Summary
Looking at the Blundstone 566 Leather Chelsea Boot, I initially didn’t know that it was much more than just a casual boot. I liked the versatile appeal, with the matte finish blending well with workwear and outfits I wore in more social settings. With the waterproof leather upper and elastic panels, this boot shielded my foot and kept it dry while I worked outdoors when it was raining and in other wet conditions.
I loved the sheepskin footbed that gave the interior a comfortably foamy feel and the Thinsulate insulation that maintained cozy warmth.
The flexibility of the sole and upper also contributed to the overall comfort. I’m impressed with how the exclusive comfort system delivered strong shock absorption, with the lightweight design preventing a tired feeling from setting in even with all-day walking and staying upright. However, this boot has a higher price point than other boots I found with similar features, and the outsole doesn’t seem as durable as thicker sole profiles.
Key Takeaways
- The Blundstone 566 Leather Chelsea Boot is a great choice for people searching for a comfortable pull-on leather boot with waterproof materials which can be used in non-hazardous work conditions.
- The leather upper and elastic side panels are waterproof, ensuring that liquids won’t be able to penetrate while in wet areas. The signature shock absorption system prevents fatigue from setting in after long hours of walking or staying upright.
- This is a lightweight boot that doesn’t weigh the foot down with excess weight. It’s also equipped with a flexible sole and upper to allow a wider range of motion.
- A removable sheepskin fleece footbed offers enhanced comfort with a wonderfully foamy feel, with Thinsulate insulation adding much-needed warmth.
- However, the boot’s outsole feels too thin and may lack the durability to last a long time. Also, this boot’s price point is higher than other boots I’ve tried with similar qualities.
Exploring the Blundstone 566 Leather Chelsea Boot in Depth
Comfort
The Blundstone 566 Leather Chelsea Boot is packed with features that aim to make walking a more comfortable experience. I loved the addition of a genuine sheepskin footbed that gave the interior a wonderfully foamy feel.
The boot showcased an exclusive shock absorption system to soak up the impact of walking on hard surfaces.
This effectively prevented foot fatigue after long hours of staying on my feet. I especially liked the low-profile Thinsulate insulation that delivered extra warmth, making the boot cozy enough to ward away the chill.
With the flexible sole, I could walk comfortably while enjoying a wide range of motion.
The sole easily adjusted to follow my foot’s movements without a restrictive feeling. It felt like I was wearing trainers because the sole had the same flexible structure. I’m glad the upper is made with soft leather, pliable and flexible to adapt to my natural walking motion for superb comfort.
I appreciated the addition of stretch panels on the sides of the opening, as these allowed my foot to enter with complete ease. In addition, the elastic material instantly adapted to make the opening wider, so my foot could get in and out without painful chafing.
I also liked the pull tabs on top (at the front and back), as these enhanced the comfort and convenience while I pulled the boot on and off.
Weight
This lightweight boot helped me stand and walk for long periods comfortably.
Without the excess weight to drag on my foot, walking was much easier to manage throughout the day.
This boot is just a little heavier compared to the Blundstone 510 (as per our measurements shown in the image below both boots weigh approximately 2.61lbs / 41.8oz / 1.2kg). The weight difference is mostly due to the addition of the foamy sheepskin footbed and insulation, although the Thinsulate material doesn’t contribute much to the bulk inside the boot.
Traction
The TPU outsole had grooves that had a firm grip on the ground I walked on. The traction level was good enough to keep me walking confidently over different surfaces.
However, this traction can’t be considered exceptional, so the boot isn’t ideal for extremely slippery or unstable ground conditions.
I also discovered that the outsole isn’t as thick or durable as those fitted into other work boots I’ve tried.
Fit and Sizing
This boot is true to size and has a regular fit. Unlike the 510 style, this boot has a less relaxed fit, likely due to the sheepskin footbed adding a bit of soft bulkiness to the interior. The slip-on design and elastic side panels made this boot easy to put on but quite difficult to remove when it still needs to be properly broken in.
Waterproofing
The waterproof leather upper stopped liquids from entering, making this boot a suitable choice for outdoor work in the rain and in other wet conditions. I was so happy to discover that the elastic side panels were waterproof, so I didn’t worry that water and other moisture sources would seep into the boots through the stretchy material. Even the seams are reinforced with latex to ensure that wetness won’t penetrate even with prolonged exposure to unwelcome moisture.
Breathability
The strong waterproofing and insulation inside the boot reduced the overall breathability of this boot, especially when compared to boots made with unlined leather. However, this boot doesn’t easily overheat, thanks to the pull-on design that allows a bit more air to enter from the wide enough opening.
Quality and Durability
The Blundstone 566 Leather Chelsea Boot is made with premium leather and a matte finish that blends nicely with work attire and casual outfits. This texture was a welcome change from the shiny leather uppers I commonly see in other work or casual boots. Regular cleaning and proper care make it easy to maintain this leather boot’s top-quality appearance. I appreciated the Chelsea design as it was stylish yet still had a rugged appeal that I easily maximized on and off the clock.
The sheepskin fleece footbed provided a soft cradle inside the boot, giving it a foamy feel that significantly increased the comfortable feeling. This footbed is removable, so cleaning it isn’t too much of a hassle. I’m impressed that this footbed also included Thermolite insulation that warmed up the boot from the inside, maintaining a comfortable feel even in cold weather conditions. This insulation material isn’t bulky, so the interior feels comfortable enough.
I especially liked the waterproof structure that stops water and other liquids from entering the boot.
Even the stretchy side panels were waterproof, so water and other wet elements could not seep into the boot when used in wet environments. The seams were also protected with latex to ensure that moisture won’t penetrate through these components.
This boot can easily be put on and removed with the help of the pull-on design.
I liked the stretchy fabric panels on the top as they easily made the boot open wider when needed.
This allowed my foot to enter and exit the boot comfortably because the material in the opening didn’t rub painfully against my skin. The outsole’s grip was good but not exceptional, so I will only recommend this boot for somewhat rough or slippery ground conditions.
This boot is also more expensive than other boots I’ve tried with almost the same features.
Other Versions
The Blundstone 566 Leather Chelsea Boot is available in black, rustic brown, and antique brown. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come in other versions.
The Challengers
Ariat Spot Hog Boot
The Ariat Spot Hog Boot sports a Chelsea profile that’s sleek and rugged at the same time. It can be used with various outfit choices for work and casual use, so it’s easy to maximize this boot in different environments. The pull-on design offers a convenient way of putting on and taking off the boot without needing to tinker with a lacing system all the time. The side stretch panels flex to accommodate the foot’s entry and exit without stiff leather biting the skin. The EVA midsole soaks up the impact from long walking periods but with a lightweight design that doesn’t add a lot of bulk. However, the sole feels too soft and may need to be more durable as thicker or more rigid soles.
Clarks Paulson Up Chelsea Boot
The Clarks Paulson Up Chelsea Boot has a versatile appeal that partners well with work attire but also looks great with outfits that are made for leisure settings. The stylish silhouette goes well with jeans, chinos, and other pants to maximize the boots’ use. The gore panels stretch easily to welcome the foot’s entry, making the boot-wearing experience more comfortable and convenient. An Ortholite footbed provides the necessary cushioning, with enough softness to cradle the foot and prevent pain when you need to spend most of the day on your feet walking or standing. The breathable lining allows the air to circulate to stop overheating. It should be noted that the sole’s traction is weak, making this boot unsuitable for slippery surfaces.
Redback Bobcat Chelsea Boot
The Redback Bobcat Chelsea Boot is built with steel toe caps to block impact and compression threats, protecting the toes from getting injured while working in harsh environments. It’s built with premium leather handcrafted by experienced craftsmen, with double-stitch construction to ensure lasting durability that can keep up with heavy use. This exceptionally comfortable boot feels remarkably foamy inside, with the air-cushioned midsole cradling the foot. The waterproof design blocks mud, water, and other wet elements from seeping in to keep the foot dry throughout the day. The TPU outsole provided impressively strong traction to help stabilize steps over challenging surfaces. This boot is heavy, though, and may not be ideal for those who prefer a snug fit, especially on the ankle area.
Timberland Stormbuck Chelsea Boot
The Timberland Stormbuck Chelsea Boot has a stylish profile that marries sleekness and ruggedness. It uses responsibly sourced leather and the exclusive ReBOTL fabric lining, which is made from at least 50% recycled plastic – perfect for those searching for more eco-friendly footwear options. The rubber lug outsole provides a strong grip on most surfaces, ensuring that walking can be made steadier and much safer over the tricky ground. The pull-on style cuts prep time as the boot can be put on and removed without fiddling with a complicated lacing system. The leather is waterproof, blocking water and other liquids to keep the foot dry. However, this boot doesn’t come with safety toes, so it’s not recommended for harsh job sites.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Blundstone 566 Leather Chelsea Boot is a solid choice for those looking for a soft-toe, pull-on leather boot that can be used in wet but non-hazardous work conditions. I appreciated the waterproof features – including the leather upper and elastic gussets – that stopped liquid penetration and the Thinsulate insulation that offered low-bulk warmth inside the boot. The pull-on design with stretchy side panels made it boot-wearing and removal very convenient. I especially liked the sheepskin footbed as it lent a foamy feel, with ample cushioning and cozy warmth that enhanced foot comfort. This lightweight boot had a flexible sole and upper, with an exclusive comfort system providing reliable shock absorption for fatigue prevention. However, the boot’s outsole may not be as thick or durable as other boots I’ve tried, and the price is higher than boots with almost the same features.
- Waterproof
- Removable sheepskin fleece footbed
- Signature shock absorption system
- Thinsulate insulation
- Lightweight and flexible
- The outsole isn’t as thick as other boots’
- More expensive than boots with similar qualities
