Women’s Blundstone High Top Thermal Waterproof Boots Review

Bottom Line

We feel like we see Blundstones everywhere in our outdoor communities, and after testing the Blundstone High Top Thermals, we now know it’s for good reasons. Their timeless, classic style is easy to pair with any outfit or activity, whether you’re camping in the forest or heading to the office, and the high-quality leather construction feels like it will last forever. For the best protection on rainy days that still has warmth and style, the Blundstone High Top Thermals earned a spot on our guide to the best women’s rain boots. 

We appreciate that the High Top Thermals don’t look like a traditional rain boot while still offering solid weather protection. For those who don’t want colorful rubber boots or neoprene liners, the waterproof leather and Thinsulate lining does a pretty good job keeping your feet warm and dry. 

While the elastic on the sides does allow for more flexibility and comfort, it did eventually allow water in during our submersion test. Folks who spend all day working outside in severe weather may want something more solidly waterproof on all sides. 

The biggest downside to Blundstones is their price tag. The investment may be hard to swallow initially, but these versatile leather boots almost act as two boots in one. Blundstone’s Thermal line is made with waterproof leather; if you opt for one of these pairs, you’ll be purchasing your everyday boots and rain boots in one long-lasting piece of footwear.

Water Resistance

Blundstone’s waterproof leather has proven quite water-resistant, but the elastic on the sides of each boot does eventually let in water when submerged. We performed a ten-minute submersion test on every rain boot, and the elastic on the Blundstones leaked within three minutes. When we stepped into shallower water, so that only the leather was submerged, the boots no longer leaked. 

This type of submersion is easy to avoid in most daily life, and in real-world testing, the whole boot holds up well in heavy rain. We went for several dog walks during downpours in the forest, and our feet stayed warm and dry in the High Top Thermals. The leather held strong while we splashed through shallow puddles, brushed against dripping ferns, and squished through mud. The boot fits snugly around the ankle, which prevents water from dripping in through the top. 

While the height of the boot is 6.5 inches, the elastic starts just above the ankle, so bear this in mind while tromping through puddles. Blundstone recommends cleaning and waterproofing the leather regularly to extend its life.

Comfort

The Blundstone High Top Thermals are more supportive and better for long walks and all-day wear than many of the boots on our list. 

They have a contoured EVA footbed and shock-absorbent technology in the heel, reducing impact on the foot on rough terrain. After wearing these boots on several long walks, our feet felt better than rain boots with minimal footbeds

Blundstones are also light and flexible, making them great for all-day wear. The High Top Thermals come with a fuzzy sheepswool insole for added warmth. While we love this feature for colder temps, it does get hot quickly while testing during late spring and early summer. The liner is removable.

Overall, this is one of our favorite boots from a comfort standpoint. They’re a tad bit harder to pull on and off than a boot, but once they’re on, they feel great for hours. Those looking for Blundstones specifically made for hiking and uneven terrain should also consider the All-Terrain Thermals.

Traction

The grippy Blundstone High Top Thermals gives us confidence on slippery trails during rainy walks. Made with lightweight TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), the outsoles provide excellent traction on a range of surfaces. The tread is about ¼ inch deep, which falls somewhere in the middle of the spectrum compared to other boots that we tested. 

While testing in the foothills of the Western Cascades, we encountered muddy rocks, wet moss, and slick logs on the trails. We didn’t notice any slipping, and we felt confident walking on uneven terrain in the High Top Thermals.

The steel shank provides additional support and stability when the going gets rough. The Blundstone All-Terrain Thermals, which are made with self-cleaning Vibram outsoles, are similar boots with even better traction.

Durability

Compared to the rubber of the other boots we tested, the leather on the High Top Thermals shows more scuffing and creasing after a couple months of use. We don’t think this affects the integrity of the boot, however, and we didn’t exactly try to prevent signs of wear. 

With basic care, these boots can last many years. Blundstone recommends regularly cleaning the boots of any mud or dirt and using leather polish to maintain the material.

Features

Most Blundstones share the classic Chelsea boot style, but they come with slightly different features depending on the wearer’s preferences. We specifically chose the High Top Thermals for their superior weather resistance. With a higher boot height and waterproof leather, this style seemed like the best replacement for a traditional rain boot. 

They also came with a sheep’s wool lining, which we could have done without (it is removable). We liked the warm and fuzzy footbed in colder weather, but it wasn’t very versatile during ever-changing spring conditions. We would have preferred a standard insole as the default liner, with the sheepswool offered as an alternative.

Should You Buy the Blundstone High Top Thermal Waterproof Boots?

While these boots are a high upfront investment, they may be the perfect fit for someone who just wants one pair of boots that can do it all. They can dress up or down, fit in at the office or on a ranch, and are weather-resistant enough to handle a Pacific Northwest spring storm. They’re waterproof boots without the squeaky rubber look of a traditional rain boot. 

For those just looking for a basic rain boot for gardening or another singular activity, the high price tag may be too much. Workers facing inclement weather conditions will want something higher and more waterproof. But if you’re looking for one boot that can replace multiple other pairs of shoes and last for years, the Blundstone High Top Thermals are a solid choice.

What Other Women’s Rain Boots Should You Consider?

To dial in your perfect style, be sure to check out our complete guide to this season’s best rain boots for women.

Merry People Bobbi Ankle Boots Review: These fashionable ankle boots have a similarly versatile style to the Blundstone High Top Thermals at a much lower cost. They’re also lightweight and flexible, comfortable for all-day wear, and available in countless adorable colors. These scored slightly higher on our overall list than the Blundstones, because they offer many of the same benefits at a more accessible price. They’re also a tad more waterproof, since they are lined with neoprene. 

Blundstone All-Terrain Thermal Review: If you love the style and durability of the Blundstones but want even higher-performing traction, the All-Terrain line might be your best bet. Made with self-cleaning Vibram outsoles, these boots are built for performance on uneven terrain. If you expect to spend a lot of time walking or hiking in a range of weather conditions, these will give you even more security than the High Top Thermals. 

Xtratuf Legacy 15” Review: Those looking for a work boot for more severe conditions may appreciate the Xtratuf Legacy 15.” Similar to Blundstones, Xtratuf is known for high quality, long-lasting products. The Legacy 15” are much higher with more solid waterproof performance, making them an ideal choice for working in inclement weather. They’re a favorite in the Alaskan fishing industry for a reason.