FINDING HER FEET

WHEN SANDY WALLIS FAILED TO FIND FOOTWEAR UP TO THE RIGOURS OF HER DAILY DOG WALKS, SHE DECIDED TO DEVELOP HER OWN

There’s no better way to blow away the cobwebs and to lift the spirits than by getting outdoors for a bracing walk. And if you have a faithful four-legged friend who needs daily exercise, you may not have the option to be too fair-weather. After all, how could you deny those puppy-dog eyes and that waggy tail, even if it is raining cats and dogs outside?

Cornish local, Sandy Wallis, found herself in exactly that situation when it came to walking her Rhodesian Ridgeback, Roscoe, however, she struggled to find the right footwear for the job. “We walk every day in all weathers,” says Sandy, “but I couldn’t find a pair of boots that were comfy and would keep my feet warm and dry. Hiking boots didn’t cope well with those deep muddy puddles, whilst wellies are not really suitable for a five mile hike.”

When her search for something durable, comfortable and waterproof proved fruitless, she decided to create her own dream boot. She took inspiration from an old pair of safety ‘riggers’ that she found in her cupboard, originally designed for North Sea oil workers. “I started wearing them to walk the dog and they were amazing. I thought it would be good to design my own

‘off rigg’ version that were lighter and with an excellent hiking sole.”

From that, the Trailback boot was born, stylish and practical for both men and women, in sizes 3-13, and loyal Roscoe has certainly reaped the benefits ever since.