(This story was updated on 9/26/2023.)
Blundstone, the original Chelsea boot brand established in 1870 in Tasmania, is proud to announce its first-ever U.S. collaboration in partnership with iconic American outdoor retailer L.L.Bean. The all-new Blundstone x L.L.Bean Chelsea Boot is a shared celebration of heritage design and a love for the great outdoors.
Born on opposite ends of the world, but alike in their passions, beliefs and priorities, both brands grew up in places of rugged, unspoiled beauty. Blundstone and L.L.Bean’s products are embraced by customers for their quality, understated style and exemplary design. As family-owned companies, each with a rich heritage, both share a love of community. Above all, they take deep pride in craftsmanship and attention to detail that sets the industry standard, and is evident in everything they create.
“With similar histories and a shared mission to create long-lasting products that are both comfortable and versatile, there was no hesitation to partner with L.L. Bean for Blundstone’s first-ever U.S. product collaboration,” says Kate Shevack, Head of U.S. Marketing. “Our limited-edition boot is as utilitarian and no-nonsense as it gets. It’s a modern reflection of what our consumers have come to know and love about our brands over 264 combined years of delivering products built to last.”
The Blundstone x L.L.Bean Chelsea Boot fuses Blundstone’s beloved Original 500 Chelsea in its classic Stout Brown colorway with L.L.Bean-inspired buffalo plaid on the gore paneling and on the custom insole. Each detail was selected with the utmost intention – a nod to the rugged and free spirited heritage of Blundstone and L.L.Bean. The limited-edition boot is built to go wherever life takes you, featuring premium, water-resistant leather, everyone’s favorite dual pull tabs, and an embossed L.L.Bean logo on the leather upper of the heel.
“Functionality, quality and durability are the cornerstones of everything we make at L.L.Bean, and we have seen the same sensibilities in Blundstone – making our partnership a natural fit,” said Bryson Hopkins, Chief Merchandising Officer at L.L.Bean. “We’re excited to meld Blundstone’s beloved Chelsea Boot with elements of L.L.Bean’s lore, and we hope our customers enjoy this one-of-a-kind collaboration.”
The Blundstone x L.L.Bean Chelsea Boot will be available for purchase on blundstone.com and llbean.com starting Aug. 29, 2023 and will retail for $219.95. Subscribers can also purchase the limited-edition Blundstone x L.L.Bean Chelsea Boot through L.L.Bean’s iconic print catalog beginning Aug. 29 and while supplies last.
About Blundstone
Founded in Tasmania, Australia in 1870, Blundstone is recognized as quite possibly the world’s most comfortable, most durable boots ever made. Best known for its iconic elastic-sided Chelsea boot sold worldwide, Blundstone’s extensive boot range also includes a safety boot line that offers superior comfort and ultimate protection for industrial usage. For more information and to understand more about our brand history, visit www.blundstone.com, or explore our heritage on Instagram.
About L.L.Bean
L.L.Bean, Inc. is a leading multichannel merchant of quality outdoor gear and apparel. Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company began as a one-room operation selling a single product, the Maine Hunting Shoe. Still family owned, Shawn Gorman, great grandson of Leon Leonwood Bean, was named Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2013. While its business has grown over the years, L.L.Bean continues to uphold the values of its founder, including his dedication to quality, customer service and a love of the outdoors. In 2022, L.L.Bean donated $6.2 million to outdoor and community-enriching organizations focused on increasing access to and inclusivity in the outdoors. L.L.Bean operates 56 stores in 19 states across the United States, along with 25 stores in Japan and 13 stores in Canada, in partnership with Jaytex Group. The 220,000-sq. ft. L.L.Bean retail store campus in Freeport, ME, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and welcomes more than 3 million visitors every year. L.L.Bean can be found worldwide at www.llbean.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.