Country boots vs wellingtons - and which ones?

[AngryBirdsNoMore]

Hello S&B

I am planning to treat myself to some handsome country boots or designer wellies for my birthday next month. I’d love recommendations?

I am 5ft 2 and have quite thick calves (years of playing hockey and dancing). Barbour and Hunter standard calf boots are too tight on me. So I am looking for boots that come in wide calf.

I am after stylish boots that I can go for a muddy country walk in, but could also go for a pub lunch in or around the shops. I’m open to mid calf or shorty boots, but don’t want ankle / Chelsea boot height. My preference is knee high or just below the knee.

I like the look of Dublin and Dubarry, and the brightly coloured Hunter shorties. I’ve had Hunter, Barbour and Sorel boots in the past. I have liked all three but understand Hunter’s quality has gone down? Barbour wellies were too tight although lovely quality and my sister nicked my Sorels and lost them.

What would you recommend?

many thanks!

P

Have a look at Aigle Parcours Iso which are fabulous wellies. Also Le Chameau.
Country boots, I do like my dubarrys but fairfax and favour explorers might also suit. Depends how wide your calves are, if standard ish wide like mine, the above should fit you.

Tried Dublin boots, but they didn't last that long and weren't as good as the dubarrys. I do rate shires moretta country boots though.

Something like the Dubarry country boot is MUCH more comfortable and versatile than wellies if they're in budget.

Dubarry
Expensive but I've had mine for years

Le Chameau or Aigle wellies. Another vote for Dubarry when it comes to country boots.

Bareback boots have some kneehigh and midcalf styles in wide calf fittings

I have the dubarry Roscommon boots for similar calf related reasons. They do extra fit though I think on some of the longer models? I tried numerous pairs on.

Have to say I mainly only wear them for muddy walks/watching kids rugby - I wouldn't wear them anywhere else!

I’ve had a few pairs of Dublin boots over the years and they are very good probably better than wellies for what you want. I wear them for pub lunches, walks etc
I do tend to live in wellies ( very muddy lifestyle) and I gave rockfish but they are slim legged. Much better than hunters these days

My Dubarry’s let water in after a year or
so. I have Muck Boots at the moment, they’re amazingly warm and totally waterproof. Hunters seem to have lost their quality, last pair were nowhere near as good as say 15 years ago.
Look at Aigle, they have adjustments at the top for wider calves. DH has had a pair for years and loves them.

Dubarry Roscommon work well for town and country. I've had 3 pairs of dubarry boots over the last 25 yrs and all have been great and lasted a really long time.

I just bought myself Ariat Grasmeres. And my daughter Dublin River boots iii. Worth a look?

Dubarry, every time!

Ariat are nice too

Ariat, Fairfax and Favor Explorers in sporting fit or Dubarry Galway

Muck Boots, although they might not be smart/fashionable enough for you, but they tick all you other boxes and a great for wide calves.

Dubarry take a while to break in but once you do very comfy and look nice.

Still getting blisters from my Le Chameau wellies after two years as they aren't snug enough around my ankles so rub (partner has same issue) - very warm though!

I have a pair of Ariat boots, love them, still as good as new after 6 years. I also had a pair of Hunter wellies when they were made in the Uk (better quality) they were very slippery under foot and freezing in the winter.

Don't bother with Hunters, they will give you cold feet and the quality now is dreadful.

If you are an outdoorsy person you need two pairs of boots.

For wellies I would get some neoprene ones like Muck boots. Warm, comfortable and very practical.
Then get some yard boots for country strolls and lunches. If you can find somewhere to try them on, all the better. This site has loads of options.
https://www.barebackfootwear.com/products/quebec-waterproof-brown?variant=45403591737658

Ariat boots are very comfortable

Ah now, Dubarry are very nice - but can I ask what makes them worth the much higher price tag than the others? I’m not sure I can justify the best part of £400. Ditto Le Chameau.

What’s the general view on Dublin boots?

Thanks for the Arita recommendations - how are they calf and height wise?

I wouldn't rate Dublin boots at all, I had a pair years ago and quite frankly, they were shit.

I did wear them a lot taking horses in and out but they absolutely didn't last anywhere near the length of time my dubarries have (I still have my first pair I got 14 ish years ago).

I'd go dubarry or Fairfax and favor if you can afford as they will last longer. I got my Fairfax Reginas resoled recently, after about 6 years maybe, and the cobbler commented on how good quality they were.

I'll also vouch for ariat as well. I don't personally have a pair but my mum does and they've lasted her really well.

What about something like a Sorel (eg Carnival, Caribou or Joan of Arctic)

Ariat Windermere, had mine for years, still going strong I use them as yard boots so they've been well used. Comfortable straight out of the box. I didn't find Dubarry as comfortable.

Hunter aren't great since they've been bought out, style over substance.

Fairfax and favour explorers are great, I can walk miles in mine and so warm. Very expensive now though.

I’ve had the Toggi version of the Dubarry boots for 5 years and they’re still waterproof and comfortable. I use them for walking the dog everyday. Also recommend ariat for comfort and being hardwearing.