Are Blundstones Non-slip? My Experience (Design Breakdown)

Knowing whether Blundstones are non-slip is a vital concern for most buyers as it’s not just a question of comfort but safety. Blundstone has been one of the leaders in boot design for well over a century, and part of their continued success was creating boots that can withstand various harsh environments, however; are they certified non-slip shoes?

Besides the general durability and slip-resistance of the boots, Blundstone is ASTM certified, meaning it fulfills the standards of safety attire. However, it’s important to note that although all boots have slip-resistant qualities, not all of them are certified slip-resistant.

Of course, there is an essential distinction between buying Blundstones for general comfort and safety at work. As a result, only a few collections fulfill the safety standards meaning you’ll have to search specifically for certain models if you require slip-resistant shoes for adequate safety measures.

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My Experience

I’ve been wearing Blundstones for years, and I tend to get the classic Chelsea style boots. I’m currently breaking in a new pair of the 500s, here’s a photo of them on me:

The soles on the Chelsea boots are tough, with good grip. I’ve never had trouble with them, and haven’t slipped.

Although I would like to note I don’t wear Blundstones to work, for me they are casual boots. I’ll wear them to walk my dog, or to run errands, or even to a bar. I do wear them in all different weathers, but if it’s really snowy or icy out I’ll wear more heavy duty boots.

Check out the current price of Blundstones here, to see if they are worth it for you personally.

Read on for a detailed guide to which boots in the Blundstone range are BEST for slip resistance.

Are All Blundstone Shoes Non-Slip?

When it comes to the work collection boots specializing in professions such as mining, construction, and firefighting, there is no doubt that Blundstone fulfills all the standards set by ASTM. All of their work boots are certified safe, and more aspects than just the non-slip quality.

Luckily, Blundstone abbreviated their ASTM certification on each model so that the customers can know which boots have the requirements for the job.

In most cases, the majority of the certification goes above and beyond the simple non-slip quality; for example, many of the Blundstone models protect against electrical shocks, heavy impact on toes, sole punctures, and even hazardous burning chemicals.

Therefore, if you are concerned explicitly with having slip-resistant boots, it’s essential to look out for the capitalized “M” when a shoe is ASTM certified under the code F2413-18. 

The “M” in the certification means that the boot meets the standard requirements, which include a slip-resistant sole that provides stability in wet areas as well as preventing any lasting damage the wetness will cause. 

For most casual consumers, a slip-resistant quality is sufficient; however, some of the work boots have puncture-resistant soles, abbreviated as PR, which adds to the overall resistance of the whole boot.

Unfortunately, if you are looking for a certified non-slip boot, the only available options are part of the ‘work series.’ You can find the classical model with the traditional style called the ‘Chelsea Boot,’ although it does look slightly more robust than the original men’s style.

Therefore, the stylish Blundstone boots that the world has come to know and love are not the boots that are certified as non-slip. That being said, by no means are the standard boots unsafe or slippery; on the contrary, similar manufacturing processes are used to create a comfortable and durable shoe that is more robust and slip-resistant than your average boot.

Are All Blundstones Safe To Use?

Similar to the non-slip quality, the standard popular boots of Blundstone are safe and robust to use in various conditions, but only some of them are certified as safe in those conditions. For example, the men’s classical Chelsea boot consists of all the qualities you would need for harsher environments.

The classic boots have water-resistant leather, SPS Max comfort systems that absorb shock, XRD technology at the heel area for stability, and, most importantly, a TPU outsole that protects against common hazardous surfaces, including slippery ones.

The boot’s stylishness and surprisingly lightweight quality make it a desirable purchase for various customers as it’s generally safe in common areas, and it’s a lot more robust and effective than other trendy designs like the sneaker.

Unfortunately, they cannot be branded as safe shoes that protect the feet in harsh conditions as they are not certified. But, this is by no means an indication that the classic boots are unsafe; on the contrary, they are durable and robust boots that simply don’t adhere to the requirements. 

ASTM standards force you to sacrifice the shoe’s design to fulfill the standards. As a result, Blundstone created a separate series that meets all the standards and requirements making it one of the safest and most effective boots for industrial work. 

However, their classic series has all the fashion qualities customers crave in a luxury boot, with the needed safety structures that are appropriate enough. That being said, the appropriate qualities in classic boots are still much safer than other standard shoes. 

What Are The Best Non-Slip Models?

As previously mentioned, you can’t go wrong with any of the Blundstone collections, especially if you require comfort and safety while looking stylish; unfortunately, the style will have to be sacrificed for safety if you are required to wear boots that guarantee slip resistance.

Although most work boots are specifically designed to be more robust and slip resistant, they also consist of other qualities that make slipping and falling even less likely. For example, most models are equipped with SPS Max – XRD technology which increases the protection on impact resulting in a more stable working experience.

Therefore, besides the certified non-slip quality, the majority of Blundstone models are generally safe and effective for use, especially the ‘work boots.’

Luckily, when it comes to finding popular unisex models, Blundstone has an extensive list of versatile boots that are tailor-made for various conditions.

#990 Extreme Series Work Boots

One of Blundstone’s best work series sellers, the #990 Extreme series‘ sole consists of a flexible and durable material known as TPU with a complexly designed tread pattern to ensure slip resistance.

In addition, the sole can also withstand temperatures up to 572 F, meaning the tread and materials won’t melt to the point where the sole loses its slip resistance. Besides the resistance to temperatures, the upper is specially treated with water-resistant properties protecting against mud buildup, which, in turn, prevents the sole from becoming a walking hazard.

One of the reasons it’s at the top of the best sellers list is the fact that the boot fulfills all the necessary requirements for advanced safety but still contains elements of the stylish traditional design. It provides the best of both worlds at a price slightly higher than its competition.

#140 Elastic Sided Series Work Boots

Although not as heat resistant as model #990, the #140 outsole has similar materials and also a water-resistant upper that prolongs the non-slip ability. Moreover, Blundstone refers to the slip ability as excellent as it complies with the specific standards in AS 2210.3:2019.

The shoe was specifically designed to be water resistant and non-slip as the boots have a cleverly designed self-clearing sole making it ideal for wet and muddy conditions.

#490 Chelsea Boot – Stout Brown “Work Series”

The #490 is easily one of the more stylish safety work boots but less effective than the other previously mentioned designs. Blundstone designed a series without a safety toe cap, as it’s often unnecessary in certain conditions. As a result, the boot looks a little more luxurious but lacks some of the more intense qualities needed for harsh conditions. 

Although not certified for extreme conditions like the other models, it still consists of the necessary qualities like impact protection XRD and the TPU outsole. Therefore, it’s still marketed as slip and heat (284 F) resistant, making it ideal for outdoor, muddy, and slippery conditions. 

#994 Lace-Up Boot “Work Series”

The #994 boot is hands down one of the most rigid boots and is certified in nearly every aspect of the ASTM guidelines. However, where the other boots meet the required standard, the lace-up boot has all the added features to minimize risk. In addition to the water and heat-resistant outsole, its penetration-resistant insole makes it extremely safe when slipping near sharp objects. 

Similarly, the boot has metatarsal guards protecting the foot against the most common foot injury. So, even if you slip and fall, your feet are still covered in dangerous environments. 

The outsole’s slip resistance also caters to extreme conditions like oil, acid, and organic fat spills. In addition, Blundstone designed it to be resistant to hydrolysis and microbial attacks. 

Although not generally attractive or versatile boots regarding fashion, it is the most versatile for harsh working conditions as they can protect your feet in nearly every condition known to man on heavy industrial sites. 

Are Non-Slip Blundstones More Expensive Than Classics?

Although some classical-style boots, like the men’s Lug, cost around $230 (roughly the same price as the work series), most models are cheaper than the ASTM-certified work series. 

Some of the series are roughly the same price and even slightly more expensive, but the majority of the classical boots are cheaper by at least $20 or more. The biggest concern regarding the price difference is that the classic boots are more popular than the certified ones causing them to be on sale more often as they are trendy due to their fashion and style. 

Therefore, it’s possible to buy a pair of classical Blundstone boots for around $160 on sale, but highly unlikely that you’ll get a pair of certified boots for under $200. Most companies must purchase certified boots and can also arrange to do it in bulk making specials and sales rare among the work series. 

Moreover, the ultimate certified boots (# 994 Lace-up) cost roughly $330, making it one of the most expensive boots in the Blundstone collection. The only classic boot available by Blundstone that is more expensive is the men’s classic heritage which is solely designed as a fashion statement without any additional safety qualities. 

In short, if the boot is certified with special safety qualities, you will probably pay more than $200.  

Are Non-Slip Blundstones More Expensive Than Its Competition?

Unfortunately, the price of Blundstones is a concern for most customers as there are various certified boots available that are cheaper. It goes without saying that there are more expensive options like the Danner Acadia Boot (roughly $430 compared to the #994 Lace-up of $330), but generally speaking, Blundstone is an expensive boot.

It’s worth noting that many other certified brands that come at lower prices (like the Thorogood American Heritage, $248, or the Caterpillar Excavator Superlite, $170) don’t have the same brand trust or perception required to increase price like Blundstone has.

Blundstone has been developing stylish, safe shoes at an incredible standard for more than a century resulting in years of trust and a good track record. As a customer, you can’t ask for better statistics if you are going to spend more than $200 to protect your feet.

Conclusion

Blundstone has a ‘work series’ that manufactures certified non-slip boots for over $200. Although the classic series, also the most well-known, is not certified slip-resistant, it has a TPU outsole that protects against hazardous surfaces, including slippery ones.

For more Blundstone content, check out:

Do Blundstones Stretch? (My Experience & Photos)

Are Blundstones Worth It? (My Experience & PHOTOS)

How To Break In Blundstones? 9 Easy Ways (With Photos)

Blundstones Vs Doc Martens: Which To Get? (8 factors)

Blundstones Vs Timberlands: Who Wins? (8 Factors)

Are Blundstones Comfortable? My Experience (Photos)