

The construction is a bit limited for the coldest days of the year. The boot's shaft has a thin lining and is not insulated, so while your toes are kept warm, without burlier winter socks, the ankle and shin area can get cold. While the boot breathes well from the open ventilation in the top of the cuff, we noticed our feet getting slightly damp if it was actively raining or snowing, which felt chilly after a few hours. While the Blundstone is warm for most days of winter, it's one we'd leave at home if the temperatures drop dramatically or if a blustery storm is in the forecast.

blundstone thermal for women - a look at the super warm and cozy removable liner in the blundstone...
A look at the super warm and cozy removable liner in the Blundstone Thermal. Pro-tip: in the summer replace it for a less insulated insole and you've got a warm-weather boot too!
Credit: Amber King

Weather Protection


Quality is apparent on the stylish Blundstone Thermal boot, especially if you find yourself tromping around in shallow puddles or sleety weather. Not only does the full leather design ward off snow, but the stretchy material that connects the front and back of the upper is seam-sealed and completely waterproof. Even after marching in water for a full two minutes, water does not permeate the material and leak into the boot.

The Blundstone Thermal has a 6-inch shaft height, but if you move around in the snow, 4-5 inches of coverage is more of what you'll get. While we can appreciate the waterproofness of the material and seams, this boot is best left at home when you need to conquer tall snowbanks or super deep puddles. This is a wonderful wear-around town option after the plows have been out and the storms have settled down.

Yes...even on the stretchy part, it remains waterproof!
Yes...even on the stretchy part, it remains waterproof!
Excellent and protective in smaller snow drifts.
Excellent and protective in smaller snow drifts.

Comfort and Fit


The Blundstone Thermal provides exceptional out-of-the-box comfort compared to many other options. This product has been designed and refined to cater to functional and fashionable all-day wear. Our testers found themselves reaching for these on the way to work, thanks to the lightweight and versatile design. The fit is true to size, with plenty of wiggle room for toes with either thin or thick socks. The soft footbed provides enough support to stand all day long.

blundstone thermal for women - the blundstones are one of the easiest boots to move around in...
The Blundstones are one of the easiest boots to move around in thanks to their lightweight, minimalist construction.
Credit: Rachel Dobronyi

While this boot doesn't have a ton of arch support, we appreciate the thinner outsole that allows you to feel the ground underfoot, and an insole with a higher arch could always be added if desired. The leather around the collar and the shaft feels slightly rigid at first, but with more wear, it loosens up and conforms to the foot. For this reason, we would consider the break-in phase to be about five wears, particularly because cold accentuates the stiffness of the leather.

blundstone thermal for women - we took the blundstone thermals on all sorts of weekend adventures...
We took the Blundstone Thermals on all sorts of weekend adventures. They are perfect for late fall camping excursions.
Credit: Liz Chamberlain

Traction


The Blundstone Thermal traction is average but does surprisingly well in the mud. The lugs are sufficient for most snowy conditions, but you can easily slide on steep slopes. The boot's rigid construction lets you easily kick into a snowy slope, but the traction isn't necessarily confidence-inspiring in more technical terrain.

We wore this boot while hiking through the woods, encountering a few snowy logs and rocks. We slipped off a few logs but stuck well to the rocks. Icy weather is a beast that can't be tamed with just any regular boot — and this is no exception. We slipped once or twice on icy pavement. If you're into the aftermarket anti-slip products, you can strap on a pair of yak tracks or microspikes to take this boot on snowy/icy hiking trails.

blundstone thermal for women - a decent level of traction, but nothing like that offered by...
A decent level of traction, but nothing like that offered by higher-scoring options in our review.
Credit: Amber King

Since the lugs on the outsole aren't super deep, mud sheds quite easily. Other heavier hikers required stopping and picking the mud out of the lugs with a stick, but we could keep hiking in these. While there are pros and cons to its traction pattern, it'll do best on flat surfaces, packed snow, and mud.

blundstone thermal for women - a great level of traction for mellow trails and around-town use.
A great level of traction for mellow trails and around-town use.
Credit: Amber King

Durability


Blundstone is a century-old company rooted in traditional, high-quality leather footwear design. Their age-old designs have been perfected and refined over the years to become a well-renowned brand for bulletproof workwear. The premium waterproof leather on the Thermal is built to last and has seen barely any wear and tear during our testing period. One of our testers owns two pairs of Blundstones and feels that she has absolutely gotten her money's worth over three years of use. Despite everyday winter use, this boot looks the same as when she first opened the box, with some slight weathered discoloration encasing the forefoot. The footbed maintains shape over time, though the sheep fur insole may need replacement after a few seasons, depending on how matted it gets.

The double-stitched seams on our pair of Blundstone's have remained impenetrable, maintaining water resistance over time. The TPU outsole and SPS comfort system retains shape, structure, and support in the toe spring. We've kicked and jumped on all of the hard surfaces we can imagine. Needless to say, Blundstone leather is strong, tough, and high-quality.

blundstone thermal for women - we tried to scuff the blundstone's up against wood, rocks, and...
We tried to scuff the Blundstone's up against wood, rocks, and concrete but they only suffered minor scratches. This boot is built for the long haul.
Credit: Rachel Dobronyi

Should You Buy the Blundstone Thermal?


The Blundstone Thermal is built for anyone seeking the epitome of fashionable yet versatile winter footwear. The shape offers a slimming effect to the leg, and it can be worn through the winter and into the shoulder season. While it's not the most protective or warm compared to others, this high-quality contender will surely keep your feet dry in minimal snow conditions. Enjoy this favorite throughout the year, and pair it with your favorite skirt or skinny jeans for a stylish, casual look. The Blundstone Thermal quality is evident in the stitching and textile use. From previous experience, we know the boots will provide many, many years of happiness. The price is far steeper than other options in our lineup, but the timeless style and functionality generate exceptional value over time. If you find this boot to be fashionable and envision yourself using it as an everyday boot, you will undoubtedly be able to justify the price tag.

blundstone thermal for women - the blundstone boot is great for winter chores but isn't the warmest...
The Blundstone boot is great for winter chores but isn't the warmest option out there. You can get away with wearing it in temperate environments with moderate winters.
Credit: Laurel Hunter

What Other Winter Boots Should You Consider?


The Blundstone is a fine shoe, but not the best for spending time outdoors for chores, fun, or otherwise, as it lacks some of the performance, you'll want for anything more than winter city sidewalks. For an excellent all-around boot that can play the role of a stylish boot for some, the UGG Adirondack III is a warm boot with better weather protection and durability than the Blundstone. It also provides a superior fit and comfort with better traction making it the better boot for most winter activities. If hiking is on tap, the Keen Revel IV Polar is the one to watch with a precision fit and a design specific to walking and hiking.

Liz Chamberlain and Amber King