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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: Peter on 10:36:12, 28/11/17

Title: Walking wellies
Post by: Peter on 10:36:12, 28/11/17
Something I know little about, walking wellies.
Since winter walking around here is often wet and boggy I'm tired of muddy boots and removing laces to clean said.
Can anyone point me in the direction of quality and substantial wellies? I need them to have the same qualities as a good pair of boots.
i.e. good outer sole and comfort.
Thanks
Title: Re: Walking wellies
Post by: kinkyboots on 11:27:05, 28/11/17
I don't think you will find any at least none that will give the same level of support and comfort as your boots. I'm also pretty sure you would suffer from heel blisters due to them being so loose fitting and of course they would give little or no ankle support.

Perhaps you might want to consider fitting a pair of Berghaus Yeti Attack or Wilderness Gore-Tex Gaiters to your boots for the winter period? They basically turn your boots into wellies.

Here's a link to some military surplus used ones but there's usually plenty available on eBay. Brand new ones are ridiculously expensive.
https://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/shop/outdoor-clothing/waterproof-clothing/berghaus-yeti-goretex-wilderness-1047518.html (https://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/shop/outdoor-clothing/waterproof-clothing/berghaus-yeti-goretex-wilderness-1047518.html)

They're a [censored] to fit but they can stay on your boots for the whole winter period and it should just be a case of hosing the mud off before drying. Some people use silicon bath sealant around the sole seam mainly to keep the toe from lifting off the toe of the boot when it flexes. There's plenty of videos on YouTube showing how to fit them.

Uttings have as wider range of wellington type footwear as you are likely to find anywhere http://www.uttings.co.uk/ (http://www.uttings.co.uk/)
Title: Re: Walking wellies
Post by: Peter on 12:08:00, 28/11/17
Thanks.
As a matter of fact I already have Yeti gaiters and they are great in use. I also chose to keep them on full time in past years.
The problem is they make putting the boots on a chore. Which is why I was looking at the simpler welly.
The issues you raise are exactly why I haven't actually bought any.
I suppose I'm hoping there are some out there that are 'better'.
Title: Re: Walking wellies
Post by: sbt on 16:55:13, 28/11/17
I got a pair of superlight wellies. Had them for a few years now.
Title: Re: Walking wellies
Post by: Mel on 19:13:33, 28/11/17
Have you considered "Yard Boots" or "Muck Boots" Peter?  (Yet again I'm suggesting something that's not walking related but might be fit for purpose).  They're similar to doc martens but pull on ankle boots.  They generally have a grippy sole (for walking about in horse [censored]) and, combined with regular gaiters, might be an easier clean (hose them down) option.  I can guarantee that you would need proper insoles in them though.  The cheaper ones are nowt but ankle high wellies but more expensive ones are made of leather and could be cared for in the same way as a walking boot (minus the faffing about with laces).  


Linky doobery to an example of what I mean:  https://www.equinesuperstore.co.uk/hampton-protective-boots.html


There are also knee high versions available if you want to look like a prat  :D
Title: Re: Walking wellies
Post by: Pura Vida on 20:08:20, 28/11/17
Hi Peter,


When I'm working on a Campsite, which is most weekends in the summer, I wear a pair of Weasly short wellies to manage the wet long grass (That would easily soak your lightweight fabric boots before you started)


They don't appear to be currently on the Decathlon website. However, something like this might be worth a try https://www.decathlon.co.uk/glenarm-mens-warm-low-wellies-black-id_8339496.html


Good luck
Title: Re: Walking wellies
Post by: gunwharfman on 15:59:09, 01/12/17
Funny thing wellies, even at the age of 72 I hate wearing them, reminds me of the poverty years when I was a young boy.
Title: Re: Walking wellies
Post by: Jim Parkin on 20:36:01, 02/12/17
When I was a teenager int the 1980s, a couple of friends bought Lundhag boots (from Survival Aids based in Euston Square, I think - we weren't exactly the coolest teenagers).  I think they went for ones that had square toe and heel on the sole so they could be used for Nordic skiing.

As far as I recall, the deal was that the bottom part of the boot was rubber, and the top was leather.  The webpage doesn't explain that, except by inference for the "cellular rubber" bottom

I have no idea how well they work, but seem to have good reviews

http://www.lundhags.com/Products/Boots/Shell-Boots

Title: Re: Walking wellies
Post by: mananddog on 13:53:22, 05/12/17

I live in wellies in the winter. I highly recommend Aigle Parcour neoprene lined. I have Raynauds Syndrome so need warm footwear. I understand that Hoggs do a good wellie which has a vibram sole but I have not used them.


My Aigles I have had for 6 years and they get serious use - as much as a walking boot, 10 miles per day for 4 or 5 days per week minimum often through brambles and rough undergrowth. They are superbly comfortable when worn with an insole and a pier of Horizon merino knee length socks. The longest I have walked in them is well over 15 miles in 4 hours and not a blister or hot spot in sight.
Title: Re: Walking wellies
Post by: Peter on 18:03:37, 05/12/17
I live in wellies in the winter. I highly recommend Aigle Parcour neoprene lined. I have Raynauds Syndrome so need warm footwear. I understand that Hoggs do a good wellie which has a vibram sole but I have not used them.


My Aigles I have had for 6 years and they get serious use - as much as a walking boot, 10 miles per day for 4 or 5 days per week minimum often through brambles and rough undergrowth. They are superbly comfortable when worn with an insole and a pier of Horizon merino knee length socks. The longest I have walked in them is well over 15 miles in 4 hours and not a blister or hot spot in sight.


Sounds perfect thank you :)