(The bell rings) Ladies and gentlemen, let’s get ready to RUMBLE! In this corner, in the yellow stitching, weighing in at two pounds and eight ounces, The Seeshaupt Strangler, DOC MARTENS! (The Docs march into the ring as Rammstein’s “Sonne” plays over the speakers.) And now the challenger!
In this corner, with the front and back pull tabs, weighing in at one pound and thirteen and a half ounces, The Tasmanian Devil, BLUNDSTONE! (The Blundstones march into the ring as Sia’s “Unstoppable” plays over the speakers.)
Alright, let’s have a good, clean fight! Each brand will weigh in their features. This fight is for twenty-one rounds. Touch toes and go back to your corners. When you hear the bell, come out kicking. NOW LET’S GET IT ON!
Popularity
The Classic 1460’s are still hot and popular among many people, but look out! In Canada, people have to put initials on their Blundstones so they don’t get mixed up at parties! Several well-known celebrities have been seen wearing the Blundstones.
But the champ isn’t down yet! Meanwhile, a few others were seen in DM’s. However, according to GQ magazine, DM’s association with certain clothing styles makes them less versatile than the Blunds. It seems that Blundstone is the most popular, for now. Remember that fashion is fickle!
Winner: Blundstone
Type Of Leather
Blundstones are made from a Greasy Kip Leather. This is a durable leather infused with oils to make them super water repellent but still breathable. They can be cleaned with diluted vinegar and need to be conditioned with natural products.
You like the greasy leather? DM’s got the greasy leather. And the Napa and the Quilon and the suede and of course their signature Carpathian leather. Greasy Kip leather has its uses, but it’s just one flavor.
Winner: Dr Martens
Comfort
The DM’s have a cushioned sole that makes it feel like walking on air. For something so tough, they may be the most comfortable boots out there. But here’s the catch. They don’t become comfortable until at least a month or so of breaking in, which can get painful. In come the Blunnies, super comfortable after less than a week of breaking in.
That eleven-and-a-half-ounce weight difference may be an advantage here. But when it comes to serious hiking, the Blunnies start to lag. No laces to trip over with Blunnies, but nothing to adjust the fit with either. It looks like this one’s a tie, no pun intended!
Winner: Draw
Grip on Snow and Ice
Let’s look at DM’s WinterGrip line. The sole features grooved cleats that grip on and provide excellent traction on the iciest surfaces. And being winter-ready doesn’t begin and end with a grippy sole. The uppers of the WinterGrip line are made out of Snowplow, a patented form of leather that won’t bend to grit or salt.
The Grip-Tex tread repels water so you don’t have to worry a bit about slipping. While Blunnies are popular with the Canucks, even the nicest of them will have to tell Blundstone to take off if they plan to stroll down an icy walk to get some Timmy’s. Doc Marten wins by a TKO.
Winner: Dr Martens
Summertime
DM has plenty of styles fit for summer. The canvas Easons have a nice bit of ventilation going. There’s also the lower cut Pressler canvas. They even have a line of sandals if you prefer something more open. Blundstone’s got their Ultra Lightweight line that’s breathable and flexible. They’ve also got the Chelsea boots that are also water repellent and anti-microbial. This one’s a close one, but in the end, DM edges out for having a line of sandals.
Winner: Dr Martens
Waterproof
The Docs were born in the cold and damp of Germany, bred to be a lady’s gardening shoe but came of age in soggy Seattle. The water resistance varies based on material as well as cut and shape. The classic 1460 may need to be treated with something before you go puddle jumping, however. There is a line of completely waterproof Docs if that’s what you need.
Blundstone was made to take on the unpredictable conditions of Tasmania. Their all-season leather is fully waterproof with oil-infused leather and seams that won’t let a drop go through. Other than regular maintenance, no other treatment is needed. It looks like the Blunnies are getting a second wind!
Winner: Blundstone
Walking
As said before, Blundstones are great for walking in, if you keep the pace moderate. Docs are great for walking too, once you get them broken in. This could go on all day. Let’s call it even.
Winner: Draw
Hiking
Blundstones got stuff going in the hiking department. There’s some good ankle support, grippy treads and a cushiony footbed to absorb shock. You do have to keep it mild, however. Stick only to the easy dirt trails. The Docs have good ankle support too but just aren’t up for long hikes. Neither one is the best idea for a long-distance trek, but when it comes down to it, Blunnies manage to edge out.
Winner: Blundstone
Work
We’re assuming white-collar office job, business casual. The Blunds can kick it with slim-cut trousers. The same can be said for the Docs. With fitted clothes, either shoe can look just as good.
Winner: Draw
Sizing
Blundstones tend to fit somewhat on the loose side. The extra insoles the boots come with can make the fit a bit snugger. When it comes to size it’s an overall length that affects the size of the boot. Half sizes are somewhat wider.
The Docs, unfortunately, do not come in half sizes at all. They mostly run true to size, though a bit on the big side. They also have laces to adjust the fit. It’s a close one, but Blundstone wins due to having half sizes available.
Winner: Blundstone
Breaking In
The Blundstones feel broken in as soon as they’re put on. The Docs need a month or so. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s another TKO! This time, in Blundstone’s favor.
Winner: Blundstone
Stretching
If they are worn often enough, Blundstones will stretch a bit over the instep, but never lengthwise. It’s going to take a little conditioner and a lot of elbow grease, but eventually, the Docs can be softened up and stretched every which way. DM is getting its second wind and not throwing in the towel yet!
Winner: Dr Martens
Conditioning
Dr. Martens are notoriously hard to break in and it is recommended you slather them with Wonder Balsam while breaking them. Even after breaking, constant conditioning is recommended. The Blundstones are pre-treated at the factory and ready to go out of the box.
Winner: Blundstone
Vegan Models
Sorry, veg-heads! The only vegan models Blundstone has are their canvas summer line. The Doctor is in with an extensive line of vegan leather. Lace-ups, platforms, sandals, oxfords, and even some wallets just for fun are all offered by DM in vegan options. And unlike a veggie burger, you really can’t tell the difference!
Winner: Dr Martens
Top Models
Without a doubt, the top model for DM is the 1460. For the Blunds, that would be the 550 Chelsea. Both get a four-and-a-half-star rating on Amazon, so both have many satisfied customers. The Docs have more variety and a lower price range. At first glance, this looked like it was going to be a tie, but DM wins this round.
Winner: Dr Martens
Are They Unisex Boots?
Both brands are pretty much unisex. Blundstone does make a heeled option for the ladies as does Dr. Martens. Do keep in mind that men’s sizes tend to come up slightly larger.
Winner: Draw
Styling
It’s another draw. Both are easy to style in casual to business casual styles. Both look great whether with slim-fitting trousers or beat up denim. The Blunds are great with a knee-length coat.
Winner: Draw
Do They Ever Go On Sale?
It’s very rare that Blundstones ever go on sale. Every once in awhile, they’ll have an “everything must go” sale on discontinued items. All sales final in this case. Dr. Marten’s has frequent clearance sales and Black Friday deals. However, that classic 1460 is hard-earned.
Winner: Dr Martens
Where Are They Made?
Let’s call this a draw from the get-go. Where boots are made doesn’t really matter so much as how. Doc Marten’s web site is fairly international friendly, easily converting to other currencies and languages as needed. Blundstone’s website needs a little work as I’ve only found it in English with American currency.
DM originally hails from Germany but presently they’re made in Northamptonshire, England. Blundstone outsources to the Far East but major manufacture is in Hobart, Tasmania; a little island just south of Australia.
Winner: Draw
Boots Lifespan
Docs have a reputation for being long-lived. The reason they’ve been stylish for so long is that they’re so durable, they physically last longer than any fashion trend. Some Docs even last a couple of decades in optimal conditions. The Blunnies are pretty hardy but only last two to five years even in the best of conditions. It’s hardly a contest.
Winner: Dr Martens
Repairing
And Blundstone hits the canvas again! You wear them out, that’s all she wrote. There is a way to Jerry rig (appropriate for German boots) repairs to your Docs using a lighter, a toothpick, and a cotton swab. Go with that if you don’t mind the distressed look.
If you prefer to look sharp, see a professional. There are ones that specialize in Docs. Between their long lifespan and ease of repair, maybe their entrance song should be “Immortals” by Fall Out Boy.
Winner: Dr Martens
And Now The Tale Of The Tape
Let’s review and tally. That’s six rounds that ended in a draw. Blundstone had a healthy start and managed to win six rounds. But, it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish. And Dr. Marten’s finished with nine winning rounds. (Final bell as the ref comes out and holds up DM’s laces.) THE WINNER! AND STILL CHAMPEEN, DOCTOR MARTEN’S!
Everybody, mosh!
References:
- https://www.blundstone.com/overview
- https://australianboot.com/pages/service-faqs
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