Blundstone Thermal 566 Review

There are many makers of slip-on style boots, but few rise to the top to provide the kind of fit and comfort we expect, especially sans laces. The Blundstone 566 sets the bar high with an ultra-comfortable, durable leather contender that impressed reviewers with good looks and proven performance.

Performance Comparison

For a short hike around Lake Mary in early winter conditions, the Blundstone Thermal 566 boots were easy to put on and comfortable to wear.

Warmth

By using Thinsulate insulation in the upper of the Thermal 566, the Blundstone boots can keep the warmth generated by the foot trapped in the boot. With a medium weight merino wool hiking sock, we experienced no cold foot issues when standing around in the snow splitting wood, or when walking to the bus stop to get to the ski area. The sheepskin footbed is not only delightfully comfortable, but it also provides additional insulation between the TPU outsole and your foot. The full leather outer is free of breathable synthetic fibers like we see on the Columbia Bugaboot Plus IV Omni, so it does not breathe as well, causing sweaty feet in milder (over 40 deg. F) temperatures.

Even after standing around in the snow on frozen ground, our feet did not get cold

Water Resistance

The waterproof leather upper on the Thermal 566 sheds snow, slush, and rainwater with ease, and we found no leaking through the leather or along the seam which joins the sole. The leather requires long-term maintenance in the form of oiling or waxing to maintain this level of water resistance. For sloshing through icy puddles, the Blundstone boots performed well, though their Achilles Heel is a low, 3-inch flood height. The low depth to which they can be submerged (before water leaks into the boot) is the lowest in our review, much lower than the Bogs Classic Ultra Mid or The North Face Chilkat 400. This means they are less useful should you encounter deep puddles often.

The Thermal 566 boots are very waterproof, but they have a low usable flood height - only about 3 inches.

Fit and Comfort

Ahh, slipping our feet into the soft embrace of the sheepskin lined Thermal 566 makes us think of curling up in front of the fire while a winter storm rages outside. These boots received top marks for their comfort, thanks to the lush footbed and the soft elastic ankle support. These features allowed our feet to easily articulate, and the full grain leather upper has been treated and conditioned so that it is soft and pliable when walking. As a slip-on boot, there are no laces, which means a proper fit is quite important. With a variety of different socks, we found an excellent fit, though they just weren't quite as secure as a lace-up boot when taken on longer walks.

Ah, the soft sheepskin footbeds. We would like to see these in every boot.

Ease of Use

The Thermal 566 boot was among the easiest to use in our review, ranking just behind the Bogs Classic Ultra Mid and the Kamik Greenbay 4. With two tabs to aid in donning the slip-on boot, it was easy to slide our feet in, even when wearing thick wool socks. The tabs are big but not huge, making it possible to operate with gloved hands, though not as easy as the large handles on the Bogs. Stepping out of the Blundstones is a bit more difficult, as the fit is quite secure in the heel, and there is no heel counter to assist, like the one found on the Kamik Nation Plus.

Tabs on the heel and the tongue allow you to quickly slip these boots on.

Traction

A below average performer in the traction department, the Thermal 566 boots are among our least favorite when it comes to tackling firm snow or icy slopes. The soles just don't have the purchase offered by competitors with more aggressively lugged and sharp-edged sole designs. The Blundstone tied with the Sorel Caribou in this metric. This is not to say that you can't walk in snowy or icy conditions in these boots, they just don't provide as sure a footing as boots with superior traction like the Columbia Bugaboot Plus IV, the North Face Chilkat 400, or the Kamik Nationplus.

The low profile sole grips well, but does not have thick lugs to bite into firm snow and ice

Best Applications

The Thermal 566 insulated boot is a great choice for heading outside to grab wood for the warm fire inside, walking to the corner store in a winter storm, or sloshing through puddles on the way to the office. It takes a simple slip-on leather design, applies cushy features like a sheepskin footbed, and delivers stylish looks for use in mild winter conditions.

Value

At $215, this boot is in the more expensive range and are $130 more than our Best Buy winning Kamik Nation Plus. These are high-quality boots made from good materials and will last a long time, so while expensive, they are worth the price you pay.

Conclusion

This comfortable slip-on boot was our reviewer's favorite for trips around town when the weather was cold and nasty. These boots don't offer the same weather protection or traction as others, but are incredibly comfortable, stylish, and are easy to slip on for quick trips outside.

A good looking boot that can handle mild winter conditions, from outdoor work to a more casual setting.