Blundstone 550 vs 585: A Clash of Comfort and Style!

Believe it or not, I often get asked whether one should buy Blundstone’s 550 or the 585. Since I own both of these shoes, I will conclude this debate by discussing them. 

Blundstone 550 and 585 are both from the classic series. The 550 combines the sleek style of a Chelsea boot with the toughness of a work boot, with nice durability. On the other hand, the 585 is another unique pair of Chelsea boots that is slightly less tough than the 550, creating a super comfy footwear choice. 

Overall, they seem similar at first glance, but there are some notable differences that you might not be aware of. 

So, if you’re planning to get any one of these, it’s always a smart idea to check out what others have to say before dropping some cash on a new boot. 

Blundstone 550 vs 585: Key Differences.

Materials 

There is much to discuss regarding materials and their construction.

There’s no question that both Blundstone 550 and 585 have premium leather, but they do it in very different ways.

Blundstone 550 comes with chrome-tanned fully aniline leather, which is one of the best leathers you can get. This fully aniline leather shows good resistance to water and permeability. The 585 goes for nubuck leather, and they get that smooth look by sanding or buffing it.

The 550’s chrome-tanned leather is good at keeping out water, but it can leave marks and defects. The nubuck leather on the 585 boots, on the other hand, isn’t resistant to water and wear and tear, but it’s good that its color is maintained over time.

Soles

It is time to discuss the outsoles. Both the Blundstone 550 and 585 boots have thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) outsoles. This material is durable and resistant to abrasion, providing long-lasting protection for your shoes against scraping and water damage.

There’s also slip resistance in both of these, but the Blundstone 585 offers slightly better traction on slippery surfaces, helping you walk through puddles without any issues.

Again, for the midsoles, the boot comes with a polyurethane midsole that provides excellent impact absorption, making you stay comfortable even after long periods of walking or standing.

Finally, the insides of the shoes differ significantly. The Blundstone 550 has a full-length cambrelle and a removable EVA/Poron footbed to control moisture. In contrast, the 585 has a textile insole and a comfortable, shock-absorbing footbed.

Also Read: New Balance 550 vs New Balance 574 (Ultimate Comparison)

Comfort and Fit: Which Is Preferable?

When it comes to comfort, I really enjoy how comfy they are, especially when I wear them on hikes. They hardly cause any issues.

But of these two boots, I prefer the Blundstone 585 because of its nice features, like the fully textile insoles. I really like how they feel soft and cushioned, providing a smooth sensation on my skin.

However, the Blundstone 550 has a leather lining at the heel, which feels good but unfortunately, the synthetic lining at the forefoot doesn’t allow enough air in, and that’s something I’m not a fan of.

For arch support, both Blundstone 550 and 585 have a steel shank between the forefoot and heel that helps you maintain the correct step flex point and assists with skeletal stability.

And as usual, Blundstone includes its signature pull-on design with elastic sides in both that allow for easy slip-on. 

Here’s a quick table of features on both of these boots. 

Look-Wise

Both of these are similar in look; they are not too styled. But they do have to adapt to different outfits because of their sleek and simple silhouette. 

The 585 has a rugged style that adds a classy touch, making it suitable for formal events. Here, the nubuck leather is opulent and gives the boot a touch of dignity. 

The 550’s leather, on the other hand, gives off a business casual feel, which is easy to care for, but it’s more prone to irregular creasing and doesn’t maintain as many natural oils. 

For me, these boots are perfect for casual outfits that give off a rugged, outdoorsy, and masculine vibe. 

Fit

Choosing the correct size for Blundstones can be a bit tricky, so it’s important to pay close attention to my advice.

First, I would suggest buying shoes from their website. They’ve made it simple to find the correct size there; you can check the size guide. It has all the information for US, AU/UK, and EU sizes. 

Now, let’s get into sizing. Both the 550 and 585 have a spacious interior. For men, you can get a full size lower than you normally would in your normal sneakers or dress shoes. For women, I would suggest going a half-size down from your casual size for a comfortable fit.

Similarly, for a wider fit, it’s better to have a half-size down for both men and women. I’ve seen this fit issue on both of these boots and that’s why I’m suggesting you thoroughly look into this matter.

Weatherproofing

The company includes a water-resistant layer that performs well in wet and snowy conditions. I’ve tried both boots during my hikes and travels, and I can say they’re effective on rainy days, keeping the water out.

Remember that they do not provide complete waterproofing. If you’re planning to hike in heavy rain or snow, it might be a good idea to invest in additional protection.

Full-grain leather’s dense grain structure gives it a natural edge. Yet, with the right care, 550 can repel water effectively. 

And 585’s nubuck leather is a bit less water-resistant than full-grain leather. So, 550 is more weatherproof than Blundstone 585. Its dense grain structure makes it generally more water-resistant than other leathers.

Prices

These two boots don’t differ in price. The prices for both are the same.

Upon closer inspection, the 585 appears to be pricier and may not be as durable as the 550. It requires more care to ensure long-term use; otherwise, its durability may not hold up well.

In my opinion, the 550 is the best choice for me since it offers a lot. It’s more budget-friendly because of its durability.

Conclusion: Which One to Choose? 

In the end, the choice is all yours. Blundstones 550 and 585 are both dependent on your preferences and needs. 

For me, the 550 boots edge out the 585 ones a bit. They’re tough and rugged, and the weatherproofing is outstanding. I really enjoy hiking in these boots. On the other hand, if you’re not really into hiking or adventures, the 585 boots would be a good fit for you. They’re a solid choice for casual outfits and events.