Welcome to Talking Points, a series that looks at what makes certain products worth talking about, brought to you by Gear Patrol Studios.
Since its founding in 1870, Blundstone has become a global name by making consistently high-quality, versatile and stylish leather boots — particularly its iconic pull-on Chelsea style. Blundstone’s Chelsea holds a rare niche: a work boot that can also be a dress boot, an everyday staple that can truly be worn every single day, no matter what you have on your plate. Now, the All-Terrain Thermal Chelsea boots ($280) take that highly versatile style to new extremes with an extra rugged sole and full waterproofing worthy of any winter adventure.
BlundstoneThe Backstory
Blundstone: Forged in Rugged Tasmania
For more than 150 years, Australia-based Blundstone has been making boots fit for work, play, and everything in between. The brand’s founder, John Blundstone, began by making a tough, versatile boot that could stand up to every activity and condition the residents of the mountainous, rural island state of Tasmania could throw at it. Since then, Blundstone has made boots for soldiers and farmers, Everest expeditioners and athletes, dancers and artists, children and adults. The brand’s most iconic offering, the pull-up tab Chelsea boot, was born in the 1960s and has been a staple ever since.
The Gist
Why Are the All-Terrain Thermal Chelsea Boots the Only Boots You’ll Need This Winter?
Blundstone’s All-Terrain Thermal Chelsea boots ($280) are the brand’s most capable winter model, and it all starts with the tried-and-true Chelsea base. This simple pull-on style is refined and stylish but also highly practical, especially in wintertime. When the outside world is icy and wet, the ability to step in or out of your boots in seconds is a game-changer. Popping outside to shovel the walk or grab the mail doesn’t have to be preceded by minutes of fumbling with snow-dampened laces, and when you head inside, these boots can be kicked off at the door hands-free so you don’t risk tracking in slush.
But the ease and versatility of this elasticated Chelsea boot is just the start. The All-Terrain Thermal update to this boot brings on the protection, with fully waterproof premium leather and waterproof elastic to keep your toes dry. That hardy exterior is available in three colorways and lined with Thinsulate insulation and a contoured sheepskin EVA footbed to trap body heat. To keep you secure on slippery winter surfaces, this is all finished off with a grippy Vibram® outsole that is self-cleaning and specifically designed for snowy conditions. That sole is also highly supportive and shock-absorbing to prevent fatigue during long days on your feet.
Our POV
The All-Terrain Thermal Chelsea Boots Are a Winter Staple
On a cold day, having warm, dry feet is the difference between walking in a winter wonderland and trudging through slush. Blundstone’s All-Terrain Thermal Chelsea boots are designed to weather the storm. Plus, their highly versatile style and no-nonsense pull-on design means they are the boots you’ll find yourself reaching for day after day.
Price: $280