BIG FOR YOUR BOOTS

Jon Axworthy on top men’s wellies to keep you on your toes

Loved by everyone from dog walkers to allotment owners, the humble wellington boot will see you through the wettest, muddiest conditions, which is why, more than 200 years since they were invented, they’re still going strong.

We were after boots that were a lot more than just puddle-proof, though, and were looking for pairs that offered comfort for

extended use, whether for a rambling weekend walk, a quick dog walk in the park, or for a muddy day in the garden.

All the boots in this line-up offer 100 per cent waterproofing, but they also needed to be comfortable and easy to wear from the moment we started walking, without having to be broken in.

Warmth, the practicality of getting them on and off, and the traction provided by the outsole were all taken into consideration when testing the boots out on Dartmoor, as well as some urban adventuring.

Muck boot forager: £50, Muck Boot Company

A very versatile boot with pliable, easy-to-fold rubber which means the boot can be worn at three different heights, so you can match it to the weather and conditions. The memory foam footbed was comfortable and warm, and there’s good protection on tougher terrain with extra rubber at the toe and heel.

These boots had one of the best outsoles on test, too, with superb traction and no problems with mud clogging up the tread. Good looks and a great price make this a real boot for all seasons. There aren’t many sizes left, but we found more at Next and Sports Direct.

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Ariat burford insulated zip boot: £210, Ariat

This tall boot is built to perform in all conditions and is very well insulated making it a good autumn or winter boot. Shock absorption from the midsole was excellent, so we didn’t feel a thing even when we were walking over hard, stony forest trails.

The comfort continues with a wicking footbed and an outsole that digs into any mud or loose gravel to give you plenty of confidence while walking or working outdoors. The boots have a classic design with a leather-trimmed top and zip that runs from heel to calf, making the boots easy to get on and off.

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Aigle anti-fatigue hunting boots: £150, Aigle

The French footwear manufacturer calls these “anti-fatigue” boots because it has beefed up the cushioning in the heel and filled the midsole with shock-absorbing foam. With a natural rubber upper that is soft and pliable, you have a very comfortable boot that seems to mould to the foot the more you wear it. Added to this is an outsole that offers a fusion of three different rubbers for durability and protection and superb traction in all conditions. This is a do-it-all boot with some classic styling.

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Hunter men’s balmoral field adjustable 3mm neoprene wellington boots: £185, Hunter Boots

The boots from the well-known UK manufacturer were easy to break in and the rubber was comfortable straight out of the box. The footplate is enhanced by two removable 3mm and 5mm moulded insoles while the adjustable shaft means you can finetune the fit of the boot so your feet feel supported even on longer walks. A durable, well-treaded Vibram outsole gave good traction and the boots were easy to get off thanks to the kickspur addition on the heel.

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Le Chameau country cross neoprene homme: £160, Le Chameau

We found the natural rubber used in the country cross was one of the most supple and comfortable we tested. The boots felt like someone had already walked around in them to break them in. We also liked the design of the boot, which is slightly more generous around the calf for a roomy fit on the legs that tapers nicely to secure the feet snugly on the footplates. An excellent outsole and neoprene lining for warmth make for a quality boot that is well worth the investment.

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Dunlop purofort and full safety: £63.99, Amazon

These boots are made from a synthetic material, not rubber, but they still offer a comfortable wearing experience and are lightweight, making them good for all-day usage. There is good support and cushioning across the footbed in these workboots. This is why a lot of thought seems to have been put into the outsole, which offered traction on paths and even surfaces, while also giving stability when things got wet and muddy underfoot.

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Bosworth navy town and country wellies: £28.67, Amazon

This full-length boot offers a roomy fit allowing plenty of space to tuck in trousers, even when you’re wearing thick socks. An adjustable shaft means it’s easy to customise the fit while a comfortable footbed makes the boot easy to wear all day. Where Town and Country have really got things right with the Bosworth, it’s the outsole that has plenty of tread on the forefoot to avoid slip-ups on flat surfaces. Plus, the higher heel can really dig into mud to anchor the heel as you walk.

Buy now Didriksons kornö men’s rubber boots: £56, Didriksons

This short wellie is supremely easy to get on and off and is made from soft natural rubber, so you won’t have to worry about chafing on the calf or foot. The Swedish company has a history of making weatherproof gear for the fishing business. This means plenty of experience has gone into making a boot that

feels as good to wear on the inside, thanks to a thin fleece lining, as it does on the outside.

Buy now Muck boot unisex arctic sport short boots: £135, Muck Boot Company

This is an easy on-and-off mid-height boot, built for colder conditions with 5mm of neoprene insulation (compared to the usual 3mm on regular wellies) and a fleece lining that also helps to cushion and secure the foot in place on the footbed. This is supported by another 2mm of thermal foam for added warmth and comfort. The opening stretches nicely, creating a seal between calf and boot to keep out any materials and trap warmth inside. The outsole performed well with good grip and mud release, so we didn’t have to worry about diminished traction as we walked.

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Buckler BBZ6000 S5 waterproof neoprene safety wellington boot: £95.99, Amazon

Some wellies are created with something more in mind than a dog walk. That is the case with the S5s, which are a safety wellie for those with a particular job to do. The sole is heat and slipresistant, and there’s extra protection at the toecap and midsole. All this protection doesn’t sacrifice comfort and the boot comes with detachable cushioned insoles, effective breathable lining and, as you’d expect, excellent traction and grip.

Buy now The verdict

Good looks combine with real practicality for the Muck Boot Forager, which is a boot for all seasons, offering all-day comfort and plenty of protection. It really is go-anywhere footwear that you can adapt to any condition. Want your views to be included in The Independent Daily Edition letters page? Email us by tapping here letters@independent.co.uk. Please include your address BACK TO TOP