When the ground turns to mud and the mornings turn cold, the right pair of boots makes all the difference, whether you are on the yard, out in the field or on a shoot. It is one of the questions we are asked most: which welly? So here is our honest pick of the boots we rate and stock, from the warm premium classics to a smart short option for quick jobs.
We were pleased to see two of our own favourites take the top spots in a recent Horse & Hound boot test, and we would not argue with them. But there are a few others close behind that are well worth a look, depending on what you need them for.
Handmade in France and neoprene-lined for warmth, the Parcours 2 ISO is about as comfortable as a welly gets. Brilliant grip, a supportive, anti-fatigue sole and warm enough for the coldest, wettest mornings. If you are on your feet outside all day through winter, this is the one. Unisex sizing.
The premium neoprene classic, and a firm favourite for good reason. Natural rubber, hand-finished, wonderfully soft and beautifully warm, with a comfortable neoprene lining. New for the ladies this year is the Sporting Fit, cut a little more generously through the calf, where the original was made for a slimmer leg, so there is now a Vierzonord to suit more shapes. It comes in two shades, light and dark olive. A boot to keep and treasure for years, and if you want the very best, this is it.
The same superb Parcours boot, but with Aigle’s Vario system, an adjustable calf, so it fits a wider or a slimmer leg, over jodhpurs or with trousers tucked in. Not neoprene-lined, so a touch cooler and lighter than the ISO, which makes it ideal for milder days and active work.
The standard, non-neoprene Parcours, the everyday all-rounder. All the quality and grip of the range, lighter and cooler than the ISO, and a great choice for spring and autumn, or for anyone who tends to run warm. In the classic Aigle green.
A popular ladies’ boot with a slimmer, more elegant line and a comfortable jersey lining. Smart enough for the school run or a country show, and tough enough for the yard. A lovely everyday boot that does not look out of place anywhere, and it comes in three colours, black, cherry and green, so there is a shade for every taste.
Not everyone wants a full-height welly. The Boutillon is the short answer, a neat half-height boot for nipping out to the yard, walking the dog or the quick jobs where a tall boot is more than you need. Easy on, easy off, just as well made as its taller stablemates, and it comes in green, black or cherry.
A great-value everyday welly from Barbour, mid-height for easy on and off, with a classic tartan check lining and that unmistakable Barbour look. Ideal for dog walks, the garden and errands in the wet, and smart enough for the school run or the shops. In olive and black.
For something shorter and more casual, the Wilton is a Chelsea-style pull-on, with elasticated sides for easy on and off and a low heel. Just the thing for the dog walk, the garden or nipping to the village, and it looks as good with jeans as with the dog lead. In tartan and navy.
The only real way to know is to try them, and fit varies between brands, calf width especially. So do pop in and we will help you find the right size and style for your legs and for what you do. We stock these and others across the Aigle, Le Chameau and Barbour ranges.
What is on your feet around the yard this winter? Come and have a look, your feet will thank you.
Promotions, latest products and news directly to your inbox – opt out at anytime.
