Blundstones have been in existence for donkey years and many adore them for their durability and reasonable price points.
You can walk in Blundstone in all kinds of weather. You can even use them under heavy rain. The manufacturers claim Blundstones are water-resistant, as the leather used has been treated to repel water.
Blundstones designs and the fact that you can wear them in all weather should give them some edge when used for hiking, but that isn’t the case. Hiking offers a different challenge, as you have to navigate through rough terrains.
Now, this takes us to the question.
Can you hike in Blundstones?
Well, yes, you can hike in Blundstone. But are they the best option for hiking? No. They’re not even recommended for extreme hiking.
A durable boot that offers great ankle support is what you need for extreme hiking. And while the Blundstone is durable, it’s not made for such purposes.
Keep reading for more details on using Blundstone for hiking.
Why Is Blundstones Not Recommended For Hiking
There are several reasons you shouldn’t consider using Blundstone for hiking. But while some hikers don’t recommend using Blundstones for hiking, others agree on using them for easy hikes.
The thing is, Blundstones aren’t the best option for hiking mountains that boost rooted trails.
So, why are Blundstones not recommended for hiking? Let’s discuss the various reasons.
Ankle support:
Using boots that offer your ankles great support makes hiking more enjoyable. You’ll have more confidence to hike for an extended period without leaving your ankles bruised.
Unfortunately, Blundstone boots’ ankle support makes them less impressive for avid hikers. As a result, they’re not recommended for extensive hiking on rough terrain. Instead, use them for easy hikes or short walks.
If you’re an avid hiker, consider splashing the cash on boots that provide great ankle support, as bruising your ankles while hiking can make the outdoor activity less appealing.
Breathability:
There are diverse reasons breathable shoes are ideal for hiking. Excitingly, they make may your socks and feet dry throughout.
As you may already know, wet socks can increase your chances of having blisters, while wet feet can cause a cold.
Unfortunately, Blundstone isn’t breathable, a reason they aren’t ideal if you plan to hike for an extended period.
Heel blisters:
There’s an increased risk of heel blisters with brand new Blundstones. Why? The leather is still too tight.
Another issue you’ll encounter with Blundstone shoes is size. You may find your feet moving around, increasing your chances of developing blisters.
A Handy Tip: The ideal hiking boots should fit snugly everywhere, but they shouldn’t be tight anywhere around your feet. Your feet should have plenty of space in the boots to wiggle.
Blundstone boots look appealing. Their laceless boots are super convenient for other uses besides hiking. In other words, they’re not suitable for hiking. Why? They won’t secure your feet while hiking, making hill climbing a challenge.
Things To Consider When Hiking In Blundstones
We have mentioned a couple of reasons why Blundstones aren’t a wise choice for avid hikers. And these are valid reasons, as you can see.
You can do easy hiking with a Blundstone. Just make your hiking expedition short and less intense.
But then, if you fancy using a Blundstone for hiking, follow these tips.
1. Consider using boots that have broken in:
Your feet need maximum protection when hiking. Therefore, it is crucial to use boots that will leave your feet blister-free.
In this case, a brand new Blundstone might not be the best option. Why? The leather will be too tight on your feet and may cause blisters.
So, consider using an old Blundstone if you have one. Why? A brand new one would be too tight for your feet. Just keep using the Blundstone to walk around until it has broken in.
2. Choose boots that fit snugly:
If you plan to hike in a Blundstone boot, choose one that fits snugly. Your boots should fit everywhere, and they shouldn’t be tight anywhere.
Using a super tight Blundstone for hiking will leave your feet riddled with blisters.
3. Use appropriate hiking socks:
Don’t wear Blundstone boots without hiking socks. Instead, use proper hiking socks, and ensure they’re above your ankles.
Why should the socks be above your ankles? The reason is to protect your ankles from blisters. Additionally, you’ll be protecting your feet too.
4. Keep your hiking expedition short:
Even if you’re putting on a Blundstone that fits snugly, that doesn’t mean you should push your luck.
Blundstones aren’t a wise choice for avid hikers. It doesn’t matter how secured your feet are. You can only do short and easy hikes when wearing a Blundstone.
Are Blundstone Boots Only For Males?
No, that’s not true. The brand has been producing boots for men and women since its inception. And females, Blundstone are as stylish and comfortable on their feet as males.’
So, you can get Blundstone for females. And remember, these shoes are a wise choice for short walks.
Tips On How To Care For Your Blundstones
Giving your shoes proper care can extend their lifespan. It doesn’t matter how much the shoe costs.
So, if you have a brand new Blundstone, start caring for your shoes even before you start wearing them.
How can you maintain or care for your Blundstone appropriately? The first step is to apply leather spray or cream to the shoes.
The spray or cream applied will help protect the surface of the shoes from the elements massively.
Avoid applying the cream or spray on the entire shoe instantly. You need to check if the spray or cream is the right color before applying it all over the leather.
So, what’s the best approach? First, apply the spray or cream to an inconspicuous area on the shoe. With this, you can gauge the color change.
It is also important to care for your Blundstone after wearing them in a muddy environment. Use a blister brush to get rid of the mud, and keep the shoes where they can dry naturally.
A Handy Tip: Avoid drying shoes near a heat source, as it’s not a good practice. The heat could cause the shoe to warp or even affect the size.
Instead, place your shoes outdoors to dry naturally. It is better this way.
Conclusion
Can you hike in Blundstones? Yes, you can. But remember that Blundstones aren’t recommended for hiking. They are also not built for hiking either.
However, you can use Blundstones for short walks. They’re also wise for easy hiking, especially on simple terrains.
Several reasons make Blundstone unfit for intensive hiking. One of them is their breathability. In addition, your feet and socks could get wet, making you uncomfortable throughout the trip. The dump socks and feet may also damage your nails.
But, if Blundstones are the only options you have, and you’re so interested in hiking, we can go ahead, and you can use them. Just ensure you follow the tips we discussed here on using Blundstone.
