ARCTIC SPORT
Alex Stephens tests out the Muck Boot Arctic Sport range, but will he join the company’s long line of loyal customers?
Alex Stephens puts the Muck Boot Arctic Sport to the test.
The Muck Boot company is a fairly new kid on the block. Starting in 1999, the company was set up in America with the sole purpose of building the “most comfortable, high performance footwear on the market”. Its words not mine. But the company is doing a good job. It could see there was a need for a more comfortable boot that could withstand muddy, wet conditions.
A boot for all occasions
Its original design was successful and the company quickly grew. The horse world quickly found out about the boot and I know many farmers who swear by them. They have specific designs for the horse world, farming, gardening, dog walking, work boots – you name it, there is a boot for it. Naturally all are 100 per cent waterproof and Muck boots are now sold all over the world, even in Russia. And if the Russians are keen on them with the extreme weather conditions they have, they must be doing something right.
In less than 20 years the company has gone from strength to strength, becoming one of the fastest growing companies in the waterproof footwear market, and now has made a big impact in the sporting world as well. Many different styles are available, including camo ones – perfect for pigeon shooting and airgunners.
What I want from a boot is pretty simple. First and foremost they must be 100 per cent waterproof. I also need to be able to walk miles in them without becoming foot sore. I want my feet to be warm in winter, I need a strong sole with good grip, I want the boot to last for years and be easy to get on and off and I want it
to fit snugly round the calf, so rain doesn’t run down into my boots. Not much to ask you would think, but it’s amazing how many boots don’t come up to scratch. And I really resent spending about £300 on a pair that will only last me a year or so and aren’t fit for purpose.
Daily use
I wear wellies virtually every day. I’m either out with the dog, walking around farms and mucky yards for my job and, when I get the chance, out with a gun after the odd bunny, pigeon or pheasant. And I want one pair of boots to fit every occasion. I can’t be bothered with zips and buckles on boots because they can break or don’t provide a snug fit. And I think it’s a waste of valuable time to have to zip or unzip a pair of boots every time I want to take them on or off, and it doesn’t do my back much good either. I just want to pull them on and be off out of the door and kick them off at the end of the day.
Putting them to the test
I’ve seen lots of people wearing Muck Boots and everyone who owns a pair swears by them. Comfy, waterproof, warm and a good price. So now it was my turn to put them to the test.
The Arctic Sport costs £99, which is a good price compared to other boots on the market. These boots are tall and made for extreme weather conditions and are offered in green or black. Fleece lined, with an 8mm neoprene inner boot for extra warmth, the boots are really cosy when you first pull them on, making them ideal for cold weather. The stretch fit top means they are really comfy around the calf and shin and fit snugly so no cold air or water can sneak in. More importantly, the warm air stays inside them so they also keep you warm. The soles are thick, so no cold is conducted from the ground to make your feet cold and they have really good grip so there’s no sliding around on mud or ice. To be technical, the sole also has an added 2mm thermal foam underlay for extra warmth.
The outside of the foot of the boot is of rugged design with a reinforced toe, double reinforcement on the instep, heel and Achilles area. This means your foot is really well protected and I felt my ankles were being well supported, sometimes a problem with less robust boots and rough terrain.
Light fantastic
What is surprising about these boots is that they are really light. I didn’t expect this, as they look tough and heavy, particularly around the sole. I like this as it means they feel incredibly light on your feet. They are deceptive as, at first, I was a bit dubious. I thought such a lightweight boot wouldn’t offer the warmth and thick sole that they did.
I’ve tested them well. Worn them every day throughout the winter, walked miles in them and really used and abused them, and they’re still going strong with barely a mark on them. I love them and can’t fault them. I think they are pretty indestructible, as long as my pup doesn’t get hold of them.
“Muck Boots’ reputation precedes them and they are generating a lot of interest – deservedly so”
Contender
The company really has achieved what it set out to do and produced a comfy, durable, 100 per cent waterproof boot. Would I recommend them? Absolutely.
I am joining the long line of loyal customers and I’m boring everyone rigid about my boots, if they are unwise enough to ask me about them. Muck Boots’ reputation precedes them and they are generating a lot of interest – deservedly so. It would appear that the new kid on the block is here to stay and really is a contender for the top spot. www. muckbootcompany.co.uk