Blundstone sizing and boot care: get the fit right and make them last

A pair of Blundstones should last for years. Two things decide whether they do: buying the size that fits, and a few minutes of care when they get dirty. This guide covers both.

Sizes. Blundstone use UK sizes, and the size is stamped on the sole. Our size options are the same UK sizes, and the Size & Fit tab on each boot gives the EU size and foot length for each one. To find your foot length, stand on a sheet of paper, mark your heel and your longest toe, measure both feet and go by the longer one.

Half sizes. A Blundstone half size is the same length as the whole size below it, with more room over the top of the foot. If a boot feels tight across the top, go up a half size. If your toes are close to the end, go up a whole size.

How they should feel. Most styles fit true to size. Leave about a centimetre between your longest toe and the front of the boot. A little heel lift as you walk is normal in a pull-on boot. The leather gives a little over the instep as you wear it in, but a boot never gets longer, so do not buy a size short and hope it stretches.

How each range fits. The Originals (#500, #510, #519, #1918 and the women's #2151 high top) start firm across the top and toe, then soften and shape to your foot over the first few wears. The Classics (#585 and #587) are leather lined, a little roomier, and come with a spare footbed you can add to take up space. The All-Terrain #2058 has the same relaxed fit as the Classics. The Thermal boots (#1477 and #566) are relaxed too, but feel snug at first because of the sheepskin footbed, which flattens with wear. The Dress #1306 chisel toe is longer, with a roomier toe, so many people go down a half or a whole size.

Trying them on. Try boots on standing up, in the socks you will wear with them, and walk about for a minute. Do it on carpet or a rug so the soles stay clean in case they need to come back. If you can get to the shop, try a pair on before you order.

Looking after them. Care depends on the leather. Most Blundstones are smooth leather. The Rustic finishes, such as the #585 and #587 Classics, are waxed nubuck. Whatever the leather, test a new cream or spray on a hidden spot first, as some change the colour.

Smooth leather. Brush off dried mud with a soft brush, or wipe the boots with a damp cloth, and let them dry. Then rub a little Renovating Cream into the leather with a cloth in small circles, wipe off what has not soaked in, and leave them to dry again. Choose the Black or Brown cream to match the boot, and do this whenever the leather looks dry or scuffed.

Rustic, waxed and oiled leathers. Clean them the same way, then use the Rustic Renovating Cream, which has no colour in it, and finish with Waterproof Spray. Do not use the Rustic cream on plain, uncoated nubuck.

Suede and plain nubuck. Brush them dry with a suede or nubuck brush, lightly and only for a few seconds on each spot. A gum eraser lifts scuffs, and a cleaner made for suede and nubuck deals with stains. Dab off any water with a towel, let them dry, then protect them with Waterproof Spray. Spray them again when they start to look worn, and before wet weather.

Soles and footbeds. Knock off loose dirt and work a stiff nylon brush between the treads. If mud has set hard, stand the boots in a shallow tray of warm water that covers only the sole for an hour or two, then brush again. The footbeds lift out: wash them in mild soapy water and dry them flat.

Drying and storing. Never dry Blundstones by a fire, radiator or heater. The leather hardens, shrinks and cracks, and can pull away from the sole. Let them dry at room temperature, with newspaper inside to hold the shape, and keep them somewhere cool and airy, out of the sun.

Spills at work. Solvents and strong acids or alkalis damage leather for good, and so do everyday things like salt and milk. If your boots get splashed in a kitchen, on a farm or in a workshop, clean them off straight away.