TRIED AND TESTED

WHAT IS IT? Crispi Highland Pro. RRP £425. www.outwearltd.co.uk

I WANT IT BECAUSE: This revolutionary boot from respected Italian brand Crispi is a first: a topquality high-top boot that supports your ankle, but which has built-in gaiters sealed to the boot, ensuring the boot is absolutely impermeable to water right up to your knees. USEFUL FOR: Stalking, walked-up shooting, walking: anywhere where you’re likely to be moving through water more than ankle-high.

HIGH POINT: These are warm, durable and, thanks to the Goretex membrane, completely breathable.

LOW POINT: The dial system to tighten the ‘laces’ as you put it on can be cumbersome, but once on these boots do all that’s asked of them. WHAT IS IT? Hadleigh Diamond Harlequin Shooting Sock from HJ Hall. RRP £36. www.hj.co.uk

I WANT IT BECAUSE: These socks are 76% Merino wool and 24% nylon, so they are a good mix of super-soft texture and very durable. Because my wellies are a half-size too large (apparently your feet shrink with age) I’ve got a tendency to wear through the heels of shooting socks in record time, but thanks to a reinforced high heel, foot and toe these socks held up well. They also have a soft-grip top to make them easy to get on.

USEFUL FOR: Shooting. I wouldn’t recommend them for parties or shopping, although an eccentric friend wears his shooting socks when he’s playing golf.

HIGH POINT: For a sock of this quality and durability, £36 is a very good price point. They also have a six-month guarantee.

LOW POINT: None really.