BUILT TO GO ANYWHERE, DO ANYTHING,
AND LOOK GREAT EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
Our History
Since 1870 Blundstone has made the toughest, no-nonsense footwear for work and play. Established in Hobart, Tasmania the company has grown to become one of the world's most recognisable boot brands. Our history, heritage and people have helped shape the way our boots have evolved; perhaps it takes a unique place to inspire the development of a unique boot.
Our Products
Hobart is still the home of Blundstone, and our development team remain dedicated to innovation in design and production. As a consequence of their dedication, Blundstone now oversees a global supply chain bringing together the best ideas, components and designs in the creation of our unique product range, from the iconic elastic-sided boots to safety footwear and the women's heeled boot. With a commitment to sustainable development, we maximise the use of recycled and recyclable materials in our manufacturing and minimise the use of raw materials, chemicals and fossil fuels. It’s a sustainable, living legacy.
Our Community
We value all of our Blundstone community. They teach and inspire us in our ongoing research and development. Our improvements in comfort, protection, performance and aesthetics are a direct result of their feedback, and why Blundstone has gone from strength to strength.
The Blundstone boots we produce today are just as tough as they’ve always been, with a focus on comfort, they are designed to go anywhere, do anything and look great every step of the way.
They are more than just boots. They are Blundstones.
History & Heritage
Blundstone holds quality and comfort at the heart of the company.
Despite becoming one of the world’s most recognisable boot brands, the company still remains Tasmanian and we have no plans to change.
Let us guide you through Blundstone's history, and how we became one of the most successful boot brands today.
1853
Brothers James and Thomas Cuthbertson set sail from England on the Coromandel ship, bound for Melbourne. However, the ship was blown off course by the Roaring Forties and landed instead in Hobart Town, Tasmania.
It was James Cuthbertson who settled in Tasmania, starting his own business making and importing shoes, marrying and starting a family. He bestowed his flourishing shoe business to his first-born, James II.
Married couple John and Eliza Blundstone arrived in Hobart around this time on the Conway ship from Derbyshire. John was also experienced in footwear manufacturing, like James Cuthbertson, and he soon set up his own shoe business in Liverpool Street, Hobart.
1870
Blundstone was officially established in Hobart, Tasmania.
1892
John’s shoe business was also flourishing. By 1892, he had established a factory and expanded to premises on either side of Collins Street. He also took his son, Sylvanus, into the business to carry on the family’s shoemaking legacy.
1902
John Blundstone and Son was formed, and the pair soon bought a two storey factory on Campbell Street.
1932
Unfortunately, The Great Depression in Australia led to a huge downturn of profits for the now Blundstone Pty. Ltd and forced the company to be sold.
It was purchased by the Grandsons of James Cuthbertson, James and Thomas, in 1932. They amalgamated the manufacturing operations under the Blundstone name, and retained it for the tannery in South Hobart.
1979
Blundstone became the first Australian footwear manufacturer to receive a design award from the Industrial Design Council of Australia.
1986
Blundstone was the recipient of an Australian Export Award.
1989
Blundstone started manufacturing waterproof injection moulded footwear (gumboots).
2000
Blundstone acquired another footwear company named John Bull Footwear. This was founded in New Zealand in 1934, and sells tough, comfortable boots for work and play.
2004
Blundstone’s legendary comfort evolved with the introduction of SPS x~tra into our footwear.
2010
Blundstone released the Xfoot range of premium safety boots, featuring revolutionary underfoot comfort and SPS MAX.
2011
Blundstone became the official naming rights sponsor of the world-class cricket facility at Bellerive in southern Tasmania, now known as the Blundstone Arena, Bellerive.
TODAY
Blundstone continues to expand around the globe, currently selling comfortable, unmistakable Blundstone boots and accessories to over 50 countries across five continents. We are constantly updating our shoe’s technology, all for the pleasure of our customer.