New boots at sensible prices

Whether it’s for stalking or dogging-in, everyone needs a good pair of wellies, says Richard Negus

It is a curious thing. Ask the average countryman or woman about weighty matters such as rural housing policy, the price of diesel, or even, “Is it OK to watch Countryfile while you wait for the weather forecast?” and, on the whole, the response is moderate in tone and conservatively phlegmatic.

However, there is one sure-fire topic that enrages the rustic above all others. Declare that your favoured brand of wellington boot surpasses another’s and before you can say “Aigle”, you are ‘dukes up’ and toe-to-toe on the cobbles.

It is, therefore, with no little trepidation that I write this review. To add to the frisson of excitement, none of the boots on trial have tassels, rosettes or inexplicable buckles in inaccessible places. Nor are they French, and you won’t have to remortgage the house to buy a pair.

boot (35cm), barely reaching mid-calf on my long legs. This means their suitability in the shooting field is lessened, unless you partner them up with a decent set of waterproof leggings or you shoot on a bowling green, but there are longer versions available.

The Derwent II, however, does have many practical uses for all that. The foot feels strong. Reinforced at the toe and heel, these boots are just the ticket for leaving by the back door to pull on to do jobs around the yard or keep in the back of the truck just in case it turns wet.

The lower boot is thick, comfortable and soled with what Muck Boot calls an “aggressive tread”. I didn’t get in a fight while wearing them, but they punched above their weight on a steep bank liberally patched with bramble and scrub.

The leg itself is made from breathable mesh and lined with 4mm neoprene. If this is your first time in Muck Boots, it feels somewhat odd compared to the notable sturdy foot and ankle. It clearly isn’t that weak, however, as they appeared to stand up to the rough and tumble of hard work in the two weeks of the trial.

Overall, they are a good boot for country living, but if you are looking for a welly that can do everything from mucking out the stables to standing at covertside, the short-legged Derwent II doesn’t quite tick both boxes.