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

Another vote for Ariat - I have five pairs ranging from over 15 years old to new - the oldest pair are still going strong. Hunters - my last pair cracked within two years so i would not recommend.

Hunter and Barbour footwear isn't good and only for townies who want to pretend they live in the country/for festivals.
Aigle Parcours (ISO for winter) are far and away the best wellies.
I prefer Ariat to Dubarry for country boots.
The Explorers are the only Fairfax I would recommend, the brand is going down in quality and design.

And I wouldn’t recommend F&F either - even the sporting fit is too small for my calves and they are overpriced for the quality.

RM Williams!! I waited years to buy mine, head over heels in love and now looking for my 2nd pair.

www.rmwilliams.com.au

I’ve also noticed the decline in quality with F&F. I have a pair of Reginas from a few years ago and while I do like them, you can get better for the price. I also wouldn’t recommend them for thicker calves at all.

would also say Valverde, Penelope Chilvers and the Spanish Boot Company are worth a look.

I have a pair of Dublin boots, they're very comfortable. I believe you they come in wider calf sizes too. I live near a big country store so was able to try on but I think on their website it gives you the calf measurements.

I didn't mean to say "I believe you" 🤣 I meant I believe they come in wider calf sizes.

Oh just remembered another one for decent country boots - Tuffa

regarding some leather boots leaking, you can get a waterproofing cream even for nubuck boots from Nikwax

Musto are another possibility.

Ariat!
I have two pairs, the Langdales and the Wythburn H20 boots.
I need narrow ones but they come in wide too.
The ONLY country boots that I have found to just FIT.
I walk miles in mine with the dog but they still look good enough to be seen out in :)

Has anyone got any experience of the Morretto Bella Country boots by Shires?

Dubarry boots are comfortable, waterproof and wear well. I wear mine all year round… even in hot weather. They do different calf fits - 3, I think, so that be something of interest to you.

They are worth the money. The cheaper lookalikes are awful in appearance and are not fit for purpose in my opinion.

you need Le Chameau - the best wellies by far, comfortable and supportive, smart and one of the only brands really good for wide calves

I know this thread is a few months old, but just to chip in that I don't rate Dubarrys!

I've had a pair for about 14 months. I'm into horses and have gundogs. They get worn out on fields and for dinner out (with a scrub obviously). I don't think the gorex is that good, my feet always get cold, and I don't think they'd be good for chunky calves mine are all slim I would say and I don't find them especially roomy.

For anyone passing by after something super warm, I've not found anything that beats the neoprene lining of muck boots.

My dubarrys are beautiful and I'm in no hurry to get rid due to the price, but I shan't re buy.