THE BOOT BUTLER

HEN THE BOOT BUTLER fifirst arrived at CW, we were as sceptical as you might be as you start reading this. But then we took it out. And now we think it might actually be genius.

The Boot Butler (£30) is for anyone who a) hates getting soggy socks when changing from

shoes to walking boots and back again and/or b) has issues with bending down to do the same.

It’s a sturdy wooden ramp with two non-slip footplates. Set your foot on the top plate to undo your shoe (or boot), then use the cupped end to help pull your shoe or boot off. Then flip the plate up, revealing a second pad, on which you can rest your besocked foot while you get your change of footwear ready.

Finally, close the panel and put the new shoe on using the outer plate.

It means your socks stay dry and clean, and it helps you reach the lacing more easily.

And as any shoe-fitter in the world will tell you, it’s good to put on a walking boot this way, as it ensures your heel nestles snugly into the heel cup, giving you the most secure fit (that’s why shoe shops use ramps).

So although we laughed at first, we’re now keeping it proudly in the car boot – and in a wet, muddy car park in midwinter, we’re really quite glad of it.  www.bootbutler.co.uk The diagram explains it all: top pad for mucky footwear; an inner pad for dry socks.