Are expensive wellies really worth it?

[pickledparsnip]

Just wondering really. I bought some Dunlop green wellies for about £7 last year and they are bloody fab. I know you're paying for the name with the expensive brands, but are they actually any good?

I don't know. In the past couple of years I have tried Asda, South (Littlewoods) and Karrimor (more expensive) and they have all lasted no longer than 6 months. DH was going to get me some Hunters for my birthday but I only want them if they will last.

Where did you get your green ones?

My hunters have lasted a couple of years now. I am lusting after some aigle ones but cannot justify a hundred quid even in the sale!

I would avoid Hunters as they are IMHO not worth the money now they are made in China and don't last more than a year. They're fashion boots not wellies anymore. I have Town and Country wellies which are great 3 years after I bought them.

Yes, I have some aigle ones and they are the best. I wear them all day 8 hours plus and they are so comfortable, I wouldn't wear anything else. I walk miles in them.

My last pair of Hunters lasted 8 years of hard wear, twice a day at the stables every day, I loved them. They died this year so I'll see how long my new ones last. IMO they are also the most comfortable but I imagine that depends on your own individual shape.

Do they make them abroad now? I got mine in Scats a couple of years ago, they've been brill. I do feel embarrassed at wearing them now though as they are so popular/fashiony.

The Argyll ones I got a bit earlier are also still fine. I think they are made for farming.

Hunters are useless and make your feet cold. I have had 2 pairs of Le Chameau. First pair lasted 10 years and were hammered. They also look fabulous and keep your feet super warm. Definitely worth it.

Joules carrick mucker in navy - they lace up the front. I've had mine 2 years and work them hard 3 times a week at the allotment. They are fab and warm.

I have had a pair of Ilse Jacobsen wellies for 4 years now. I bought them in an online sale for about £70 (I think) which at the time made me feel quite queasy.

They get a lot of wear despite me living in London. Festivals, wet weather walks, snow... they're fab, comfortable, warm and still in perfect condition. Best wellies I have ever owned.

Another vote for le Chameau. I got some for my birthday last year and they are so warm and comfy in any weather - good alternative to snowboots if it snows

I had some Hunters and they were crap. Now have some Muckboots - think they were about £55. Great for walking dog. Neoprene upper so lovely and warm. Had them 2 years and no signs of wear. Oh and thick soles so my feet are toasty warm.

A hundred quid for wellies? Are there really people in the world who would spend that?

Yes there are. In fact, mine cost quite a bit more. But when you're outside a lot, in the freezing cold, it makes a huge difference to the comfort factor. Couple that with them lasting 10 years and it's money well worth spending.

I am outside a lot in the freezing cold. More than most I'd say. But I still think that kind of spend is bonkers.

Oh well, each to their own :)

I literally just ordered a pair of le chamaeu yesterday. Reviewed and reviewed them and it seems they are the best. Cannot wait to see what all the fuss is about

It depends very much how much time you spend in your wellies. I use mine for occasional gardening and the odd snowy walk (i.e. not much).

Which is why my green Dunlops (which also cost £7 or thereabouts) are now over 20 years old.

I bought some Le Chameau wellies last week and they are sooo comfortable.I looked up the price when I got home and the RRP was £350! I paid........£20.

Another vote for Muck boots, if you suffer with cold feet they will become your best friend on winter walks. I bought some red hunters a years or so back that split within a year. DH's dunlops have lasted him years, but then he walks the dog a lot less than i do !

ScorpionQueen I live down in Cornwall, so got mine in Trago Mills. Think they are a similar price on Amazon though.

Ariat were the only wellies to fit my calves. Love 'em!

I'm in my wellies a lot. I go out for walks most days whatever the weather, and the Dunlops have been fab.

I'd rather like to try on a pair of expensive wellies though, and see if I'm missing out on something.

Well I've recently got a pair of neoprene lined Aigles for £65 off Amazon - will report back after a winter of Forest School sessions!

My (rather idiotic at times) DP once spent £250 on a pair of Le Chemau wellies and has never worn them as they apparently too tight around the calves. They are still in the box in the loft 2 years on. I on the other hand have a cheap £15 pair from the garden centre - which I have worn hundreds of times. They aren't particularly warm if worn paddling in rivers or by the sea but perfect for the school run and things. Wouldn't get a pair of Cunters, they've had the Burberry effect IMO!