Another day, another two pairs of Blundstone Chelsea boots. And, as usual, they’re here to mess with the minds of buyers.
This time it’s the Blundstone 1609 vs. the 550—almost the same, but still different models. But don’t worry, no more confusion! I’ve got my hands on both of these Blunnies, and today I’m here to break it all down for you, so you won’t waste any time deciding.
Stick with me until the end for this comparison.
Contents
Detailed Comparison of Blundstone 1609 and 550
To provide with all the essential details about both shoes, I’ve divided the review into sections: design, material, comfort, fit, and price.
So, let’s get into it.
Design
Design-wise, both boots stick to that classic Chelsea boot style—which, honestly, I love.
They both have elastic gussets to make slipping them on easy and solid double stitching all around for extra durability.
The only real difference comes down to the leather quality, and I’ll be diving into that in the next section.
But, overall, it’s pretty tough to spot any major differences in the design.
Materials
Let’s break down the materials.
First off, both boots are made with chrome-tanned premium leather. It’s solid quality and offers decent water resistance for everyday use, but don’t count on it in heavy rain.
Now, when it comes to the leather itself, the 1609 has a smoother, shinier finish with a bit of a Nubuck vibe. The 550, on the other hand, has a less shiny and more classic, rugged, and tough look.
Both boots are leather-lined, but here’s a small difference: the 550 uses real leather lining throughout, while the 1609 mixes leather and textile lining. That said, both do a great job of delivering on comfort and durability.
Moving down to the soles, both models feature TPU soles. It’s a durable, grippy, and flexible material that keeps the boots strong without making them feel heavy.
Blundstone also throws in some tech for extra comfort—on the 550, you’ve got the SPS Max Comfort System for shock absorption. The 1609 features XRD® technology in the heel for the same purpose.
I’m not exactly sure how these technologies work, but Blundstone highlights them on their site; there’s probably something to it. I believe these technologies have something to do with the steel shank present in the sole. And yeah! Both shoes have a steel shank, and I’ve verified this with a magnet to be sure.
Oh, and one important note: these soles aren’t resoleable. If they wear out, you’ll need to reach out to Blundstone for repairs.
Lastly, let’s talk insoles. Both boots come with removable EVA insoles, which is great. However, the ones they include are pretty average. They’re breathable, sure, but if you want top-tier comfort, I’d recommend swapping them out for something better.
So yeah! Almost there’s no difference at all in here except the leather.
Related: Blundstone 550 vs 585
Comfort
Comfort-wise, there really isn’t much of a difference between the two.
I’ve worn both during long days and nights while traveling, for office walks, and even for yard work. Honestly, they feel so similar on foot that I sometimes forget which pair I’m wearing.
I own both and like them for different outfits. Here’s how I see it: the 550s are great for a casual vibe—light work, travel, hiking, or just about anything laid-back. The 1609 in antique brown, though, leans more toward a dress boot, perfect for a slightly polished look.
When it comes to maintenance, I find the 550s easier to care for. Mine have picked up noticeable scuffs and wear over time, but since they’re black, it’s less obvious and easier to manage. The 1609, with its weathered antique finish, needs a bit more attention. Any damage really stands out and can mess with its overall character.
And oh, I almost forgot about the break-in period. Both pairs need a solid amount of time to break in—think almost a month. Blundstone leather does tend to stretch and mold to your feet over time. Chelsea boots definitely take a bit of getting used to.
But once they’re broken in, both feel as comfy as slippers.
Fit
Now, on to the fit.
Overall, I’d say both boots run true to size. Just make sure to check out Blundstone’s sizing guide before you order.
If you’re thinking about going with your usual US or UK size, I’d suggest going half a size up. The leather can feel pretty tight at first, and it’ll definitely mess with your toes and ankles until they break in.
Must Read: Blundstone 500 vs 550
Price
Finally, let’s reveal the price.
The price difference is pretty big here. The 550 is around $179.96, while the 1609 is $229.46, offering you better leather and a more polished look.
So, there’s around a $50 difference in price.
Final Thoughts: Which One Is Better?
Now, if you’ve been following along since the beginning, you probably don’t need to read this part—you’ve already made up your mind.
But if you’ve scrolled all the way down just to hear my final thoughts, here’s what I think: If you’re looking for a solid pair of Chelsea boots that’ll handle your daily errands, keep you comfy, and won’t cost much, then the 550 is the way to go. It’s easy to maintain, and honestly, it’s pretty much on par with the 1609.
But if you’re after something a bit shinier, more elegant, and that will age beautifully over time, then the 1609 is the one you want. It looks stunning, fits nicely, and pairs well with a variety of outfits. Just keep in mind that it’s more expensive and requires a little extra care.
Overall, I find the 550 to be the better deal. Its sleek black look fits my style, it’s more affordable, it requires less maintenance, and honestly, it’s almost the same as the 1609 in terms of quality. That’s my preference, anyway.
So, what do you guys think? Am I off-base, or is the 1609 really worth the extra cash? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll catch you in the next one!
