I wonder if I could enlist the help of colleagues.
My trusty old wellies have finally died-I think the recent cold weather finally did for them. I therefore need to buy a new pair. What I’m looking for is comfort and flexibility-I do a lot of walking in them. Are Hunters still the best bet?
Any advice would be appreciated
New wellies
Re: New wellies
Hi Janus!
I would still trust Hunters as being the top-end, but Le Chameau almost make excellent pairs.
The problem with Hunters now is that you can buy them either from China or, if you're lucky, backstock from when they were made in Scotland. As an example, I bought mine of Cloggs.com and, although they have been fine up to now, I've been put off with the amount of feedback from buyers who claim these Chinese ones don't last as long. Never the less, they still feel quality and are very very comfy.
My sister on the other hand bought hers from a little shop in town, and they were original Scottish ones. Again, they feel the same and look the same.
In short, it depends how much you want to spend in the long run. If its comfort and fit, I'd possibly go for Le Chameau.
I would still trust Hunters as being the top-end, but Le Chameau almost make excellent pairs.
The problem with Hunters now is that you can buy them either from China or, if you're lucky, backstock from when they were made in Scotland. As an example, I bought mine of Cloggs.com and, although they have been fine up to now, I've been put off with the amount of feedback from buyers who claim these Chinese ones don't last as long. Never the less, they still feel quality and are very very comfy.
My sister on the other hand bought hers from a little shop in town, and they were original Scottish ones. Again, they feel the same and look the same.
In short, it depends how much you want to spend in the long run. If its comfort and fit, I'd possibly go for Le Chameau.
Re: New wellies
Aigle also makes a high quality, albeit pricey, rubber boot. But I still consider Hunters to be the gold standard. I have 2 pairs that were made in China that are about 2 years old & still good as new - can't tell the difference between those and my older ones that were made in Scotland.
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RainyDee
Re: New wellies
There is no doubt that the Hunter boots of old (Scottish made) were worth every penny, but I'm sorry, the newer Chinese ones may be cumfortable and carry the Hunter name, but thats where the similarity ends, I wouldn't pay the money for 'new' Hunters, I can't vouch for the French alternatives, Aigle, Le Chameau etc, and judging from the prices I won't be commenting on them for a long time to come!!
As an alternative, I can recommend boots from across the atlantic, USA made boots such as Tingley, Servus and LaCrosse are of good quality and even with shipping costs taken into account, they are good value too.
As an alternative, I can recommend boots from across the atlantic, USA made boots such as Tingley, Servus and LaCrosse are of good quality and even with shipping costs taken into account, they are good value too.
Re: New wellies
I've got some very comfortable boots.I can't remember what brand they are and any logos have warn off,but what makes them comfortable is that they have a foam inner moulding which is shaped to support the foot.I can walk or stand for hours in them.I'm fairly heavy and I'm not young.
I think they may be Tingly.They were about £50 from memory.
I think they may be Tingly.They were about £50 from memory.
Re: New wellies
The good old Dunlop wellington boot is still available at a reasonable price.
Mine are navy and lovely and comfy for twear.
I did have Hunters but alas they 'cracked' between the joint of the hell and the upper.
Gone are the days when you could walk into a shoe shop and buy a pair of good old fashioned shiny black rubber knee high wellies.
I wouldn't pay the £80 for Hunters, it is daylight robbery, and as they are now being manufactured in China, you are paying for the name.
My gf bought a new pair during the snow and they cost her €15. They are lovely and she says very comfortable to wear.
You don't have to spend a fortune on wellies.
Mine are navy and lovely and comfy for twear.
I did have Hunters but alas they 'cracked' between the joint of the hell and the upper.
Gone are the days when you could walk into a shoe shop and buy a pair of good old fashioned shiny black rubber knee high wellies.
I wouldn't pay the £80 for Hunters, it is daylight robbery, and as they are now being manufactured in China, you are paying for the name.
My gf bought a new pair during the snow and they cost her €15. They are lovely and she says very comfortable to wear.
You don't have to spend a fortune on wellies.