The Informant: The Chelsea Boots That Survive New York City Winters
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It’s a known fact: New York City destroys boots. In the decade I’ve lived there, almost every pair I’ve bought falls victim to the same fate. Even the sturdiest-seeming soles are no match for the rough pavement; no finish seems capable of withstanding the elements. Usually, after one calendar year, they’re so worn down that I need to either 1) retire them or 2) revive them with the help of my neighborhood cobbler.
But there is one notable exception: the Blundstone Chelsea Boot. Founded in 1870 on the Australian island of Tasmania, Blundstone has long been known for its durable, comfortable, do-everything boots. After seeing the boots on other New Yorkers during the colder months, I bought my first pair — the Original Chelsea Boots in black — four years ago. My hope was that they’d be both rugged enough to withstand rain, sleet, or snow (they’re made with water-resistant leather), while also being aesthetically pleasing enough to pass in a social or office setting.
The verdict: I’ve worn them consistently for four years and they’ve thrived against what would seem like insurmountable odds. Their leather has held up beautifully; usually, I give them an annual zhuzh in the form of polish at shoe shiner, which is really all they need to look like new. But what impresses me most are the soles, which are made from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), a material that feels like a plastic-rubber hybrid and is particularly durable, flexible, and abrasion-resistant. I’ve put serious miles on them — through wintry days in New York, as well as in Rhode Island, Boston, and New Hampshire — and the soles have never worn down in the slightest. A feat (or, well, feet), in my opinion.
My Blundstones have also gotten more comfortable over time. At first, they fit snugly — not uncomfortably so — but over time, as I’ve worn them in, they’ve molded to my feet for a customized, forget-they’re-on type of feel. I was reminded of this last fall when the brand sent me a newer pair of the same boot — a limited-edition collaboration with L.L. Bean — to test. At first, the new pair felt stiff, but as I’ve worn them, the leather has loosened up in the same way. (This pair’s colorway — a stout brown finish with red-and-brown plaid elastic gore — is also pretty delightful. Typical L.L. Bean in the best way.)
Overall, my Blundstones were the first pair of boots that were any match for the streets of New York City. That’s an achievement in itself. I’m looking forward to comfortable, dry feet for the next four years (and beyond).