The post Our 6 Most Popular Blundstone Boots for 2024 appeared first on Altitude Sports.
]]>Below, we’ve created a list of our 6 most popular Blundstone boots for 2023. But did you know Blundstone celebrated their 150th in 2020? And did you know that the company remains family-owned and operated in Tasmania, Australia? So why not cap this year off with a pair “Blunnies”?
More than 150 years of Blundstone
In 1870, John Blundstone started making footwear built for the cobbled streets, farmland, factories, and well-pounded dance floors of Australia. While Blundstone boots – affectionately known as “Blunnies” in the Outback – remain the footwear of choice for Aussie workers, their styles have gone global. These leather boots now cushion the feet of trendsetters in art and fashion capitals around the world.
You want to know what keeps them on-trend? After 150-years of boot making, the company remains 100% committed to the durability, quality, and innovation that John Blundstone built his reputation on.
And to us, that’s authenticity.
Our absolute favourites Blundstone: 500’s & 510’s Originals
The Blundstone 500 in Original Stout Brown is sort of the 'true' original. Shaped like your foot for instant comfort, these Chelsea boots only get better with all-season wear.
They've got the ultimate construction of the brand's ruggedly famous footwear. The water-resistant upper’s premium leather looks even better on your feet as it ages. Cushioned polyurethane midsoles protect your feet and offer shock-absorption for your back. Bullet-proof TPU outsoles are resistant to all liquids (snow, rain, and even oil) and can withstand heat to 290°F, so you can literally walk them anywhere.
In our opinion, the best part of the Blundstone 500's is that they not only last forever, but can be worn with almost anything. Think about your favourite shorts and ankle socks on a summer hike to a secluded beach (a very Australian activity). In the winter, they look great with your jeans both in-and-out of the office and are perfect for a snowy walk home from the bar.
You'll also love that these boots come with an extra set of footbeds for fit and adjustments. And for the winter in Canada, you can even throw in a wool footbed for extra warmth.
The Blundstone 510 in Original Black are the exact same boots as the 500’s. It’s just that you get them in classic black leather instead of the polished brown.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- The “original” Blundstone style
- Versatile, unisex fit
- Built to last
Cons
- Some people think they’re bulky
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Our favourite Blundstone for Canadian winters
The Great White North. That nickname isn't about Canadian summers. Winter here calls for snow-proof, cold-proof winter boots. And the Blundstone 1392's are just that.
Upon first glance, the Blundstone 1392's aren't much different than the 1395's and 1308's. Looks-wise, they aren't. The real winter tech is hidden inside these boots.
They have the same premium leather uppers, PU midsoles, and everything-resistant TPU outsoles. But the leather uppers are fully waterproof. And this combo of materials makes the 1392's completely snow and ice-proof, which is necessary for at least 6-months of the year in Canada.
200g Thinsulate insulation lines the 1392's uppers, making them a little heftier than the Originals but much, much warmer. Trust us, this warm-air trapping insulation will keep your feet toasty on the coldest days.
Add in super comfy wool sheepskin footbeds sourced from Australia – included with the boots – and you have some insanely warm footwear. These deluxe wool foot-huggers also give your feet the softest landing pads for frigid temperatures. And because they are sheep's wool, they don't smell, and they wick away sweat and extra moisture (in case snow gets in).
Trust us when we say the 1392 Blundstone boots are winter-ready. They're some of the warmest, most durable, and most stylish winter boots on the market.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Fully waterproof upper
- Warm Thinsulate insulation
- Sheepskin footbeds are ultra warm
- Unisex
Cons
- Too warm for summer (with the wool footbed in)
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Our favourite Blundstone for dressing up
Looking for a more elegant way to get around the city in any season? The Dress 067s by Blundstone are boots that instantly dress (yes, pun intended) you up when you pull them on.
The silhouettes make these boots stand out, thanks to sharper 'squared' toes and lower-profile forefoots. This design wears perfectly with a pair of your favourite tapered pants or jeans, giving you a streamlined look.
Premium oiled leather uppers give the 067 – Dress Stout Brown Boots a sophisticated look that's still quintessentially Blundstone. You're going to want to clean and wax these uppers every few months to ensure they maintain their shine. Behind the uppers, the leather lining will wear correctly with your favourite pair of colorful dress socks.
PU midsoles offer improved comfort and cushioning compared to most regular chisel toe Chelsea boots. And the patented Thermo-urethane outsoles are resistant to just about any liquid, including oil. Real steel shanks through the midsoles give you some extra torsional stability. This means these boots will hold up when you're walking on any surface, from bumpy cobblestone to slick marble steps.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Streamlined look
- Durable Blundstone construction
- Two sheen styles
Cons
- May not fit wide feet well
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Our favourite rustic Blundstone
Siblings of the 067s, the Blundstone 1306s are brushed, suave, and sophisticated for your outings in the city.
What sets the 1306s apart are their uppers. The Premium leather in Rustic Brown ages better than almost any other boot on the market. Pair this leather with the squared Chelsea-aesthetic, and you’ve got one sophisticated looking Blundstone. You can wear these Chelsea boots with a tweed jacket for an English Professor vibe or rock them with a band tee and skinny jeans to a concert.
Unlike the premium leather of the 067s, the aged Rustic Brown requires less maintenance. You’re still going to want to clean and wax the uppers, but a good waxing once a year is more than enough.
Just like the 067s, the 1306 boots come with the best Blundstone design and tech.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Rustic brown ages nicely
- Strong unisex vibes
- Well-built Blundstone design
Cons
- Same as the 067s, the 1306s might not fit wide feet
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Our favourite Blundstone boots for Canadian Summers
Ultra-light. Ultra-breathable. And made for all types of summer adventures in the North, the Blundstone Actives are our choice for the best warm-weather leather boot.
Compared to the Originals, these Blundstones have a lower cut. This cut makes these boots slightly more breathable, with less of a cuff around your ankle.
Like other Blundstones, the 1496s come with premium leather uppers. But what's different about the leather on these boots is their stitch pattern. At the opening, there's a stitched slit on the inner side where there would be tongue on a 'normal' boot. Blundstone calls this pattern Feather Flex, which makes the canvas leather bend like you're barefoot.
Like the rest of the collection, these Blundstones are water-resistant. They also feature an anti-microbial lining that resists stink-age, so you can wear them with thin socks. Under your feet, a steel shank provides all the protection you need for wandering anywhere your feet take you.
We suggest you add the Actives to your seasonal wardrobe. And we also think these are some of the best travel boots on the market.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Amazing summer travel boots
- Low cut is more breathable
- More flexible than normal Blundstones
Cons
- Definitely more of a summer boot
- Low stretch panels, so avoid deep puddles
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Our favourite women’s-specific Blundstone boots
Classic premium leather look? Check. Women's-specific fit? Check. Unique high style? Check. Both the women's 1351 and 1352 Blundstone boots deliver a silhouette for all your seasonal needs.
These boots are designed for comfort and long-lasting style that lasts you 365 days a year, thanks to their classic construction and uniquely feminine style. They have a 'hi-top' ankle upper that provides increased support and extra protection against the weather.
Coming in hot, the Shiraz red 1352s have a sheen leather upper that's fully waterproof and will more than protect your feet against some spilled vino. If a more versatile look is your thing, the 1351s in Rustic Brown leather age exceptionally well (they might even look better dirty).
Both these boot styles have polyurethane midsoles for comfort and cushioning. Thermo-urethane outsoles – yes, they are super tech – give you some extra traction on slick surfaces. The outsoles are also resistant to rain, snow, hydrolysis, and microbial attacks. Go ahead: walk these boots through downtown Toronto. For once, you won't have to worry about what you step on.
Price: 0.00$
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How to choose a pair of Blundstone boots?
1. Style
The Originals
These are the classic rounded Blundstones with an all-season look and more of a traditional work-wear vibe. These boots are perfect if you’re into seasonal outings.
Chisel Toes
Chisel toes refer to a square toe. These boots can often fit a little more slim thanks to the narrower forefoot and slightly higher arch. Style-wise, these are perfect for your sophisticated adventures in the city, nights on the town, and business casual days at the office.
Women’s-specific styles
All of Blundstone boots in women’s-specific styles come in women’s-specific fits. This means they are slightly narrower than the unisex styles through the foot and have wider ankles for the calves. Note that some women’s Blundstone styles are ‘high-top,’ with uppers that reach higher up your ankles.
2. Sole
The sole usually refers to the midsoles (the middle sole) and the outsoles (what touches the ground) of a boot. When you’re buying Blundstone boots, you’re getting boots with premium polyurethane outsoles and midsoles. This combination is a softer poly-blend that provides cushioning through the midsole. On the outsole, the polyurethane is treated specially for dirt and pavement to make it more durable.
3. Insulations and linings
All Blundstone boots have leather linings, which are treated with anti-microbial treatments to resist odor. These linings are made of soft and supple leather so that they wear comfortably against your socks.
The Blundstone Winter Series comes with 200g of Thinsulate insulation. This is perfect if you’re looking for a boot that you’ll be wearing when the temperature is well below zero degrees Celsius.
FAQ
Q: How do Blundstone boots fit? Are they true to size?
A: First, it needs to be known that most Blundstone boots are unisex. When you’re fitting Blundstone’s, you need to follow the rule of toe.
This rule breaks down as follows: For Women, subtract 3 sizes from your Canadian size. For Men, subtract 1 size from your Canadian size. And for kids’ subtract 1 size from your Canadian size.
Q: Are Blundstone boots waterproof?
Winter Styles:
A: The entire Blundstone Winter collection features waterproof leather uppers, which are 100% waterproof. Styles on our list above include the Blundstone 566s and the 1391s and 1392s. We recommend you treat your winter boots seasonally with a proper waterproofer.
Non-Winter Styles:
A: While all other Blundstone boots feature weatherproof leather, Blundstone can only guarantee that they are water-resistant and not fully waterproof. This means, unfortunately, that you may experience leakage if you go romping through puddles.
Blundstone leather is as water-resistant as any leather on the market while still allowing your feet to breathe. These unique boots have designs with a limited number of seams, which means there are fewer places for water to seep inside them. While they aren't fully 'waterproof,' if you properly care for your boots with water-resistant sprays, they'll more than take care of your feet in wet weather.
Q: Where are Blundstone Boots made?
A: You’ll see that Blundstone still manufactures boots in Australia, at their headquarters in Moonah, Tasmania.
That said, demand for the footwear has made the family-owned brand expand their factories to other countries. Blundstone now has manufacturing facilities in China, Europe, Mexico, and the United States.
In short, the model you choose will dictate where your Blundstone boots are made.
There you have it. Our list of the best Blundstone boots for 2024 has a little something for everyone and celebrates the brand’s 150th anniversary in style.
Didn’t see a pair of Blundstone boots that were for you? Shop our entire collection here.
The post Our 6 Most Popular Blundstone Boots for 2024 appeared first on Altitude Sports.
]]>The post Doing Right by People and the Planet: prAna’s Commitment to Positive Change appeared first on Altitude Sports.
]]>For the past three decades, prAna has focused on creating sustainable and stylish pieces for those who live an active lifestyle. What all started in a garage in Carlsbad, California has now grown into a global brand recognized for its high-quality clothing and commitment to the planet and all those who live on it.
PEOPLE ARE WHAT MATTER MOST
prAna is dedicated to positive change. That means continuously working to make advancements in terms of sustainability and also ensuring a safe and fair work environment. People are what matter the most to the brand, which is why in 2010, it joined the Fair Labor Association to promote and protect workers’ rights. A true leader in regards to promoting the health and safety of workers, prAna was one of the first brands to partner with Fair Trade USA for apparel.
In 2012, the brand also sponsored the first-ever Fair Trade Certified factory for apparel. When a factory is Fair Trade certified, it means that adequate safety measures have been put in place to protect workers’ physical and mental health and that any brand that purchases products from this factory will pay a premium for each item ordered, and a committee of factory employees will then decide how this money will be spent. Since then the brand has continued to sponsor these factories and to date has converted 11 Fair Trade Certified factories.
As of 2022, 50% of prAna’s products are either Fair Trade Certified or are made in a Fair Trade Certified factory. The company’s goal is for all of its products to be made in Fair Trade Certified factories by 2028.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RIGHT MATERIALS
prAna is not only focused on doing right by its workers, the brand also aims to do everything in its power to help the planet. In 2018, the brand began using 100% organic cotton in its products. By being 80% rain-fed, organic cotton reduces the pressure on local water sources. It also uses 88% less water than regular cotton. Organic cotton also does not require the use of harmful chemicals, therefore protecting farmers and their families.
prAna also makes use of recycled polyester. Recycled polyester is made from plastic bottles, packaging and textile waste and at the end of its lifespan it can be recycled once again. The use of recycled polyester helps to cut down on waste and prAna continues to use it more and more. Recycled nylon is also used as much as possible by the brand.
The brand has also started introducing the use of hemp in its products. Hemp is naturally odour-resistant and can survive solely on rainwater. It is a sustainable and durable material and growing it requires far less land and water than most other fibres. 9% of the styles featured in prAna’s spring collection used hemp and the brand hopes to see this number grow in the near future.
What goes into a product is just as important as what goes around it. prAna uses responsible packaging to reduce plastic and paper waste. As of fall 2021, 100% of the brand’s styles use plastic-free packaging. To eliminate the use of single-use plastic prAna has developed a roll-pack method. A special folding method is used and the products are then secured using a recyclable raffia tie. Products are shipped in recycled boxes or bags and recyclable paper tape is used for all packages.
prAna also makes sure that any paper used in packaging is sourced responsibly. Shipping envelopes and the tags used on clothing are made from 100% recycled paper while the size stickers are also eco-friendly and use a responsible sugar-based adhesive.
Fair treatment, responsibility, and transparency are key parts of everything prAna does. From how the brand treats its workers, to how it cares for the planet, the focus is always on making the best products using the best methods. The brand is constantly elevating its standards and continuously proving its commitment to positive change.
The post Doing Right by People and the Planet: prAna’s Commitment to Positive Change appeared first on Altitude Sports.
]]>The post The North Face: Sustainable from Start to Finish appeared first on Altitude Sports.
]]>Many consumers have made the switch to purchasing more environmentally-conscious clothing, but there is also a huge responsibility for companies to step up as well. At The North Face, nature is at the heart of everything they do, and they are constantly innovating their practices to be as sustainable as possible.
What is circular design?
Every second, the equivalent of a garbage truck full of fabric is buried or burned. In other words, 87% of the materials used to manufacture clothing turn into waste. So even if you have a sweater that is made from recycled materials (which is obviously a good thing), if it ends up in the trash after you no longer need it, then it’s not really great for the environment.
That’s where circular design comes into play.
Carol Shu, Senior Global Sustainability Manager at the North Face, hopes to make an impact and see that number come down. The principles behind this hope are now being applied to the company’s products.
The goal is to take a systemic approach to our circular economy efforts across multiple initiatives. First by making products recyclable once they are worn out or unusable, then continuing to expand the Renewed program to extend the lives of the products as much as possible.
Last year, The North Face announced that 2022 would feature its first fully circular collection, and it definitely delivered. This collection rethinks the way that clothing is made and does not simply settle for just using recycled materials. While the clothing is still made with recycled fabrics, more importantly, once an item is no longer being used, it can in turn be recycled in its entirety.
We are always inspired by nature. As the old adage goes, “nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed.” The North Face takes this to heart. Therefore pieces from this collection can be returned once they are no longer usable and they will then be recycled into brand-new products. This is the core principle of circularity: one continuous loop, where the materials used to manufacture clothing remain a part of the cycle, to be transformed into new items, and so on. All that, without sacrificing any of the comfort and performance that The North Face is known for.
The first fully circular collection
RESPONSIBLY-SOURCED FABRICS
The North Face has set the ambitious goal of ensuring that all their products are made with recycled, regenerative, or responsibly-sourced renewable fabrics. These fabrics are derived from materials that will replenish over the course of a lifetime, and the brand is on track to reach this goal for their apparel in 2025 and their footwear and equipment by 2030.
They are also committed to helping their suppliers and retailers to reduce their environmental footprints. Their suppliers receive recommendations on things like reducing their energy and water usage by implementing various improvements in their manufacturing processes and facilities. The North Face partners with retailers who share their mission and values, and strives to spread their efforts beyond their brand to reach the entire industry.
SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING
Being environmentally conscious extends further than the product itself. As the popularity of online shopping only continues to rise, the sustainability of packaging has been put into question. The North Face has answered with their goal to eliminate their usage of single-use plastics by 2025.
However, Carol explains that there is a complicated dilemma faced by The North Face and many companies: “Reducing the environmental impact of packaging is a complex systems problem. Packaging protects products, and damaged products create waste.” With that said, she still states for the brand that, “reducing and prevention are always the best opportunities to take in the waste hierarchy.”
They are always working to reduce remaining product packaging and use only recycled content and/or third-party certified content (such as Forest Stewardship Council certification) for paper materials like product hangtags or cardboard shipping boxes.
Cutting back on our waste and reducing our ecological footprint is necessary to ensure a better future for our environment. With companies like The North Face making so many sustainable choices in their production line, it makes it easy for consumers to do the right thing. When you’re looking for products to take on your next outdoor adventure, do your research: find out how the clothes are made, and make sure you’re buying something that you know will serve you for many years. Shopping The North Face is a good place to start.
